As the globe celebrated World Cancer Day on 4 February, the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Development (IOHSAD) renewed its call to protect workers from occupational cancers caused by hazardous workplace exposures.

Marking this global health observance, IOHSAD called for increased workplace cancer screening, stronger prevention measures, and just and timely compensation for workers who develop cancer due to unsafe working conditions.

In 2023, the Department of Labor and Employment issued Labor Advisory No. 20-2023, outlining guidelines for workplace cancer prevention and control programs in the private sector. 

The advisory directs employers to implement cancer screening and prevention measures.

However, IOHSAD warned that without clear enforcement mechanisms and strict penalties for non-compliance, the advisory alone may not be sufficient to ensure meaningful protection for workers.

IOHSAD Executive Director Nadia de Leon underscored that an advisory alone, without penalties for non-compliance, "is not enough."

“With the wide range of health risks faced by workers, cancer screening, and early prevention in the workplace are crucial," De Leon said.

"The government must ensure that companies establish strong cancer prevention programs and enforce strict penalties against those who fail to comply," she added.

IOHSAD also called for just and timely compensation for workers who develop cancer due to occupational exposure.

Some workplace-related cancers—such as lung, liver, and brain cancer among vinyl chloride and plastic workers, as well as asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma—are already recognized as compensable under the Employees’ Compensation Commission list.

However, IOHSAD lamented that many affected workers still face delays and barriers in receiving compensation.

Globally, 2.78 million work-related deaths occur annually, with 2.4 million linked to occupational diseases. Of these, 32 percent are caused by work-related cancer, making it one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities.

“Workers deserve cancer-free jobs and safe workplaces free from hazardous exposures,” De Leon said.

"The government must ensure that employers implement effective cancer prevention programs, comply with health and safety regulations, and provide just compensation to affected workers. Safe and healthy workplaces are a fundamental right of every worker.”