The Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has been pushing for the criminalization of OSH standards violations, and the recent building collapse in Angeles, Pampanga that has already claimed 27 lives makes this campaign more urgent than ever.

Under the current OSH Law, the worst an employer faces for gross safety violations is an administrative fine. No criminal charges. No imprisonment. No real accountability. The contractor’s lawyers offering P150,000 to the families of victims in Angeles says it all. Under a toothless OSH law, employers can evade justice and put a price tag on workers’ lives. 

House Bill 5221 seeks to change this by amending the OSH Law to impose criminal liability, including imprisonment and heavier fines on employers and responsible officers whose willful negligence results in worker injury, illness, or death.

To understand the campaign, we are sharing our Primer on the Criminalization of OSH Standards Violations, which covers:

• The current state of OSH enforcement and why it is failing workers
• What HB 5221 proposes and who it holds accountable
• How other countries have criminalized OSH violations
• What workers, unions, allies and advocates can do to support the campaign

We encourage all unions, workers’ organizations, and the public to read and discuss the primer with your members and communities. Send us your questions and feedback. IOHSAD is open to discuss the primer further and coordinate activities in support of this campaign.

Join the People United for Safety and Health (PUSH) Network and help push the OEHS Agenda forward.

No more victims. Criminalize OSH standards violations. Safe workplaces now.

Download the primer here: