Firecracker manufacturers in the country will undergo strict monitoring by the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure their adherence to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
In line with the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued Advisory 20, Series of 2018, directing all Regional Directors to strictly monitor the compliance of business establishments, particularly those involved in the manufacturing of pyrotechnics and firecrackers, with Republic Act 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards to prevent untoward accidents in the workplace.
“Relative to the increase in the manufacture of pyrotechnics and firecrackers nationwide due to the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, all Regional Directors are hereby directed to monitor the establishments’ compliance with Republic Act no. 11058, OP Memo Order No. 31, s. 2018, Occupational Safety and Health Standards to avoid any accident in the workplace,” the advisory said.
Furthermore, the advisory instructs labor laws compliance officers to assist those business establishments in rectifying their deficiencies to comply with the OSHS.
However, in cases of refusal from business establishments to comply with the standards, the labor inspectors are authorized to investigate the violations pursuant to Department Order 183, series of 2017, or the Revised Rules on the Administration and Enforcement of Labor Laws.
Meanwhile, all DOLE Regional Offices are expected to submit their list of monitored and assisted business establishments to the Bureau of Working Conditions on Dec. 28, 2018.
