DOLE finds 500 establishments selling & manufacturing pyrotechnics & firecrackers compliant with labor & OSHS
MANILA, Dec. 28 (PNA) — Close to 500 establishments in the country have been allowed to sell and manufacture pyrotechnics and firecrackers after they have been found compliant with the general labor and occupational safety and health standards.
This, after Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Sylvestre Bello III has lifted the Work Stoppage Order (WSO) against 319 companies in Luzon and Visayas, thus, the number of firms found to be complaint is now 493.
“After a thorough assessment of our DOLE Regional Offices, 319 establishments in Luzon and Visayas were found compliant with labor and OSH standards,” he said.
The labor and employment chief noted establishments have also shown strict compliance to the pertinent labor laws, rules, and regulations, thus bringing the total number of compliant establishments to 493.
Earlier, the DOLE issued WSO on 174 establishments engaged in manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers.
“It’s always necessary to put the safety and protection of the workers first before anything else. We lifted the WSO for more establishments engaged in fireworks and pyrotechnics to ascertain their continuous compliance with labor standards as well as with safety and health standards,” Bello added.
With this, the DOLE said there are still 131 establishments whose WSOs have not yet been lifted and are undergoing assessments from the Regional Office.
“Once the establishment is found compliant with the requirements, the Regional Office may recommend the lifting of the work stoppage order,” he said.
Emergency employment assistance has been extended to affected workers of establishments whose WSO have not yet been lifted.
The WSO was issued to the establishments following the recent explosions in fireworks and pyrotechnic shops in Bulacan that killed five people and injured 30 others.
The enforcement of the order is a joint effort of the DOLE, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the local government units. (PNA)
