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.