OSHC attests creation of NIR Regional OSHNet

The Regional Occupational Safety and Health Network was formed last Aug. 6, 2016, at the Manhattan Suites Inn, Dumaguete City. The momentous event was attended by representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), OSHNet Negros Oriental, Inc. (OSHNet NegOr., Inc.), and the Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Inc. (SONO, Inc.).

The feat was done to promote the creation and solidarity among occupational safety and health organizations in both oriental and occidental parts of Negros Island. It will also improve the facilitation of OSH activities and enforcement in the region.

Ms. Agnes N. Capigon, DOLE TSSD-Chief of NIR, explained the need for its creation due to numerous OSH-related activities awaiting the region, especially the hosting of the Annual Visayas-Wide OSH Summit. Thus, DOLE facilitated the election where OSHNet NegOr., Inc. and SONO, Inc. nominated and voted for the regional OSHNet board of directors which resulted to Mr. Ruge P. Balladares of SONO, Inc., as its first president.

“We are very enthusiastic to collaborate with the Regional OSHNet in all its future OSH advocacies to enhance the advocacy of zero accident program (ZAP) in NIR,” said Mr. Melveen Melocoton, OSHC representative.

Ms. Agnes N. Capigon, DOLE-NIR TSSD Chief, reiterated Administrative Order No. 53 related to the creation, facilitation and monitoring of the OSHNet.

Melveen M. Melocoton, OSHC-Representative, with the SONO, Inc. 

Engr. Renato S. Infante, OSHNet NegOr., Inc. President, enumerated the agenda of the coordination meeting.

Hernani A. Lopez, SONO, Inc. President, shared the organization's annual activities for 2016.

The newly formed NIR Regional OSHNet.

Construction safety training for DPWH engineers ongoing

A total of (50) DPWH engineers from various districts of Western Visayas completed the 40-hours Construction Occupational Safety and Health Training last August 1-5, at the HRT Service Center, ISAT U, La Paz, Iloilo City. They were the first batch among four batches that will take part in the activity. 

The training included the mandated course design prescribed by the OSHC and additional topics on the General Labor Standards (GLS), Rules on Implementing Articles 106 to 109 of the Labor Code on the Contracting and Sub-Contracting Arrangements and Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS). The specialized course was in order to enhance the knowledge and to increase the awareness and compliance to Department Oder No. 13 series of 1998 which requires every construction project to have a suitable Construction Safety and Health Program.

Salome O. Siaton, OIC-Regional Director of DOLE-RO6, welcomed the participants and thanked the partners for their undying advocacy towards the achievement of zero accidents in the region. She reiterated that both the public and private are covered by the Standards. “We have to work together to make Region-6 a safe and healthy workplace,” she said.

The training was conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment – Regional Office 6 (DOLE-RO6), and Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WVOSHNET).

Salome O. Siaton, DOLE OIC-Regional Director, welcoming the participants and shared her insights and experiences.

Stephene S. Barredo, ECC-Representative, discussing workers' compensations under the ECP. 

Carmela M. Abellar, OIC-TSSD, discussing the general labor standards.

Participants evaluating the safety and health situation of a construction site.

Training on Occupational Safety and Health at Large

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment – Regional Office 6 (DOLE-RO6), and Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WVOSHNET), conducted its first mandated 40-hours (5-days) Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Training for 2016, last Jun. 27-Jul. 1, at the HRT Service Center, Iloilo Science and Technology University, La Paz, Iloilo City.

The training was attended by 50-pax from various private and public organizations. The participants present were contractors, safety officers, management staff, foremen, among others.

Salome O. Siaton, OIC-Regional Director of DOLE-RO6, welcomed the participants and thanked the partners for their full time support towards the achievement of zero accidents in the region. She echoed her experiences on OSH and sadly verbalized that there are those who take OSH for granted. “We can compromise benefits but never the lives of workers,” she said. Let us help one another, not just for compliance but to make Western Visayas a zero accident area, she added.

