Nearly 5,000 workers across the Caraga Region have received financial assistance through efforts by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-13).

In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said that PHP10.8 million in payments have been released to the concerned workers as of September this year.

DOLE-13 stated that the payments were made after increased labor inspections focused on compliance with labor standards and occupational safety regulations.

“The inspections covered Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) investigations, safety checks, complaints, and routine reviews,” the agency said.

It noted that the violations identified have revealed some gaps in both General Labor Standards and OSH regulations, leading to respective penalties.

Among the most common violations were the non-payment of legally mandated wages, holiday and overtime pay, service incentive leave, and other mandated benefits.

“Several establishments were also found to be non-compliant with workplace safety protocols and onsite health standards,” the DOLE-13 said.

During the period, a total of 1,093 establishments in the region were inspected, significantly surpassing the DOLE-13’s target of 484 for this year.

Workers from various industries, including mining, construction, retail, tourism, fishing, and micro-establishments, benefited from the inspections.

“These sectors are often exposed to vulnerable labor rights violations due to high-risk working conditions and precarious employment arrangements,” the DOLE-13 said. (PNA)