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 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.

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.

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.