A traffic enforcer of MMDA fulfills his daily duties and responsibilities despite the heat. (Photo Courtesy: MMDA)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Traffic enforcers and street sweepers are now entitled to a 30-minute “heat stroke break” during their duties starting from March 15 until May 31 as a preventive measure against heat-related illness brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairperson Atty. Don Artes signed a memorandum circular reinstating the said policy to cater to the well-being of field personnel.
“We must understand the plight of these traffic enforcers and street sweepers who work under the scorching heat of the sun every day to fulfill their duties and responsibilities,” Atty. Artes explained.
The “heat stroke break” will be primarily implemented through a rotation schedule to maintain the visibility of field personnel and avoid disruption in daily operations.
While on break, on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers can rehydrate while seeking temporary shelter from the scorching heat of the sun.
The MMDA also stated that field personnel are entitled to an additional 15-minute break in case that the heat or human discomfort index in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees celsius and above.
The prescribed “heat stroke break” for traffic enforcers are as follows:
- 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift - 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. shift - 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift - 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon
- 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift - 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Street sweepers, on the other hand, have been advised to adhere to the following prescribed break:
- 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift - 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon
- 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift - 12 noon to 1 p.m. regular break time
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. shift - 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
On Thursday, March 7, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez alongside the members of the MMDA Road Emergency Group conducted a blood pressure monitoring program among the traffic enforcers designated at EDSA-Timog base.