Engr. Maximo J. Pareja, President of WVOSHNET, Inc., said that their organization will keep on working hand-in-hand with OSHC and DOLE-RO6 to increase schedules of both BOSH and COSH due to high demands in the region; 

Melveen M. Melocoton, Admin Officer of OSHC in Region-6, commended the inspiring efforts of WVOSHNET as the extending arm of the OSHC and DOLE-RO6 in most of its activities on OSH.

During the training, the participants were able to embrace the fundamentals of occupational safety and health wherein they discussed topics on occupational safety, industrial hygiene and occupational health. They were also able to learn the roles of a safety officer, legislations, and its career opportunities. Furthermore, they integrated their learnings attained via a safety and health audit at the Atria Avida Storey 1 and Tower 1, Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The COSH training is in pursuance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards and DOLE Department Order 13, series of 1998.

SMB in Region 6, Labor Laws Compliant Establishment

The DOLE Family in Western Visayas once again, participated in the witnessing of the unveiling ceremony of another branch of SMB Brewery, Inc. wherein SMB Panay Provinces Beer Region & Western Visayas Metro Beer Region declared their establishment as a Labor Laws Compliant Establishment.

Addressing Safety with TQM Const. Corp.

 The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in collaboration with the Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WVOSHNET), conducted the (1) day appreciation course on occupational safety and health (OSH) to 35-workers of TQM Construction Corporation last June 18, 2016, at the Biscocho Haus, Jaro, Iloilo City ;

The workers present were the project engineers, safety officer, accounting and management staff, foremen, mason, painters, janitors, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, among others;

Mr. Melveen Melocoton, Admin Officer, facilitated the flow of the activity and discussed topics on the situation of OSH globally and locally, and overviews on industrial hygiene and occupational health;

The participants mostly expected that they would learn the basics on OSH and be updated on new trends and issues regarding the matter;

Engr. Wesley Welfredo Dulla, DOLE-accredited OSH Practitioner and Board of Director of the WVOSHNET, discussed and facilitated topics on occupational safety. Specifically, electrical safety, fall protection & ladder safety, excavation safety, and confined space. Such topics were requested by the company, themselves;

After the topics, the participants had a workshop on just thinking about their workplaces where they wrote concerns on occupational safety, health and environment in their respective areas, their recommendations, the time frame of its implementation, and responsible people for assistance. The outputs were then submitted to the safety officer for evaluation of management;

Mr. Alvin Ita-as, son of the owner of TQM Construction Corporation, received IEC materials and the OSHS yellow book from the OSHC. He thanked the facilitators and employees for the successful conduct of the activity. He said that more collaborative activities will be expected soon to further expand the commitment of the company on OSH.

Iwas Aksidente Patrol (IwAP) Mo!

The DOLE-RO6 invited partner agencies, intermediaries, and advocates to discuss the development of the DOLE-RO6 initiated, “Iwas Aksidente Patrol Mo,” project and its possible adoption.

Partners present were representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WVOSHNET, Inc.), Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Inc. (SONO, Inc.), Contractors Network of Negros Occidental, Inc. (CONNO, Inc.), and Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM).

Ponciano M. Ligutom, Regional Director of DOLE-RO6, emphasized the role of the department as facilitators in the implementation of the various programs, projects and activities on occupational safety and health. “We believe that if we work together, we can make a push for safety and health. That is the reality of public-private partnership/convergence. We need to be the vision keepers,” he added.

Dr. Florentino Alerta II, PCOM representative, stressed his sentiments on the importance of making management aware of the laws and policies on OSH especially on the qualifications and recruitment of OSH personnel. He also verbalized the issues on documentation and reporting wherein some companies are not compliant or are afraid to do so especially times of severe accidents.

Engr. Maximo Pareja, President of WVOSHNET, suggested that an incident reporting chart or the “IWAP Mo” signage be posted in on-going construction sites as requirement;

Mr. Stephene Barredo, representative of ECC, presented the “Work Hazard and Accident Report System."

