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With the heat hitting many of us in the region hard, it is important to keep indoors and stay cool. Here are some ways you can take care of yourselves and your employees during this extreme heatwave.
The recent weeks have seen countries across Asia issuing heat warnings, with the weather increasing to sweltering temperatures. Thai capital Bangkok, for instance, saw its heat index reach a 'very dangerous' level, expected to stand at 52°C or higher, prompting a public advisory to stay indoors.
In the same week, Malaysia's Meteorological Department issued a Level one (Caution) heat warning for 10 regions across the country; and the Philippines said it expected its heat index to hit high levels in the week.
This past Sunday, in fact, the Philippines' Ministry of Education issued an advisory to all public schools nationwide to implement asynchronous classes/distance learning on 29 and 30 April (Monday and Tuesday), in view of the country's latest heat index forecast.
With the weather in across many parts of Asia increasing to sweltering temperatures and warnings issued across the region, how can employers better equip themselves to ensure the wellbeing of their employees?
Here are some ways you can take care of yourselves and your employees during this extreme heatwave:
Provide a cooling working environment
- Ensure your workspaces are properly ventilated by providing the adequate equipment to prevent heat buildup. Install more fans, air conditioning, or open the windows to promote better airflow.
- Set up more hydration stations with an abundance of water and allocate them in different parts of the office for employees to stay hydrated throughout the day. Also encourage frequent water breaks.
- If your office has a strict dress code, consider having dress-down days if there are no external or client-facing meetings. Allow the option for employees to wear more relaxed attire during heatwaves and allow them to dress in lightweight, breathable clothing appropriate for the heat.
- If outdoor work is unavoidable, provide shaded areas for employees to take breaks and rest.
Check in with your employees
- Encourage managers to regularly check in with their teams to ensure all employees are coping with the heat adequately and to address any concerns or issues that arise.
- Promote prioritising self-care during heatwaves, including getting adequate rest outside of work hours and taking measures to stay cool at home.
- Offer flexible work arrangements such as adjusted working hours or remote work options to allow employees to avoid commuting or working during the hotter parts of the day.
Stay up to date
- Stay informed about weather forecasts and heat advisories and adjust work schedules or activities accordingly to minimise exposure to extreme heat.
- Equip your supervisors and employees and train them on heat-related safety protocols, including how to recognise symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke and what actions to take in case an emergency arises.
- Provide all employees with a safety briefing pack of educational resources on recognising the signs of heat-related illnesses and the importance of staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade.
- In case of a heat-related emergency, have a clear emergency response plan in place, including procedures when seeking medical assistance if needed.
By implementing these measures, employers can help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of their employees during heatwaves.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay cool!
READ MORE: Singapore launches national heat stress advisory as global temperatures rise
Lead image / 123RF
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