The Occupational Health Nurses Association of the Philippines (OHNAP), Inc. will be holding its 285th Postgraduate Course on Basic Occupational Safety & Health (BOSH) for Nurses from September 16-21, 2019 at exactly 8:00AM-5:00PM at MO2 Westown Hotel, Benigno Aquino Avenue, Mandurriao Iloilo City.

The six-day course is designed for all nurses as required by the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and in compliance with Rule 1960 of the Occupational Safety & Health Standards requiring all nurses in OSH to take up the Basic Occupational Safety & Health (BOSH) course.

Please refer to the link below to get a copy of the invitation letter:

OHNAP BOSH in Iloilo Invitation Letter 

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

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 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 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

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.

Encouraging innovation through labor-management cooperation

Last Feb. 19, the Occupational Safety and Health Center - REU 6 gave inputs related to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Program during the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Region 6's enhancement activity on, "Encouraging innovation through labor-management cooperation (LMC) and basic concept of productivity.

The activity was attended by (11) managers from various companies with established LMC committees. The managers were informed of the programs and services of OSHC to further expand the partnership in the advocacy and the empowerment of OSH in their respective workplaces.

Through strong linkages and social dialogue, the advocacy of OSH in the region will amass to a point when issues of lack of awareness of the programs, services, and standards will be dealt with. The NCMB-6 will be hosting more free convergence activities, in partnership with DOLE, RTWPB, OSHC, and ECC, in the near future and they are hoping for more companies to actively participate in the advocacy.

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.