668 business establishments in the country are not fully-compliant with the health protocols imposed by the government.
This is according to the Joint Monitoring Report of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Labor Assistant Secretary Teresita Cucueco shared the report was based on the monitoring conducted from January 1, 2021 to February 28, 2021 where 82% of 3,888 establishments where found to be compliant with the health standards.
668 establishments were found to be deficient, particularly on the aspect of Occupational Safety and Health Program.
The report also found out that the safety officers in over 200 establishments do not strictly observe and implement the minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield and physical distancing.
Some offices have poor compliance in accomplishing health declaration forms by workers and visitors, checking of body temperature, posting of signage on COVID-19 safety measures within the premises and providing disinfectant foot baths at the entrance.
“When we have findings, we notify (the establishments), and we give them the results. Number one, we have to make them aware because sometimes they are not even aware,” Cocueco informed in an online forum.
Establishments are given a certain period of correction to comply once they are found to have committed violations on the health and safety guidelines for workplaces.
“Remember, the ventilation guidelines are not very easy to comply with especially if we need additional measures to be put in place. And if you look at our manual of inspection for correction of safety and health, it can really be as long as 90 days maximum,” Cocueco explained.
Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said they give considerations on establishments. However, she warned that willful violation of the health protocols will cause the temporary shutdown of the business.
“If we say that they need to correct it immediately, we go back. Hindi naman natin sila tinitigilan, kaya kailangan talaga nila sumunod (We are relentless so they really need to abide) or otherwise, face the consequence of getting shut down,” Castelo reminded.
Among the top five monitored industries include the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (1,132), other service activities (640), accommodation and food service activities (607), administrative and support service activities (410) and financial and insurance activities (202).
The study also covered 265,752 workers.– Mark Fetalco
