Mandatory occupational safety and health (OSH) standards sa banta ng init dulot ng Super El Niño, panawagan sa DOLE

NANAWAGAN ang Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na magpatupad ng mandatory occupational safety and health (OSH) standards sa banta ng init dulot ng Super El Niño. 

Kabilang dito ang mandatory paid heat rest breaks, free and accessible drinking water, adequate workplace ventilation and cooling, heat stress monitoring, emergency response procedures, at patakaran hinggil sa maaaring pagkawala ng sahod at benepisyo sa pagpapatupad ng heat-related work adjustments. 

“Extreme heat is a matter of life and death. Workers demand and deserve enforceable standards, clear employer obligations, and penalties for noncompliance, not another appeal for voluntary cooperation while their health and lives are at risk. DOLE should immediately convene an emergency National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) meeting with representatives of labor and employers to finalize a Department Order for a comprehensive Super El Niño Heat Risk Action Plan,” saad ng pahayag ng TUCP.

Imbes na umasa na lang sa isang Labor Advisory, nanawagan ang TUCP sa DOLE na magpatupad ng Heat Risk Action Plan ang bawat employer na kabilang sa kanilang occupational safety and health (OSH) program.

“The cost of protecting workers must be recognized as a necessary investment for safe business operations, not shifted onto workers through unpaid breaks, reduced take-home pay, or the expectation that they will simply endure dangerous and potentially fatal extreme heat. Together with DOLE and employers, we should protect workers before the heat claims lives,” saad ng TUCP. (VINA de GUZMAN)