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 2nd 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.