IwAP mo!, is a concept of the DOLE Regional Office 6 that calls on workers and ordinary citizens to actively support in the advocacy and promotion of safety and health in hazardous workplaces in the region. It was conceptualized and implemented due to low ratio of Labor Laws Compliance Officers (LLCOs) versus the increasing number of establishments, minimal opportunity for OSH violations committed in plain view of LLCOs, and new construction sites and other hazardous workplaces mushrooming in the region without the knowledge of the DOLE, thus are not included in the roster of establishments subject to the visits of the LLCOs.

Engaging Company Nurses on Safety and Compensation

A total of (35) company nurses from various organizations attended the (1) day seminar entitled, “Seminar in Occupational Safety & Health and Employees Compensation for Company Nurses” this June 3, 2016, at the Conference Room, DOLE-Region 6, Swan Rose Building, Commission Civil, Jaro, Iloilo City. The activity was organized by the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6.

On behalf of the Regional Director, Ma. Agnes N. Capigon, Technical Support Services Division (TSSD) Chief of DOLE-RO6, welcomed the participants. She expressed that each of us, nurse or not, should be active advocates of safety and health. Where we work, it is our social responsibility to help each other in the implementation of OSH.

Topics facilitated were the following

• Prevention (Unsafe/Unhealthy Acts & Conditions in the Workplace)
• Compensation (Employers’ Responsibilities: Records, Reports, and Penal Provisions
• Rehabilitation (Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan)
• Rule 1960: Occupational Health Services
• Good housekeeping (5S)

Mr. Melveen Melocoton, administrative officer of OSHC-REU6, introduced the OSHC, its mandate, programs, and services. Also, he discussed the basics on accident causation and facilitated a workshop on the identification and enumeration of unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions in the workplace. In addition, he also discussed the standards on general occupational health services where he emphasized the qualifications of an occupational health nurse and his duties and responsibilities in the workplace. Lastly, the participants familiarized themselves on the annual medical report template.

Mr. Stephene Barredo, Information Officer of ECC-REU6, introduced the ECC, its mandate, programs, and services. Also, he explained the provisions of the employees compensation program and its processes.

Atty. Ma. Ailyne Valaquio, Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-6 representative, discussed the fundamentals of good housekeeping and the 5S approach.

The (1) day seminar, in collaboration with DOLE, OSHC, and ECC, was the first of its kind in the region that was customized for occupational health nurses for them to be capacitated with the basic knowledge on the ECP’s prevention, compensation and rehabilitation components, with focus on the employer’s responsibilities, occupational health services, and legislations.

Labor Month Celebration 2016

The Department of Labor and Employment  - Regional Coordinating Council of Region 6 (DOLE RCC-6) met last May 17, 2016, at the DOLE Regional Office 6, and discussed the updates regarding the 2016 Labor Month Celebration activities.

Main activities which will be held are the following:

1. RCC Sports Fest (May 20 - Iloilo Sports Complex Gym)
2. Araw ng Kasambahay (May 21 - Jaro Gym)
3. LCT Meeting (May 25 - NCMB Office)
4. Stress Debriefing for OFWs (May 25 - Grand Hotel)
5. Workers Management Consultation (May 26 - Regatta Residence Hotel)
6. Culmination and Workers' Night (May 27 - Capitol Grounds)
7. 10th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Award (GKK) Regional Awarding
8. 1st Search for Outstanding Employees in the Private Sectors.

The endeavors will enhance camaraderie among the DOLE family of agencies, its partners, and networks in sustaining a labor force that is safe & healthy, productive and peaceful.

The RCC is comprised of the various attached agencies of DOLE such as PRC, TESDA, OWWA, NCMB, NLRC, RTWPB, POEA, NRCO, OSHC and ECC.

CSHP Training: First of its kind in Region 6

Due to the increasing issues and concerns on occupational safety and health (OSH) in the region, the Department of Labor and Employment Region 6 (DOLE-RO6) formed the network of networks (N2N), consisting of different organizations (private and public) involved in the zero accident program to facilitate the planning and implementation of effective, responsive, and sustainable OSH-related programs, projects and activities to reinforce the advocacy on OSH.

