NEGROS Occidental-based labor group General Alliance of Workers Associations (Gawa) is expecting that the government will strictly implement the newly signed law imposing stronger safety and health standards in the country's workplaces, its official said.
Wennie Sancho, secretary general of Gawa, told SunStar Bacolod Wednesday, August 22, that they welcome the signing of the law hoped to strengthen the provisions provided by the Labor Code.
Sancho said organized labor groups expect a stronger implementation of the measure by ensuring the provision of health, safety, and welfare program to the workers.
“Companies employing 200 workers or more must have a full-time nurse, physician and dentist in the workplace,” he said, adding that those with more than 50 workers must have qualified first aiders while works which are hazardous need full-time safety officer.
On August 17, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11058, or An Act Strengthening 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 law stated.
RA 11058 covers all establishments, projects, sites, and all other workplaces in all branches of economic activity, except in the public sector.
Under the new law, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III 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 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," it added.
Sancho said the DOLE should closely monitor the strict implementation of the law in workplaces including those involving firecrackers.
Companies which works involved hazardous chemicals, blasting, and power supply should faithfully comply, Sancho said.
“There are sweatshops and fly-by-night companies that do not provide measures for the health and welfare of the workers especially in the fishing and construction industry,” he claimed.
Moreover, the law directs employers to allow workers and safety and health representatives to participate in the planning and implementation of the safety and health program.
They (employers) are also directed to provide for measures to deal with emergencies and accidents, including first-aid arrangements.
For the workers’ part, 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 the right to personal protective equipment.
Meanwhile, 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 willfully fail or refused to comply with the required OSH standards or with a compliance order issued by the Dole. (with reports from SunStar Philippines)