DOLE Sets Guidelines on Food and Waterborne Disease Prevention and Control in the Workplace

On 16 January 2023, the Department of Labor and Employment (“DOLE”) issued Labor Advisory No. 01-2023 (“Labor Advisory”) to show its commitment to prevent and control of cases of cholera, diarrhea, and other food and waterborne diseases. The Labor Advisory applies to all establishments and workplaces in the private sector.

The Labor Advisory requires all employers to provide their workers with free welfare facilities, particularly an adequate supply of safe drinking water, and sanitary and washing facilities. 

All establishments and workplaces engaged as drinking water service providers, bulk water suppliers, water refilling station operators; ice manufacturers; food establishments, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings that use/supply/serve drinking water; and other covered entities are also advised to conform with the provisions of the Department of Health (“DOH”) Administrative Order No. 2017-0012 and Chapter 2 of the Presidential Decree (“PD”) No. 856 otherwise known as the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines. 

Meanwhile, all establishments where food and/or drinks are manufactured, processed, stored, sold, or served for public consumption are required to secure the necessary permits from the local health office and to conform to the requirements pursuant to Chapter 3 of PD 856, and other food safety-related issuances.

All employers are also advised to continue to implement their Occupational Safety and Health Program, which shall include, as may be practicable, the following: 

1. Promotion of the importance of safe water supply and well-maintained sanitation facilities; 
2. Conduct of awareness raising activities on the basic information about food and waterborne diseases; 
3. Provision of necessary assistance and access to treatment of employees in need of immediate medical attention in cases of cholera, diarrhea, or any food and waterborne diseases in workplaces; and 
4. Advocacy for the families of their workers and respective communities.

Lastly, DOLE also reminds safety officers to report any workplace incidents of cholera, diarrhea, and other food and waterborne to the Local Government Unit of their locality and to the DOH, in line with Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. The said report shall contain the details and sources of cases as well as the results of the investigation.