Through productive meetings to address increasing construction activities resulting to further demand for monitoring and ensuring the safety and health of workers, the N2N was able to spearhead the conduct of the 2-days Construction Safety and Health Program (CSHP) Training last March 29-30, 2016, where 63-participants from the various LGU of Panay Island and personnel from the DPWH attended and shared their experiences and grievances on the matter pertaining to the CSHP.

Regional Director Ponciano M. Ligutom of the DOLE-RO6 graced the activity with his presence and stated that the 2-days CSHP training was the first of its kind. He sadly verbalized that there are plenty of construction projects with no CSHP. “Hindi pera, hindi DOLE ang pinag-usapan natin dito kundi buhay ng tao.” Let us find a solution that will not compromise our principles. If others can’t do it, let’s do it, he added.

During the training, topics included were OSH legislation, OSH programming, work site inspection, construction heavy equipment and personal protective equipment. On the 2^nd day, the participants put into practice the knowledge gained via workshops on CSHP preparation and evaluation. Finally, an open forum was moderated by the DOLE where participants got more opportunities to voice out their grievances and recommendations revolving around the CSHP and its implementation.

The 2-days CSHP training was designed for the participants to recognize the process flow in the preparation of a CSHP, to be able to prepare a correct and comprehensive CSHP, intensify the promotional activities, and raise the level of awareness of the public in the promotion of a zero accident in the construction sites.

2016 First OSH Practitioner Accreditation

March 17 - the DOLE, in collaboration with OSHC, WV OSHNET and partners in the advocacy on OSH, assembled to interview (2) applicants for OSH Practitioner accreditation.This procedure is in pursuance to Department Order No. 16-01 amending Rule 1030 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards. It states that the DOLE may issue accreditation to any qualified safety and health personnel, individual to carry out the provisions of the Standards.

Thus, with the increasing number of accredited OSH practitioners to comprehensively plan and carry out OSH-related activities, the promotion and sustenance of zero accidents will escalate. The situation will create a culture of OSH in their respective workplaces resulting in productivity and industrial peace in the region.

First Batch of Trained Safety Officers for 2016

The first batch of safety officers blustered proudly their certificates of completion after they successfully finished the 40-hours mandated BOSH training in partnership with DOLE and SONO, Inc.

The training was conducted last Mar. 14-18, 2016. And, good new for those who were not able to join the first BOSH in Bacolod City for this year, another BOSH training will be conducted on April 25-29, 2016 at the Planta Hotel and Residences.

BOSH in Bacolod Invitation Letter to Participants & Program Schedule (Apr. 25-29, 2016)

Encouraging innovation through labor-management cooperation

Last Feb. 19, the Occupational Safety and Health Center - REU 6 gave inputs related to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Program during the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Region 6's enhancement activity on, "Encouraging innovation through labor-management cooperation (LMC) and basic concept of productivity.

The activity was attended by (11) managers from various companies with established LMC committees. The managers were informed of the programs and services of OSHC to further expand the partnership in the advocacy and the empowerment of OSH in their respective workplaces.

Through strong linkages and social dialogue, the advocacy of OSH in the region will amass to a point when issues of lack of awareness of the programs, services, and standards will be dealt with. The NCMB-6 will be hosting more free convergence activities, in partnership with DOLE, RTWPB, OSHC, and ECC, in the near future and they are hoping for more companies to actively participate in the advocacy.

Safeguarding the safety and health of micro-entrepreneurs

PAVIA, ILOILO - To safeguard the safety and health of micro-entrepreneurs in the locality, the Occupational Safety and Health Center - Regional Extension Unit No. 6 (OSHC-REU6) conducted an OSH orientation to its (14) home-made ice cream and barquillos makers last Feb. 10, at the Pavia Livelihood Technology Center. The event was facilitated by the local government unit (LGU) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), a thrust in implementing the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GBP) projects, otherwise known as Yaman Pinoy.

During the activity, the attendees were informed of the hazards present in workplaces, even at home. Entrepreneurs were enlightened of the value of safety and health because if they don't then productivity will surely decline. And, when productivity drops, financial stability is threatened. Subsequently, they will be putting the general public at risk.

