Heat breaks, other safety protocols should be mandatory, group says

A workplace safety group urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to make heat breaks and other protocol mandatory amid the intense heat.

The Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) made the appeal on Sunday, April 28, which was also International Workers' Memorial Day.

The group said they have gathered reports of increasing cases of headaches, dizziness, and high blood pressure among workers due to the extreme heat.

Aside from heat breaks, the group said the DOLE should make it mandatory for employers to provide workers medical checkups, proper ventilation, adjusted work hours, and free access to drinking water, among others.

The DOLE has not yet commented on the matter, according to a report on Unang Balita on Monday.

However, the DOLE earlier issued a labor advisory urging employers to ensure the safety of their workers and prevent and control heat stress.

Heat index may reach a "danger level" in 36 areas in the country on Monday, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

The weather bureau however earlier said hotter days may be expected in May due to the El Niño weather phenomenon. —KG, GMA Integrated News