What are the Health and Safety standards in the Philippines?

Occupational Health and Safety Standards

In the Philippines, occupational health and safety standards are governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act (Republic Act No. 11058), enforced by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This law mandates that employers must ensure safe and healthful working conditions for their employees by implementing comprehensive health and safety programs. These standards include:

  • Providing workers with protective equipment and training on its use.
  • Establishing policies and procedures for dealing with workplace hazards, including chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic risks.
  • Conducting regular safety inspections and risk assessments to identify and mitigate workplace hazards.
  • Establishing emergency procedures and conducting regular drills.
  • Keeping records of work-related injuries, illnesses, and accidents.

Employers are required to comply with specific regulations related to their industry, which may include additional standards for construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and other sectors with unique risks.

Work-Related Injury Benefits

If you suffer a work-related injury in the Philippines, you are entitled to benefits under the Employees' Compensation Program (ECP), which is administered by the Social Security System (SSS) for private sector workers or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for public sector workers. Benefits include:

  • Medical services, appliances, and supplies needed for recovery.
  • Income benefits for temporary total disability or sickness, permanent total or partial disability, and death.
  • Rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and vocational training, if necessary.
  • Carer's allowance in cases of severe injury requiring the assistance of another person.

It's important to report the injury to your employer immediately and ensure that an accident report is filed with the SSS or GSIS to avail of these benefits.

Ensuring a Safe Working Environment During Health Crises

During health crises like a pandemic, companies in the Philippines are guided by regulations issued by DOLE, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). Employers must implement measures to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the safety of their employees, which may include:

  • Enforcing physical distancing measures in the workplace.
  • Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and face shields.
  • Implementing regular disinfection procedures in the workplace.
  • Facilitating remote work or flexible work arrangements where possible.
  • Conducting health checks and temperature screenings at workplace entrances.
  • Developing policies and procedures for employees who exhibit symptoms or test positive for the disease, including isolation and contact tracing protocols.


These measures are designed to adapt to the specific challenges posed by health crises, ensuring that businesses can continue operations while protecting the health and safety of their employees. Employers are required to closely monitor advisories from DOLE, DOH, and other relevant agencies to stay updated on required safety protocols. 


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