Senator Win Gatchalian urged local government units to implement contingency plans to protect workers from the adverse effects of hot weather conditions caused by the El Niño weather aberration.
“Government workers exposed to outdoor work or places without air conditioning, such as street sweepers, traffic enforcers, and construction workers, should be given the flexibility and sufficient time to rest and rehydrate so they can avoid heat exhaustion or even heatstroke,” Gatchalian said.
Aside from allowing more frequent breaks during work hours, any contingency plan adopted by LGUs should also consider providing appropriate clothing to help protect government workers from heat stress, the senator said.
Similarly, private companies are encouraged to adopt appropriate contingency plans for their employees who have outdoor exposure or fieldwork, he added.
Gatchalian emphasized that despite the more frequent breaks that should be afforded to these workers, their regular salaries should be given to them without deductions.
“Huwag namang bawasan ng sweldo kapag nagpahinga lang habang nasa trabaho. Mahalagang pangalagaan natin ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng mga empleyado dahil hindi rin makakatulong sa productivity ng kumpanya o ng gobyerno kung mag-absent ang mga tao. Dapat mas nauunawaan natin ang kanilang kalagayan. Magbigay tayo ng flexibility na magpahinga, at kung gumanda ang panahon, pwede na din silang bumalik agad sa regular na pagtatrabaho,” he ended.
