OSH Fundamentals: 2 Big Ideas
OSH Fundamentals: 2 Big Ideas
OSH Fundamentals
2 Big Ideas:
1.) “Investment in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) ensures workforce well-being and business continuity. It is not only a social responsibility and legal compliance issue.
It makes good business sense.”
2.) ACCIDENTS can be prevented by understanding their causes and implementing controls.
1.1. Session Objectives At the end of the session, participants are able to:
1.2. Introduction
The possibility of accident and adverse effect to health is always present in any workplace. All work exposes workers to hazards, example:
Injury
Illness
3) it is the law.
The first argument – right thing to do – is based on ethical principle in that the employer, while earning profit, has the moral obligation to protect employees from
accidents and illnesses. Workers have the right to safe and healthful workplace.
The second argument – the smart thing to do – is based on the economic principle in that no business owner wants accidents because accidents and illnesses
impose a massive cost to business. They not only lower productivity, but in the worst case, can even end the business.
The third argument – it is the law – is based on the legal principle in that employers violating the provisions of the law are imposed penalties and can be issued
work stoppage orders by the appropriate authorities.
Lost time
Sick pay
Damage of products
Repairs of equipment
Extra wages
Production delays
Investigation time
Fines
Lost contracts
Legal costs
Other key points to consider:
Frequency Rate: 1.75% means that there are about 2 cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 1,000,000 employee hours of exposure.
Incidence Rate: 4.27% means around 4 cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 1,000 workers.
Severity Rate: 9.68% means that almost 10 days were lost in cases of occupational injuries resulting to temporary incapacity per 1,000,000 employee-hours of exposure.
Occupational Injuries with Workdays Lost
Type of Injuries
Superficial injuries and open wounds were the most common type of occupational injuries with more than half or 50.8 percent of the total cases reported. This was followed by
dislocations, sprains and strains with 12.0 percent and fractures with 10.7 percent.
Agent of Injury
The top three (3) agents of injuries in 2017 were machines and equipment (26.2%); materials and objects (24.4%); and hand tools (18.3%).
Occupational Diseases
Occupational diseases reported in 2017 totaled to 101,851 cases, a decrease of 19.1 percent from 125,973 reported cases in 2015.
Highest among the work-related illnesses reported by workers was back pains, followed by essential hypertension and neck-shoulder pains, occupational asthma and other
infections.
Workers engaged in administrative and support service activities reported the highest share of cases with occupational diseases with 31.8 percent. Followed by manufacturing
industry (28.9%) and wholesale and retail trade; repair of motorcycles (9.6%).
Profile of Most Commonly Injured Worker
Male
Married
26-30 years old
With 1 to 5 years work experience
Assigned in the first shift
1.6. Accidents/Incidents
Accidents are “occurrences or events that are unexpected, unforeseen, unplanned and unwanted which result to damage, injury, loss or death”. Incidents, on the other hand,
are “events, which under slightly different circumstances, may have resulted in injury or ill health, or damage or loss to property, plant, materials or the environment or a loss of
business opportunity” (HSE-UK).
Example: Accident
A window cleaner dropping a bucket from a height, which caused injury to a person underneath, would be classed as an accident.
Example: Incident
A window cleaner dropping a bucket from a height, which just missed a person standing underneath, would be classed as a “near-miss” incident. This incident did not cause an
injury to a person but, under slightly different circumstances (the person standing nearer to the contact point) the person may have been injured.
Examples of Hazards
Physical – when a worker is generally within arm’s length (example: unguarded rotating machine)
Environmental – when a worker is an unhealthy atmosphere (example: extremely hot working area)
Types of Accidents
1. Fall to:
lower level
same level
2. Caught:
on
in
in between
3. Struck:
against
by
4. Contact with:
chemicals
electricity
heat/cold
radiation
5. Rubbed or abraded by:
friction
pressure
vibration
Improper Attitude
Physical Limitations
Lack of Knowledge or Skills
Unsafe conditions are “physical or chemical property of a material, machine or the environment which could result in injury to a person, damage or destruction to property or
other forms of losses” (American National Standards Institute).
