DOLE Launches Updated Guidelines on OSH Standards

Atty. Ma. Felichie Ericka P. Valeriano of the DOLE-Bureau of Working Conditions presents Department Order No. 252, s. 2025, to members of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council VI.

The Department of Labor and Employment has issued Department Order No. 252, series of 2025, revising the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11058, also known as the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law.

The revised guidelines aim to strengthen compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards and reinforce penalties for violations.

Atty. Ma. Felichie Ericka P. Valeriano of the DOLE-Bureau of Working Conditions presented the order’s key provisions during the 2nd Quarter Meeting of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council VI on May 30, 2025, in Iloilo City.

The order underscores DOLE’s commitment to promoting a safer, healthier work environment across all industries through a proactive, enforceable, and inclusive OSH framework.

In a video message, Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes of the Workers Welfare and Protection Cluster emphasized the relevance of the updated rules.

“The revised OSH rules are a timely response to modern labor challenges,” Reyes said.

“We are making safety more accessible, practical, and enforceable, especially for small enterprises and new work arrangements.”

Key updates in the order include the strengthening of OSH functions, mandatory formation of OSH committees, and updated compliance requirements based on industry type, economic activity and establishment size.

The revised rules also clarify training recognition, personnel qualifications, and reporting formats.

Employers are now explicitly tasked with ensuring compliance with OSH standards, while workers are reaffirmed in their right to safe workplaces and access to Universal Health Care and other insurance or health programs.

The guidelines apply to all workplaces—regardless of size or sector—including projects and sites involved in any form of economic activity.

Atty. Valeriano highlighted the critical role of safety officers in overseeing workplace safety and compliance.

The order also outlines OSH program requirements and details on implementing the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control (HIRAC) framework.

This includes protocols on how to respond when a worker suffers an accident or injury.

DOLE also welcomed feedback during the session, encouraging suggestions for balanced implementation of the revised order.

These may be addressed through collective bargaining, a structured negotiation process between employers and employee representatives to improve workplace conditions, benefits and labor relations.