Villanueva welcomes passage of occupational safety law

Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday welcomed the signing into law of a measure strengthening employers’ compliance with occupational safety and health standards.

In a statement, Villanueva thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for signing Republic Act No. 11058 or “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS)” which imposes fines for violation of safety standards.

Villanueva, Senate committee on labor, employment, and human resources development chair, said the passage of the measure after four Congresses is an important milestone and a “resounding victory to all our workers.”

READ: Duterte signs occupational safety law

“The OSHS law will prevent workplace injuries or deaths, work-related disorders such as muscoskeletal disorders and occupational lung diseases, and ensure that workplace health and safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Villanueva said.

The new law specifies the duties of employers to provide workers with a workplace that is free from hazardous conditions; requires them to provide complete job safety instructions or orientation to all workers, as well as inform them of the hazards associated with their work.

It mandates that workplaces use only approved devices and equipment that comply with OSH standards, including the provision of protective and safety devices such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and machine guards.

The law also provides that all safety and health personnel are required to undergo the mandatory training on basic occupational safety and health for safety officers as prescribed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Erring employers will be slapped with fines of up to P100,000 for every day of non-correction of violation, counted from the date the employer is notified of the violation.

Villanueva said the penality shall depend on the frequency or gravity of the violation committed or the damage caused, provided that the maximum amount shall be imposed only when the violation exposes the workers to a risk of death, serious injury or serious illness.

The new law covers all establishments, projects, sites, and workplaces in all branches of economic activity, subject to the appropriate standards of OSH based on number of employees, nature of operations, and the risk or hazard involved, as determined by the Secretary of Labor.

The measure further authorizes the Labor chief or his or her representatives to enter workplaces at any time of the day or night to examine records and investigate facts, conditions, or matters necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of the new OSH law. /ee