Happy holidays to all OSH advocates

DOLE releases OSH Law IRR

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) during its 85th Anniversary released the  Department Order No. 198 series of 2018 entitled "Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11058 [An Act Strengthening Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof]. This is the act that requires all private establishments to formulate and implement comprehensively their safety and health policies and programs or be penalized with administrative fines upon inspection and investigation of the DOLE.

The popularly called "OSH Law" revamped the 1989 Occupational Safety and Health Standards as Amended. With this, private establishments are now subject to administrative fines brought about by negligence and refusal to comply with the rules under the OSH Standards. The law also revised the classification of workplaces and the qualifications of its safety officers.

The OSHC-REU6 will be conducting a series of conferences to inform all safety advocates, human resource managers and employers on the IRR of the OSH Law in the early months of  2019. With this strategy, the regional unit will be expecting a surge of requests for 8-hours orientations, 40-hours basic mandated OSH training, and applications for OSH practitioner accreditation. //MM

OSHC-REU6 receives DOH Golden Award

With the active participation of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) on the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Western Visayas, the regional unit was awarded the golden award during the DOH-CHD WV Regional Recognition of Partners and Stakeholders last December 7, at the EON Centennial Resort, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Melveen Melocoton, Regional Focal of OSHC-REU6, received the award during the event.

The partnership existed since 2017 when the regional unit was invited for a series of collaboration on "TB Advocacy in Business Community/Workplace." The involvement of the OSHC became an integral part of the DOH's advocacy in the elimination of TB via collaborative meetings/awareness activities with various stakeholders and the development of assessment checklists and strengthening of referral systems for the proper documentation of all TB cases in the entire region.

The regional unit also became an active member of the Center for Infection Control and Treatment, Inc. (CICAT) as a mark of its commitment towards public-private partnership in the advocacy of occupational safety and health, and addressing occupational health issues in the entire region.

With the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11058, entitled "An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof," all private companies covered must have well formulated and implemented comprehensive OSH programs especially on TB in the workplace or be penalized with administrative fines upon thorough inspection and investigation by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). //MM

OSHC empowers sanitary inspectors in Western Visayas

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) conducted an OSH orientation for the (10) sanitary officers/inspectors/engineers from various local government units in Western Visayas. The orientation was an inclusion to the 2-days Training of Trainers on Implementing Rules & Regulations on Presidential Decree 856 - Chapter 7 on "Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health," last September 6-7, 2018, at the Forest Park Resort Hotel, Bacolod City.

The participants were oriented to familiarize with the OSH situations in the global and local setting; Identify the problems and issues associated with OSH conditions in the country; Describe OSH situations in different companies; Define and differentiate accidents, unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions; Identify and enumerate different situations and practices that constitute unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions; Recognize industrial hygiene principles; Explain the key concepts of occupational health, among others.

During the OSH situationer topic, the participants were informed of the trending cases of OSH-related accidents and illnesses in the country. The 2015-2016 Philippine Statistics Authority Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (PSA-ISLE) revealed that workers mostly fell victims of various accidents like superficial injuries and open wounds, dislocations, sprains and strains, fractures, among others. While occupational diseases were mostly related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder tendonitis.


On industrial hygiene and occupational health, the participants were made aware of the (4) basic environmental stresses/hazards arising in the workplace. They were physical hazards, chemical hazards, biological hazards, and ergonomic hazards. Each hazard, if not controlled as soon as possible, would lead to adverse health effects that may temporarily or permanently disable a worker, or kill the worker. Thus, the participants gathered their collective ideas on how can they provide good recommendations for establishments with the presence of various hazards.

The OSHC also informed the participants of its mandate and technical services such as capacity-building on OSH, testing of personal protective equipment, and the provision of the work environment measurement (WEM). Thus, the OSHC is looking forward to a strong networking with the sanitary inspectors because of issues in connection with poor industrial hygiene and occupational health practices of some companies they have visited.

"Our goals in creating safe and healthy workplaces in the region are complementary," said Melveen Melocoton, officer-in-charge of OSHC-REU6. Let us work hand-in-hand in assisting establishments to be compliant with OSH rules and regulations, he added.

