Domestic workers, or "Kasambahay's," as they are known in the Philippines, have played an essential part in Filipino families for many generations. The Philippines has sown the seeds of domestic worker empowerment through legislation, awareness raising, sector mobilization, capacity building, and the establishment of standards enforcement instruments.
Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the “Domestic Workers Act” or “Batas Kasambahay,” recognizes the need to protect the rights of domestic workers from the performance of work that is hazardous to their physical and mental health.
The kasambahay has the right to decent work, which encompasses the right to good employment and income, humane working conditions, access to and coverage under social safety measures, and the chance for social discourse and representation.
DOLE Department Advisory No. 1 series of 2014 released the Occupational Safety and Health Tips for both the kasambahay and employers to address the safety and health concerns of the kasambahay in the Philippines.
It is the employer’s responsibility to provide protection to the kasambahay, especially in the maintenance of safe and healthy working conditions. The kasambahay equally shares the responsibility of ensuring that household work is safe and healthy. Hence, the OSH Tips were crafted as a guide for both parties toward a culture of OSH in the workplace.