Amos Mpofu [email protected]
THE Domestic Workers Association of Zimbabwe (DWAZ) has urged employers to protect domestic workers from excessive heat as the country experiences hot weather.
In a statement, DWAZ national coordinator Ms Mendy Lerato Lusaba said a clean home and a beautiful garden should never come at the expense of a worker’s health.
“As temperatures continue to rise across Zimbabwe, the Domestic Workers Association of Zimbabwe urges all employers and domestic workers to take extra precautions to protect their health and safety,” she said.
Employers have been urged to limit prolonged outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day, provide regular breaks in shaded or cool areas and ensure workers have access to drinking water.
“Workers should be encouraged to hydrate regularly, even when they do not feel thirsty. Employers please allow appropriate protective clothing. Hats, light clothing and suitable footwear can help reduce exposure to the sun and heat. Adjust workloads where necessary. Reschedule heavy cleaning, gardening and other physically demanding tasks to cooler hours, such as early morning or late afternoon,” she said.
Ms Lusaba urged employers not to ignore signs of heat-related illness.
“Dizziness, headaches, unusual weakness, nausea and excessive sweating require immediate attention. Confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness may indicate a medical emergency,” she said.
She also urged domestic workers to take responsibility for their safety by drinking water regularly throughout the day, wearing hats when working outdoors, taking breaks in the shade and avoiding unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.
Ms Lusaba encouraged workers to report any signs of heat exhaustion to their employers immediately and warned them against putting their health at risk to complete a task.
The alert comes as Zimbabwe experiences hot weather. The Meteorological Services Department recently urged members of the public to stay hydrated and take precautions against the effects of high temperatures.
