DOLE Issues Department Order No. 252-25: Revised Implementing Rules on Occupational Safety and Health in the Philippines

On the heels of ongoing efforts to strengthen workplace safety and health in the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment (“DOLE”) has promulgated Department Order No. 252, Series of 2025 (“DOLE DO No. 252-25”). This issuance formally adopts the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (“Revised IRR”) of Republic Act No. 11058, also known as An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (“OSH”) Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof, superseding the Department Order No. 198-18. This latest directive underscores the government’s intensified commitment to cultivating a safe and health-conscious working environment, aligning national labor policy with evolving workplace dynamics and public health priorities.

Notably, the revised IRR broadens its jurisdiction to encompass all establishments, projects, and work sites, regardless of industry or location. This includes those situated within special economic zones (such as Philippine Economic Zone Authority and Clark Development Corporation), businesses involved in contracting or subcontracting arrangements, and government-owned or controlled corporations (“GOCCs”) without original charters.

The Revised IRR reiterates that the duty to ensure compliance with OSH standards is shared between employers and employees. One of the most notable developments introduced by DOLE DO No. 252-25 is Section 13, which integrates access to Universal Health Care (“UHC”) into the framework of occupational safety. This section mandates all employers, contractors, and subcontractors to: (1) ensure that all employees are registered with the National Health Insurance Program; (2) regularly remit and credit contributions to PhilHealth; (3) facilitate registration with DOH-licensed and PhilHealth-accredited primary care facilities; and (4) provide access to a full range of health services including consultations, diagnostics, medications, treatment, and psychosocial support. This provision represents a significant evolution in labor policy, situating occupational health within a broader continuum of public health services.

To ensure transparency and regulatory oversight, the Revised IRR mandates the submission of periodic reports through the DOLE Online Compliance Portal or the relevant DOLE regional office. The required reports include: (1) the Annual Medical Report, due on March 31 following the reporting year; (2) the Annual Work Accident/Illness Exposure Data, to be submitted by January 30, regardless of incident occurrence; and (3) the Employer’s Work Accident/Illness Report, which must be filed by the 30th of every month, irrespective of whether any incidents occurred. These reporting requirements are designed to provide DOLE with accurate and timely data for policy development and enforcement.

Chapters V and VI of the Revised IRR outline specific OSH requirements for various industries. Notably, the IRR also addresses non-traditional workplace arrangements including residences used as places of work, co-working spaces, and other evolving business models, ensuring that OSH standards keep pace with contemporary work setups.

The Revised IRR takes a firmer stance on enforcement through Section 42, which details prohibited acts and the corresponding administrative penalties. A violation is considered willful when an employer, contractor, or subcontractor unreasonably fails to address safety violations after receiving official inspection reports, attending mandatory conferences, or being otherwise notified. Persistent non-compliance, particularly when compliance documents are not submitted within 10 days after the close of proceedings, can result in substantial administrative fines and other sanctions.

Finally, it is important to note that Department Order No. 252-25 applies to all current labor standards inspections and proceedings, including ongoing cases. However, for cases where final and executory orders were issued prior to the new order’s effectivity, Department Order No. 198-18 remains applicable.

For thorough understanding and effective compliance, it is recommended to read the full text of DOLE Department Order No. 252-25.