Examples of unsafe conditions:
affirms labor as a primary social and economic force and that a safe and healthy workforce is an integral aspect of nation building
ensures that the laws and standards are fully enforced and complied with by the employers
ensures a safe and healthful workplace for all working people by affording them full protection against all hazards in their work environment
2.3.1. Coverage
All establishments where work is undertaken, including:
Establishments located inside special economic zones and other investment promotion agencies
Utilities engaged in air, sea, and land transportation
Industries such as mining, fishing, construction, agriculture, and maritime
Contractors and subcontractors including those engaged in the projects of the public sector
Does not apply to the public sector
Classification of Establishments:
High Risk Establishments. Where hazards affect the safety and/or health of the workers and the public, example: construction projects.
Medium Risk Establishments. Where there is moderate exposure to safety and health hazards and with probability of an accident, injury or illness.
Low Risk Establishments. Where there is low level of danger or exposure to safety and health hazards or with low probability to result in accident, harm
or illness.
2.3.2. Duties of Employers and Workers
Duties of Employers
Keep workers from hazardous that can cause death, illness and physical harm
Provide complete job safety instruction
Ensure that chemical, biological and physical agents and ergonomic and psychosocial stresses under control
Use only approved equipment and devises
Comply with OSHS and provision of PPE
Allow workers to participate in the planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of the OSH management system
Provide for measures identifying training and drills to deal emergencies
Comply with reportorial requirement.
Duties of Workers
Right to know all hazards in the workplace through training, education and orientation. Re-orientation for workers in high risk establishment shall be
done not less than once a quarter.
Right to refuse unsafe work without threat or reprisal from the employer if imminent danger situation exist, as may be determined by DOLE.
Right to report accidents, dangerous occurrences and hazards to the employer, to the DOLE and other government agencies using any form of
communication and without retaliation.
Right to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
o free of charge
o appropriate type as tested and approved based on its standards
o appropriate size, weight, and type to specific workers exposed to hazards
2.3.4. OSH Reports
OSH Reports, as required by law shall be submitted by employers in prescribed forms and at a designated time.
Administrative Documentary Requirements
Notification and Keeping of Records of Accidents and/or Occupational Illnesses Rule 1050 (OSH Standards)
Reportorial Requirements
Work Accident/Illness Report On or before the 30th DOLE-BFQ-WAIR (newly revised with reference
1 W
(WAIR) day of the month coding list) WAIR COVID-19 WAIR A WAIR B
Medical supplies, check requirement at Table 47 of the OSH Standard (pp 207 to 211 of the 2019 updated OSH Standard)
Treatment room or clinic
Hospital and dental clinic* (Section 15 of DO 198-18 pp 432 of the 2019 updated OSH Standards)
Safety signage and devices posted in prominent positions to warn the workers and the public of the hazards in accordance with the OSH Standards in
terms of colors and sizes and with the Generally Harmonized System pictograms.
Safety in the use of equipment complying the requirements of DOLE including the requirement on training and certification of the operators by the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
OSH information shall be made available to workers including hazards and risks in the workplace, control mechanisms to reduce the risk of exposure to
the hazards and emergency and disaster management protocols.
Construction Safety and Health Programs (CHSP) containing detailed policies, processes and procedures to conform with OSH standards shall be
developed and implemented as main tool to achieve the company’s OSH objectives.
2.3.11. Penalties
Failure or refusal to comply with OSH standards or compliance order shall be deemed willful when done voluntarily, deliberately and intentionally.
Repeatedly violation shall be penalized of the corresponding fine plus an additional fine equivalent to fifty percent (50%) for every instance of repeat
violation.
When the violation exposes the worker to death, serious injury or serious illness, the imposable penalty shall be one hundred thousand pesos
(₱100,000.00)
When the violation exposes the worker to death, serious injury or serious illness, the imposable penalty shall be one hundred thousand pesos
(₱100,000.00).
Should there be 2 or more be non-compliances, all penalties shall be imposed; provided that the total daily penalty shall not exceed one hundred
thousand pesos (₱ 100,000.00)
The penalties shall be computed on a per day basis until full compliance reckoned from the date of the notice of violation or service of the compliance order to the employer
without prejudice to the filing of a criminal or civil case in the regular courts.
