Philippines unveils occupational safety and health strategy

MANILA (ILO News) - The Department of Labor and Employment launches the National Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) Strategy, marking a milestone in the labour sector in the Philippines. The launch was part of the 2024 Labor Inspection Summit, held on 7-8 October 2024 in Manila.

The DOLE Bureau of Working Conditions collaborated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office for the Philippines to develop the strategy. The Improving Workers' Rights in Rural Sectors Project funded by the US Department of Labor (US DOL) provided technical support for the summit and the strategy.

© ILO

© ILO

"It is an honour for the ILO to assist DOLE and social partners in developing the strategy, which reflects priority outcomes on occupational safety and health, covering the public and private, formal and informal sectors,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines. His words underscored the ILO’s commitment to enhancing occupational safety and health (OSH) standards across various sectors in the Philippines.

The strategy is a pivotal component of the DOLE's National OSH Programme. It represents a critical step towards the continuous improvement of national OSH systems, ensuring that every worker in the Philippines enjoys the right to a safe and healthy working environment. This strategy aims to address the diverse needs of workers in both formal and informal sectors, promoting a culture of safety and health at work.

Dr. Yuka Ujita, Senior Specialist on OSH from the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, contributed to the summit by sharing valuable insights and best practices from global and regional perspectives. She highlighted successful strategies implemented in other countries, providing a roadmap for the Philippines to enhance its OSH systems.

Additionally, Valkyrie Hanson, ILO Regional Coordinator for Decent Work in Supply Chains, presented on promoting the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) through strategic compliance. Her session emphasized the importance of adhering to international labour standards to ensure fair and safe working conditions.

A highlight of the summit was the recognition of ILO’s efforts by the DOLE-BWC. The ILO received an Appreciation Award for its outstanding contributions to improving labour inspection systems and promoting workers’ rights in the Philippines. This recognition reaffirms the ILO’s dedication to supporting tripartite partners — government, workers and employers — in building capacities and implementing effective labour inspection mechanisms.

© ILO

© ILO

The 2024 Labor Inspection Summit not only celebrated the achievements in occupational safety and health but also set the stage for future collaborations and advancements. The event underscored the importance of continuous improvement and strategic partnerships in achieving a safer and healthier working environment for all Filipino workers.

National Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) Strategy

The National Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) Strategy is based on data, information, and insights gathered through the research conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment's Occupational Safety and Health Center, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office for the Philippines.