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.

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.

Social Protection in Poverty Reduction

Poverty remains to plague the Philippines that is rich in material, cultural, and educational resources. It exists where unemployment and underemployment rest in its core. To survive, labor is principally the only aid, especially for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized sectors.

As sustainable employment is one of the best routes out of poverty, national coalition in designing and implementing strategies and programs for social protection providing income security can contribute to the objective of poverty reduction in situations of low income and high unemployment and underemployment.

Most people think the solution to poverty is more aid and charitable giving? But those are only short term stock-out solutions. If we care about them then we must seek out ways of creating security that will safeguard their lives and futures. With social protection, especially income protection, people will be financially well, they are assured economically, thus they're motivated. Their standard of living will go up, they will be able to fund high quality education for their children, and be able to gain access to better health care. Furthermore, they will be able to dream and make their dream a reality.

Society that the economy represents will benefit from this endeavor. The result will fuel the engine towards poverty reduction and improved quality of life. What about tomorrow? What about the next generation that is coming from them? Through social protection, economic growth will surface thus creating sustainable opportunities for people. At first we ask, “How can the poor, vulnerable and marginalized be assured of a bright tomorrow?” Then suddenly they are on a trajectory towards quality living.

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.

OSHC Trains More Promising Safety Officers in Negros

The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 and Safety Organization of Negros Occidental (SONO), Inc., conducted the Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) training for Safety Officers last February 23-27, 2015, at O-Hotel, Sebastian St., Bacolod City.

 The BOSH training is part of a labor mandate to strengthen the call for zero accidents in all workplaces in the country. It is a 5-days worth of lectures, exercises, presentations, workshops, and a plant visit so that participants will get a full comprehension of the topics involved in occupational safety and health.

Ruge P. Balladares, 2015 President of SONO, Inc., encouraged more potential safety officers of the labor force to keep on updating their knowledge and enhancing their skills on OSH. He even advised that all who already have long been practicing the art to apply as an active member of SONO and to push through for accreditation to become a proud OSH practitioner.

Through the efforts of each organization, the gap between a worker from obtaining a safe and healthy workplace is now increasingly being identified and fixed. And soon, with companies more engaged in OSH practices, and the presence of more OSH practitioners in the country, especially in Region 6, zero accidents in the workplace will finally be goals met.