The Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) said compliance among construction establishments increased by 11%, although gaps in occupational safety and health (OSH) remain.
The agency said its high-impact, high-visibility inspection campaign is part of efforts to make workplaces safer, strengthen compliance with labor standards, protect workers from occupational hazards, and promote a culture of prevention.
For 2026, the campaign covers 52 inspections, 698 monitoring activities and eight joint monitoring and inspection activities, reaching 15,692 construction workers, according to DOLE-NCR.
The campaign covers priority establishments and industries in the National Capital Region, with construction among the sectors being monitored.
DOLE-NCR said it monitors establishments first to help them achieve compliance, while inspections are conducted when establishments fail to correct identified deficiencies.
DOLE-NCR PAPAMAMARISAN (Pasig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan) Field Office OIC-director Julita DG. Mendoza said the latest monitoring and inspection data showed an 11% increase in compliance.
The activity, conducted across eight DOLE-NCR offices, focuses on construction and seeks to strengthen compliance with both operational safety requirements and general labor standards.
However, initial data showed that gaps remain, particularly in OSH.
The initial compliance rate stood at 36.54% for general labor standards (GLS) and 1.92% for OSH.
For construction-site inspections, the agency recorded 19 establishments complying with GLS, 33 establishments initially complying with GLS, and one establishment complying with OSH. Meanwhile, 51 establishments were initially not complying with OSH.
The agency also recorded six GLS compliance claims and six OSH compliance claims after correction, along with cases undergoing compliance review.
DOLE-NCR Quezon City Field Office director Rowella V. Grande explained that monitoring and inspection serve different functions.
“Monitoring is an exploratory developmental approach towards compliance,” she said.
During monitoring, inspectors use a checklist to identify deficiencies at construction sites. These are not immediately treated as violations, giving establishments time to correct them.
If establishments fail or refuse to address the deficiencies, they may undergo a full-blown inspection. If they remain noncompliant, the matter may become a case under DOLE’s regulatory function.
Ms. Grande said establishments that fail to comply within the 90-day period may face stricter measures.
Depending on the violation, penalties may range from P5,000 to P100,000. She said DOLE still seeks to give establishments sufficient time to comply because the goal is to help them meet labor and safety standards and avoid penalties.
DOLE-NCR said common findings include deficiencies in construction safety and health programs, required safety personnel, personal protective equipment, safety signages and barricades, and electrical safety.
Other findings involve blackout and timeout procedures, first-aid and medical facilities.
For general labor standards, the agency monitors the payment of applicable wages, overtime pay, holiday pay and premium pay, as well as SSS coverage, health certificates and employment records.
The agency said inspectors help establishments correct deficiencies identified during monitoring, with compliance remaining one of its main objectives.
National Union of Building and Construction Workers labor sector vice-chair Santiago V. Nolla said the 11% increase was positive but stressed the need to further improve enforcement.
He pointed to the limited number of inspectors compared with the number of establishments and construction projects that need to be monitored.
Mr. Nolla also called for partnerships with labor organizations to help identify construction projects and firms that may be violating existing laws.
“We won’t just wait for the results of the inspection. We want to be able to help because we want to be a part of the progress,” he said.
Ms. Grande said construction inspection also requires specialized training.
“We have construction and safety training to make sure that our labor inspectors are equipped. So, it’s really challenging,” she said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) remains a partner in training labor inspectors, particularly for construction inspections.
DOLE-NCR is also exploring technology to address inspection challenges.
DOLE-NCR assistant regional director Jude Thomas P. Trayvilla said the agency is looking into the use of drones in construction inspections through partnerships that provide training on drone-assisted inspection.
The agency is also preparing additional inspectors and providing training for construction-related inspection work.
Mr. Trayvilla stressed that inspection should not primarily be viewed as punitive.
“The inspection itself is not punitive. It is actually a regulatory power,” he said.
He said DOLE wants to work with employers to ensure compliance with labor laws and protect employees.
At the same time, he noted that OSH violations can result in heavy penalties because penalties under the OSH law are accounted daily.
“So, it’s a balancing act,” Mr. Trayvilla said.
He said the goal is not simply to create employment but to ensure that jobs are safe, sustainable and decent.
“We need employment, but not just employment, not just jobs as I’ve already said. Be safe, sustainable, safe. Good jobs,” he said.
DOLE-NCR said it will continue monitoring construction establishments and working with employers, labor groups and other partners to improve workplace practices and promote safer workplaces. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba
