HOUSE OF |
Republic of the Philippines HOUSE IF

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

REGISTRATION UN
BILLS AND INDEX SERVIC

O84

House Bill No.

introduced by Representatives EMMI A. DE JESUS and ARLENE BROSAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The labor NGO Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development or IOHSAD reports that many
workers in the country are made ill, are injured or are killed at the workplace or in relation to their
‘occupation. in fact, as far as workers’ job-related deaths are concerned, IOHSAD claims that there is a
“massacre,” albeit “hidden,” of workers in the country.

According to the International Labor Organization, more than two million workers across the globe die
annually due to work-related diseases and incidents. In the Philippines, there is no annual data
explaining the number of work- related deaths and injuries. Many of our wealth creators and honest
taxpayers, the working people, die silently and anonymously, while erring employers are provided a slap
‘on the wrist when they fail to uphold safety standards resulting in loss of life and limbs.

Nonetheless, the number of workers who have died under the presidency of Benigno Simeon Aquino lil
alone is staggering by itself and merits immediate action: Eton Towers (2010, 10 dead), Keppel (2011,
five dead}, Ali Mall (2012, four dead), Novo (2012, 17 dead), and SPC Malaya Power Corporation (2013,
five dead). Less than a week ago, eight female workers died when the makeshift electronics warehouse
in which they work and live caught fire. The building was padlocked from the outside by their employer
and did not have an emergency exit that could enable them to vacate the area in the soonest possible
time. rm

An immediate cause for the prevalence of such illnesses, injuries and deaths are the violations of
existing occupational health and safety or OHS standards by employers. It could be argued that as long
as production is geared towards creating profits, workers’ OHS will always take a backseat to that goal.
Adherence to OHS standards will always be subjected to capitalist penny-pinching.

It is therefore of utmost importance for the government to continuously and closely monitor employers’
adherence to OHS standards and at the same time lay down stiff punishments for violations of such
standards.

What we are seeing, however, is the exact opposite: The government has even went as far as allowing
employers to carry out self-inspection of their adherence to OHS standards and it has only laid down
meager penalties for violations of such standards, even those that result in the death of workers.

Taking advantage of gray areas in the Labor Code, the government has allowed the “self-inspection” by
employers of their adherence to OHS standards. The Department of Labor and Employment Order No.
131-13 or the Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS) failed to ensure workers’ safety and
overlooked the grave violations of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards committed
Despite the aims of the LLCS of encouraging voluntary compliance, the existing tripartism fails to
represent the workers as their right to organize continue to suffer.



This bill seeks to advance workers’ health and safety at the workplace by addressing the two main flaws
in the government's approach to workers’ OHS. It seeks to criminalize violations of workers’ OHS,
especially those that result in deaths. It also seeks to compel the Labor Department to carry out
inspection of employers’ adherence to OHS standards.

This bill aims to deter would-be safety violators by imposing strict sanctions on the proven violators and
empower the appropriate government agencies, led by the DOLE, to enforce strict adherence to
Philippine safety standards.

Jom Cad
REP. EMMI A. Df JESUS RLENE/D. BROSAS

Gabriela Women’s Party jabriela Women’s Party


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS:
First Regular Session

1044

House Bill No

introduced by Representatives EMMI A. DE JESUS and ARLENE D. BROSAS

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING COMPLIANCE WITH OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS AND
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

CHAPTER |
DECLARATION OF POLICY

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State affirms labor as a primary social and economic force
and that a safe and healthy workforce is an integral aspect of nation building.

The State shall ensure a safe and healthful workplace for all working people by affording them full
Protection against all hazards in their workenvironment. It shall ensure that the provisions of the Labor
Code of the Philippines, all domestic laws and internationally-recognized standards on occupational
safety and health are being fully enforced and complied with by the employers, and it shall provide
penalties for any violation thereof.

The State shall protect every worker against injury, sickness or death through safe and healthful
working conditions, thereby assuring the conservation of valuable manpower resources and the
Prevention of loss or damage to lives and properties, consistent with national development goals and
with the State’s commitment to the total development of every worker as a complete human being.

The State, in protecting the safety and health of the workers, shall promote strict but dynamic,
inclusive and gender-sensitive measures in the formulation and implementation of policies and
programs related to occupational safety and health.

