SALES LADIES in retail shops and other workers who stand or frequently walk as required by the nature of their jobs will now have to be given “rest periods” by their employers as a new Labor department order takes effect. Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Order No. 178-17, titled Safety And Health Measures For Workers Who By The Nature of their Work Have to Stand At Work, was released last Aug. 25. Aside from retail and service employees, the order also cites assembly line workers, teachers, and security personnel. Other measures listed are implementing “the use of footwear which is practical and comfortable,” with heels no higher than one inch; installation of flooring or mats that lessen the impact of frequent walking; and provision of sitting areas for the rest period and adjustable work surfaces for alternately sitting and standing while working. In a statement, Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines Spokesperson Alan A. Tanjusay said, “This is a great relief for salesladies, security guards and production workers in the electronics and food manufacturing… This new workplace policy is also a big boost to their work productivity and personal well-being.”
A copy of DoLE Order 178-17 may be accessed at: https://goo.gl/WJ28n1
