The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reinstated the “heat stroke break” policy for its field personnel, specifically traffic enforcers and street sweepers, to protect them from heat-related illnesses due to the El Niño phenomenon.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes signed a memorandum circular to implement the policy from Mar. 15 to May 31. It will be implemented daily through a rotation arrangement.
“We must understand the plight of these traffic enforcers and street sweepers who work under the scorching heat of the sun every day to fulfil their duties and responsibilities,” Artes explained.
Under the “heat stroke break” policy, on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers are permitted to leave their posts in shifts so they can rehydrate, seek shelter from the sun, and take a 30-minute break to avoid heat stroke.
For traffic enforcers who work from 5 am to 1 pm shift, the prescribed “heat stroke break” is from 10 am to 10:30 am or 10:30 am to 11 am;
For those working from 1 pm to 9 pm shift, the break time will be observed from 2:30 pm to 3 pm or 3 pm to 3:30 pm; for those working from 6 am to 2 pm, the prescribed “heat stroke break” is from 11 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon; and for 2 pm to 10 pm shift, the break time shall be observed from 3 pm to 3:30 pm or 3:30 pm to 4 pm.
The MMDA has provided a schedule for the prescribed “heat stroke break” for different shifts. Additionally, field personnel may take an extra 15-minute rest if the heat index in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius or above.
The MMDA also conducted blood pressure monitoring and distributed cold water to deployed traffic enforcers to ward off dehydration.
The heat stroke break will be done alternately by those assigned to a particular area to maintain the visibility of traffic enforcers and street sweepers, ensuring that field operations are not hampered.
Health experts warn that symptoms of heat stroke or thermal distress include dizziness, uncommon thirst, breathing difficulties, headaches, feverishness, and even hypertension.
In 2013, six South African traffic enforcers died in KwaZulu-Natal Traffic Department, South Africa, due to dehydration and consequent heat stroke. In South Africa, summer temperatures are above 30 degrees Celsius, similar to the temperature in Metro Manila.