Hot weather pummels outdoor workers

GEORGE TOWN: For those whose livelihoods involve working outdoors, the gripping heat worsened by the El Nino weather phenomenon is taking its toll.

Hot afternoons deter 26-year-old food delivery rider Nurafiqah Ahmad Termizi from taking orders all day long.

“The peak hour for food delivery orders is between 11am and 2pm, which is also the hottest time of the day.

“Sometimes, it gets so hot that I need to pause and cool off.

“To protect myself, I wear gloves and apply sunblock to prevent sunburn.

“Because of the hot weather, I can’t wait to finish my job and go home in the evening to rest,” she said yesterday.

Another delivery rider, Muhd Firdaus Zulkifli, 26, said although hot weather is better than thunderstorms, the ongoing hot spell has affected him badly.

“If it suddenly rains after being exposed to the hot weather, or if I need to enter air-conditioned restaurants to collect an order, the rapid change in temperature would make me feel sick,” he said.

Muhd Firdaus said he stays hydrated and wears more protective clothing now.

“I now wear a mask and clothing with long sleeves when riding in the afternoon.

“Every day, I consume at least five litres of water stored in a bag behind my motorcycle.”

Construction workers are also feeling the heat.

“The heat can get extreme at times,” said building contractor Rezaul Reynold Reagan Rodrigusch, 35, from Bayan Baru, whose job includes fixing roofs.

“On a hot day now, the longest I can stay up there is just one hour; any tiny patch of shade then will feel so relieving.

“Unfortunately, we have deadlines to chase for our clients and work has to go on,” he said.

To ensure that his workers remain in good health, Rezaul said he provides them with a carton of water each day and advises them to protect themselves from the sun.

“Sometimes, they take slightly longer breaks during lunch. I try to be understanding because they are avoiding the midday sun.

“In return, we try to start our work earlier in the morning and end later in the evening,” he said.

In JOHOR BARU, construction worker Muhamad Jusoh, 49, said he prefers to work under the scorching sun rather than on a rainy day.

“If it’s sunny, work can be done regardless of how hot it is and we can always rest when we need to.

Mohd Sabran.

“But during rainy days, work cannot go on, especially if it involves constructing gates, fences or rooftops.

“This means the construction time frame would need to be extended.

“If (daily-rated) workers cannot work when it rains, then they will also not get wages for those days,” he said.

Muhamad, who has been working in the construction sector for 30 years, added that he has become used to working in uncertain weather such as this.

“For example, when mixing cement, we need to work fast under the sun to prevent it from hardening.

“This cannot be done on rainy days,” he said, adding that he would focus on indoor projects during the rainy season.

Recently, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health said an estimated 70% of workers worldwide are exposed to hazards from heat and climate change, leading to various illnesses.

Its vice-chairman Manivanan Gowin cited a study by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which found that climate change had exposed workers to hazards such as heatstroke, excessive ultraviolet radiation, air pollution as well as vector and agrochemical-borne diseases.

The ILO in its Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate report estimates that up to 860,000 work-related deaths occur every year due to health problems among those who work outdoors.

While delivery riders are more exposed to extreme weather conditions, ehailing drivers are also paying the price and have to spend more money on fuel and to regularly clean their vehicles.

According to Mohd Sabran Md Sani, 45, on hot days, customers want the air-conditioner to be on full blast throughout their ride.

“So, we have to spend extra on petrol.

“During rainy days, we have to spend money cleaning the vehicles, especially from mud and wet seats,” he said when contacted.

Mohd Sabran said his main concern is how his vehicle will be affected in the long run.

“All of this actually adds to our operating costs.

“But we cannot increase our service price, as it is set by the system.

“I fear that at the end of the day, I would have to fork out more money for repair and maintenance work on my car.

“The cost for repairs has also increased,” he added.