The Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) has recorded 24 workplace deaths in January 2025 alone, based on news reports covering both formal and informal sectors. This alarming figure already accounts for 50% of the total deaths recorded by IOHSAD in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for stronger workplace protections.

Fire-related incidents have been particularly deadly, with recent cases including:

– Two workers trapped in a burning foam warehouse,
– Two welders who died inside a ship’s storage room, and
– Two domestic workers unable to escape a fire in their employer’s condominium unit.

IOHSAD is pushing for the criminalization of OSH standards violations through an amendment to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law, RA 11058. The proposed reforms would impose stricter penalties and imprisonment for employers who commit gross OSH violations resulting in workers’ injury or death.

“We challenge senatorial candidates to include workplace health and safety reforms in their platforms. Enforcing stronger OSH regulations, ensuring corporate accountability, and pushing for systemic labor rights protections will create safer and more just workplaces,” said Ana Dominik Florentino, IOHSAD OSH Documentation Head.

In 2022, IOHSAD, together with progressive legislators under Koalisyong Makabayan, filed House Bill 2126—a measure that seeks to amend the OSH Law, criminalize gross OSH violations, and provide indemnification to victims and their families. However, despite the rising number of workplace deaths, the bill has yet to be discussed in Congress.

IOHSAD urges lawmakers and electoral candidates to act decisively in strengthening workplace safety laws and ensuring justice for victims of unsafe working conditions.###