Zero Accidents at CASA, commitment rather than mere compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Center - Regional Extension Unit No.6 (OSHC-REU6) in partnership with the Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WV OSHNET) conducted the 1-day OSH orientation at the Central Azucarera de San Antonio (CASA) in Passi, Iloilo, last Oct. 9, 2015. The event was attended by 40-employees from various departments of the company.

Engr. Ramon A. Dela Cruz, Factory Operations Manager of CASA, welcomed the attendees and thanked the organizers of the event. As an advocate of zero accidents in the workplace, he emphasized the importance being keen and assertive once hazards in the workplace are present. After all, safety is not just the responsibility of the safety officers but of everyone.

Ms. Inesitas I. Palermo, Treasurer of WV OSHNET, Inc., expressed that even though they are busy people with their own jobs and companies to handle still they give time to uphold the vision and mission of their organization in achieving a safe and healthy work environment for all workers in Panay Island.

Mr. Melveen M. Melocoton, Administrative Officer of OSHC-REU6, voiced to everyone in the venue that we work for not just ourselves but our families. Once accidents happen to us, we lose our sense of purpose. We become afraid and unproductive. That is why the OSHC-REU6 and WV OSHNET are working with great efforts to promote zero accidents in order for all workers to be confident rather than afraid, and effective rather than unproductive.

Topics during the 1-day OSH orientation were OSH situationer, unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions in the workplace, machine handling, industrial hazards and occupational health, and accident investigation. The attendees were presented with pictures and video clips that raised their awareness of the seriousness of safety and health at work.

Safety and health of workers are vital ingredients in establishing a strong nation. Through OSH orientations, we are able to invoke a commitment rather than a mere compliance to zero accidents in the workplace.

Engr. Ramon A. Dela Cruz welcoming the attendees.

Engr. Alberto E. Pedrajas giving his opening remarks.

Ms. Inesitas I. Palermo introducing the resource speakers.

Mr. Melveen M. Melocoton discussing the topic on OSH Situationer.

Engr. Quirico M. Baldomar discussing principles on unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions in the workplace.

Engr. Maximo J. Pareja discussing accident investigation.

The attendees composed of safety staff, admin staff, engineers, maintenance crew, among others.