Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has encouraged employees forced to work during recent inclement weather to report their employers for potential violations of Republic Act (RA) 11058, also known as the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law. "We encourage them to report by visiting our offices, which are present in all provinces and regions," stated Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) Director Alvin Curada at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Curada emphasized that if workers are required to work during weather disturbances or natural calamities without being provided with personal protective equipment, their employers may face administrative fines under RA 11058. The BWC, operating under the DOLE, is responsible for ensuring compliance with this law. Curada also mentioned that employers who violate these safety regulations could be "subject to an administrative fine depending on the risk level and conditions in their companies."

The Labor Department previously reminded workers of their right to refuse to work due to imminent dangers stemming from weather disturbances and similar situations. Recently, areas including Metro Manila have experienced torrential rains leading to massive flooding, attributed to tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Typhoon Emong, in addition to the southwest monsoon.