SEC. 2. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all establishments, projects, site, and all other
workplaces in all industries where work is being undertaken in all branches of economic activity
regardless of the number of employees, nature of operations and the risk or hazard involved.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a) Branches of Economic Activity ~ refer to all branches in which workers are employed except
those in the public sector.

b) Certified First-aider ~ refers to any person trained and duly certified or qualified to
administer first-aid by any organization authorized by the Secretary of Labor and
Employment (BOLE);


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Competency Standards -refer to industry-determined specification of competencies
Fequired for effective work performance. These are expressed as outcomes, focus on
workplace activity rather than training or personal attributes, and ability to apply new skills
in new situations and changing work organization;

Employer - refers to any person, natural or juridical, employing the services of the
employee.

Equipment -refers to any machine with engine or electric motor as prime mover;

General Safety and Health Inspection: refers to inspection of the work environment,
including the location and operation of machinery other than those covered by technical
safety inspections, adequacy of work space, ventilation, lighting, conditions of work
environment, handling, storage or work procedures, protection facilities and other possible
sources of safety and health hazards in the workplace;

Imminent Danger ~ refers to a condition or practice that could reasonably be expected to
cause death or serious physical harm before abatement under the normal enforcement
procedures can be accomplished;

Occupational Health Personnel - refer to a qualified first-aider, nurse, dentist, or physician
engaged by the employer to provide occupational health services in the establishment,
project, site, or workplace;

Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) ~ refer to the Occupational Safety and
Health Standards prepared by the DOLE as provided for by law in Articles 162 and 165,
Chapter 2, Title | of Book Four of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended;

Safety and Health Audit ~ refers to a regular and critical examination of project sites, safety
programs, records and management performance on program standards on safety and
health;

Safety and Health Committee ~ refers to a committee created within the workplace tasked
with the authority to monitor, inspect, and investigate all aspects of the work pertaining to
safety and health of workers;

Safety and Health Program - refers to a set of detailed rules to cover the processes and
practices that shall be utilized in a specific construction project site, mine site, and in other
economic activities in conformity with the OSHS, including the personnel responsible and
the penalties for violations thereof;

Safety Officer ~ refers to any safety personnel tasked by the employer to implement the
company’s occupational safety and health programs and to ensure that the program is in
accordance with the provisions of the OSHS;

Safety Personnel ~ refers to any person, trained or accredited by OGLE and tasked to
implement occupational safety and health programs for the workers/employees in any the
establishment, project, site or workplace; and

Safety Signage - refers to any, but not limited to, emergency or danger sign, warning sign, or
safety instruction of standard colors and sizes in accordance with the specifications for
standard colors of signs for safety instructions and warnings in the workplace.

Workplace ~ refers to all places where workers need to be or to go to by reason of their
work, and which are under the direct or indirect control of the employer.

CHAPTER I
DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS, WORKERS AND OTHER PERSONS


SEC. 4, Duties of Employers, Workers, and Other Persons. (1) Each employer, contractor, and
subcontractor, if any, and any person who manages, controls, or supervises the work being undertaken
shall:

a) furnish the workers a place of employment free from hazardous conditions that are causing

or are likely to cause death, illness, or physical harm to the workers;

b) give complete job safety instructions or orientation to all the workers, especially to those
entering the job for the first time, including those relating to familiarization with their work
environment;

¢) inform the workers of the hazards associated with their work, health risks involved or to
which they are exposed to, preventive measures to eliminate or minimize the risks, and
steps to be taken in case of emergency;

d) use only approved devices and equipment for the workplace; and

e) comply with occupational safety and health standards including training, medical
examination, and provision of protective and safety devices such as personal protective
equipment (PPE) and machine guards.

(2) Every worker shall participate in ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety
standards in the workplace. The worker shall make proper use of all safeguards and safety devices
furnished for his or her protection and that of others, and shall observe instructions to prevent ac
or imminent danger situation in the workplace and the steps to be taken in case of emergency.

‘The worker shall report to the supervisor any work hazard that may be discovered in the
workplace.

(3) It shall be the duty of any person, including the builder or contractor or enforcement agent
who visits, builds, renovates, or installs devices, or conducts business in any establishment or workplace,
to comply with the provisions of this Act and all other regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor and
Employment.