The RD shall, after due notice and hearing, impose the appropriate administrative fines taking into consideration the damage or injury caused and risk involved including the
severity and frequency of the OSH violations and size of the establishment.
Construction Safety and Health Program (CHSP). Before start of the actual construction, the
construction Project Manager shall prepare and submit to DOLE Regional Office a comprehensive CHSP
and a simplified CHSP for construction of residential buildings 2 storey and below with less than 10
workers.
Safety on Construction Heavy Equipment. All operators of heavy equipment shall be certified by
TESDA and all heavy equipment tested by third party testing organization accredited by DOLE.
Safety Officer. The general constructor shall assign a full time and qualified safety officer to oversee the
management of the CHSP. The number of SOs shall be according to the number of workers guided by
the following:
Safety Officer for Heavy Equipment. The General Constructor shall provide one (1) Safety Officer for
every 10 units of heavy equipment assigned to the project site.
Safety Officer of Subcontractor. Each subcontractor must provide for a representative, who shall have the
same qualifications as the Safety Officer, to oversee the management of the CHSP for the
subcontractor’s workforce and specific area of work operations in accordance with the requirements of
Rule 1033 of the OSHS.
OH Hazards are classified into biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial.
3.3. Biological
biological substances that pose threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of
humans
also called biohazards
3.3.1. Types of Biological Hazards
Biological hazards are classified into micro and macro organisms which might possibly present
biohazards in work settings (Dutkiewicz et al., 1988 quoted in ILO). Four broad classes of micro-
organisms that can interact with humans are bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. They are hazardous to
workers due to their wide distribution in the working environment.
Hazardous macro-organisms can include insects, plants and animals. Construction activities that might
expose workers to biological hazards are excavation, demolition, renovation, sewer work or other
construction work from contact with contaminated or disease- carrying materials, such as:
Macro
insects, plants and animals
organism
Skin irritation
Allergies from molds and other fungi
Infections (AIDS, TB, rabies)
Tetanus (lockjaw)
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (an acute response to exposure to an organism)
Cancer from respirable mycotoxins
Infectious Respiratory diseases – ex. COVID 19
3.3.3. Control Measure of Biological Hazards
Vapors
Mists
Fumes
Gases
Dusts and particulates
Many of these forms of chemicals are present in construction job sites in which workers might be
exposed. Most common of these are materials like asbestos, lead, silica, carbon monoxide and spray
paints.
OSHA and Carex Canada (2020) indicate that these toxic chemicals enter the human body in different
ways either through:
inhalation (breath-in);
ingestion (accidental swallowing);
absorption (contact with skin or eyes); and
injection (through punctured skin).
Inhalation is the most important route of exposure.
Many processes in the construction industry expose workers to chemicals such as:
SDS is a summary of the important health, safety and toxicological information on the chemical or the
mixture ingredients. It has 16 sections:
3.4.3. Adverse Health Effects
There are 2 types of health effects of chemical exposure: acute and chronic.
Acute effects are immediate following the exposure. Example: A workers in a manhole exposed to carbon
monoxide, an odorless deadly gas, may quickly experience headache, may collapse and may even die.
Chronic effects develop over a period of time after prolonged or repeated exposure. Example: a brick
layer exposed to dusts for many year contracts lung disease.
The usual physical hazards in which construction workers are exposed to are: noise, vibration, extreme
temperature and radiation.
3.5.1. Noise
Noise is an unwanted, excessive sound. It is a form of energy caused by the vibration of air measured in
decibel (dBA). The higher the level of noise and the longer individuals are exposed, the more risk they
have of suffering harm such as temporary or permanent hearing loss.
There are different tools and equipment in construction activities that have sound levels beyond the
threshold limit such as:
Some factors that influence noise levels are the type of equipment being operated, condition and
maintenance of the equipment and the condition of the place (enclosed or open space).
Most common health effects of noise are tinnitus (ringing in the ears), noise-induced hearing loss, effect
on pregnancy, physiological effects, and occupational stress.
In most construction sites, high noise levels can be sporadic. Damage to hearing is cumulative and
exposure limits are based on 8-hour averages. OSHA identifies 3 factors that determine the level of
hazard to noise: 1) How loud the noise is (volume), how long the noise lasts, and how close you are to the
noise.
