Overview/Background

It is the policy of DOLE to exercise visitorial powers, and conduct complaint inspections to assess the veracity of the complaint against the compliance of business establishments and their contractors relative to labor standards and other issuances in relation to labor and occupational safety and health standards.

In conducting complaint inspections, DOLE is granted considerable discretion, and is authorized to enter business establishments without prior notice. During said inspections, DOLE is likewise authorized to investigate the nature of the complaint, request immediate access to the employer’s records and interview any employee on the premises. When deemed appropriate, DOLE may also issue compliance orders to erring employers, and may even order the stoppage of work or the suspension of operations.

Legal Bases:

• Department Order No. 131-B-16: Revised Rules on Labor Laws Compliance System