Most of the sanitary inspectors were enlightened on how to deal with OSH-related issues arising in workplaces that they have visited. They are now aware that a safety officer and occupational health personnel can assist them in determining unsafe/unhealthy working conditions that may lead to accidents and illnesses. Also, they are now mindful of the DOLE requirement for the number of safety officers and health personnel and their duties in ensuring good sanitary practices for the workers and the general public. With this, they are looking forward to also be trained on the DOLE mandated 40-hours basic occupational safety and health for safety officers so that they can perform a more comprehensive assessment and provide better recommendations in every workplace that they will soon visit.

The OSHC will continue to assist the sanitary inspectors through a series of meetings and invitations to upcoming capacity-building activities so that they'll be more competent in enforcing and administering the rules and regulations under the PD 856-Chapter 7 and the OSH Standards. // MM

President Duterte signs OSH Law

President Duterte signed on August 17, the Republic Act 11058, otherwise known as "An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof”

The new law on OSH will empower the authority of the Department of Labor and Employment on the enforcement of the OSH Standards by administering fines to companies who are not complying with its rules and/or minimum requirements. Also, it will provide positive impacts on the workers for the law will reinforce their rights especially regarding the rights to know, refuse unsafe work, report accidents, and personal protective equipment.

For further information about the law, please click the link: RA 11058

Assuring Safe & Sustainable Abaca Farming in Antique

The OSHC-Regional Extension Unit No. 6 conducted an OSH orientation and risk assessment workshop for the program administrators and abaca farmers' representatives under the supervision of the Antique Development Foundation (ADF), at the ADF conference room, Atabay, San Jose, Antique.

The Antique Development Foundation (ADF), a non-government organization in partnership with Care Philippines, has been implementing the Typhoon Haiyan Reconstruction Assistance (THRA) Project that supports the economic reconstruction of people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in four (4) focus municipalities of Culasi, Tibiao, Barbaza, and Laua-an. The project expanded to additional 10 municipalities in the Province of Antique for the implementation of Household Level Abaca Plantation. It focuses on Abaca Value Chain that intends to establish sustainable and resilient livelihood activities involving the most vulnerable households.

"We are currently working to improve the farming practices, management systems, and farmer knowledge which in turn will contribute to farm productivity, livelihood resiliency of farmers and their families, among others," said ADF Executive Director Rhoda E. Pon-an.

We are also aiming for the sustainability certification of abaca under the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) - Rainforest Alliance Certification System. And, one of the fundamental principles for the certification is occupational safety and health, she added.

Melveen M. Melocoton, OSHC-REU6 officer-in-charge, discussed the facts and figures related to agriculture both in the global and local setting. Also, he discussed the risk assessment approach in order to jump-start the establishment of an OSH system in their entire Abaca Value Chain. The attendees identified hazards up to its control measures according to the production, processing, and marketing of the abaca fibers for endorsement and evaluation.

Conclusively, the need for the program administrators and farmers' association representatives to undergo a 40-hours basic occupational safety and health (BOSH) training for safety officers was considered so that there will be competent persons who can facilitate in the establishment of an OSH system for the Abaca Value Chain and assure its implementation and sustainability.// MM

16th NOSH Congress, Be an OSH Champion, Vision 1 Million

For a copy of the invitation letter, please visit the OSH Activities page and click the link to download.

OSHC accredits a safety practitioner in power generation

The OSHC accredited Engr. Aquiles F. Gajito, in its roster of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Practitioners in the Philippines. With more than 47-years of experience in the power generation industry for both local and international setting, he applied for accreditation in order to further carry out the provisions of the OSH Standards (OSHS) as a safety practitioner in his locality.

Pursuance to Department Order No. 16-01 Series of 2001, amending Rule 1030 of the OSHS, all aspiring OSH practitioners shall satisfy the enumerated requirements:

• The individual must have completed the 40-hours BOSH [general industry] or COSH [construction industry] training;
• Must have at least (3) years of relevant experience in OSH;
• Must be duly-licensed t practice his/her profession in the Philippines;
• If the applicant is a graduate of any 4 or 5-years college course without a license, he/she must have at least (4) years of relevant experience in any of the sub-components in a field of specialization;
• If the applicant is a college undergraduate, he/she must have at least (10) years relevant experience in OSH.

Engr. Gajito received his certificate of accreditation and identification card valid for (3) years. And, on his renewal, he should be able to provide individual OSH accomplishments, community service/s rendered on safety and health, and attend additional training on OSH.