SEC. 5. Workers’ Right to Know. -The right to safety and health at work shall be guaranteed.
This shall cover information on all types of hazards in the workplace, and access to training and
education on, including but not limited to, chemical safety and orientation on the safety data sheet of a
chemical, electrical safety, mechanical safety, and ergonomical safety.

SEC. 6. Workers’ Right of Refusal to Work. ~ The worker has the right of refusal to work if an
imminent danger situation exists in the workplace that may result to illness, injury, or death, and until
corrective actions to eliminate the danger is taken by the employer without threat or reprisal from the
employer. The latter cannot require the workers to return to work where there is continuing imminent
danger to life or health.

SEC. 7. Workers’ Right to Report Accidents. -Workers and their representatives shall have the
right to report accidents, dangerous occurrences, and hazards to the employer and to the DOLE and to
other concerned government agencies exercising jurisdiction as the competent authority in the specific
industry or economic activity.

SEC. 8. Workers’ Right to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). - Every employer, contractor or
subcontractor, if any, shall provide protective equipment, free of charge, to the workers for their eyes,
face, hands and feet, and lifeline, safety belt or harness, gas or dust respirators or masks, and protective
shields whenever necessary by reason of the hazardous work process or environment, chemical,
radiological, mechanical, and other irritants or hazards capable of causing injury or impairment in the
function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact. The cost of the PPE


shall be part of the safety and health program which is a separate pay item pursuant to Section 20 of
this Act.

All PPE shall be of the appropriate type as tested and approved by the DOLE based on its
standards, The usage of PPE in all establishments, projects, sites, and all other workplaces where work
is being undertaken shail be based on the evaluation and recommendation of the safety officer.

CHAPTER
WORKPLACE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM ANDO STRUCTURE

SEC. 9. Safety and Health Program. - All establishments, projects, sites, and
all other workplaces where work is being undertaken shall have a safety and health program, which
must have the following:

a) Statement of commitment to comply with OSH requirements;

b) General safety and health policy to include a drug-free workplace policy;

¢)_ HIV and AIDS/TB/hepatitis prevention and control policy;

4) Company or project details;

e) Composition and duties of the safety and health committee;

f) Occupational safety and health personnel and facilities;

2) Safety and health promotion, training and education;

h) Toolbox meeting;

i) Accident/incident/iliness investigation, recording and reporting;

i) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

k) Provision on safety signage;

}) Control measures on activities such as, but not limited to, temporary structures, lifting and
equipment operations, electrical, mechanical and other equipment, including
communication systems;

m) Workers welfare facilities;

1) Emergency preparedness and response plan;

(0) Waste management system; and

p) Penalties and sanctions

The safety and health program shall be prepared and executed by the employer, contractor and
subcontractor, if any, and shall be submitted to the DOLE which shall approve, disapprove or modify the
same according to existing laws, rules and regulations and other issuances.

SEC. 10. Safety and Health Committee. - To ensure that the safety and health program is
observed and enforced, all establishments, projects, sites, and all other workplaces where work is being
undertaken shall have a safety and health committee composed of the following:

Employer or his or her representative as the Chairperson, ex officio;

a) Safety officer of the chairperson as the secretary of the committee;

b)_ Safety officer representing each contractor or subcontractor, as the case may be;

©) Physicians, nurses, certified first-aiders, and dentists who shall be members ex officio, if
applicable; and

d) Workers’ representatives who shall come from the union if the workers are organized or
elected by the workers through a simple majority vote if they are unorganized

The committee shall effectively plan, develop, oversee and monitor the implementation of the
safety and health program.

SEC. 11. Safety Officer. - To ensure that a safety and heaith program is duly followed and
enforced, all establishments, projects, sites, and all other workplaces where work is being undertaken

shall have a full time safety officer who shall:

a) Oversee the overall management of the safety and health program;


b) Frequently monitor and inspect any health or safety aspect of the operation being
undertaken;

€) Assist government inspectors in the conduct of safety and health inspection at any time
whenever work is being performed or during the conduct of an accident investigation; and

d) Issue work stoppage order when necessary.

