ILOILO City – Despite reporting zero major workplace accidents so far this year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 6 has emphasized that compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards among businesses remains a work in progress.
As of March 2025, DOLE-6’s Technical Support and Services Division (TSSD) recorded a 61.71% initial compliance rate among companies inspected, which slightly improved to 68.67% following further inspections and recommendations.
The agency attributes the absence of serious work-related incidents in the region to increasing adherence to general labor and safety regulations — though officials warn that some establishments remain reluctant to fully comply.
“We do not want to be complacent just because there are no major accidents reported. The goal is to ensure all workplaces meet the minimum safety standards at all times,” said Atty. Ma. Ailyne Valaquio-Pueblo, Chief Labor and Employment Officer of TSSD.
DOLE-6 stressed that every establishment must have at least one trained safety officer, depending on the workforce size, and should follow the guidelines of Department Order No. 198-18, which implements Republic Act 11058 on OSH standards.
The order outlines the joint responsibilities of employers and workers in maintaining safe and healthy work environments.
Companies are required to submit proof of compliance, including certificates of attendance to training programs for safety officers and first aiders.
In some cases, proof of scheduled or paid training with accredited institutions like the Philippine Red Cross may be considered valid, especially in areas where training availability is limited.
However, Pueblo acknowledged that enforcement remains a challenge, particularly with establishments that are “hard-headed” or repeatedly ignore inspection findings.
“We guide them on how to comply, but if they still refuse, it becomes problematic,” she said.
DOLE has not received any major OSH-related complaints this year, although minor issues — like papercuts — have been reported. The majority of complaints received are still related to wage issues. Nonetheless, Pueblo reiterated that even minor workplace injuries, if work-related, should be reported for proper documentation.
Reporting incidents is crucial not just for compliance, but also for employees to access benefits from the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) through the Social Security System (SSS). Work-related injuries may entitle workers to rehabilitation support and other compensation, provided the incident was properly documented and reported.
Routine inspections and consultations continue across the region to ensure labor standards are upheld, with DOLE reminding employers of the critical importance of preventive measures, particularly as issues like heat stress become more prevalent in workplaces.
“Unsafe work conditions reduce productivity. We now emphasize access to potable water, adequate ventilation, and heat protection to avoid preventable health issues in the workplace,” Pueblo added./PN
