Occupational Safety and Health Standards (Philippines) – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential terms, legal bases, duties, enforcement mechanisms, and classifications related to the Philippine Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards

Mandatory rules issued by the DOLE Secretary to eliminate or reduce workplace safety and health hazards.

Occupational safety and health (OSH)

Cross-disciplinary field focused on protecting the safety, health and welfare of workers while at work.

Article 162, Labor Code of the Philippines

Legal basis that empowers the DOLE Secretary to set and enforce OSH Standards in all workplaces.

Article 163, Labor Code

Mandates DOLE to conduct continuous research to improve methods for dealing with OSH problems.

Goal of OSH programs

To foster a safe work environment and protect workers and the wider public from work-related hazards.

Safety (in OSH context)

Physical or environmental work conditions that comply with OSH Standards and keep exposure to hazards within acceptable limits.

Health (in OSH context)

Sound state of body and mind enabling a worker to perform duties normally.

General OSH Standards coverage

All establishments and workplaces, including agricultural enterprises, except residential dwellings and mines under DENR.

Minimum workplace safety standard

Employer must keep the workplace free from hazards likely to cause harm and provide seats, lighting, ventilation, exits, firefighting equipment, separate facilities, PPE, and medical services.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective gears such as masks, helmets, safety boots, gloves, goggles, coats, and first-aid kits provided by employers.

Visitorial power

DOLE authority to inspect workplaces anytime work is being done to determine OSH compliance.

Enforcement power

DOLE authority to order employers to comply with labor standards and, if needed, suspend operations posing grave danger.

Inspectorate system

Mechanism by which DOLE conducts at least annual workplace inspections and special visits for accidents or complaints.

Imminent danger complaint

Request by a worker or representative to the Regional Office for inspection when a violation threatens life or physical harm.

Administrative fines (OSH)

Monetary penalties ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱50,000 per day for specific OSH violations, up to ₱100,000 when grave risk exists.

Willful violation

Failure or refusal to comply with OSH Standards done voluntarily, deliberately, and intentionally.

Rule 1005 – Duties of Employer

Obligations to provide a hazard-free workplace, comply with Standards, give safety instruction, and use approved equipment.

Rule 1005 – Duties of Employee

Responsibilities to cooperate with employer, follow safety rules, report hazards, use safeguards, and assist in inspections.

Safety and Health Committee

Workplace body mandated under OSH Standards to plan, monitor, and recommend safety and health measures.

Rule 1010 – Duties of Other Persons

Builders, contractors, or visitors must follow OSH rules when working or entering establishments.

Rule 1020 – Registration

Requirement for every employer to register the business with the Regional Labor Office; free and valid for the enterprise’s lifetime unless major changes occur.

Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWC)

DOLE bureau that conducts OSH training and accredits safety personnel under Rule 1030.

Rule 1030 – Training and Accreditation

Provision that BWC or accredited groups conduct continuous training to increase competent OSH personnel supply.

Safety Officer

Trained and, for full-time posts, accredited person appointed to oversee OSH in the workplace; number required depends on workforce size and hazard level.

Hazardous workplace

A workplace where work exposes workers to dangerous elements, heavy machinery, explosives, or hazardous agents.

Highly hazardous workplace

Site whose hazards may affect persons inside and outside the premises, e.g., refineries, chemical plants, LPG depots.

Administrative policy on safety

Employer’s formal program and procedures adopted to comply with OSH Standards.

Good housekeeping

Practice of maintaining cleanliness, waste disposal, and orderly arrangement to prevent workplace accidents.

Fire and emergency signage

Standard color and size signs required in premises to warn and guide workers in emergencies.

Local exhaust ventilation

Engineering control that removes toxic fumes or gases from workers’ breathing zones.

Lock-out/Tag-out system

Procedure to ensure machinery is properly shut off and not started until maintenance is complete, required under OSH information provision.

Compliance order

DOLE directive requiring an employer to correct OSH violations; enforceable by writ of execution.

Administrative fine utilization

Fines collected fund OSH initiatives, training, education, and incentive programs for compliant employers and workers.