The employer must provide for additional safety officers depending on the total number of
personnel and equipment, and the size of the work area, as prescribed by the DOLE to oversee the
effective compliance with the safety and health program.

Each contractor or subcontractor, if any, must provide for a safety officer to oversee the
management of the safety and health program for the contractor and subcontractor’s work force and
the specific areas of operations.

All full time safety officers who will be employed shall be accredited by the DOLE.

SEC. 12. Occupational Heaith Personnel and Facilities. - All establishments, projects, sites, and
all other workplaces where work is being undertaken shall have a qualified occupational health
personnel such as physician, nurse, certified first-aider, and dentist duly complemented with the
required medical supplies, equipment, and facilities based on the total number of workers. An ideal ratio
shall be prescribed by the DOLE,

SEC. 13. Safety Signage and Devices. ~ All establishments, projects, sites, and all other
workplaces where work is being undertaken shall have safety signage and devices to warn the workers
and the public of the hazards in the workplace. Signage and devices shall be posted in prominent
positions at strategic locations in a language understandable to all and in accordance with the standards
set by the DOLE.

SEC. 14. Safety on Equipment. ~ in relation to the equipment operation, the employer,
contractor or subcontractor, if any, must comply with the DOLE requirements in the different phases of
the operation, including the transport to and from the establishment, project, site or workplace where
work is being undertaken

SEC. 15. Safety and Health Information. - All establishments, projects, sites, and all other
workplaces where work is being undertaken shall have an adequate and suitable information on safety
and health hazards, and the appropriate measures, including the probable location of workers for the
prevention, control, and protection against thase hazards.

SEC. 16. Safety and Health Training. —

a) All safety personnel shail undergo the mandatory training on Basic Occupational Safety and
Health for safety officers as prescribed by the DOLE.

b) All occupational health personnel shall undergo the minimum safety and health training as
prescribed by the DOLE.

¢) All workers shall undergo the mandatory one (1) day (eight hours) safety and
health seminar as required by the DOLE which shall include a portion on joint
employer-employee orientation

d) All personnel engaged in, but not limited to, the operation, erection, and
dismantling of equipment and scaffolds, structural erections, excavations,
blasting operations, demolition, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals welding
and flame cutting shall undergo specialized instruction and training on said
activities.

SEC. 17, Safety and Health Reports.


a) All employers, contractors, and subcontractors shall be required to submit all reports and
notifications prescribed by the DOLE.

b) All hospitals and clinics shall be required to submit all reports related to injuries and
illnesses to the DOLE

6) The Bureau of Labor Standards shall conduct an annual assessment of the safety and health
condition of the Philippine workplace and shall make its data and reports available to the
public with all the necessary information including, but not limited to, the compliance rate,
total number of deaths, injuries and sickness, and the progress of investigation, rectification,
and prosecution of the employers who violated any OSH standard.

SEC. 18. Workers Competency Certification. ~ in order to professionalize, upgrade and update
the level of competence of workers, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
shall establish national competency standards and prepare guidelines on competency assessment and
certification for critical occupations. In this regard, all critical occupations shall undergo the mandatory
competency assessment and certification by TESDA.

‘An occupation shall be considered critical when the:

a) performance of a job affects the people's lives and limbs;

b}_ job involves the handling of tools, equipment and supplies;

¢) job requires a relatively ong period of education and training; and

d) performance of the job may compromise the safety, health and environmental concerns
within the immediate vicinity of the establishment.

SEC. 19. Worker's Welfare Facilities. ~ All establishments, projects, sites, and all other
workplaces where work is being undertaken shail have the following welfare facilities in order to ensure
humane working conditions:

a) Adequate supply of safe drinking water;

b) Adequate sanitary and washing facilities;

¢) Suitable living accommodation for workers, as may be applicable; and

4) Separate sanitary, washing and sleeping facilities for men and women workers, as may be
applicable.

SEC. 20. Cost of Safety and Health Program. - The total cost of implementing a duly approved
safety and health program shall be a mandatory and integral part of the operation cost and as a
separate pay item in construction and in all contracting or subcontracting arrangement.

CHAPTER IV
JOINT AND SOLIDARY LIABILITY

SEC. 21. Employer’s Responsibility and Liability. The employer, project owner, general
contractor, contractor and subcontractor, if any, and any person who manages, controls or supervises
the work being undertaken shall be jointly and solidarity liable for compliance with this Act.

