“Long working hours results can cause illnesses and accidents” – DOLE OSHC
“According to international studies, working for long periods of time on a continuous basis can result in many health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and may also affect mental health,” said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz today, April 29, 2016.
“Many studies have reported that employees who work longer hours have a higher risk of stroke than those working standard hours. 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.
The death of the 38 year old Filipino film director Francis Xavier Pasion following that of Wenn Deramas sparked concerns on the extended working hours in the Philippine movie industry.
Long working hours also causes sleep disorders. 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.
During a series of meetings between the DOLE and the representatives of the Film Academy of the Philippines, Actors’ Guild, Producers’ Guild and officials of various television networks to look into occupational safety and health concerns of the movie and television industry, it has been discussed that long working hours has disastrous effects on the health of workers.
“May experience kami na isang artista na hinahawakan na lang ng PA (production assistant) para tumayo kasi hindi na niya kaya dahil may sakit na. Namimilipit na sa sakit ng tyan pero she was forced to work because we needed to air, said actor Jericho Rosales in one of the meetings.
“We’re very concerned talaga about the hours [of work] and sa safety because marami na kaming nakitang bumaliktad (collapsed) na directors, actors….,” added Rosales
On April 26, Secretary Baldoz issued Labor Advisory No. 4 on provisions for the working conditions in the movie and television industry. The said advisory explicitly states that the actual hours of work of a movie/television worker/talent shall not exceed eight hours a day. In the event that a worker/talent needs to work beyond eight hours, the maximum actual hours of work shall not exceed 12 hours in any 24-hour period.
“The provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards must be strictly observed in all workplaces including the movie and television industry because safety and health is non-negotiable for all workers,” said Baldoz
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
