PagOSHwag Session: Episode 1 - Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industry

We are inviting all OSH champions to the PagOSHwag Session: Episode 1 - Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industry, a webinar on industry-based occupational safety and health (OSH) compliance and best practices via the Zoom App on August 7, 2020 (10AM-12PM).

This will be a 2-hr webinar activity with the following objectives for registered participants:

1. Recognize industry-specific OSH guidelines.
2. Compare industry-specific OSH compliance guidelines versus current workplace scenario.
3. Identify challenges in the workplace on OSH compliance.
4. Note industry-specific best practices on OSH.

Registered participants will be provided with certificates of participation after the session and upon accomplishment of the post-activity evaluation forms.

This activity will highly serve the industry owners/heads, HR managers, supervisors, safety officers, occupational health personnel, rank-and-file workers, OSH compliance officers, public health workers, OSH professionals, and the academe.

To register please click the link: https://zoom.us/…/reg…/tJMqf-6srzkjHt1sdBakbeJ9nVO2Yaf-40Zm…

For inquiries kindly email us at oshc.region6@gmail.com or contact us via our office digits at (033) 327-4065 & (0998) 968 4852.

We will cater everyone until all slots are booked.

Embracing the New Norm: OSH compliance for private establishments during the COVID-19 crisis

With the release of the DTI and DOLE Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19, all private establishments will embrace new standards on safety and health to assure that workers will not be infected by the virus.

For further information, please click the link: https://drive.google.com/…/1EJAJ3cHF9tWoIsgV0AflTP6-9Y…/view

Happy Labor Day 2020

In these challenging times, we are truly grateful for the dedication and sacrifices of our labor force in Western Visayas, specifically our frontliners.

We deeply thank the employers and workers for their assistance in the campaign on the adoption of safe and healthy practices and the role that occupational safety and health (OSH) services play. We also wish to thank our partners, specifically the LGUs, OSHNets, STOs, and OSH Champions, for their active support and participation in all OSH-related endeavors in the locality. // MM

Regional OSH advocacy and open forum in Iloilo City

REU6 starts work for 2019

The OSHC-REU6 will be starting its first-day operation tomorrow on January 3, two days after the kickstart of  2019. The new year will be a game changer for all safety advocates in the country due to the much awaited implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11058, otherwise known as the "ACT STRENGTHENING COMPLIANCE WITH OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF."

To keep the ball rolling, the regional unit will be coordinating with its stakeholders and partners for the speedy posting of the 2019 calendar of OSH-related activities in the entire Western Visayas.  With this, all OSH advocates and enthusiasts will be promptly informed and involved of the OSHC's "Vision 1 Million" crusade. // MM

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

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 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

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.

Balladares, a champion on OSH in Region 6

Ruge Pisueña Balladares, 2015 President of the Safety Organization of Negros Occidental (SONO), Inc., was one of the guests during the Morning Chow of ABS-CBN, yesterday.

He was interviewed regarding the background and mission of the organization. Also, he announced to the public the conduct of the Construction Safety Training in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 and Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Regional Extension Unit No.6.

As an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Practitioner, accredited by DOLE Region VI, he champions the advocacy of OSH and the commitment towards the safety and health of workers wherever he goes.

As SONO President, he excelled in the leadership and management of his organization which resulted to the increased conduct of safety and health training schedules in Negros Occidental and advocacy activities on occupational safety and health. During his leadership, the activation of the Junior SONO (J-SONO), a group of students who also allies in the cause for a safe and healthy workplace, was done to enhance the eyes, hands and voices of the organization.

Mr. Balladares, continues to be an asset in the mission towards establishing a culture on OSH in the region.

Mr. Ruge P. Balladares (front), together with Engr. Bernard Gasendo (left side), being interviewed by the host.

Officers of SONO, Inc.

First Aider: First Come, First Serve!

According to Rule 1960 of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards, "Every employer shall establish in his place of employment, occupational health services." This statement strengthens the importance of health and safety in the workplace, whether public or private, hazardous or non-hazardous. Accidents can happen anytime, maybe through machine problems or human problems. Thus, it is mandated that every establishment must acquire the services of a qualified occupational health personnel, especially a first-aider.

A first-aider is duly certified or qualified person trained by the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) or by any organization accredited by them who can render first-aid. He is someone who gives first aid treatment that are immediate and necessary in case of injury or abrupt illness endured by workers, whether or not the injury/illness is occupational in nature until advanced life support arrives.

Rule 1964.01 of the OSH Standards states that, "A first-aider must be able to read and write and must have completed a course in first aid conducted by the PNRC or any organization accredited by the same." And, in order to maintain the competency of the first-aider, Rule 1963.03 affirms that, "The first-aiders of every establishment shall undergo a minimum of eight (8) hours refresher training course in their respective fields at least once a year."

The first-aiders must be fully aware of their duties. These includes:

1. Rendering immediate temporary treatment in case of injury or illness, before the services of a physician becomes available. If the case needs a physician, the first-aider shall immediately call or refer the injured to one;
2. Involve himself in the maintenance of OSH programs, as a member of the Safety Committee, and;
3. Maintain medical services and facilities.

The OSH Standards states that in every company with 50 or less employees, the employer must seek the services of a  certified first-aider. A first-aider can be anyone who is duly certified and, aside from his usual duties, is delegated as such. Although, if the company has more than 50 employees, the services of a nurse, doctor and dentist are required. Lastly, safety officers are highly recommended to be first-aiders as long as they have undergone the prescribed training from the PNRC.

OSHC Trains More Promising Safety Officers in Negros

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 and Safety Organization of Negros Occidental (SONO), Inc., conducted the Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) training for Safety Officers last February 23-27, 2015, at O-Hotel, Sebastian St., Bacolod City.

 The BOSH training is part of a labor mandate to strengthen the call for zero accidents in all workplaces in the country. It is a 5-days worth of lectures, exercises, presentations, workshops, and a plant visit so that participants will get a full comprehension of the topics involved in occupational safety and health.

Ruge P. Balladares, 2015 President of SONO, Inc., encouraged more potential safety officers of the labor force to keep on updating their knowledge and enhancing their skills on OSH. He even advised that all who already have long been practicing the art to apply as an active member of SONO and to push through for accreditation to become a proud OSH practitioner.

Through the efforts of each organization, the gap between a worker from obtaining a safe and healthy workplace is now increasingly being identified and fixed. And soon, with companies more engaged in OSH practices, and the presence of more OSH practitioners in the country, especially in Region 6, zero accidents in the workplace will finally be goals met.