DOLE Allows Modifications in Work Environment Measurement for Low-Risk PEZA Establishments

On 12 April 2023, the Philippine Export Zone Authority (“PEZA”) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2023-024 on the Conduct of Work Environment Measurement (“WEM”). 

Under Rule 1070 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (“OSHS”) published by the Department of Labor and Employment, all establishments are to conduct WEM periodically as may be necessary, but not to exceed a 1-year interval for reduction of risks affecting health and prevention of occupational diseases. Under the OSHS, WEM is the sampling and analysis carried out in respect of the atmospheric working environment and other fundamental elements of working environment for the purpose of determining actual conditions therein. 

Due to difficulty currently being experienced in the conduct of WEM by the economic zone enterprises, due to limited number of WEM providers in the provinces, the PEZA sought the advice of the Department of Labor and Employment – Bureau of Working Conditions (“DOLE-BWC”) on the matter. Given the difficulties, the DOLE-BWC suggested the following modifications in the conduct of WEM for low-risk establishments:

• For the conduct of WEM, only 3 parameters, specifically temperature, illumination and noise, shall apply;
• WEM can be conducted by OSH-trained personnel who have undergone Basic Occupational Safety and Health and Industrial Hygiene training, and has acquired the necessary experience in WEM as per the requirement of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Rule 1077.03; and
• To gain the necessary trainings and experiences in WEM, PEZA, through its Environmental Safety Group and Environment, Health and Safety Divisions, shall coordinate with the DOLE – Occupational Safety and Health Center or any of DOLE’s accredited WEM providers for the conduct of the appropriate trainings.