Overview/Background

It is the Policy of DOLE to exercise visitorial powers, and conduct occupational safety and health inspections to assess the compliance of business establishments and their contractors relative to occupational safety and health standards.

In conducting occupational safety and health inspections, DOLE is granted considerable discretion, and is authorized to enter business establishments without prior notice. During said inspections, DOLE is likewise authorized 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 Advisory No. 1 series of 2014: Occupational Safety and Health Protection Tips for Kasambahays and Employers
• Department Order No. 134-14: Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the Pyrotechnic Industry
• Department Order No. 132-13: Guidelines on Maritime Occupational Safety and Health
• Department Order No. 128-13: Amending Rule 1414 on Scaffoldings of the 1989 Occupational Health and Safety Standards, As Amended
• Dept. Circular No.02-08: Amending Certain Provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards
• Department Order No. 16-01: Rule 1030 Training and Accreditation of Personnel on Occupational Safety