CSHP Training: First of its kind in Region 6

Due to the increasing issues and concerns on occupational safety and health (OSH) in the region, the Department of Labor and Employment Region 6 (DOLE-RO6) formed the network of networks (N2N), consisting of different organizations (private and public) involved in the zero accident program to facilitate the planning and implementation of effective, responsive, and sustainable OSH-related programs, projects and activities to reinforce the advocacy on OSH.

Through productive meetings to address increasing construction activities resulting to further demand for monitoring and ensuring the safety and health of workers, the N2N was able to spearhead the conduct of the 2-days Construction Safety and Health Program (CSHP) Training last March 29-30, 2016, where 63-participants from the various LGU of Panay Island and personnel from the DPWH attended and shared their experiences and grievances on the matter pertaining to the CSHP.

Regional Director Ponciano M. Ligutom of the DOLE-RO6 graced the activity with his presence and stated that the 2-days CSHP training was the first of its kind. He sadly verbalized that there are plenty of construction projects with no CSHP. “Hindi pera, hindi DOLE ang pinag-usapan natin dito kundi buhay ng tao.” Let us find a solution that will not compromise our principles. If others can’t do it, let’s do it, he added.

During the training, topics included were OSH legislation, OSH programming, work site inspection, construction heavy equipment and personal protective equipment. On the 2^nd day, the participants put into practice the knowledge gained via workshops on CSHP preparation and evaluation. Finally, an open forum was moderated by the DOLE where participants got more opportunities to voice out their grievances and recommendations revolving around the CSHP and its implementation.

The 2-days CSHP training was designed for the participants to recognize the process flow in the preparation of a CSHP, to be able to prepare a correct and comprehensive CSHP, intensify the promotional activities, and raise the level of awareness of the public in the promotion of a zero accident in the construction sites.

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.

First Batch of Trained Safety Officers for 2016

The first batch of safety officers blustered proudly their certificates of completion after they successfully finished the 40-hours mandated BOSH training in partnership with DOLE and SONO, Inc.

The training was conducted last Mar. 14-18, 2016. And, good new for those who were not able to join the first BOSH in Bacolod City for this year, another BOSH training will be conducted on April 25-29, 2016 at the Planta Hotel and Residences.

BOSH in Bacolod Invitation Letter to Participants & Program Schedule (Apr. 25-29, 2016)

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.