Question & AnswerQ&A (DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 13)
It provides guidelines governing occupational safety and health in the construction industry to protect workers, the general public, and promote harmonious employer-employee relationships.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through the Secretary of Labor and Employment, has exclusive jurisdiction.
It is a set of detailed rules covering processes and practices used in a specific construction project site in conformity with the OSHS, including responsible personnel and penalties for violations.
The Construction Project Manager or, in his absence, the Project Manager authorized by the owner.
1. Composition of the Construction Safety and Health Committee; 2. Specific safety policies including toolbox meetings; 3. Penalties for violations; 4. Orientation, instruction, and training frequency and personnel; 5. Waste disposal methods.
Employers must provide, at their own expense, necessary PPE for eyes, face, hands, feet, lifelines, safety belts/harnesses, and specialized equipment, depending on the hazard, and workers must wear these PPEs at all times on site.
The general constructor must provide a full-time general construction safety and health officer, additional safety and health officers depending on personnel numbers, and one officer per ten units of heavy equipment. Subcontractors must also provide qualified safety representatives.
Varies from certified first-aider for 50 or fewer workers, full-time registered nurse for 51-200 workers, nurse plus part-time physician and dentist for 201-300 workers, to full-time nurse, physician, dentist and infirmary with beds when workers exceed 300.
Monthly reports must be submitted to the Bureau of Working Conditions or DOLE Regional Office; they include summaries of safety and health committee meetings, accident investigations, hazard assessments, and remedial actions. Major accidents must be reported within 24 hours.
Violations may be referred to the Philippine Contractor's Accreditation Board as instances of grave malperformance under the Constructors' Licensing Law, and imminent danger situations may result in stoppage orders and penalties for non-compliance.