HIV/AIDS Awareness for WVSUMC Workers

As a strategy for ending the stigma of HIV/AIDS in West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC), a total of 73-personnel consisting of doctors, nurses, housekeeping, laboratory technicians, among others, were oriented on the fundamentals of the silent killer specifically in the workplace.

Melveen Melocoton, regional representative of OSHC in Region 6, discussed the impacts of HIV/AIDS on the workers and their families, enterprises, and the country. During the activity, he conducted a workshop where attendees were tasked to write down the common stigma which hinders them in opening conversations on HIV/AIDS awareness. As a result, most workers still consider the topic as a taboo and awkward.

"HIV & AIDS are workplace issues. The impact is felt by both workers & employers together with their families," said Melveen Melocoton. Workplace intervention can help limit the spread & mitigate the impact of HIV & AIDS, he added.

The workplace allows development of policies & strategies, facilitates promotion of health messages, facilitates referral of workers for care & support, and provides an opportunity for an effective partnership among the private and public sectors. With a well-developed policy on HIV prevention, it will result to minimized workplace disruption & lost productivity; Reduced health care costs by preventing new infections; Company demonstration of concern for the welfare of workers & families; Assurance that people living with HIV (PLWH) receive appropriate counseling, medical, & social support.

HIV/AIDS remains to be a silent killer with no cure. Thus, prevention is the best strategy ending the spread of the virus. And, the OSHC remains to be a valuable partner in the information dissemination on HIV/AIDS awareness. Especially in assisting both private and public sectors in the development and strengthening of policies and programs on HIV prevention.

OSH for sugar regulatory officers in Bacolod

A total of 27 personnel from the Sugar Regulatory Administration - Visayas had a 1-day safety and health awareness course conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in partnership with the Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Inc. (SONO, Inc.), held at the SRA Training Center, Araneta St., Singcang, Bacolod City

Engr. Dinah P. Acoyong, a DOLE-Accredited OSH Practitioner and SONO representative, was tapped by the OSHC to discuss the topics on industrial hygiene, control measures, work environment measurement, and PPE; principles and application. The topics were selected by the SRA as indicated in their request letter to the OSHC.

The OSHC is the national authority for research and training on matters pertaining to safety and health at work. It provides the expertise and intervention mechanism to improve workplace conditions in the Philippines.

OSHC orients Lambunao workers on safety and health

The Occupational Safety and Health Center - Regional Extension Unit No. 6 (OSHC-REU6) conducted a safety and health orientation to the workers under the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office (MEEDO) consisting of (14) Revenue Generating Unit (RGU) of the Municipality of Lambunao, Iloilo.

The activity was graced by the presence of Mayor Jason Gonzales who welcomed the attendees and inspired them by stating the many accomplishments gained by the municipality through the efforts of all its constituents.

During the activity, the workers present were assigned to the slaughterhouses, traffic enforcement, market office, garments, and prints, among others. The RGU manpower executes both physical and mental tasks daily to guarantee effective services to their clients. Thus, the office of the MEEDO saw that in each RGU, the personnel were in need to have a background in occupational safety and health (OSH) precautions which they can apply in their workplaces.

Melveen Melocoton, the OSHC regional representative, discussed the basic OSH principles, common hazards in the workplaces, and its preventive measures in order to assure a safe and healthy working environment for everyone. Also, a workshop was conducted wherein the attendees were instructed to write down and explain the unsafe acts and conditions currently present in their respective workplaces.

OSHC REU6 continues to extend its reach in Western Visayas to enhance and strengthen OSH policies and programs, delivery of quality OSH services, client-focused responses, management of resources, linkages and information dissemination.

OSHC @ 30

Guimaras barangay officials trained to advocate workplace safety and health

Graduation pictorial with the stakeholders and participants.

REU6, ILOILO CITY - A total of (34) barangay officials were beneficiaries of the free Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training organized by the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), through its Regional Extension Unit, last September 4-8, 2017, at the Stargazer Inn, New Site, Brgy. San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.

