[author: Emerico de Guzman]*

Rules and Regulations of New Occupational Health and Safety Law

New Regulation or Official Guidance

On December 6, 2018, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Department Order No. 198, otherwise known as An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof. DO 198 provides, inter alia, for additional rights and obligations for both employers and employees, new classifications for hazardous workplaces, new standards for compliance in terms of occupational health and safety and an employee’s right to refuse unsafe work. Fines range from Php 20,000.00 to an additional Php 100,000.00 per day with an additional 50% thereof for every instance of repeat violation.

*Managing Partner — Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz