In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ensures that every worker is protected from hazards through a framework of laws and regulations. One of its most significant issuances is the Department Order No. 198, Series of 2018 (DOLE D.O. 198-18).

This Department Order serves as the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11058, titled “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations.”

Understanding this order is crucial for both employers and employees because it defines how safety must be practiced, managed, and sustained in all workplaces either big or small, industrial or office-based.

1. What Is DOLE Department Order No. 198-18?

DOLE D.O. 198-18 was signed into law to enhance the enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) and ensure that workers’ safety is not compromised by cost-cutting or negligence.

It establishes the legal duties, responsibilities, and penalties related to workplace safety. The order covers:

• Employer and worker obligations

• Workplace OSH programs

• Training requirements

• Health and safety personnel standards

• Accident reporting and penalties for violations

The Department Order applies to all private establishments, projects, and undertakings in the Philippines, regardless of industry or size.

2. Purpose and Key Objectives

The purpose of D.O. 198-18 is to ensure that every workplace provides a safe and healthful working environment. It aims to:

• Protect workers from injury, illness, and death due to unsafe conditions.

• Ensure compliance with OSH laws and hold violators accountable.

• Foster a culture of safety and prevention.

• Strengthen cooperation between employers and employees in managing workplace risks.

Ultimately, this order shifts the mindset from reactive safety (responding to accidents) to proactive safety (preventing accidents before they happen).

3. Duties and Responsibilities of Employers

Employers play the most significant role in OSH compliance. Under D.O. 198-18, they are legally required to implement safety systems that protect every worker.

Key Employer Duties Include:

1.      Provide a Safe and Healthy Workplace

o Eliminate or control workplace hazards through engineering, administrative, or PPE controls.

o Ensure safe design and layout of facilities.

2.      Develop and Implement an OSH Program

o Every establishment must have a written, DOLE-approved OSH program.

o It should include risk assessment, emergency response, training, and health services.

3.      Designate OSH Personnel

o Appoint qualified Safety Officers, First Aiders, and Health Practitioners based on company size and risk classification.

4.      Provide Necessary Safety Equipment and PPE

o PPE must be free of charge, properly maintained, and regularly inspected.

5.      Report Work-Related Incidents

o Employers must report all work-related accidents, illnesses, and deaths to DOLE within the prescribed time frame.

6.      Inform and Consult Employees on Safety Issues

o Workers must be informed of risks, control measures, and emergency procedures.

Failure to comply can lead to administrative fines or criminal liability, depending on the severity and frequency of violations.

4. Duties, Rights, and Responsibilities of Employees

Employees also play a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety. Under D.O. 198-18, workers must cooperate with employers in maintaining compliance and safety awareness.

Employee Duties Include:

• Follow safety and health rules and procedures.

• Properly use PPE and safety devices provided.

• Report unsafe conditions and practices.

• Participate in safety drills and training sessions.

• Help promote a safety-first culture among co-workers.

Employee Rights Include:

• The right to know workplace hazards and how to protect themselves.

• The right to refuse unsafe work when conditions pose imminent danger.

• The right to participate in safety and health committees.

• The right to report violations without fear of retaliation.

This empowers workers to become active partners, not passive participants, in workplace safety.

5. OSH Personnel and Training Requirements

D.O. 198-18 specifies the number and type of safety personnel that an organization must have, depending on size and risk level.

• Low Risk (e.g., offices)

Number of Employees: 1–50

Required Safety Officer: Safety Officer 1 (SO1)

Minimum OSH Training: 8-hour OSH Orientation

• Medium Risk (e.g., manufacturing)

Number of Employees: 51–200

Required Safety Officer: Safety Officer 2 (SO2)

Minimum OSH Training: 40-hour Basic OSH Course

• High Risk (e.g., construction)

Number of Employees: 201 and above

Required Safety Officer: Safety Officer 3 or 4 (SO3/SO4)

Minimum OSH Training: Advanced OSH Training

In addition, the following are required:

• First Aider for every 100 workers per shift.

• Occupational Health Nurse for 200–500 workers.

• Company Physician for every 500–2,000 workers.

• Dentist for every 2,000 workers and above.

These requirements ensure that each workplace is medically and technically equipped to manage risks and emergencies.

6. OSH Training and Education

Training is a cornerstone of compliance.  Employers must ensure that workers and supervisors are trained by DOLE-accredited OSH training organizations.

Training topics include:

• Basic safety principles

• Emergency preparedness and response

• Fire prevention and control

• Hazard identification and risk assessment

• Incident reporting and investigation

Regular refresher courses are also required to sustain safety awareness and competency.

7. Reporting and Record-Keeping Requirements

Transparency is key in OSH management.  Employers must submit accident or illness reports to DOLE using official forms such as:

• Work Accident/Illness Exposure Data Report (WAIRD)

• Annual Medical Report

• Safety and Health Committee Reports

These records help DOLE track trends, assess compliance, and recommend preventive actions.

8. Penalties for Non-Compliance

DOLE D.O. 198-18 enforces strict penalties to ensure accountability.

·         ₱100,000 per day of violation for:

o Failing to correct identified hazards.

o Not providing PPE or safety devices.

o Obstructing inspections.

o Withholding accident reports.

·         Criminal penalties for serious offenses, such as willful neglect leading to injury or death.

These penalties highlight that non-compliance is costly, both financially and ethically.

9. The Role of DOLE and the OSH Committees

DOLE, through the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) and regional offices, conducts regular inspections, audits, and training programs to enforce D.O. 198-18.

Each establishment must also organize a Safety and Health Committee, consisting of management and worker representatives, to:

• Develop safety policies.

• Review incidents and recommend improvements.

• Promote worker participation in OSH programs.

This collaboration ensures that safety remains a continuous and collective effort.

10. Promoting a Culture of Compliance and Prevention

Compliance should not end with meeting the minimum requirements. Employers and employees must work together to cultivate a proactive safety culture by:

• Integrating OSH goals into daily operations.

• Recognizing and rewarding safety champions.

• Encouraging open communication and feedback.

• Continuously reviewing and improving safety systems.

A true culture of safety goes beyond compliance, it reflects a company’s commitment to people’s well-being.

Conclusion

DOLE Department Order No. 198-18 is more than just a regulatory document, it’s a roadmap for protecting Filipino workers and sustaining productivity.

By understanding and implementing its provisions, both employers and employees can contribute to safer, healthier, and more efficient workplaces.

Compliance is not merely about avoiding penalties; it’s about valuing human life, respecting labor rights, and ensuring that everyone goes home safe, every day.

“Safety is not an expense, it’s an investment in people and progress.”