Beyond securing business permits, companies in the Philippines have a crucial responsibility to protect their employees. This is mandated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under Rule 1020, ensuring that they comply with the Occupational Safety and Heath (OSH) Standards.
In this guide, we will walk you through the DOLE Rule 1020 registration process, requirements, and penalty for non-registered companies. We also outline the responsibilities of employers and the workplace safety rights of employees in the Philippines.
What is DOLE Rule 1020?
The DOLE Rule 1020, a provision under the Occupational Safety and Health Standards, requires all businesses to register with the appropriate Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office. It aims to create a comprehensive database of all covered establishments, enabling DOLE to effectively monitor and enforce workplace safety regulations.
What are the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS)?
The Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) are a set of rules established by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), by virtue of the Republic Act No. 11058. It mandates the adoption and use of appropriate practices, methods, operations, or processes to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for every worker.
When to Register for DOLE Rule 1020?
New establishments must register within thirty (30) days before the start date of operations. While existing establishments must be registered within sixty (60) days after the effectiveness of the Standards. Please note that re-registration is only required after a change of business name, location, ownership, or reopening after a closure.
Where to File a DOLE Rule 1020 Registration?
The DOLE Rule 1020 registration is done through the official Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) portal at https://clients.ncr.dole.gov.ph/home/.
While the registration is filed online, the approved Certificate of Registration must be claimed in person at the corresponding DOLE Regional Office. For NCR-based businesses, the certificate is usually claimed at the DOLE-NCR Building at 967 Maligaya St., Malate, Manila.
DOLE Rule 1020 Registration Requirements
For a smooth registration process, you must prepare the following documents:
DOLE Rule 1020 or Occupational Safety and Health Registration Form
Designation and training of safety officers based on company size and risk classification
Creation of an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committee
Provision of complete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all workers, especially to those in hazardous environment
Conduct mandatory pre-employment and annual medical exams
Maintenance of safety records, including accident reports, inspection logs, and training sessions
Posting of safety signages and installation of fire safety equipment
Required Information for DOLE Rule 1020 Registration
In your DOLE Rule 1020 registration, you will be required to provide the following information:
Name of company/establishment
Complete business address and office type
Nature of business or industry
Contact details (telephone number, mobile number, email address)
Total number of employees
DOLE Rule 1020 Registration Process
To be guided on your DOLE Rule 1020 registration, follow this step-by-step procedure:
Get Assistance. It is convenient to get assistance from a service provider on registering for DOLE 1020. With their expertise, they can ease the registration process and increase your chance of approval by ensuring that all requirements are accurate and complete. They can also provide practical solutions in case some issues arise.
Prepare the Requirements. Gather all necessary information and required documents for a smooth transaction and avoid delay.
Fill Out the Registration Form. Visit the official website of DOLE and download the DOLE Rule 1020 registration form at https://rule1020.dole4a.com/. Fill out the required fields and ensure that all given information is accurate and complete. Please note that your signature as the employer or business owner will be required.
Submit the Requirements. Scan the registration form with your signature and submit it along with the other required documents. You will receive a reference number to track your application’s status online.
Review and Approval of Registration. Once the registration form has been submitted, the DOLE will review and approve your application.
Monitor the Application Status. You may monitor the status of your application at https://npc-dole4a.com/application_tracking.html by typing your reference number. If approved, print the confirmation page.
Issuance of DOLE Certificate of Registration. Once approved, print the confirmation page and visit the designated DOLE Regional Office to claim your DOLE Certificate of Registration.
How Much is the Registration Fee for DOLE Rule 1020?
Registration fee for DOLE Rule 1020 is free of charge and valid for the lifetime of your establishment except for re-registration.
Penalty for Non-Registration of DOLE Rule 1020
Under Section 29 of the Republic Act No. 11058, any willful failure or refusal of an employer, contractors, or subcontractors to register the establishment covered by the law and its provisions must be penalized with an administrative fine worth Php 20,000.00.
Are Employers Liable In Case of Danger or Accident at Workplace?
Yes, the employer, project owner, general contractor, and any person who manages or supervises the work being undertaken are liable for any danger, accident, injury, or death that occurs in the workplace, pursuant to Section 21 of Chapter 5 of the Republic Act No. 11058.
Responsibilities of Employers, Contractors, and Subcontractors
According to Section 4(a) of Chapter 3 of the Republic Act No. 11058, every employer, contractor or subcontractor who manages, controls, or supervises the work being undertaken are responsible for the following:
Provide a workplace free from hazardous conditions
Give complete job safety instructions and orientations to all workers
Inform workers of all potential hazards and preventive measures
Use only devices and equipments approved by DOLE
Comply with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, including training, medical exams, and providing PPE
Allow workers and their safety and health representatives to participate actively in organizing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the safety and health program
Provide measures to deal with emergencies and accidents including first-aid arrangements
Work Safety Rights of Employees in the Philippines
Under Republic Act No. 11058, employees have fundamental rights to ensure their safety at work:
Right to Know. All employees must be informed by their employers about all types of hazards in the workplace, and be trained and educated on safety protocols.
Right to Refuse Unsafe Work. Employees have the right to refuse to work without fear of threat from their employer and reprisal if an imminent danger exists in the workplace that could cause illness, injury, or death, as determined by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Right to Report Accidents and Hazards. Any employees have the right to report accidents, dangerous occurrences, and hazards to the employer, DOLE, and other relevant government agencies.
Right to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Every employee must be provided with free protective equipment tested and approved by DOLE. The usage of the PPE should be based on the evaluation and recommendation of the safety officer.