DOLE issues rules on voluntary wearing of face masks in workplaces

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued guidelines on the optional wearing of face masks in workplaces.

The guidelines is pursuant to the Executive Order No. 7 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which made the wearing of face masks in both indoor and outdoor settings voluntary.

Similar to EO No. 7, the DOLE’s Labor Advisory No. 22, series of 2022, mandates that all workplaces in the private sector shall make wearing of face masks voluntary, except in the following:

•     healthcare facilities, including but not limited to, clinics, hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, and dialysis clinics

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•     medical transport vehicles, such as ambulance and paramedic rescue vehicles
•     public transportation by land, air, or sea

Likewise, elderly, immunocompromised, unvaccinated, and symptomatic individuals, individuals with comorbidities, and pregnant women are highly encouraged to wear face masks.

“Employers and their workers have a shared responsibility to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, Republic Act No. 11058, and minimum public health standards,” the Labor Advisory No. 22 read.

“Employers and their workers may implement a policy requiring the wearing of face masks, taking into account, among others, the hazards and risks (e.g., enclosed space and poor ventilation), industry requirements (e.g.. food safety), and incidence of other communicable diseases (e.g., flu and tuberculosis), including measures to address noncompliance thereto pursuant to the existing company policy, rules, and regulations,” it added.—AOL, GMA News