Labor Groups Urges Government to Protect Workers Against Heat-Related Hazards

The overwhelming heat has greatly affected the country’s population which has now been grappling with the physical effects of rising temperatures. The most vulnerable workforce group that has been suffering from the intense summer heat is those who work outdoors and perform manual labor.

Various labor groups have been urging the government to improve or accommodate the working conditions of laborers exposed to occupational hazards such as construction workers.

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According to Santiago Nolla, secretary general of the National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW), construction workers are among the most vulnerable workforce groups as they are exposed to harsh weather conditions and toxic materials. The NUBCW represents more than 3,000 construction workers in the Philippines and has recorded heat stroke cases in Metro Manila and Central Luzon. They also highlighted that 95% of construction workers are employed as short-term contractual workers, therefore they are not entitled to protection and benefits.

Nolla suggests that construction work can be rescheduled to nighttime to protect workers from the sun’s harmful effects.

“Kakaunti ang maaabala mo, hindi pa masyadong mainit, tapos makapagtrabaho nang maayos ‘yung mga manggagawa. Kasi kung isasabay mo ‘yan ngayon sa panahon ngayon, sobrang init. Yung performance nila hindi na talaga quality.”

 

KMU urged the Philippine government to replicate the policies of Qatar and India which highlighted extended drinking and rest breaks, and the implementation of no-work hours.

“It is the responsibility of the government and employers to ensure that workers are safe while working.” said Jerome Adonis, secretary general of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

 

He also added that the DOLE advisory which was implemented in 2023 and outlines guidelines for enterprises on how to address extreme heat situations does not cover informal sector workers such as vendors, jeepney drivers, and others.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) also pushes for governments to adopt regulations specifying maximum temperatures to which employees may be exposed to, as well as provide social insurance and assistance to workers who are affected by heat-related hazards and illnesses.

References:

Abad, Michelle. (2024 April 20). Labor groups call for heat-specific protection policies for workers. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/labor-groups-appeal-heat-specific-protection-policies-workers/

Cabico, Katreena Gaea. (2024 April 7). Labor group pushes for worker protections as heat soars. Philstar. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/07/2345980/labor-group-pushes-worker-protections-heat-soars