IN A BID to promote "safe and heathy workforce," President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure that would impose stronger safety and health standards in the country's work places.
On August 17, Duterte inked Republic Act (RA) 11058, or An Act Strenghtening Compliance with Occupational, Safety and Health (OSH) Standards, that would slap fines for violations of safety and health standards.
"The state shall ensure a safe and healthful workplace for all working people by affording them full protection against all hazards in their work environment," the newly-signed law read.
RA 11058 covers all establishments, projects, sites, and all other workplaces in all branches of economic activity, except in the public sector.
Under Duterte's new law, the Secretary of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is mandated to issue appropriate standards of occupation safety and health based on the number of employees, nature of operations, and the risk of hazard involved.
The newly-signed law requires employers to furnish the workers a place of employment free from hazardous conditions, give complete job safety instructions or orientation to all the workers, inform the workers of the hazard associated with their work, and use only approved devices and equipment for the workplace.
Employers are also mandated to comply with OSH standards including training, medical examination, and provision and safety devices.
"All establishments, projects, sites and all other places where work is being undertaken shall have safety signage and devices to warn the workers and the public of the hazards in the workplace," the law said.
"In relation to the use of equipment, the employer, contractor or subcontractor, if any, must comply with the Dole requirements in the differente phases of the company or project operation, including the transport to and from the establishment, project, site or place where work is being undertaken," it added.
RA 11058 also directs employers to allow workers and safety and health representatives to participate in the planning and implementation of the safety and health program.
The law also directs employers to provide for measures to deal with emergencies and accidents, including first-aid arrangements.
On the part of the workers, they are mandated to make proper use of all safeguards and safety devices furnished for their protection. They are also tasked to report to the supervisor any work hazard that may be discovered in the work place.
RA 11058 also provides the workers' right to know, right to refuse unsafe work, right to report accidents, and right to personal protective equipment.
The law creates OSG Committee to ensure that the safety and health program is observed and enforced.
Employers will be held liable for an administrative fine not exceeding P100,000, if they wilfully fail or refused to comply with the required OSH standards or with a compliane order issued by the Dole chief.
The law is a consolidation of House Bill 64 and Senate Bill 1317 passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on May 22, 2018
MalacaƱang released RA 11058 on Monday, August 20. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)