AMID the high heat indexes being recorded across the country, the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) is closely monitoring the workers in the construction industry.
In a television interview, BWC Director Alvin Curada on Saturday, March 15, 2025, said they are most concerned with the construction workers when it comes to the threat of heat-related illnesses.
"We are focused on the construction industry in all regions in the country," said Curada.
"Our construction workers really work outdoors and under the sun so our labor inspectors are closely monitoring them," he added.
Curada said they are closely monitoring their working condition, particularly the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE).
"We are checking if they are provided with the appropriate PPEs, like clothing, hard hat, and all other protection necessary for workers in the construction industry," said the labor official.
He said they are also encouraging the construction industry to adopt modified working hours arrangements to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
"It would be better if the work will be from 6 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Let us avoid working directly under the sun," said Curada.
He said construction workers are encouraged to have periodic breaks while at work.
"We encourage having breaks, like for 30 minutes for every two or three hours of work, so that the body can have the chance to recover from exposure to extreme heat," said Curada. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)