State and trends of occupational health and safety in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

Introduction@#In the Philippines, industries began to recognize the importance of workers’ health after occupational safety and health were introduced in the early 1900s. Ever since, several legal bases have existed to protect the people’s welfare. However, data regarding this matter is limited in the country. @*Objective@#This paper aimed to develop a comprehensive review of occupational safety and health data, including hazard exposures and occupational diseases for various Filipino occupational groups. @*Methods@#A comprehensive analysis of the latest records and statistics from various government agencies, non-government organizations, academe, and research institutions was done. Data analysis was completed through a critical appraisal of the Philippines' current occupational health and safety regarding occupational diseases, injuries, accidents, and existing occupational health and safety policies. Data were also extracted from reviews of literature and other related research studies. Data analysis was done through a critical appraisal of the Philippines' current occupational health and safety in terms of occupational diseases, injuries, accidents, and existing occupational health and safety policies. @*Results@#Most of those working in the informal sectors do not have enough social protection in the Philippine context. Others in the same situation involve construction workers, farmers, miners, and waste or garbage pickers. Child labor was also seen to be prevalent, risking these children's health and safety. Another issue is on gender, and wherein women were found to have lesser protection than their counterparts. Among the industries present in the country, administrative and support service activities, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, financial and insurance activities, education except for public education, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing were seen to have a high prevalence of occupational diseases. The study has shown occupational safety and health among various occupational groups and categories, the profile of occupational diseases in Philippine industries, and the OSH programs implemented in industries. @*Conclusion@#Analysis of available data confirmed the presence of threats of unsafe and unhealthy conditions in various jobs and workplaces. To keep up with other nations, the country should strive more with its local developments.