DOLE mandates workplace safeguards against poor air quality

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has directed private companies nationwide to establish comprehensive workplace control measures protecting employees from exposure to poor air quality. The mandate, formalized through Labor Advisory No. 15 Series of 2026 and signed on September 18, sets mandatory requirements for employers across all sectors.

Under the new guidelines, companies must implement engineering controls, administrative procedures, and personal protective equipment protocols to minimize worker exposure to air pollutants. The advisory emphasizes that employers bear responsibility for conducting regular air quality assessments and establishing emergency response procedures when air quality reaches hazardous levels.

The labor department's directive responds to recurring concerns over air pollution affecting worker health and productivity throughout the region. Employers have been instructed to consult with occupational health and safety specialists to develop workplace-specific protection strategies tailored to their operational environments.

Companies found non-compliant with the advisory face potential penalties and sanctions under existing labor laws. The DOLE has urged employers to prioritize worker welfare by implementing these measures promptly and maintaining documentation of compliance efforts for inspection purposes.