OSHC assists DENR-EMB RO6 in adopting the OSH Standards for the Public Sector

Mr. Melveen, officer-in-charge, was invited as the resource person during the conduct of the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau's 2-day seminar and workshop on occupational safety and health (OSH) for the public sector via teleconference last Aug. 19-20, 2020. The activity was attended by the various heads and representatives of the office. It was designed for the participants to be familiarized on the OSH Standards for the Public Sector and to assist them in adopting the guidelines in their office pursuance to the CSC-DOH-DOLE Joint Memo Circular No. 1 series of 2020.

According to the join memo circular, the OSH Standards shall apply to all officials and employees in the NGAs, SUCs, LGUs; and GOCCs whether permanent, temporary, and/or casual status. Job orders, contract of services, institutional and individual contractors are also covered. The Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Public Sector is aimed at protecting all government employees from the dangers of injury, sickness or death in the workplace through the adoption of safe and healthy working conditions to ensure the preservation of human lives and resources and prevent loss/damage of properties. This shall also guide the government agencies in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Occupational Safety and Health for government employees.

During the activity, the participants identified issues in the workplace such as:

• Health risks of the office's skeletal workforce especially the front liners in conducting monitoring and enforcement activities;
• Even with the implementation of our COVID Crisis Management Plan, it is still beyond the office's control regarding those going inside the office and those that workers meet along the way;
• OSH-related risks during the conduct of water sampling, monitoring and other investigation for environmental complaints;
• Concerns on employee health and wellness program and office space, among others.

As a result, the participants were coached on the development of their agency’s OSH program and OSH committee that will serve as the policy making body on matters pertaining to safety and health. They were provided with the basic structure and duties and responsibilities of each member in the committee for their guidance. A detailed discussion was done on the vital elements in safeguarding reasonable working conditions as enumerated by the guidelines, as follows:

1. Workplace
2. Emergency preparedness
3. Occupational safety and health program
4. Support facilities
5. Working hours, break and leave privileges
6. Work environment

After the entire activity, Mr. Melocoton provided the participants with an organizational plan on what activities to be done to realign their current safety, health and environment programs, and stimulate the development of a comprehensive OSH program that will complement the guidelines in the OSH Standards for the public sector. //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

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

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/

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

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

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 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.

Training on Occupational Safety and Health at Large

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), conducted its first mandated 40-hours (5-days) Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Training for 2016, last Jun. 27-Jul. 1, at the HRT Service Center, Iloilo Science and Technology University, La Paz, Iloilo City.

The training was attended by 50-pax from various private and public organizations. The participants present were contractors, safety officers, management staff, foremen, among others.

Salome O. Siaton, OIC-Regional Director of DOLE-RO6, welcomed the participants and thanked the partners for their full time support towards the achievement of zero accidents in the region. She echoed her experiences on OSH and sadly verbalized that there are those who take OSH for granted. “We can compromise benefits but never the lives of workers,” she said. Let us help one another, not just for compliance but to make Western Visayas a zero accident area, she added.

Engr. Maximo J. Pareja, President of WVOSHNET, Inc., said that their organization will keep on working hand-in-hand with OSHC and DOLE-RO6 to increase schedules of both BOSH and COSH due to high demands in the region; 

Melveen M. Melocoton, Admin Officer of OSHC in Region-6, commended the inspiring efforts of WVOSHNET as the extending arm of the OSHC and DOLE-RO6 in most of its activities on OSH.

During the training, the participants were able to embrace the fundamentals of occupational safety and health wherein they discussed topics on occupational safety, industrial hygiene and occupational health. They were also able to learn the roles of a safety officer, legislations, and its career opportunities. Furthermore, they integrated their learnings attained via a safety and health audit at the Atria Avida Storey 1 and Tower 1, Brgy. San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The COSH training is in pursuance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards and DOLE Department Order 13, series of 1998.

SMB in Region 6, Labor Laws Compliant Establishment

The DOLE Family in Western Visayas once again, participated in the witnessing of the unveiling ceremony of another branch of SMB Brewery, Inc. wherein SMB Panay Provinces Beer Region & Western Visayas Metro Beer Region declared their establishment as a Labor Laws Compliant Establishment.

Addressing Safety with TQM Const. Corp.

