Strengthening Occupational Safety and Health Compliance

Applies to all establishments, projects, and sites in all economic sectors except public sector.
Includes PEZA establishments.
Secretary of Labor issues standards based on employee number, operations, and hazard risk.

Certified First-Aider: Person trained by authorized organizations.
Competency Standards: Industry proficiency specifications.
Covered Workplaces: Places requiring OSH compliance.
Employer: Natural or juridical person benefiting from employee services.
Equipment: Machines powered by engine or electric motor.
General Safety and Health Inspection: Examination of environment and working conditions.
Imminent Danger: Risk likely to cause death or serious harm.
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs): Establishments employing less than 10 or 100 workers respectively.
Occupational Health Personnel: Health professionals providing OSH services.
OSH Standards: Occupational safety and health standards issued by Secretary of Labor.
Safety and Health Audit: Regular examination of safety programs and management performance.
Safety and Health Committee: Workplace body monitoring safety and health.
Safety and Health Program: Detailed OSH rules including penalties.
Safety Officer: Trained personnel implementing OSH program.
Safety Signage: Standard emergency and warning signs.
Workplace: Any site under employer’s control where work is done.

Employers and supervisors must provide hazard-free workplaces, safety orientations, hazard information, only approved equipment, comply with OSH standards, involve workers in OSH programs, and prepare emergency measures.
Workers must participate in OSH compliance, use safety devices properly, observe emergency procedures, and report hazards.
Visitors, builders, contractors must comply with OSH laws.
Multiple concurrent employers must collaborate on OSH compliance.

Right to be informed of workplace hazards and access safety training.
Right to refuse unsafe work without reprisal when imminent danger exists.
Right to report accidents and hazards to authorities.
Right to free provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) by employer, with the cost included in safety program budget.

Hazard-warning signage must be posted prominently in understandable language.
Employers must comply with DOLE requirements on equipment use including transport.
Workers must be provided adequate OSH information including prevention and emergency measures.

Covered workplaces required to have safety programs covering commitment statement, HIV/AIDS and other disease control, committee composition, training, PPE, emergency plans, and penalties.
The program must be prepared with worker consultation and approved by DOLE.
Approved program must be available to all workplace persons.

Composed of employer’s representative (chair), safety officer (secretary), contractor safety officers, health personnel, and worker representatives.
Responsible for planning and monitoring OSH program implementation.

Covered workplaces must have qualified health personnel and required medical supplies proportionate to workforce size and hazards.

Employers, contractors, subcontractors must submit safety and health reports as required by DOLE.

TESDA or PRC establishes competency assessment and certification for critical occupations involving life-safety, specialized skills, and environmental concerns.

Must provide safe drinking water, sanitary and washing facilities, suitable accommodations with gender-separated facilities where applicable.

Total cost of safety program is part of operation cost and a separate pay item in contracting.

Employers, project owners, contractors, subcontractors, and supervisors are jointly and solidarily liable for compliance.

Secretary of Labor or authorized reps have authority to enforce OSH standards and conduct inspections anytime.
Inspections may include audits and investigation of working conditions.
Obstruction of inspection is prohibited and courts cannot issue injunctions against enforcement orders.
Secretary may order work stoppage where grave danger is present.
Procedure follows Labor Code Article 128.
Inspectors must present valid ID and act within authority.
Inspections apply regardless of establishment size.
Local governments may conduct safety inspections with DOLE coordination and standards.

Secretary may delegate enforcement authority to competent agencies.
Secretary shall set and update standards based on employee number, operations, and hazards, with stakeholder consultation.
Special focus on hazardous industries.

Claims for work-related disability or death may be filed independent of employer fault.

DOLE to establish incentives recognizing compliance efforts such as training, equipment, guidance, and awards.

Willful noncompliance with OSH standards or orders fined up to P100,000 daily until corrected.
Additional fines for obstruction, false reporting, or retaliation against whistleblowing.
Fines based on violation gravity and risk imposed.
Collected fines fund OSH programs and training.

Updated DOLE computerized labor law compliance system to monitor enforcement and notify accidents.
DOLE to create simplified OSH standards for Micro and Small Enterprises.
Inter-governmental coordination mechanism with multiple agencies and local governments to monitor implementation.
Secretary to issue implementing rules within 90 days of enactment.
Separability and repealing clauses apply.
Act takes effect 15 days after publication.