The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced a significant tightening of safety regulations and monitoring for the country’s pyrotechnics industry, effective immediately, as the holiday season approaches.
Establishments involved in the manufacture, distribution, and retail of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are being warned to comply with mandatory occupational safety and health standards or face swift sanctions.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma signed Labor Advisory No. 18, Series of 2025, on November 28, reminding the industry that handling explosive materials demands “strict compliance with safety procedures.” Lapses, he noted, could lead to serious or fatal incidents.
The move comes as part of a push to prevent firecracker-related injuries and workplace accidents typically seen during the Christmas and New Year period.
The advisory mandates full adherence to two key pieces of legislation: Republic Act No. 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law, and Department Order No. 134, Series of 2014, which specifically outlines mandatory safety systems for pyrotechnic establishments.
Under the reinforced rules, factories, warehouses, and retailers must ensure they have designated personnel to oversee occupational safety and health protocols.
These establishments must also institute comprehensive workplace risk policies that specifically address the major dangers inherent in pyrotechnic operations.
Meanwhile, worker training is mandatory, requiring employees to actively participate in trainings and help carry out safety and health initiatives within their respective workplaces.
To ensure compliance, DOLE regional offices and Labor Laws Compliance Officers have been tasked with close monitoring and strict enforcement of the standards.
Regional units have been instructed to coordinate with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units (LGUs) to promptly identify and address any unsafe operations across the industry.
Regional directors must submit enforcement reports by January 15, 2026.