DOLE issues new rules on labor law compliance

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment has issued revised rules on the administration and enforcement of labor laws to ensure higher level of compliance in workplaces.

Department Order No. 183 stated that routine inspections and complaint inspections or occupational safety and health standard investigations can now be conducted pursuant to the visitorial power of the secretary of labor or authorized representatives, particularly the Special Inspection Team.

In a statement, it said that routine inspections shall be conducted in the priority establishments engaged in hazardous work, employing children, engaged in contracting or subcontracting arrangements, employing 10 or more employees and such other establishments or industries as may be determined by the labor secretary as priority.

On the other hand, a complaint inspection shall be conducted when there is Single Entry Approach and when there is a request for conciliation-meditation proceedings at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board to validate or verify violation of labor standards.

In case of anonymous complaint, the assigned labor inspectors shall conduct a surprise visit in the establishments complained of to validate the reported violations.

Meanwhile, the conduct of OSH standards investigation will be ordered by the regional director within 24 hours from receipt of information on the existence of imminent danger or dangerous occurrences.

Work stoppage order will be issued to any establishments that are found to be non-compliant with the OSH standards, which poses imminent danger to the health and safety of the workers.

Mandatory conferences shall also be conducted within 10 days after the lapse of the 10-day correction period of violations of general labor standards and contracting and sub-contracting rules.  While establishments that failed to correct labor violations within the remedial period shall cause the immediate issuance of compliance order.

In case of compliance order issued on the regularization of workers, the employment of the workers shall not be terminated while the appeal is pending. Concerned principals and contractors must submit a notarized commitment to the regional director stating the regularization of workers and all their entitlements under existing laws, rules, and regulations. (FREEMAN)