CHAPTER Vi
ENFORCEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

SEC. 22. Visitorial Power of the Secretary of Labor and Employment. ~ Pursuant to Article 128
of the Labor Code, as amended, and other applicable laws, the Secretary of Labor and Employment or
authorized representatives shall have the authority to enforce mandatory occupational safety and
health standards in all establishments. As such, the Secretary or the duly authorized representatives can
enter workplaces at any time of day or night where work is being performed to examine records and
investigate fact, conditions or matters necessary to determine if there is conformity with the provisions
of this Act,


The Secretary of Labor and Employment or authorized representatives, together with labor and
employer representatives, shall conduct an annual spot audit to ensure compliance with OSH standards.

Any person or entity shall not obstruct, impede, delay or otherwise render ineffective the orders
Of the Secretary of Labor and Employment or the duly authorized representatives issued pursuant to the
authority granted under Article 128 of the Labor Cade of the Philippines, as amended, and no inferior
court or entity shall issue temporary or permanent injunction or restraining order or otherwise assume
jurisdiction over any case involving the enforcement orders.

The Secretary of Labor and Employment may likewise order stoppage of work or
suspension of operations of any unit or department of an establishment when non-compliance
with law or implementing rules and regulations pose grave and imminent danger to the health and
safety of workers in the workplace.

‘The Secretary of Labor and Employment is mandated to inspect establishments and workplaces
regardless of the size and nature of operation and shall disallow self-inspection or any form of employer
discretion-based compliance with occupational safety and health laws. However, chartered cities may
be allowed to conduct industrial safety inspections of establishments within their jurisdiction in
coordination with the DOLE, where they have adequate facilities and competent personnel for the
purpose as determined by the DOLE and subject to national standards established by the latter.

SEC. 23. Payment of Workers income During Work Stoppage Due to Imminent Danger. - In case
the violation is attributable to the fault of the employer, he or she shall pay the employees concerned
their salaries or wages during the period of such stoppage of work or suspension of operation. If a work
stoppage order (WSO) is issued secondary to an imminent danger situation which would imperil the lives
of the workers, for purposes of payment of wages and any other liabilities arising from the WSO, the
employer is presumed a party at fault.

SEC. 24. Delegation of Authority- The authority to enforce mandatory occupational safety and
health standards may be delegated by the Secretary of Labor and Employment to a recognized
competent authority,

Representatives of legitimate labor organizations and federations may be authorized to join
compliance assessment of establishments with General Labor Standards and Occupational Safety and
Health Standards, particularly in the construction and mining industries.

SEC. 25. Standards Setting Power of the Secretary of Labor and Employment. - in addition to
the preceding sections, the Secretary of Labor and Employment, in consultation with the other
concerned government agencies shall, by appropriate orders, set and enforce mandatory occupational
safety and health standards to eliminate or reduce occupational safety and health hazards, and institute
new, and update existing programs to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in all workplaces,
especially in hazardous industries such as mining, fishing, maritime, and construction,

SEC. 26. Employee’s Compensation Claim. - An employee may file claims for compensation
benefit arising out of work-related disability or death. Such claims shall be processed independently of
the finding of fault, gross negligence or bad faith of the employer in a proceeding instituted for the
purpose.

SEC. 27. Employment Insurance. - An employee who is involuntarily separated from service or
employment due to the violation of this Act shall be entitled to a monthly cash support equivalent to the
existing monthly minimum wage for a maximum of six (6) months; Provided, That the worker has at least
six (6) months of contribution prior to the involuntary separation. For this purpose, the Social Security
System (SSS) shall promulgate the appropriate rules and regulations.

SEC. 28. Employer's Liability for Failure to Provide OSH Control Measures. — In case the
employee's injury, illness or death was due to the failure of the employer to comply with any law, or to.
install, maintain or provide safety and health control measures, or take other precautions for the
Prevention of injury, illness or death, said employer shall pay the State Insurance Fund a penalty of


twenty-five percent (25%) of the lump sum equivalent of the income benefit payable by the System to
the employee after due process.

