MMDA reimposes its 30-minute heat stroke break policy

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reimposed the 30-minute “heat stroke break” policy for its field personnel, particularly traffic enforcers and street sweepers, to protect them from heat-related illness amid the release of the danger-level heat index forecast for Metro Manila.

MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, in a signed memorandum circular, said the heat stroke break shall be done alternately by those who are assigned in a particular area to maintain the visibility of traffic enforcers and street sweepers and to ensure field operations are not hampered.

The policy, implemented daily through a rotation schedule, took effect on March 3 and will last until May 31.

MMDA gives field personnel 30-minute 'heat stroke break' image

“We acknowledge the challenges being faced by our traffic enforcers and street sweepers who diligently work in the heat to fulfill their duties and responsibilities; their well-being is crucial and this initiative seeks to mitigate health-related illnesses among them, especially with the sudden rise in the heat index in Metro Manila,” said Artes.

Under the heat stroke break policy, on-duty traffic enforcers and street sweepers are allowed to leave their posts in shifts to rehydrate, seek shelter from the sun, and take a 30-minute break to avoid heat stroke.

For traffic enforcers working in four different shifts, there is a prescribed “30-minute heat stroke break” depending on their shift:

5 am to 1 pm shift:

  • 10 am to 10:30 am or 10:30 am to 11 am

1 pm to 9 pm shift:

  • 2:30 pm to 3 pm or 3 pm to 3:30 pm

6 am to 2 pm shift:

  • 11 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon

2 pm to 10 pm shift:

  • 3 pm to 3:30 pm or 3:30 pm to 4 pm.

Meanwhile, for street sweepers working three shifts, there is likewise a heat stroke break based on their shifts:

6 am to 2 pm shift:

  • 11 am to 11:30 am or 11:30 am to 12 noon

7 am to 4 pm shift:

  • 12 noon to 1 pm (regular break time)

11 am to 7 pm shift:

  • 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm

In order to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and/or heat cramps, field personnel could also take an additional 15-minute break time in case the heat index in Metro Manila reaches 40 degrees Celsius and above.

heat index heat stroke heat stroke break mmda