Baldoz issues labor advisory to protect workers from heat stress

“While we already have in place the Occupational Safety and Health Standards to safeguard workers’ social and economic well-being, as well as their physical safety and health we issued this labor advisory as an additional reiteration for observing workplace welfare and protection, specifically to direct employers and establishments to mitigate the effect6 of extreme heat at work,” said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimpailis-Baldoz.

Labor Advisory No. 3: Safety and Health Measures to prevent and Control Heat Stress at the Workplace explicitly states heat stress prevention guidelines for both employers and workers, especially those engaged in work outdoors.

“Establishments must observe safety measures for working in hot conditions such as establishing a flexible work-rest schedule to decrease the duration of exposure to high temperatures and strenuous work. Shade structures with ventilation and insulation must be provided for workers as well as appropriate personal protective equipment, and free supply of adequate drinking water,” said Occupational Safety and Health Executive Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III.

The Labor advisory also stated that the health conditions of workers must be thoroughly assessed before and after being exposed to hot working conditions and that workers must be informed on how to address heat stress at the workplace.

“With the warning issued by PAG-ASA against the high temperatures, it is important that workers know how to recognize symptoms of illnesses brought about by heat such as heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps and rash as well as how to administer first-aid,” Cucueco added.

END/DJ Romero

Any question on this release? Please contact Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III, Executive director, Occupational Safety and Health Center, North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City with telephone numbers 929-6036 to 39 and e-mail address:oshc_dole@yahoo.com