Topics on occupational safety, control measures and proper hygiene were discussed. Then the attendees were given a workshop to identify the unsafe/unhealthy acts and unsafe/unhealthy conditions that they usually encounter while working.

Upon closing of the activity, an attendee gave his testimony and remarks. He verbalized his experiences with accidents and illnesses in which he was incapacitated to sell his products because he had to stay at home and recover. Hence, he was not able to gain profit and had a hard time in thinking of what to feed his family with the available remaining funds he had. Lastly, he thanked the local government unit for the assistance it gave to the micro-entrepreneurs of the locality.

The LGU will continue to provide a continuous enabling environment for the micro-entrepreneurs through skills training, product development, and marketing as well as to ensure their safety and health.

Driving away accidents through awareness

ILOILO CITY - As an advocacy to drive away work-related accidents and illnesses in the city, the Occupational Safety and Health Center Regional Extension Unit 6 (OSHC-REU6), together with the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6 (DOLE-RO6), conducted an OSH orientation to the workers of  the Light of Glory Taxi Services, one of the recognized and trusted taxi services in the city.

A total of 34-attendees with the presence of management, staff, mechanics, painters, and drivers benefited from the activity. They were all been oriented of the OSHC mandates and programs as well as occupational safety and OSH legislation topics.

Through the orientation, the workers became more aware of the importance of safety and health thus empowered them to further plan and implement effective safety and health policies. The company will comply with the OSH standards as its commitment to the advocacy, said Lourdes A. Espera, human resource manager.

Expanding ZAP in big enterprises

As a strategy to expand the zero accident program (ZAP) of OSHC in the big enterprises, an occupational safety and health (OSH) orientation was conducted last Jan. 15, at the training room of SM City Iloilo. It was a collaborative activity with the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6 (DOLE-RO6), and the Employees' Compensation Commission Regional Extension Unit No. 6 (ECC-REU6).

The activity was attended by a total of 24 workers, a mix of managers and rank & file employees from various departments and franchises of SM. They were all oriented on topics including OSH situationer, unsafe and unhealthy acts & conditions in the workplace, OSH legislation & administration, and the employees' compensation program.

Engr. Bladamir M. Pantillo from DOLE-RO6, asserted the importance of safety and health in every workplace. He said that an accident is the worst thing that can happen to a worker and the whole company. It is bad for business wherein it results to poor performance, poor productivity, and a bad reputation for the company, he added.

While employees can gain something once they become victims of work-related accidents, still the costs for promotion of a safe and healthy workplace is more budget-friendly than accidents, said Mr. Stephene Barredo from ECC.

Some employees expressed their sentiments regarding the new information that they have learned from the activity. Furthermore, during the workshop, some revealed actual situations that were happening in their workplaces such as the presence of pests due to poor housekeeping in the warehouses and musculo-skeletal problems due to poor ergonomic practices.

Before the end of the orientation, Nrs. Melveen Melocoton from the OSHC turned over some information, education & communication (IEC) materials to the workers in order to enhance the advocacy of OSH in the company.

OSHC, Pushing the the envelope in 2016

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) will be further extending its reach to the workers through enhanced preventive strategies in reducing work-related accidents and illnesses. With the proposal of the 2016 planning tool framework, effective implementation of OSH programs that will enhance productivity and subsequently contribute to national economic development efforts will be carried out. This endeavor will contribute to the universal coverage, expanded benefits, accessibility of social protection and safe work for all.

OSHC Executive Director Dr. Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, presented the planning tool to the heads and regional representatives during the Year-End Assessment at the Center. Included in the presentation were the agency strategies and expected outcomes, the targets, and innovations.

A number of training schedules and appreciation courses for various participants including the workers from the local government units, the management and union representatives, informal sector and vulnerable sector, are in store this new year.

Activities of OSHC especially in Region-6 will be posted and updated accordingly in the OSHC website for clients to be able to contact the right personnel for their inquiries and concerns. Preferentially, they can visit the nearest Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Offices for information.