DOLE strictly monitors compliance with labor standards

Pampanga, June 8 (PIA) — The recent accidents in construction sites in the country has bolstered the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to be more vigilant and strict in monitoring compliance levels with labor standards.

According to the DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz in her keynote speech read by Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Recio during the 2nd North and Central Luzon Joint Occupation Health and Safety (OSH) Summit 2012 held here, she stressed that, “all regional offices in the country has prioritized the sectors in construction, security agencies, malls, contractors and sub-contractors, shipbuilding, and ship-repair and industries.”

“This is related to hot political issue of sub-contracting which companies use to apparently circumvent our labor laws and standards in safety and health, social protection and labor relations. Sub-contracting is a legitimate business practice which is prevalent in many industry sectors. However it is prone to abuse to the detriment of our workers,” she explained.

In Pampanga, DOLE 3 has issued a cease-and-desist order of two construction firms, namely North Haven and RC Ramos, which violated the labor and occupational safety and health standards.

Both construction mishaps had undergone training Basic Occupational Safety and Health on Construction Safety which is under the Occupational Safety and Health Center of DOLE to prevent the similar incident from happening again.

Furthermore, she also said that “the summit will continue to hold bode well for the future of OSH in our country. Improving workplace conditions in the Philippines, with the aim of protecting Filipino workers against accidents and illnesses, and of promoting workers’ welfare through effective programs that enhance productivity, workers’ well-being, and social protection.” (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)