DOLE Marks 2025 Safety Day, Pushes AI in Workplace Health

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 led the celebration of the 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence and digitalization in promoting safer workplaces.

Held in Iloilo City, the event gathered safety officers, occupational safety and health (OSH) partners, and representatives from the Employees’ Compensation Commission, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, OSH Center, and Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) awardees.

With the theme “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work,” the gathering underscored the importance of technology in modernizing OSH practices.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual United Nations observance every April 28 that promotes awareness of workplace safety, accident prevention, and the global integration of occupational safety and health into policy agendas.

In his message, DOLE Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. emphasized the agency’s mandate to uphold the rights and welfare of workers by ensuring workplace safety and employer compliance, as outlined in Book IV of the Labor Code of the Philippines.

Rodriguez also led the recognition of the 2024 GKK awardees for their outstanding contributions to workplace safety and health.

A Plaque of Recognition was awarded to Panay Energy Development Corp., Negros Island Solar Power Corp. Inc., Petron Corp., Guimaras Wind Corp., and Palm Concepcion Power Corp.

Participants also signed a covenant under the “United for Zero Accidents: A Call to Action” campaign, pledging to uphold the highest standards of occupational safety and health.

A learning session led by Rethink Safety Inc. President Ma. Joan S. Dionela focused on equipping participants with knowledge on AI and digitalization trends that impact workplace safety.

The session offered practical insights and forward-looking strategies to help industries adapt to evolving safety challenges.

Panay Energy’s Engr. Eliezar A. Ramos and Negros Island Solar Power’s Mr. Anton P. Montinola shared their companies’ best practices in safety and health management, offering real-world examples of innovation-driven OSH initiatives.

“As we embrace these advancements, it’s imperative to ensure they serve to protect and empower every worker,” said Rodriguez, calling on all stakeholders to leverage technology for human-centered safety solutions.

“Let us commit to a future where technology and humanity collaborate to create safer, healthier, and more inclusive work environments,” he added.

Rodriguez urged collective action to ensure that innovation not only transforms systems but also upholds the dignity and safety of all workers in the digital age.