DOLE to allow work absences at 40°C heat index

By Vito Barcelo Jr.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that workers may not report for work if the heat index reaches 40 degrees Celsius, as the country braces for a potentially record-breaking El Niño that could bring prolonged drought into early next year.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the measure would be included in an upcoming labor advisory. DOLE will also recommend breathable clothing and flexible work arrangements to reduce workers’ exposure to extreme heat, particularly those in outdoor occupations such as construction, agriculture, and delivery services.

The Climate Change Commission has warned that the heat index in urban areas, including Metro Manila, could reach 50 degrees Celsius during a Super El Niño. The heat index measures how hot conditions feel to the human body when temperature and humidity are combined.

Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Authorities advise workers to drink water regularly, take breaks in shaded or cool areas, and limit strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day.

Meanwhile, workers in the public and private sectors may seek compensation through the Employees’ Compensation Commission for work-related heat injuries, including expenses for hospitalization, medical consultations, and medicines, Tolentino said. Claims remain subject to applicable compensation rules and eligibility requirements.

The anticipated El Niño conditions have raised concerns about the impact of extreme temperatures on workers’ health, agricultural production and water supplies.

Employers are being urged to adopt workplace safety measures and monitor weather advisories as the country prepares for potentially prolonged hot and dry conditions.