Engr. Gajito receiving his certificate and ID.

Melveen Melocoton, OSHC-REU6 OIC,  reciting the duties and responsibilities of
an OSH Practitioner to Engr. Gajito.

Engr. Gajito signing the certificate in acknowledgment of his duties and responsibilities
as a newly accredited safety and health practitioner.

Engr. Gajito with Mr. Melocoton for a photo-op.

OSHC Ignites SDG Ambassadors of Iloilo on OSH Advocacy

Twelve ambassadors of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Iloilo were oriented on the significance of occupational safety and health (OSH) towards sustainable growth. The ambassadors were candidates of Mister Iloilo: The Search for Young Ilonggo Sustainable Development Advocates, organized by the Youth Proyekto Philippines, Inc.  The activity was done at the Iloilo Science and Technology University – Audio Visual Room.

The ambassadors, representing various areas in Iloilo, were informed that through OSH they will be able to contribute to the accomplishment of 3-SDG (namely: Good health [3], Decent work & economic growth [8], and Peace and justice [16]). The discussion aimed to hasten activities to achieve safe and secure working environments for all workers.

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), work-related deaths, injuries, and diseases take a particularly heavy toll in developing nations, where large numbers of people are engaged in hazardous activities including agriculture, construction, logging, fishing, and mining. Death and disability resulting from hazardous work is a major cause of poverty, affecting entire families. The poorest and least protected, often women, children, and migrants, are among the most affected. Furthermore, a vicious circle of poor health, reduced working capacity, low productivity and shortened life expectancy is a typical outcome in the absence of social interventions addressing the underlying problems of irregular and low-quality employment, low pay and the lack of social protection.

"We need to capacitate all workers, regardless of employment status and nature of the business, about safety and health to improve their health and economic conditions," said Melveen Melocoton, officer-in-charge of OSHC-REU6.

With this year's SafeDay theme wherein we're campaigning to improve the safety and health of young workers, we are partnering with you (the ambassadors) in the advocacy towards sustainable growth and development of the community, he added.

The ambassadors will be collaborating their advocacies and activity proposals to the OSHC-REU6 for possible partnerships and assistance.

Displaced OFWs complete safety and health training

Source: The Daily Guardian | Vol. XVII | Monday, April 30, 2018

OSHC Celebrates World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2018

Safety Practitioner: A Roaring Career Opportunity for Displaced OFWs

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Regional Welfare Office VI (OWWA-RWO VI), conducted an OSH orientation for the registered displaced OFWs at the OWWA-RWO VI Training Room, Robinsons Mall, Iloilo City.

The activity was done to enlighten the displaced OFWs about the roaring career opportunities if they will pursue the path of an accredited safety practitioner of the country.

The general public, nowadays, is becoming more conscious about the seriousness of safety and health at work, especially in Western Visayas.

With the recent news about fatalities and deaths related to occupational safety and health (OSH), a concerned citizen would wonder keenly if what "entity" is the vital safeguard between OSH vs. accident at work. How can that entity prevent workers from going home with broken/lost limbs or dreadful work-related illnesses?

The knight in shining armor that we seek is a SAFETY PRACTITIONER. One with sufficient training and experience on OSH based on set standards and accredited by the OSHC. Currently, there are only 32 accredited OSH practitioners versus 523 hazardous establishments that need full-time safety officers in the region.

The OSHC is maximizing its efforts to provide displaced OFWs with the basic knowledge and skills on occupational safety and health (OSH) that will enable them in the promotion of a culture on OSH in their locality and to provide development opportunities that will capacitate them in a career on OSH both in the local and international level.

Finally, with the "BUILD, BUILD, BUILD" Project of the Duterte Administration, we will expect more building of infrastructures and the development of various industries. Hence, the demand for more accredited safety practitioners in the entire region.// MM

Senate approves bill strengthening work safety and health standards on second reading

Senate Bill No. 1317 or the Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof passed the scrutiny of senators on second reading on Valentine’s Day.

Senate Bill 1317: AN ACT STRENGTHENING COMPLIANCE WITH OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Sources: 

• https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/15/senate-oks-bill-strengthening-work-safety-and-health-standards-on-second-reading/
• https://www.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=17&q=SBN-1317
• http://www.ikot.ph/non-compliance-occupational-safety-health-standards-crime-villanueva/