3.5.2. Vibration
Vibration is a physical factor that transmits mechanical energy from sources of oscillation. It is expressed
as the frequency-weighted vibration exposure in meters per second squared (m/s2) and measured using
an instrument called “accelerometer”.
Occupational Exposure
Exposure to vibration may arise through the use of power hand tools, driving delivery vehicles, driving
earth moving equipment, use of tools that generate vibration at low dominant frequencies and high
amplitudes, such as jackhammers.
Occupational exposure to vibration is associated with increased risk of musculoskeletal pain in the back,
neck, hands, shoulders, and hips. Vibration may also contribute to peripheral and cardiovascular
disorders and gastrointestinal problems, bone damage, motion sickness and hand-arm vibration
syndrome (HAVS).
Too hot or too cold temperature in construction job sites affect the condition of workers in terms of comfort
and productivity. Extreme heat or cold, can be a hazard that can lead to serious illness and increased
accidents among the workers (OSH Rep, 2019).
Occupational Exposure
Workers in construction projects in tropical countries are exposed to radiation from the sun. With
increased air temperature and humidity, workers exerting energy while performing heavy manual tasks
have high chances of fatigue and heat stress.
Possible consequences of excessive heat are increase in the likelihood of incidents due to reduced
concentration due to discomfort, skin rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, later medical
emergency and to ill health. The effects of heat combined with physical workload inherent to construction
activities tend to accumulate (ILO).
Radiation is everywhere. It is the transmission of energy as waves or moving particles. It comes in two
types: ionizing and non-ionizing.
The higher frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, consisting of x-rays, gamma rays, alpha rays, beta
rays and neutrons are types of ionizing radiation.
While lower frequency radiation, consisting of ultraviolet, infrared, microwave, Radio Frequency, and
extremely low frequency are types of non-ionizing radiation (US Dept. of Health and Human Services,
2020).
Occupational Exposure
Construction workers can be exposed to radiation such as radon gas coming from soil in tunneling and
road construction; industrial radiography using cobalt used in the process of finding objects in
construction sites; and contractors of industrial power plants with potential exposure to beta, gamma and
neutron radiation (IHSA).
According to Canadian Nuclear Commission, exposure Limit is 100 mSv over 5 years (a 20 mSv per year
average).
Ionizing radiation interacts with cells and can cause damage such as sterility, cataracts, detectable lens
opacities, skin reddening and cancer, the most common of which include leukemia, thyroid, breast, lung,
and bone.
Hazard Controls Measures
Ergonomic risk factors are most likely to cause or contribute to musculoskeletal injuries:
awkward posture
contact stress
force
repetition
static postures
vibration
3.6.2. Adverse Health Effects
If not managed correctly, ergonomic hazards can have significant long and short term impacts on the
construction workers’ health and wellbeing. Example of musculoskeletal injuries are damage to muscles,
tendons, bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.
There are ways to reduce ergonomic risk factors in construction sites and help fit the workplace to the
worker. The most effective control involves a combination of approaches.
Hepatitis B a viral
DEPARTMENT
infection that affects liver
ADVISORY NO. 05
and is the most common
Series of 2010
cause of liver cancer. Employers are required to formulate and implement a workpla
GUIDELINES FOR
most commonly policy and program on Hepatitis B that includes: Education a
THE
transmitted through blood training;Preventive strategies;Non-discrimination, confidential
IMPLEMENTATION
and body fluids. passive and work accommodation arrangement;Screening, treatment a
OF A WORKPLACE
and active vaccines offer referral to health care services; andBenefits and compensation.
