“DOLE issues labor advisory to protect safety and health of workers in the movie and TV industry
Compliance to lawful working hours will safeguard the health and well-being of workers in the movie and television industry.
“Organizations must uphold the best interest of human resources. Even machines need rest. If we ensure that our employees are in top shape, then we can expect their optimum work performance, said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis Baldoz yesterday after issuing Labor Advisory No. 04-16.
The said labor advisory explicitly stated the proper working conditions that must be afforded to all workers and talents in the movie and television industry, underscoring the imporatnce of maximum working hours.
According to the DOLE, the actual hours of work for both talents (independent contractors or individuals hired for their unique skills, experience, talents or celebrity status) and workers (cameramen, editors, production assistants, teleprompter operators, VTR persons/editors, newscasters/anchors, managers, reporters, news correspondents, etc.) must not exceed eight hours in a day. In the case that one is required to work beyond eight hours, the maximum hours of work must not go beyond 12 hours in any 24-hour period. This also includes waiting time.
“Working for long periods of time on a continuous basis can result in a lot of health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and may also affect mental health,” said Baldoz.
“Many OSH studies have reported that long work hours, say for example 46 hours or more per week, results in an increased risk of heart diseases. This risk is higher in workers aged 39 years old and above who are found to be more susceptible to fatal incidents of stroke,” said Occupational Safety and Health Executive Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III.
Long working hours also causes sleep disorders and affects mental health. In several studies, it has been proven that alertness is lower in workers on a 12-hour shift than those on eight-hour shifts. This also impacts the likelihood of accidents in the workplace.
Other provisions include implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards in movie and television workplaces whether within the network/company’s premises or in various locations/ “sets”; adequate transportation facilities and accomodation, wage benefits as stated in the General Labor Standards and the Labor Code, as well as sociual welfare benefits such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, and Employees’ Compensation Program.
END/DJ Romero
Any question on this release? Please contact Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III, executive director, Occupational Safety and Health Center, North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City with telephone numbers 929-6036 to 39 and e-mail address: oshcenter@dole.gov.ph
