Emergency hospital, dental clinic for workers; when NOT required

ART. 164 [Renumbered 158]. WHEN EMERGENCY HOSPITAL NOT REQUIRED: The requirement for an emergency hospital or dental clinic shall NOT be applicable in case there is a hospital or dental clinic which is accessible from the employers establishment and he makes arrangement for the reservation therein of the necessary beds and dental facilities for the use of his employees.

An employer need not put up an emergency hospital or dental clinic in the workplace where there is a hospital or dental clinic which is not more than five (5) kilometers away from the workplace if situated in any urban area or which can be reached by motor vehicle in twenty-five (25) minutes of travel if situated in a rural area and the employer has facilities readily available for transporting a worker to the hospital or clinic in case of emergency; Provided, That the employer shall enter into a written contract with the hospital or dental clinic for the use thereof in the treatment of workers in case of emergency. (See Section 5 of Rule I of Implementing Rules of Book IV.)

What are hazardous workplaces? The following is a basic list of hazardous workplaces under the law. The Bureau of Labor Standards has the power to update this list from time to time through its issuance of appropriate orders.

[1] Where the nature of the work exposes the workers to dangerous environmental elements, contaminants or work conditions including ionizing radiations, chemicals, fire, flammable substances, noxious components and the like.

[2] Where the workers are engaged in construction work, logging, firefighting, mining, quarrying, blasting, stevedoring, dock work, deep-sea fishing and mechanized farming.

[3] Where the workers are engaged in the manufacture or handling of explosives and other pyrotechnic products.

[4] Where the workers use or are exposed to heavy or power-driven machinery or equipment.

[5] Where workers use or are exposed to power-driven tools. (See Section 8, supra.)