WITH the 2023 labor inspection activities now underway, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has directed its 900-strong labor inspectors to recalibrate their strategies by going “quality over quantity”.
In a statement issued during the recently held Labor Inspection Summit, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma urged the inspectors “to do more” vital inspections instead of merely aiming to meet the target numbers.
“The regional offices tend to lean towards micro and small establishments in an effort to meet numerical targets. (We must) refocus inspection priorities toward industries and sectors based on the risks and hazards to which workers are exposed, and not only on numerical targets,” Laguesma said.
By this, the labor chief said there is a need to prioritize the industries needing the most appropriate intervention that DOLE can offer to improve the situation of the said enterprises and their workers.
He said a new tack is also necessary by including technical advisory visits (TAVs) along with other integral interventions.
“We would like to see DOLE inspectors look more closely at substantive matters, such as compliance with rules on working hours and proper payment of benefits,” said the official.
”There must be a non-negotiable stance on occupational safety and health to follow the spirit of the country’s newly passed Occupational Safety and Health law,” added Laguesma.
Last February 1, DOLE ordered the resumption of labor inspection activities on private establishments nationwide.
It was back in December 1 when DOLE suspended all labor inspection activities for 2022.
Records show that labor inspectors were able to inspect more than 80,000 establishments in 2022.
The labor inspection activities were found to have benefitted almost 4.5 million workers in the private sector.