With the strong presence of informal sector units in the locality, barangay officials were trained with the basic knowledge and skills on occupational safety and health (OSH) in order to capacitate them in the promotion of a culture on OSH in their locality. Furthermore, the activity provided them the competency in assisting the government and other stakeholders in the future conduct of OSH-related activities.

Barangay officials from various municipalities of Sibunag, Jordan, Buenavista, and Nueva Valencia, were trained on vital topics regarding occupational safety, industrial hygiene, and occupational health. Specific topics included unsafe/unhealthy acts & conditions in the workplace, materials handling & storage, good housekeeping, machine safety, fire safety, electrical safety, hazards in the workplace, control measures, PPE: principles & application, safety & health inspection, accident investigation, workplace emergency preparedness, OSH legislation, and OSH programming, among others.

Class pictorial at the wind farm in
Brgy. Suclaran, San Lorenzo, Guimaras.

As part of the training course, the class visited the 54-MW wind farm of PHINMA Renewable Energy, located in Brgy. Suclaran, San Lorenzo, Guimaras. The activity was designed to provide the class with an actual situation to practice learnings attained. The class was welcomed by Engr. Edwin Gallego, Plant Manager, who oriented them on the background and best practices in OSH of the company. After which, The class was grouped to assess specific areas of safety and health compliance.

At the last part of the course, the participants were instructed to develop their re-entry plans regarding vital OSH-related activities to be done upon return to their respective barangay. Some wrote that the activities are to be done within the week up to the fourth quarter with foreseeable concerns such as budget constraints for the meals during the conduct of sessions, and lack of cooperation and support from stakeholders, among others.

Through the endeavor, every barangay official will be able to advocate workplace safety and health and subsequently develop a culture on OSH in their locality towards a zero accident province.

 

COSH Training for Safety Officers on July '17

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment - Regional Office 6 (DOLE-RO6) and the Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WVOSHNET), will be conducting the 40-hours mandated basic course for safety officers in the construction industry required under the Occupational Safety & Health Standards of the Philippines, specifically Rule 1030, as amended by Department Order No. 16 – Series of 2001 and Department Order No. 13 (DO-13) “Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety & Health in the Construction Industry” of the Department of Labor and Employment, respectively. 

In addition, COSH is also a requirement for the application and renewal of the PCAB License as well as for construction company’s appointed STEs. Furthermore, the training aims to provide participants with knowledge and skills on occupational safety and health (OSH) that will enable them to plan and develop their company’s Safety and Health Program and improve their knowledge and skills on the principles and methods of accident and illness prevention in the workplace.

For further inquiries, please visit our Facebook page at OSHC REU6.

OSHC supports a safe and healthy Brigada Eskwela 2017

DOLE-NIR ARD Atty. Jason Balais, together with
Melveen Melocoton from OSHC-REU6,
Engr. Bernardo Gasendo & Cecille Nunez from SONO,
and personnel from each adopted school,
during the turnover of paint cans.

The Occupational Safety and Health Center-Regional Extension Unit No.6 (OSHC-REU6), in collaboration with the Safety Organization of Negros Occidental (SONO), and Department of Labor and Employment-Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR), supported the launching of the 2017 Brigada Eskwela with the theme: “Isang DepEd, Isang Pamayanan, Isang Bayanihan Para sa Handa at Ligtas na Paaralan.” The activity was done last May 15, 2017, at the DOLE-Sugar Workers Development Center, Cottage Road, Bacolod City.

"A safe and healthy jumpstart is the key towards a successful program implementation of the Brigada Eskwela," said Engr. Bernardo M. Gasendo, SONO President. The SONO, together with its social partners, will capacitate the education sector in the development of an OSH climate resulting to the empowerment of its workers and future labor force.

