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.

OSHC, Pushing the the envelope in 2016

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) will be further extending its reach to the workers through enhanced preventive strategies in reducing work-related accidents and illnesses. With the proposal of the 2016 planning tool framework, effective implementation of OSH programs that will enhance productivity and subsequently contribute to national economic development efforts will be carried out. This endeavor will contribute to the universal coverage, expanded benefits, accessibility of social protection and safe work for all.

OSHC Executive Director Dr. Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, presented the planning tool to the heads and regional representatives during the Year-End Assessment at the Center. Included in the presentation were the agency strategies and expected outcomes, the targets, and innovations.

A number of training schedules and appreciation courses for various participants including the workers from the local government units, the management and union representatives, informal sector and vulnerable sector, are in store this new year.

Activities of OSHC especially in Region-6 will be posted and updated accordingly in the OSHC website for clients to be able to contact the right personnel for their inquiries and concerns. Preferentially, they can visit the nearest Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Offices for information.

Zero Accidents at CASA, commitment rather than mere compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Center - Regional Extension Unit No.6 (OSHC-REU6) in partnership with the Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Inc. (WV OSHNET) conducted the 1-day OSH orientation at the Central Azucarera de San Antonio (CASA) in Passi, Iloilo, last Oct. 9, 2015. The event was attended by 40-employees from various departments of the company.

Engr. Ramon A. Dela Cruz, Factory Operations Manager of CASA, welcomed the attendees and thanked the organizers of the event. As an advocate of zero accidents in the workplace, he emphasized the importance being keen and assertive once hazards in the workplace are present. After all, safety is not just the responsibility of the safety officers but of everyone.

Ms. Inesitas I. Palermo, Treasurer of WV OSHNET, Inc., expressed that even though they are busy people with their own jobs and companies to handle still they give time to uphold the vision and mission of their organization in achieving a safe and healthy work environment for all workers in Panay Island.

Mr. Melveen M. Melocoton, Administrative Officer of OSHC-REU6, voiced to everyone in the venue that we work for not just ourselves but our families. Once accidents happen to us, we lose our sense of purpose. We become afraid and unproductive. That is why the OSHC-REU6 and WV OSHNET are working with great efforts to promote zero accidents in order for all workers to be confident rather than afraid, and effective rather than unproductive.

Topics during the 1-day OSH orientation were OSH situationer, unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions in the workplace, machine handling, industrial hazards and occupational health, and accident investigation. The attendees were presented with pictures and video clips that raised their awareness of the seriousness of safety and health at work.

Safety and health of workers are vital ingredients in establishing a strong nation. Through OSH orientations, we are able to invoke a commitment rather than a mere compliance to zero accidents in the workplace.

Engr. Ramon A. Dela Cruz welcoming the attendees.

Engr. Alberto E. Pedrajas giving his opening remarks.

Ms. Inesitas I. Palermo introducing the resource speakers.

Mr. Melveen M. Melocoton discussing the topic on OSH Situationer.

Engr. Quirico M. Baldomar discussing principles on unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions in the workplace.

Engr. Maximo J. Pareja discussing accident investigation.

The attendees composed of safety staff, admin staff, engineers, maintenance crew, among others.

Yes to OSH in Negros, the war against accidents in the construction industry

In order to address the need for more competent safety officers in Negros Occidental, the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Safety Organization of Negros Occidental, Inc., conducted the construction safety training (CST) in Bacolod City, last Sept. 28 - Oct. 2, 2015.

The CST was attended by a total of 37-participants from various industries such as the construction industry, manufacturing industry, among others. It is a 40-hours (5-days) worth of training on topics including introduction to safety and health, occupational safety, environmental safety, occupational health, and responses to occupational safety and health (OSH)  issues and challenges.

Cyril L. Ticao, Assistant Regional Director of the DOLE Region 6, welcomed the participants and thanked the OSHC and SONO, Inc., for the strong partnership in promoting occupational safety and health (OSH) in Negros Occidental.

Dyan Grace A. Mayang, a compensation and benefits officer of FocusDirect, Inc., was asked regarding her reason for attending the training. She replied, "In order to learn more information regarding safety practices in the workplace." The training provided me with knowledge and skills  in identifying hazardous practices that can be applied at home as well, she added.

On the other hand, Anthony G. Altarejos, a nurse by profession and safety officer of The Doctors' Hospital, Inc in Bacolod, said that as a nurse without engineering academics and hands-on experience in the construction industry, the training contributed much to his knowledge and awareness on safety. Hence, he will be able to pursue safety programs that can benefit not only the employees but also his patients.

Rhoel S. Historia, environmental, safety & health (ESH) coordinator of Panay Electric Development Corp. - 3, stated that the training can provide compliance and maturity of safety culture in his company.

We can help anybody by sharing the knowledge we learned by making them aware of the hazards in all kinds of work. Also, we educate the people to avoid such hazards that can harm o deter them from working on a productive aspect, said Carlo Doniel Labis of Meilleur Manpower Services.

With the vigorous commitment of OSHC, DOLE, and SONO in the creation of safe and healthy workplaces in the region, more upcoming activities on safety and health are anticipated. Because, it is more fun in a safe and healthy region.

Cyril l. Ticao, ARD of DOLE-Region 6, giving the welcome address.

Ruge P. Balladares, SONO President, discussing the topic on unsafe/unhealthy acts and conditions in the workplace.

Class pictoral.

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.