MANILA – Around 72,000 companies have been inspected for compliance with minimum health protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic, a labor official said on Friday.
“Of the 72,000, our initial visit has recorded a 77 percent compliance rate. It means we have some 23 percent that are not compliant,” Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said in a Laging Handa briefing.
The inspections, Benavidez said, were jointly conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“Part of the process is to teach them and inform them that they need to follow occupational safety and health standards. We also provide technical assistance and technical advice to them,” he added.
Benavidez said while many employers have followed the minimum health protocols, some failed to comply.
“There were some that have failed to comply, we have penalties for them,” he said.
The penalties range from PHP10,000 to PHP100,000 imposed every day until they have complied with occupational safety and health standards.
“We will not hesitate to impose the penalty, if this will not follow the minimum health protocols,” Benavidez added.
At the same time, he said the government continues to issue advisories and guidelines to clarify the protocols that needed to be followed amid the pandemic. (PNA)
