BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has not received any report on establishments in Western Visayas that have violated its “no high heels” order.
DOLE-Western Visayas Regional Director Johnson Cañete said that as of Friday, they have already monitored about 70 establishments since the order took effect last September 24.
On Aug. 25, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued Department Order (DO) No. 178, series of 2017, which primarily addresses the health and safety concerns of workers who are required to stand for long periods and those required to wear high-heeled shoes at work.
Fifteen days after its publication on Sept. 9, the non-wearing of high heels should have already been implemented.
Cañete said the order prohibits the wearing of heels that are more than an inch tall by sales ladies, teachers, and lady guards, among others.
“Our monitoring is a continuing activity. So far, there has been no reported violation in the region as the order is still in its initial implementation stage,” he added.
The new directive is in line with the promotion of occupational health and safety of the country’s employees.
In Western Visayas, Cañete said establishments are still in the process of complying.
He pointed out that under the DO, employers are asked to submit their action plans on when they are going to conform or act on the directive.
“We still have the developmental aspect of the order, thus, we are giving them the chance to comply,” Cañete said, adding that labor inspectors are visiting establishments and checking whether they are following their respective action plans.
DOLE said wearing high-heeled shoes, standing for long hours, or walking frequently at work could cause “disorder” on different body parts.
Employers should allow their employees to have rest periods to break the time spent standing or walking, and should install appropriate flooring to mitigate the impact of standing or walking.
Establishments should also provide readily accessible seats to be used during rest periods or even during working hours, provided the employees can still perform their duties efficiently, and implement the use of footwear that is practical and comfortable. (PNA)
