In Philippine PEZA zones, all enterprises must conduct Work Environment Measurement (WEM) at least once every year, following DOLE Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS Rule 1070). For low-risk establishments, only three parameters—temperature, illumination, and noise—are required, and these can be measured by trained OSH personnel instead of accredited providers.
📋 Rules for Work Environment Measurement (WEM) in PEZA Zones
1. Legal Basis
Governed by PEZA Memorandum Circular No. 2023-024 (April 12, 2023).
Based on DOLE-BWC guidance and OSHS Rule 1070 on Occupational Health and Environmental Control.
2. Mandatory Conduct
No exemptions: All PEZA enterprises must conduct WEM periodically, not exceeding a one-year interval.
Purpose: To reduce risks affecting employee health and prevent occupational diseases.
3. Parameters to Measure
General requirement: WEM covers temperature, illumination, noise, humidity, ventilation, pressure, and concentration of substances/chemicals.
Low-risk establishments: Only temperature, illumination, and noise are required.
High-risk establishments: Full parameters must be measured (including air quality, chemical concentrations, etc.).
4. Who Can Conduct WEM
Normally: Accredited WEM providers recognized by DOLE.
For low-risk factories: May be conducted by OSH-trained personnel who completed Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) and Industrial Hygiene training, with experience in WEM (per OSHS Rule 1077.03).
5. Training & Accreditation
PEZA coordinates with DOLE Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) or accredited providers to train enterprise personnel.
Ensures low-risk establishments can self-conduct WEM under proper supervision.
6. Compliance & Reporting
Enterprises must keep records of WEM results and submit them to PEZA/DOLE when required.
Non-compliance may result in penalties, suspension of permits, or other sanctions under PEZA and DOLE rules.
⚠️ Practical Implications for PEZA Factories
Annual WEM is mandatory—plan budgets and schedules accordingly.
Low-risk factories can save costs by training internal staff to measure only the three basic parameters.
High-risk factories (chemical, heavy manufacturing, etc.) must hire accredited providers for full WEM.
Documentation is critical—results must be properly recorded and available for inspection.
In summary: PEZA enterprises must conduct WEM annually, with simplified rules for low-risk establishments (temperature, illumination, noise). High-risk factories must comply with full DOLE standards, and all enterprises must maintain proper records for compliance.
Sources:
PEZA Memorandum Circular No. 2023-024
Ocampo & Suralvo Law Offices – DOLE modifications for low-risk PEZA establishments