Also, as part of their corporate social responsibility, they turned over 28-gallons of paint to (5) adopted schools, namely:

1. Bacolod City National High School
2. Luis Hervias National High School
3. Antonio L. Jayme Elementary School
4. Lopez Jaena Elementary School
5. Granada Elementary School

On the other hand, the OSHC-REU6 provided the SONO with the modules and IEC materials needed for the conduct of awareness activities during the Brigada Eskwela to strengthen the interest and engagement of the education sector on occupational safety and health.

"We will continue to expand our advocacy and partnerships on occupational safety and health towards the direction of establishing a zero accident climate in the education sector," said Melveen Melocoton, OSHC-REU6 Administrative Officer.

Through our endeavors, more and more personnel in the education sector attend the mandated OSH-training and become safety officers of their respective institutions, he added.

The Brigada Eskwela is the National Schools’ Maintenance Week that aims to bring together all education stakeholders to participate and contribute their time, effort and resources to prepare public school facilities ready for the opening of the School Year in June. // MM

OSHC trains safety officers for construction projects in Bacolod City

DOLE-NIR OIC-Asst. Regional Director Atty. Jason P. Balais,
welcomed the participants during the COSH for safety officers.

The OSHC-REU6, in partnership with DOLE-NIR and the SONO, Inc., is currently conducting the 40-hours Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) training for safety officers from April 24-28, 2017, at the SWDC Bldg., DOLE, Bacolod City. A total of 33-participants consisting of 27-companies were present since the start of the training.

The training was organized due to the fast growing of construction activities and the demand for certified safety officers in the region pursuance to the DOLE Department Order 131-13 on labor laws compliance system.

At the kick-start of the training, DOLE-NIR OIC-Asst. Regional Director, Atty. Jason P. Balais, welcomed the participants and thanked the facilitators for the active support and dedication on OSH in the region which is a vital element towards inclusive growth.

Information so far discussed where the global and local setting of OSH, safe/unsafe acts and conditions in the workplace, OSH situations in construction site premises. In the later days, OSH legislation governing the construction industry, the employees’ compensation program, among others.

Ruge P. Balladares facilitating the topic on
unsafe/ unhealthy acts and conditions.

The OSHC makes the region “visible” by reaching out to stakeholders that are in parallel with the objectives of the zero accident program. Construction firms covered by the Standards, are capacitated through the mandated training to provide champions on OSH in all construction projects of the region resulting in a better work environment, better labor relations, and better productivity.

We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to ensure that all workers are informed, capacitated, and technically assisted in all matters on safety and health, said Melveen M. Melocoton, administrative officer of OSHC-REU6. // MM

OSHC on safety standards during LMC area-wide orientation in Iloilo City

The OSHC-Regional Extension Unit No. 6, together with the Labor-Management Cooperation (LMC) Convergence Team, conducted an orientation on one of the vital programs and services of DOLE last April 19, 2017, at the NCMB-RB6 Office, Jaro, Iloilo City. A total of 15-representatives from 11- different companies attended the activity.

Melveen Melocoton, the Administrative Officer of OSHC-REU6, discussed the key points in the OSH Standards especially Rule 1030 on the training of safety officers and Rule 1040 on the creation and strengthening of a safety and health committee which are vital to the LMC.

During the discussion, participants voiced concerns about the need for training of a safety officer and organization of a safety and health committee even if there are only less than (5) workers in a certain establishment. Also, some voiced out on the need to reassess the OSH policies and programs of their respective companies so that it will be parallel with the OSH Standards.

Furthermore, he informed the attendees that the OSHC conducts training via the OSHNet and STOs on a monthly basis to cater the demands of establishments and will provide technical assistance to enhance and strengthen the implementation of OSH programs in order to safeguard the workers against occupational hazards, accidents, and illnesses.

After the activity, the team met and proposed for an area-wide training-workshop on May 29 & 30, 2017. One representative each from labor and management from (15) small and medium companies will be invited. These are the companies (with or without LMCs, OSH, PIP and Family Welfare committees) invited since January up to April area-wide convergence activities.

