The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reinstated the 30-minute “heat stroke break” policy for its field personnel.
In a press release on Wednesday, the MMDA specified that the heat stroke break will apply to traffic enforcers and street sweepers, to protect them from heat-related illness amid the country’s danger-level heat index forecast for Metro Manila.
The memorandum circular signed by MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, indicated that the heat stroke break will be done alternatively by personnel assigned in a particular area to maintain the visibility of traffic enforcers and street sweepers. The circular also ensures that field operations will not be hampered.
The policy took effect on Monday, March 3 and will last until May 31.
Under its heat stroke policy break, on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers are permitted to leave their posts in shifts, “to rehydrate, seek shelter from the sun, and take a 30-minute break to avoid heat stroke.”
For traffic enforcers working in four different shifts, the prescribed 30-minute heat stroke break is as follows:
5 am to 1 pm shift:
- 10 am to 10:30 am or 10:30 am to 11 am
1 pm to 9 pm shift:
- 2:30 pm to 3 pm or 3 pm to 3:30 pm
6 am to 2 pm shift:
- 11 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon
2 pm to 10 pm shift:
- 3 pm to 3:30 pm or 3:30 pm to 4 pm
Meanwhile, street sweepers who are working three shifts may follow this schedule:
6 am to 2 pm shift:
- 11 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon
7 am to 4 pm shift:
- 12 noon to 1 pm (regular break time)
11 am to 7 pm shift:
- 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm
The MMDA highlighted that field personnel may take an additional 15-minute break time, in case the heat index in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above. This is to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and/or heat cramps.
"We acknowledge the challenges being faced by our traffic enforcers and street sweepers who diligently work in the heat to fulfill their duties and responsibilities; their well-being is crucial and this initiative seeks to mitigate health-related illnesses among them, especially with the sudden rise in the heat index in Metro Manila," Artes said.
