Labor Department Orders Firms to Shield Workers from Air Pollution

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a sweeping directive requiring employers across the Philippines to implement control measures safeguarding workers from adverse effects of poor air quality in the workplace. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino signed Labor Advisory No. 15 on September 18, establishing guidelines that employers must follow to ensure safe ambient air conditions for their employees.

The advisory addresses mounting concerns over workplace air quality, particularly as the country grapples with seasonal air pollution and industrial emissions. DOLE's order underscores the government's push to strengthen occupational health and safety standards, requiring businesses to take proactive steps in monitoring and controlling air hazards within their facilities.

The guidelines outline various control measures employers should implement, ranging from improved ventilation systems to workplace monitoring protocols. Companies operating in sectors known for higher air quality risks—including manufacturing, construction, and industrial operations—face heightened compliance obligations under the new directive.

Compliance with Labor Advisory No. 15 forms part of DOLE's broader occupational safety framework, which aims to reduce workplace-related health risks and protect workers' long-term wellbeing. The department has signaled that employers failing to meet these standards could face penalties and enforcement actions.