MMDA to Implement the Heat Stroke Break to Personnel

Because of the intense heat, a lot of Filipinos got triggered and annoyed because they can’t function and do their regular daily routines because of the temperature. In this regard, some institutions held a bit of consideration to their personnel and employees because their work involved going out in the sun.

MMDA to Implement the Heat Stroke Break to Personnel
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To give you some sort of an idea, the temperature in Dagupan City reached a shocking 51.7 degrees Celsius in Body  Heat Index (HBI). The Heat Index, as a refresher, is the temperature that we feel in accordance to the regular body temperature.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), directed their heads to allow their personnel to get a 30-minute break which will be known as the “heat stroke break.” This directive was started yesterday, the 22nd of April 2019 until the 31st of May of the same year.

Read: Actions to take when temperatures are high

What is the heat stroke break?

Based on what it’s called, this specific and special break is for personnel who are exposed to the extreme temperature that the climate is giving. This is for the MMDA personnel to be able to cope with the extreme weather and for them to avoid getting ill.

Many reports have been sent out discussing different conditions people can acquire from being too exposed to extreme heat. So, as part of a directive, the MMDA chose to keep their personnel safe from any mishap.

Danilo Lim, MMDA Chairman, signed a memorandum that would be re-implementing the policy of the “heat stroke break” to street sweepers and on-duty traffic enforcers. Again, for these personnel to be protected from cramps, exhaustion, and the worst, stroke because of the extreme heat.

What is the specific policy?

Obviously, this only covers MMDA personnel who would be working during the hours when the severe heat is observed.

Traffic Enforcers and other road personnel who will work from the 5:00 A.M. to the 1:00 P.M. shift until 2:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. shall be given at least a 30-minute break in their shifts.

Read: How to Cool Down Your Hot Car Quickly

As per the policy, this specific memorandum is for the well-being of traffic enforcers who do their duties on the road when it’s scorching hot.

Under the policy, on-duty field personnel are allowed to leave their posts in shifts and take a break to allow their bodies to cool down.”

Street sweepers

Meanwhile, street sweepers who have work schedules of 6:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. until 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. shifts will also be given the chance to observe a half-hour break time for them to be able to cope with the intensive heat.

How can they do these breaks?

These breaks shall not be taken advantage of. In fact, based on the memorandum, the breaks SHALL be done in alternate. Meaning, those who are assigned in a particular area should be in communication with traffic enforcers and sweepers to make sure that the field or the road will not be MMDA personnel-free.

Read: Dangers of Using Air-Conditioning Units and Electric Fans in This Heat

This way, they can ensure that their operations won’t be slowed down because of the allowed 30-minute break that they bestowed upon street personnel of the MMDA.

What if the temperature exceeds the forecasted temeprature?

In addition to their 30-minute breaks, personnel who will be on the streets on-duty are also going to be allowed to get an extra 15-minute break in the event that the heat index in the Metro reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above.

So, if they find out reports that it’s higher than the usual, they can request and take an extra 15 minutes off of their duty to help them and their bodies to cope with the temperature that the Metro is currently experiencing.

Read: Why Shouldn’t Motorists Hide Under an Overpass When it’s Raining?

The intense heat is extremely affecting everyone, especially people who are in public places. So, as part of the few people who service public roads in Metro Manila, the MMDA devised a good way on how they can ensure that the health of their personnel is kept safe and at best; which is why the heat stroke break was even implemented-again.

So, in your part, even if you’re not in public places, be sure to keep yourselves hydrated. Ensure that you’re always safe and free from being dehydrated all the time because heat stroke is a serious thing.

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