 The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in collaboration with the Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WVOSHNET), conducted the (1) day appreciation course on occupational safety and health (OSH) to 35-workers of TQM Construction Corporation last June 18, 2016, at the Biscocho Haus, Jaro, Iloilo City ;

The workers present were the project engineers, safety officer, accounting and management staff, foremen, mason, painters, janitors, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, among others;

Mr. Melveen Melocoton, Admin Officer, facilitated the flow of the activity and discussed topics on the situation of OSH globally and locally, and overviews on industrial hygiene and occupational health;

The participants mostly expected that they would learn the basics on OSH and be updated on new trends and issues regarding the matter;

Engr. Wesley Welfredo Dulla, DOLE-accredited OSH Practitioner and Board of Director of the WVOSHNET, discussed and facilitated topics on occupational safety. Specifically, electrical safety, fall protection & ladder safety, excavation safety, and confined space. Such topics were requested by the company, themselves;

After the topics, the participants had a workshop on just thinking about their workplaces where they wrote concerns on occupational safety, health and environment in their respective areas, their recommendations, the time frame of its implementation, and responsible people for assistance. The outputs were then submitted to the safety officer for evaluation of management;

Mr. Alvin Ita-as, son of the owner of TQM Construction Corporation, received IEC materials and the OSHS yellow book from the OSHC. He thanked the facilitators and employees for the successful conduct of the activity. He said that more collaborative activities will be expected soon to further expand the commitment of the company on OSH.

Iwas Aksidente Patrol (IwAP) Mo!

The DOLE-RO6 invited partner agencies, intermediaries, and advocates to discuss the development of the DOLE-RO6 initiated, “Iwas Aksidente Patrol Mo,” project and its possible adoption.

Partners present were representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WVOSHNET, Inc.), Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Inc. (SONO, Inc.), Contractors Network of Negros Occidental, Inc. (CONNO, Inc.), and Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM).

Ponciano M. Ligutom, Regional Director of DOLE-RO6, emphasized the role of the department as facilitators in the implementation of the various programs, projects and activities on occupational safety and health. “We believe that if we work together, we can make a push for safety and health. That is the reality of public-private partnership/convergence. We need to be the vision keepers,” he added.

Dr. Florentino Alerta II, PCOM representative, stressed his sentiments on the importance of making management aware of the laws and policies on OSH especially on the qualifications and recruitment of OSH personnel. He also verbalized the issues on documentation and reporting wherein some companies are not compliant or are afraid to do so especially times of severe accidents.

Engr. Maximo Pareja, President of WVOSHNET, suggested that an incident reporting chart or the “IWAP Mo” signage be posted in on-going construction sites as requirement;

Mr. Stephene Barredo, representative of ECC, presented the “Work Hazard and Accident Report System."

IwAP mo!, is a concept of the DOLE Regional Office 6 that calls on workers and ordinary citizens to actively support in the advocacy and promotion of safety and health in hazardous workplaces in the region. It was conceptualized and implemented due to low ratio of Labor Laws Compliance Officers (LLCOs) versus the increasing number of establishments, minimal opportunity for OSH violations committed in plain view of LLCOs, and new construction sites and other hazardous workplaces mushrooming in the region without the knowledge of the DOLE, thus are not included in the roster of establishments subject to the visits of the LLCOs.

Labor Month Celebration 2016

The Department of Labor and Employment  - Regional Coordinating Council of Region 6 (DOLE RCC-6) met last May 17, 2016, at the DOLE Regional Office 6, and discussed the updates regarding the 2016 Labor Month Celebration activities.

Main activities which will be held are the following:

1. RCC Sports Fest (May 20 - Iloilo Sports Complex Gym)
2. Araw ng Kasambahay (May 21 - Jaro Gym)
3. LCT Meeting (May 25 - NCMB Office)
4. Stress Debriefing for OFWs (May 25 - Grand Hotel)
5. Workers Management Consultation (May 26 - Regatta Residence Hotel)
6. Culmination and Workers' Night (May 27 - Capitol Grounds)
7. 10th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Award (GKK) Regional Awarding
8. 1st Search for Outstanding Employees in the Private Sectors.

The endeavors will enhance camaraderie among the DOLE family of agencies, its partners, and networks in sustaining a labor force that is safe & healthy, productive and peaceful.

The RCC is comprised of the various attached agencies of DOLE such as PRC, TESDA, OWWA, NCMB, NLRC, RTWPB, POEA, NRCO, OSHC and ECC.

CSHP Training: First of its kind in Region 6

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 2^nd 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.

2016 First OSH Practitioner Accreditation

March 17 - the DOLE, in collaboration with OSHC, WV OSHNET and partners in the advocacy on OSH, assembled to interview (2) applicants for OSH Practitioner accreditation.This procedure is in pursuance to Department Order No. 16-01 amending Rule 1030 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards. It states that the DOLE may issue accreditation to any qualified safety and health personnel, individual to carry out the provisions of the Standards.

Thus, with the increasing number of accredited OSH practitioners to comprehensively plan and carry out OSH-related activities, the promotion and sustenance of zero accidents will escalate. The situation will create a culture of OSH in their respective workplaces resulting in productivity and industrial peace in the region.