POLICY AND
98 to 100%
PROGRAM ON
protection (Source: WHO,
HEPATITIS B
2019)
HIV and AIDS Human DEPARTMENT Employers are required to formulate and implement a workpla
immunodeficiency virus ORDER NO. 102-10 policy and program on HIV/AIDS that includes: Education a
(HIV) targets the immune Series of 2010 training;Preventive strategies;Non-discrimination, confidential
system and weakens GUIDELINES FOR and work accommodation arrangement;Screening, treatment a
people’s defense against THE referral to health care services; andBenefits and compensation.
many infections and some IMPLEMENTATION
types of cancer. Acquired OF HIV AND AIDS
immunodeficiency PREVENTION AND
syndrome (AIDS) is the CONTROL IN THE
most advanced stage of WORKPLACE
HIV infection. PROGRAM
Transmitted through body
fluids (e.g. blood, semen,
vaginal fluids,
breastmilk). (Source:
WHO, 2020)
DEPARTMENT
Tuberculosis (TB) caused ORDER NO. 73-05
by germs that TB usually Series of 2005
affects the lungs. spreads GUIDELINES FOR
from person to person THE All establishments shall formulate and implement policies a
through the air and can IMPLEMENTATION programs on TB prevention and control including, among othe
cause death if not treated OF POLICY AND PreventionTreatmentRehabilitationCompensationRestoration
90% cure rate with Directly PROGRAM ON workSocial policies
Observed Treatment Short TUBERCULOSIS
Course (DOTS) (Sources: (TB) PREVENTION
CDC, OSH Center) AND CONTROL IN
THE WORKPLACE
DEPARTMENT
ORDER NO. 53-03
Series of 2003
GUIDELINES FOR
Establishments employing ten (10) or more workers are mandated
THE
formulate and implement drug abuse prevention and contr
IMPLEMENTATION
Drug or substance abuse programs that includes: Increasing awareness amo
OF DRUG-FREE
employeesDrug testing for officers and employeesTreatme
WORKPLACE
rehabilitation and referralPeriodic monitoring and evaluation
POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS FOR
THE PRIVATE
SECTOR
Health hazards in the workplace are grouped into biological, chemical, physical and ergonomic.
Biological hazards coming from bacteria, viruses, protozoa and macro-organisms such as rodents,
insects and plants can cause allergies, infections, respiratory illnesses and some forms of cancer if not
carefully handled.
Chemical hazards coming from gases, fumes, vapors, mists and dusts can cause immediate death and
chronic illnesses such as lung problems and many forms of cancer, if not effectively controlled.
Physical hazards coming from noise, vibration, extreme temperature and radiation that can cause
immediate death and chronic illnesses like hand-arm vibration syndrome, hearing loss and some forms of
cancer, if not effectively controlled.
Ergonomic hazards coming from awkward positions, repetitive motions, over exertion can cause work-
related musculoskeletal diseases, if not effectively controlled.
Safety Hazards are any source of potential injuries on someone in the workplace. Examples are:
slipping/tripping hazards
working at heights (falls)
machine malfunctions or breakdowns
General Objectives
At the end of the session, participants are able to:
4.2. Requirements
Rule 1060 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standard (OSHS) that:
Work premises shall be kept free from stumbling, slipping and fall hazards; yards including
surfaces, walkways, roadways, gates and parking shall be free from hazards;
Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times through cleanliness of building, yards,
machines and equipment, regular waste disposal and orderly processes, operations, storage
and filing of materials.
2) site tidiness.
Site Planning and Lay-out. It is the responsibility of management to properly plan a construction project
to prepare a budget for safe and efficient construction operation. In planning, the following shall be
considered:
5S is the most common and acceptable practice for housekeeping. 5S is a systematic approach for
improving quality and safety by organizing a workplace. It is a methodology that advocates what should
be kept, where it should be kept and how it should be kept (Rumane, 2011).
5S is a Japanese concept of housekeeping having reference to five Japanese words starting with letter S.
The closest meaning in English of the five Japanese words and their related actions are the following:
The 5S program helps:
improve safety performance by eliminating slip, trip, fall and fire hazards
maximize use of limited space by eliminating the unnecessary
reduce time and effort for searching because stuff are organized and labelled
encourage involvement of everybody in the job site
The contractor in charge of the construction project is responsible in implementing good housekeeping
practices in the job site to keep site from hazards that may cause injuries to workers and the public and
damage to properties.
5S is a housekeeping system popularized by the Japanese to improve workplace organization that gives
guidance on what should be kept, where it should be kept and how it should be kept.
5.2. Requirements
Section 4 of DO 198-18 requires employers the use of only approved devices and equipment specific to
the standard set by the industry. A P50,000/day until complied administrative fine is imposable for the
violation of such requirement.
