Labor department requires employees to have 5 min break every 2 hours

October 19, 2017

The Department of Labor and Employment is requiring companies to allow their workers who sit for long periods, to have five minute breaks every two hours.

Based on Department Order No. 184-2017, it ordered employers and establishments to adopt the measures to cope with potential health problems from sitting too much at work.

"Provide workers with regular five-minute breaks every two hours from sitting time," said the order signed by DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III Wednesday.

The order required employers to change work systems, such as by providing sit-stand work stations, or by providing standing meetings.

DOLE also said employers should organize health promotion activities aimed at encouraging physical activities after work, such as calisthenics, dance lessons, or similar activities; conduct awareness on the health effects of prolonged sitting; and conduct medical surveillance among workers.

The order, said Bello, shall take effect 15 days after it is published. DMS