Baguio City– The Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) urged establishments to cooperate and keep an open mind in the yearly inspection of establishments as part of its intensified promotion of decent work and protection of workers’ rights.
DOLE-CAR Regional Director Exequiel Ronie Guzman said labor inspections would be intensified, reminding businesses that laborers have rights under the Constitution.
“Inspections will be pursued regularly and our labor inspectors will check the status of workers, especially in the implementation of general labor standards, which include whether [companies’] employees are regular.” Guzman added.
Guzman also said that whatever findings of the labor inspectors, the Labor Department will assist establishments in rectifying deficiencies and give them ample time to comply any noted violation.
The regional labor chief also added that if corrections are not done in mandatory conferences, the department will issue a compliance order. If left unattended, said violations will ripen into a case.
Under Article 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines or the DOLE’s enforcement and visitorial power, the Secretary of Labor and Employment or his duly authorized representative, can visit establishments and conduct inspections.
DOLE CAR Assistant Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B Atal, Jr. said a total of one thousand ninety five (1,095) establishments were inspected by DOLE CAR as of July 30 this year, eight hundred twenty three (823) establishments were compliant with the General Labor Standards and only three hundred (300) establishments were compliant to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) law.
“Republic Act 11058 which is an Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) requires employers to provide complete safe work procedures; inform workers of hazards associated with their specific jobs; provide appropriate and personal protective equipment which have passed the DOLE’s required tests; and provide access to mandatory OSH trainings as prescribed by the DOLE,” Atal explained.
Atal added that every employer must provide a work environment free from hazardous conditions that may cause death, illness or physical harm. In addition, it is the duty of employers to provide training for all types of hazards in the workplace.He also said that all workers shall undergo the mandatory eight (8) hours safety and health orientation course required by DOLE. Standardized training module for safety and health personnel shall be implemented and updated regularly. The mandatory workers’ OSH seminar may be conducted by the safety officer of the establishment or any certified OSH practitioner or consultant.
This law is strictly implemented and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) may impose fines and sanctions to employers who fail or refuse to comply with the OSH standards.**Patrick Rillorta