The LMC Convergence Team (LMC-LCT) in Western Visayas strengthens the delivery of its mandates to establishments in Iloilo City via the area-wide orientation. Later on, all of the LMC-LCT’s programs and services shall be converged through a plant-level structure to address decent work deficits, foster harmonious labor-management relationships and industrial peace, and increase productivity and competitiveness of enterprises. // MM

OSHC orients on safety standards during the DOLE-LHP in Iloilo & Capiz

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) conducted an orientation on the key points of the OSH standards during the seminar on labor relation, human relation, and productivity (LHP) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Regional Office 6 in Iloilo and Capiz last Mar. 14 & 17, 2017.

The seminar is DOLE’s contribution in the labor education and advocacy aspect to address the challenge of business competitiveness in the workplace. It is a one-day course for employees, supervisors/employers or mixed employees and employers/supervisors. 

Melveen Melocoton, OSHC-REU6 Administrative Officer, emphasized that in order to attain good relationships and better productivity, organizations must safeguard the safety and health of its workers. It is through a company's strong OSH policies and OSH committee that industrial peace and productivity can be fully achieved.

"The OSHC is willing to provide technical assistance and capacity building activities to align company OSH policies with the OSH Standards."

Schedules on training like the 40-hours mandated Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) and the Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) are conducted monthly in Iloilo City and Bacolod City to cater the demands of companies in acquiring competent safety officers.

The OSHC will improve its collaboration with the DOLE-RO6 to further strengthen OSH policies and programs, provide quality OSH services, and expand linkages with stakeholders that support the zero accident (ZAP) program in the region. // MM

Melveen Melocoton of OSHC-REU6 conducting the OSH orientation to 46-attendees
during the LHP Seminar at EON Centennial Resorts Hotel and Waterpark, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Melveen Melocoton of OSHC-REU6 conducting the OSH orientation to 50-attendees
during the LHP Seminar at MVW Tourist Inn & Restaurant, Roxas City, Capiz.

OSHC Conducts Ergonomics Training in Bacolod City

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the national authority for research and training on matters pertaining to safety and health at work in the Philippines, conducted the two-day training on “Ergonomics in the Workplace” last March 1-2, 2017 at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel, Burgos Ext., Reclamation Area, Bacolod City. 

The training was aimed to increase the knowledge on applied ergonomics in the workplace including the identification, assessment, and management of ergonomic risk factors in the office and industrial setting. The course was designed for participants to be actively involved in the development of preventive actions in their respective organizations.

A total number of (42) pax from various fields of expertise and organizations, both private and public, in the country participated in the training. It was made possible by the request of the Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Incorporated (SONO,Inc.) with the purpose to expand the advance OSH course in the Negros Island Region.

DOLE-NIR OIC-Regional Director Cyril L. Ticao, during his welcome remarks, reiterated that safety and health of workers are important and should not be taken for granted. Thus, a stronger partnership with stakeholders is made to ensure the quality of training and services on OSH in the regions.

Discussions facilitated were related to identifying and evaluating ergonomic risk factors, health consequences of ergonomics risk factors, improving workplace ergonomics, and on assessing company responses to ergonomic problems. With this, the OSHC trusts that those who completed the training will enhance the advocacy of ergonomics as a vital aspect in every company's OSH policies and programs.// MM

Kick Start of Construction Safety and Health Training in Bacolod

OIC-Regional Director Cyril L. Ticao
giving his welcome address.

A total of 48 participants attended the DOLE-mandated construction safety and health training for CY2017. It was conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment - Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR), and the Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Incorporated (SONO, Inc.) last February 20-24, at the Sugar Workers Development Center, Cottage Rd., Bacolod City.

