DOLE resumes inspection of workplaces’ compliance with laws

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has resumed inspections to ensure establishments’ compliance with the laws after a temporary suspension in December

In Administrative Order No. 11, series of 2022, issued on January 19, Secretary Silvestre Bello III authorized routine and complaint inspections, occupational safety and health standards investigations, and special inspections until Dec. 31, 2022, unless revoked at an earlier date.

According to a news release on Sunday, Bello also tasked the regional directors to issue the corresponding authority to inspect and investigate specific establishments or workplaces.

Meanwhile, 126 technical safety inspectors were also authorized to conduct inspection of boilers, pressure vessels, internal combustion engines, elevators, hoisting equipment, electrical wirings, and other mechanical equipment installation.

In addition, technical safety inspectors were directed to conduct initial review and evaluation of mechanical and electrical plans for the issuance of permit to operate for mechanical equipment and certificate of electrical inspection for electrical wiring installations.

Technical safety inspectors are registered mechanical and electrical engineers who have undergone training.

The order likewise states that only designated hearing officers shall conduct mandatory conferences for inspections with noted violations.

A total of 485 hearing officers may conduct mandatory conferences after the lapse of the correction period for violations of general labor standards, occupational safety and health standards, and contracting or subcontracting rules.

Another 115 regional office personnel were designated as sheriffs who will take charge of the enforcement of issued writs of execution, implementation of decisions, and performance of final decisions and orders.

In December, Bello directed all regional directors to temporarily cease labor inspection activities to enable the Department to dispose of all pending labor standards cases and prepare the inspection program for 2022.

A total of 90,327 establishments covering 3.7 million workers were inspected in 2021. (PR)