The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines has announced it will release four advisories to ensure workplace safety during the El Niño-induced heatwave. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino stated the guidelines will address health and safety in high-temperature conditions. The advisories aim to help employers and workers adapt to the prolonged dry spell.
The measures include steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, especially for those working in outdoor or industrial settings. DOLE emphasized the need for employers to monitor workers’ conditions and provide adequate rest periods. The advisories also recommend adjusting work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
This follows warnings from meteorological agencies about the severity of the current El Niño event. The phenomenon has led to record-high temperatures across the country, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. DOLE’s actions come as part of broader efforts to mitigate the impact of climate-related challenges on labor conditions.
El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by warmer sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, has been linked to extreme weather events in the region. This year’s event is expected to last longer than usual, affecting agriculture, water resources, and public health. The labor advisories are part of a coordinated response to protect workers while maintaining economic productivity.
