Employers must take measures to protect workers from health risks linked to poor air quality under new guidelines issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Labor Advisory No. 15, series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on Sept. 18 and released Tuesday, directs employers to assess workers’ exposure to environmental air pollution and implement appropriate controls based on the severity of air-quality conditions.
The advisory requires employers to implement Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) procedures to determine workers’ exposure to poor air quality.
Employers must use the Air Quality Index Matrix and Action Points issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Health in assessing the risks.
They are also required to regularly review and update their HIRAC procedures, particularly when there are significant changes in air quality, workplace conditions, workers’ exposure or other factors that could affect risk levels.
For workplaces exposed to very unhealthy air conditions, employers must monitor air-quality advisories and provide appropriate personal protective equipment to workers.
They must also improve indoor ventilation, limit or suspend outdoor work when necessary, and educate workers on the potential health risks associated with air pollution.
When air quality reaches an acutely unhealthy level, employers should consider adopting flexible work arrangements to reduce workers’ exposure.
If conditions reach an emergency level, DOLE strongly recommends suspending nonessential work or adopting alternative work arrangements to protect workers.
The department said compliance with the guidelines is essential to protecting the health, safety and welfare of workers as workplaces deal with risks associated with deteriorating air quality.
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