DOLE pushes for workplace safety

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment is pushing for workplace safety compliance in Negros Oriental.

DOLE has urged Negros Oriental companies to comply with the new Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) Law.

“There is a need to ensure maximum compliance of the OSHS Law. Again, this is us reiterating our stand that safety is something that could never be negotiated and compromised,” said DOLE regional director Johnson Cañete said.

The labor agency has called companies, contractors, sub-contractors as well as with the various local government units (LGUs) to follow the work safety law.

Last January 25, the Contractors Association of Negros Oriental Inc. (CONAI) in coordination with the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) in the province held a forum on the law's implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

“With the recent developments involving the OSHS Law, part of the DOLE’s job is to enlighten companies about it hoping that when the time comes that their compliance is being checked, they would be able to demonstrate proof of it,” Cañete said.

Department Order No. 198 series of 2018 otherwise known as “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof” strictly mandates employers, contractors and sub-contractors to comply with work safety standards.

It applies to all branches of economic activity such as establishments located inside special economic zones and other investment promotion agencies; utilities engaged in air, sea and land; and industries such as mining, fishing, construction, agriculture and maritime.