PagOSHwag Session: Episode 2 - Healthcare Industry

We are inviting all OSH champions to the PagOSHwag Session: Episode 2 - Health Care Industry, a webinar on industry-based occupational safety and health (OSH) compliance and best practices via the Zoom App on Sept. 29, 2020 (9:30AM-12:00PM).

This will be a 2.5-hr webinar activity with the following objectives:

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. Giveaways will also be given to lucky winners in our games.

To register, please click the link: REGISTRATION LINK

For inquiries kindly email us or drop us a message via our FB Page. We will cater everyone until all slots are booked.

WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK 2020

TODAY WE COMMEMORATE THE WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK 2020 with the theme: " Stop the pandemic: Safety and health at work can save lives."

Front line workers are the heroes of the global #COVID19 pandemic response; we must ensure their safety and health at work. Unity in times of adversities is one of the key elements in the war against the virus. Proper coordination with authorities and compliance is a must to ensure that workers will be provided with the most up-to-date information, care and protection. // MM

OSHC-REU6 intensifies safety and health awareness and innovations in Lambunao

LAMBUNAO, ILOILO - The OSHC-REU6 intensified the "Vision 1 Million" though the conduct of a free 1-day safety and health awareness with topics on basic safety and health measures, and innovations at work for the 35-garment workers composing of housewives, senior citizens, LGU job hires, among others.

Melveen Melocoton, OSHC-REU6 focal, facilitated the safety and health topics with discussions, games and workshops. He discussed the topics on accident causation, good housekeeping and innovations on occupational safety and health.

"With a sound policy on safety and health, an active committee, a trained safety officer and occupational health personnel, you'll be able to develop better programs and innovations to prevent losses and thus result to good sales performance towards productivity," he said.

On the other hand, Lambunao Acting Municipal Administrator Sofia G. Halago said that we need to embrace the learning and apply it in our workplace. Doing so implies that we gave value to the efforts of our social partners to equip us with the learning for our own good and thus we need to do our share.

"Let's help one another for the sustainability of the project," she added.

The activity was in partnership with the  Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) via its Shared Facilities Project that is geared towards accelerating competitiveness of micro,small, and medium enterprises (MSME) through provision of state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, and safety and health interventions and innovations.

In Iloilo, garments making became a shared service facility project of the DTI in partnership with the local government of Lambunao, Iloilo. The project started in 2015 which provided the locality with sewing, edging and piping machines, rotary printers, embroidery machine and generator set. // 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

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

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

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.

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