THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a new directive strengthening workplace preparedness and labor protection as disruptive events continue to threaten the safety of workers nationwide.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 15, Series of 2025, on Nov. 15. The measure supports the Marcos administration’s push for greater resilience and improved worker welfare.
The advisory defines “disruptive events” such as natural or human-induced hazards that can interrupt operations and endanger workers, including disasters, industrial accidents, public health emergencies, and other circumstances that threaten lives and business continuity.
Under the guidelines, employers are required to adopt a comprehensive workplace safety program that ensures readiness before, during, and after hazardous incidents.
This includes planning, engineering safeguards for facilities and utilities, evacuation and communication systems, and the provision of personal protective equipment for workers.
On worker protection, DOLE directed employers to suspend work when conditions pose imminent danger and implement flexible work arrangements to limit exposure to hazards.
Companies in public utilities, health services, and other vital operations must keep a minimum number of personnel to maintain essential services.
The advisory also reiterates that the “no work, no pay” rule applies during work suspensions unless company policies or collective agreements offer better terms.
Workers are reminded to follow established safety procedures, use protective equipment, avoid unnecessary risks, and immediately report any imminent danger to their employers. DOLE stressed that employees who report threats or refuse to report to work due to dangerous conditions must not face administrative penalties.
DOLE said it will expand monitoring efforts, provide technical guidance to establishments, and continue strengthening protections to safeguard workers’ lives during disruptive events.