SEC. 29. Unlawful Acts. “The following are considered as unlawful acts:

a) Obstruction, delay or refusal to provide labor officers or any person authorized by the
Secretary of Labor and Employment access to the establishment, project, site or other
workplace where work is being undertaken;

) Obstruction, delay or refusal to provide labor officers or any person authorized by the
Secretary of Labor and Employment access or copy of the employer's records and
documents;

©) Obstruction, delay or refusal to allow labor officers or any person authorized by the
Secretary of Labor and Employment to interview employees and investigate any fact
necessary in determining compliance with occupational safety and health standards;

) Making any statement, report, or representation knowing such statement, report or record
to be false in any material aspect; 5

©) Make retaliatory measures, such as termination of employment, refusal to pay or reduce
wages and benefits or in any manner discriminate against any employee who has given
information in relation to letter (c) hereof;

f) Failure to comply with the compliance orders issued by the Secretary of Labor and
Employment or authorized representatives based on the findings of violations by the labor
laws compliance officers; :

9) Gross negligence of the employers, contractors or subcontractors in complying with the
provisions of OSH standards; or

h) Failure to implement OSH standards, including the failure to report accidents in the
workplace.

Any employer or person who commits the unlawful acts enumerated above shall be
administratively fined with a maximum of P100,000.00 per day or such amount that may be determined
by the Secretary of Labor and Employment until the violation has ceased or corrected, without prejudice
to the filing of a criminal or a civil case in the regular courts, as the case may be.

The fine collected shall be used for the operation of occupational safety and health initiatives
including, but not limited to, occupational safety and health training and education, and other
‘occupational safety and health programs.

For every injury resulting from any of the above unlawful acts, any employer or person who
commits any of the unlawful acts shall be punished with a fine of not less than one hundred thousand
pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than two hundred fifty thousand pesos (P250,000.00), and
imprisonment of not less than one (1) year and one (1) day but not more than six (6) years; Provided,
That in consequence of the physical injuries, the person injured shall have become deformed, or shall
have lost any other part of his body, or shall have lost the use thereof, or shall have been ill or
incapacitated for the performance of the work in which he was habitually engaged for a period of more
than ninety (90) days.

For every death resulting from any of the unlawful acts, any employer or person who commits
any of the unlawful acts shall be punished with a fine of more than two hundred fifty thousand pesos
{P250,000.00) but not more than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), and imprisonment of not
less than six (6) years and one (1) day but not more than twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of
the court.

For the purpose of the imposition of penalties, an employer refers to any person, natural or
juridical, employing the services of the employee including the subcontractor, contractor, and principal
employer who directly or indirectly benefit from the services of the employee. if the violation is
committed by a corporation, trust or firm, partnership, association or any other entity, the penalty of
imprisonment shall be imposed upon the entity's responsible officers, including, but not limited to, the
President, vice-president, chief executive officer, general manager, managing director or partner.


Any person convicted under this Act shall not be entitled to the benefits provided for under the
Probation Law.

CHAPTER VIL
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 30. Applicability to Micro and Smalll Enterprises (MSEs).-Specific to MSEs, the DOLE shall
develop OSH compliance standards that covers core standards to ensure safe and healthy workplaces.
All MSEs shall be required to implement housekeeping, materials storage and handling, electrical and
mechanical safety, chemical safety, emergency preparedness, fire safety, personal protective
equipment, and regular monitoring of hazards.

SEC. 31. Inter-Governmental Coordination and Cooperation. -The DOLE, as lead agency,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH), Department of Trade and industry (DTI), Department of the interior and Local Government
(DILG), Department of Health (DOH), and all other government agencies, including local government
units (LGUs) shall coordinate among each other to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

A coordinative mechanism shall be constituted by the DOLE. For this purpose, the said agencies
shall regularly convene to monitor the effective implementation of this Act as well as programs and
projects to prevent and eliminate the incidence of injury, sickness or death in all workplaces.

SEC. 32. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOLE, in coordination with agencies
concerned, shall formulate its rules and regulations within ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this
Act.

SEC. 33. Separability Clause. ~ If any part, section or provision of this Act shall be held invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall remain in full force and

effect.

SEC. 34. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, acts, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or
other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby modified and repealed.

SEC. 35. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

Approved.