DOLE-NIR OIC-Regional Director Cyril L. Ticao, welcomed the participants and thanked the facilitators for their full support in the capacity building of safety officers in the region. "Don't take the training for granted. We will assist you in very step of the way to keep our workers safe and healthy. You will be the contact of DOLE in partnership for the promotion of the welfare, protection, and promotion of the people," he said.

Participants having their workshop.

OSHC-REU6 Administrative Officer, Melveen Melocoton, restated that the training is a basic requirement towards a career in occupational safety and health for safety officers. Afterward, the participants should do their best to acquire the credentials required to level up in becoming DOLE-accredited OSH practitioners and later on as OSH consultants.

"We will enhance our collaboration with the DOLE-NIR and the SONO, Inc. to further schedule more training in the region. One of them is the ergonomics training which will be conducted by the OSHC on Mar. 1-2, at Bacolod Pavillon Hotel," he added.

Site visit activity

During the training, the participants visited (2) on-going construction sites from Almana Construction Development Corporation and J. Santos Construction Inc. to provide an actual situation of unsafe conditions, hazards and good points on OSH by each contractor. Then, the consolidated report on assessments and recommendations will be given to the contractors to serve as free safety and health audit of their projects.

With the training of more competent safety officers in the region, the attainment of a healthy, well-protected working population in the region is at hand.//MM

COSHEMAP COSH Schedule in Iloilo on February

Please click link for the invitation letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwccZlG-njbLUFF6WDA0R3RQckE/view?usp=sharing 

OSHC monitors first conduct of OSH mandated training in Western Visayas for CY2017

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) monitored the first scheduled mandated training courses conducted by the Corporate Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Management Association of the Philippines (COSHEMAP), a DOLE-accredited safety training organization, at the HRT Service Center, ISAT-U, La Paz, Iloilo City, last January 23-27, 2017.

The scheduled 40-hours mandated safety training courses were the first in Western Visayas for 2017, with a total of (10) participants for the Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) and a total of (48) for the Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH). Both were conducted at the same dates yet in different areas of the venue. Participants who attended the courses were from diverse professions and levels of management which included engineers, nurses, human resource managers, contractors, among others.

The OSHC continues to work together with the COSHEMAP in expanding the delivery of OSH-related programs and services in the region.//MM

OSHC Capacitates OFWs on OSH

OWWA RWO6 - OIC James B. Mendiola giving his
welcome address to the attendees of the activity.

To sustain and maximize the efforts of the government in addressing the needs of repatriated workers, a total of (19) overseas foreign workers (OFWs) were oriented on the programs and services of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) during the welfare session for OFWs repatriated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia organized by the Oversees Workers Welfare Administration – Regional Welfare Office 6 (OWWA-RWO6) at the OWWA-RWO6 office, 3rd Flr. Robinson’s Place, Iloilo City, last January 19, 2017.

Melveen Melocoton, OSHC-REU6 focal person, discussed OSHC’s programs and services to capacitate the attendees on the government’s commitment to eliminate/reduce work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths in its working population. Hence, the demand for safety practitioners is high especially with the booming of both the general and construction industry in the Philippines.

"OFWs may want to consider a career path in occupational safety and health (OSH)," Melocoton told the attendees. 

"Safety practitioners are essential in all workplaces, both locally and abroad. And, there are plenty of career opportunities for them like like having jobs as safety officers, trainers, private auditors or consultants, among others," he added.

Class pictorial together with the OWWA-WRO6 OIC,
DOLE-RO6 Focal on Special Programs,
and OSHC-REU6 Focal.

In 2016, a total of 106,655 workers benefitted from OSHC services. This includes those who benefitted from the OSHC technical services as well as the 36,527 participants in the mandatory and specialized OSH training conducted jointly with the Occupational Safety and Health Networks nad DOLE-accredited Safety Training Organizations throughout the country.

This year, OSHC, especially in Western Visayas, hopes to gain more partnerships with stakeholders in order to expand further its zero accident program (ZAP) through its mandated training and technical services.//MM