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Residents cool off and play along a flooded area at the Baseco Compound in Manila on July 6, 2023. The previous day recorded the hottest global average temperature for the second day in a row according to data compiled by an organisation attached to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

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Cooling off

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/171265691284820230706-swimming-heat-weather-MD-16.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Residents cool off and play along a flooded area at the Baseco Compound in Manila on July 6, 2023. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The sweltering heat many workers face on a daily basis must be given consideration by companies to protect their employees’ health and welfare as well as ensure their productivity, according to a lawmaker.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/2/better-classroom-ventilation-sought-as-heat-forces-class-suspensions-1214">READ: Better classroom ventilation sought as scorching heat forces class suspensions</a> </div><p>Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, in a statement, urged local governments to put contingency measures in place to avoid adverse health effects of extreme heat aggravated by the El Niño phenomenon. </p><p>“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,” the statement said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/09/06/23/climate-change-worsening-heatwaves-air-quality-un">READ: Climate change worsening heatwaves, air quality: UN</a> </div><p>Gatchalian also asked LGUs to consider providing appropriate clothing to help government workers avoid heat-related stress. </p><p>With more breaks needed to relieve a worker heat, the lawmaker said it should in no way affect their salaries. </p><p>“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.</p><p>(Don’t deduct their salaries if they’re just resting from work. It’s important that we take care of their health and welfare because they will also help the company and the government in terms of productivity.)</p><div><strong>DANGER</strong> </div><p>Data from state weather bureau PAGASA showed most of the country is experiencing heat indices that require extreme caution. However, at least six other areas have logged heat index values considered dangerous to human health. </p><p>Dr. Marcelino Villafuerte, PAGASA’s Deputy Administrator for Research and Development, stressed the importance of limiting time outdoors especially between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at its peak.</p><div><strong>WHO</strong> </div><p>But experts said it shouldn’t just individuals themselves who need to prepare. As the climate and health are closely intertwined, the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific said health systems need to be equally prepared. </p><p>“Different parts of the region are suffering drought and heat and others flooding and extreme storms.  What’s important is our health systems continue to be prepared for all of these eventualities, all of the extreme weather events. We are working with countries to look at developing early warning systems so that preparedness can start at an opportune time as we move through all of these events,” said Sally Edwards, WHO Western Pacific’s Coordinator for Health and the Environment. </p><p>With effects of the El Niño phenomenon expected to persist until May and June, the public is urged to remain cautious and listen to their bodies for early signs of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZN6ckuCDXUE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>The sweltering heat many workers face on a daily basis must be given consideration by companies to protect their employees’ health and welfare as well as ensure their productivity, according to a lawmaker.</p>

The sweltering heat many workers face on a daily basis must be given consideration by companies to protect their employees’ health and welfare as well as ensure their productivity, according to a lawmaker.

Prepared health system and frequent breaks necessary amid scorching heat: WHO

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Prepared health system and frequent breaks necessary amid scorching heat: WHO

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 09, 2024 06:25 PM PHT

Read More:

El Niño

heat

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dry season

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