LABOR Secretary Silvestre H. Bello said the department will continue to inspect labor conditions at firecracker manufacturers and pyrotechnic businesses despite his decision to suspend such inspections for the holidays.
In a statement on Thursday, The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said Mr. Bello issued Advisory No. 20, Series of 2018 which instructs all Regional Directors “to strictly monitor the compliance of business establishments, particularly those involved in the manufacturing of pyrotechnics and firecrackers, with Republic Act no. 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) to prevent untoward incidents in the workplace.”
Labor Advisory No. 20 states that the Christmas and New Year season is accompanied by heightened manufacturing activity in the pyrotechnics industry.
The Labor Department announced earlier this week that it will halt inspections until Jan. 15, the advisory calls on labor law compliance officers to assist establishments who have deficiencies in OSHS compliance.
The advisory said lack of cooperation from businesses gives the inspector the authority to conduct an OSHS inspection.
On Dec. 28, regional offices are also required to submit to the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) a list of such manufacturers monitored and assisted. — Gillian M. Cortez

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