TO help prevent cases of cholera, diarrhea, and other food and water borne diseases, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is calling on all workplaces to ensure safe drinking water supply and comply with food safety policies.
Under Labor Advisory No. 01-2023, DOLE said all establishments and workplaces in the private sector are strongly encouraged to ensure their drinking water supply is safe for everyone, especially their employees.
“All employers shall provide their workers with free welfare facilities, particularly an adequate supply of safe drinking water, and sanitary and washing facilities,” DOLE said.
DOLE also called on employers to implement Occupational Safety and Health Programs, such as promotion of the importance of safe water supply and well-maintained sanitation facilities; conduct of awareness raising activities on the basic information about food and waterborne diseases; 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 water borne diseases in workplaces; and engage in advocacy for the families of their workers and respective communities.
DOLE said incidents of cholera, diarrhea, and other food and water borne diseases must be reported by the safety officer to the local government unit of their locality and to the Department of Health.
“Said report shall contain the details and sources of cases and the results of the investigation,” said DOLE.
According to DOLE, the advisory is being issued in line with the commitment of the Department as a member of the Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health (IACEH).
“(This is part of the efforts for) the prevention and control of cases of cholera, diarrhea, and other food and water borne diseases,” said DOLE.
