Council tells DPS: Equip waste collectors with PPE

Cebu, Philippines —The Cebu City Council has urged the Department of Public Services (DPS) to fully equip all waste collectors of the city with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Section 18, Article 2 of the Philippines Constitution states that “The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.”

Given the hazardous nature of solid waste management operations, it strikes as a high risks to the garbage waste collectors, the resolution read.

They are exposed with potential hazardous objects that may cause an injury and they are also exposed to the diseases caused by the pathogens from garbage.

In the proposed resolution of Councilor Alvin M. Dizon, the council has asked the DPS to equip the garbage collector with PPE that include dust mask, safety coverall, safety footwear, eye protection and safety gloves.

This is to ensure humane and safe working conditions with minimal or absence of safety incidents or accidents among the waste collectors.

The DPS is also directed to monitor the compliance of all the waste collectors in the wearing of PPE.  GAN ( FREEMAN)