Workplace safety group records 24 deaths at work in January 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) recorded 24 workplace deaths in January 2025 alone, leading the group to call for stronger workplace protections on Monday, February 3.

IOHSAD came up with the figure by monitoring news reports covering both formal and informal sectors. The figure, which it called “alarming,” is already equivalent to half of the total deaths the group recorded in 2024.

The group noted how fire-related incidents were particularly deadly, as shown in cases of 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 their employer’s burning condominium unit.

IOHSAD called for reforms in Republic Act No. 11058, the occupational safety and health or OSH law, that would criminalize violations of OSH standards 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 IOHSAD OSH documentation head Ana Dominik Florentino.

IOHSAD in 2022 supported a bill filed by the progressive Makabayan bloc in the House seeking to amend the OSH law, criminalize gross OSH violations, and provide compensation to victims and their families.

However, more than two years later and with the 19th Congress about to adjourn, House Bill No. 2126 remains pending with the House labor committee. – Rappler.com