Employees who have health issues aggravated by the high heat index may file a leave of absence. 

Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6 Information Officer John Mandario disclosed that employees whose medical issues are made worse by the extreme hot temperature can file a leave from duty. 

He said that it is a privilege of employees to file a leave of absence depending on their company policy. 

Based on Labor Advisory No. 08, series of 2023 signed by Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Labor Code 168 ensures the safety and wellness of workers amid severe hot weather to prevent or control heat stress in the workplace.

Mandario said that the advisory seeks to help sustain a safe, productive, and efficident workplace.

The advisory also stipulates that employers must provide proper ventilation in workplaces,  adjust break time in workplaces if need be, allow the wearing of civilian clothing that is more comfortable, including personal protective equipment; and provide free drinking water at workstations so workers can drink from two to three liters of water daily, among other precautionary measures to pad heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and the like.

Employers are also encouraged to provide proper information on addressing heat stress, and to allow flexible work arrangement.

(via RTenorio/GMA Super Radyo Iloilo)