DOLE mulls mandatory wearing of face shields in workplaces

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has proposed requiring the wearing of face shields for employees in workplaces, Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Wednesday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Bello said the measure will be confirmed in an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) meeting with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III later in the day.

“Ginagawa pa namin 'yung health protocol para sa workplaces. Siguro mako-confirm 'yan mamayang hapon sa meeting ng IATF,” Bello said.

According to Bello, the proposed measure aims to ensure the safety of workers while on duty. The Labor chief said the purchase of the face shields will be shouldered by employers.

Non-compliant companies will face administrative penalties, Bello warned.

Aside from practicing social distancing, Bello noted that workplaces should also observe other sanitary and health protocols such as regular hand washing and temperature check.

On Saturday, the mandatory wearing of face shields for all public transportation passengers will be in effect under the Department of Transportation Memorandum Circular No. 2020-014.—AOL, GMA News