Workplace-related deaths now at 24

Workplace-related deaths now at 24 as of January 2025, according to Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) data.

Citing news report records covering both formal and informal sectors, the IOHSAD said the figure already accounts for 50 percent of the total deaths recorded by the organization in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for stronger workplace protections.

The group noted that fire-related incidents have been particularly deadly, with recent cases including two workers trapped in a burning foam warehouse; two welders died inside a ship’s storage room; and two domestic workers unable to escape a fire in their employer’s condominium unit.

With that, the IOHSAD challenged senatorial aspirants to push for the criminalization of occupational safety hazard (OSH) violations through an amendment to the OSH Law or Republic Act No. 11058.

According to IOHSAD, the proposed reforms would impose stricter penalties and imprisonment for employers who commit gross OSH violations resulting in workers’ injury or death.

“We challenge senatorial candidates to include workplace health and safety reforms in their platforms," Ana Dominik Florentino, IOHSAD OSH Documentation Head, said.

"Enforcing stronger OSH regulations, ensuring corporate accountability, and pushing for systemic labor rights protections will create safer and more just workplaces,” Florentino added.

In 2022, IOHSAD, together with progressive legislators under Koalisyong Makabayan, filed House Bill 2126 — a measure that seeks to amend the OSH Law, criminalize gross OSH violations, and provide indemnification to victims and their families.

However, despite the rising number of workplace deaths, the bill has yet to be discussed in Congress.

IOHSAD urged lawmakers and electoral candidates "to act decisively in strengthening workplace safety laws and ensuring justice for victims of unsafe working conditions."

In 2024, the Supreme Court clarified that a claim for compensation for work-related injury or death, regardless of the existence of negligence of the employer, is granted through the prevailing compensation act.

Meanwhile, according to the Employees' Compensation Commission, the beneficiaries of the deceased employee are entitled to an income benefit if the employee died as a result of a work-related injury or sickness.

They shall receive an income benefit paid at the beginning of the month of death of the member and will continue for as long as they are entitled there to.

The surviving legitimate spouse is entitled to receive income benefit until he or she remarries.

Each dependent child, not exceeding five, counted from the youngest and without substitution, shall receive 10 percent more as dependent's pension.

Further, an amount of P20,000 may be granted for the private sector upon the death of an employee who died as a result of a work-related accident or disease.