Section 16 (c) requires employers to provide workers engaged in high risk activities with specialized
instruction training for the safety of operation. Non-compliance for providing job safety instruction and
training means an administrative fine of P20,000/day until complied.
3) minor shocks which can result to falls and injury from tool itself.
Many tools powered by compressed air called “pneumatic tools” are used in a variety of tasks in
construction. They are fast and powerful and pose no electric shock hazards and have reduced fire or
explosion hazards.
Improper use may cause injuries such as: 1) flying particles/objects, 2) extreme noise, 3) explosion and
fire when used in flammable environment, 4) blow through materials which might injure workers on the
other side of the wall.
5.6. Key Points
Employers have the responsibility to provide the right tools and equipment to workers, conduct
job hazard analysis and provide them with proper training/orientation.
Power tools are associated with certain hazards that workers need to know and how to keep
themselves safe while using power tools.
There are 3 types of power tools – 1) electrical power tools, 2) air powered tools (pneumatic),
and 3) powder actuated tools.
6.2. Requirements
Rule 1413 of the OSH Standards provides the guidelines for workers in excavation to prevent the
following hazards:
Soil Collapse. Workers trapped and buried in an excavation owing to the collapse of the sides
Falls. Workers struck and injured by material falling into the excavation, or workers falling into
the excavation;
Vehicular Traffic. Vehicles driven into or too close to the edge of an excavation, particularly
while reversing, causing the sides to collapse;
Working Surface. Unsafe means of access and insufficient means of escape in case of flooding;
Confined Space Conditions. Asphyxiation or poisoning caused by fumes heavier than air
entering the excavation, e.g. exhaust fumes from diesel and petrol engines.
Section 3.2.6 of the National Building Code requires that:
excavation should not be so close and deep as to undermine any adjacent building or structure.
Precautions should be taken by shoring to prevent collapse or fall.
proper protection shall be done when excavating below grade immediately adjoining another
property to prevent cave-in.
notify in writing the owners of adjoining buildings not later than 10 days before excavation work
starts.
OSHA defines excavation as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface formed
by earth removal. On the other hand, trench means a narrow underground excavation that is deeper than
its width, and no wider than 15 feet.
Soil collapse. Principal causes are: steep cutting angle, super imposed load, shock and vibration, water
pressure and drying.
Edges. Tools, equipment and excavated materials might be knocked down into the excavation.
Access and Egress. During entry and exit from a trench or excavation, workers might fall.
Sloping. Method done by cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation not
steeper than a height/depth ratio of 1.5 :1, according to the sloping requirements for the type of soil.
Always provide way to exit a trench using either ladder, stairway or ramp.
Keep soils at least two feet back from the edge of a trench.
Have trenches inspected by a competent person prior to entry and after any hazard-increasing
event such as a rainstorm, vibrations or excessive surcharge loads.
Maximum allowable slopes for excavations less than 6m based on soil type and angle to the horizontal
are as follows:
Shoring. Used to prevent movement of soil, underground utilities, roadways, and foundations using a
system consisting of posts, wales, struts, and sheeting. Together with shielding, shoring is used when
sloping is not practical.
Shielding. Method that uses trench boxes or other types of support to prevent soil cave-ins.
Before starting digging work, always assume that there are underground installations like electrical
cables, gas and water pipes, sewers that might injure workers, that might explode or might cause
flooding.
Keep tools or materials at least 1 m. (3 ft.) away from the edge of the excavation to prevent them from
falling down into the excavation.
Prevent entry/operation of vehicles/machineries near the edge of an excavation. Keep them at least a
distance one-third (1/3) of its depth in accordance with Rule 1413.03 (1) and (2).
6.5.3. Preventing Hazards from Access and Egress
Provide stairways, ladders, ramps, or other safe means of egress in all trenches that are 4 feet
deep or more.
Structural ramps that are used solely for access or egress from excavations must be designed
by a competent person.
When two or more components form a ramp or runway, they must be connected to prevent
displacement, and be of uniform thickness.
Cleats or other means of connecting runway components must be attached in a way that would
not cause tripping.
Structural ramps used in place of steps must have a non-slip surface.
Use earthen ramps as a means of egress only if a worker can walk them in an upright position,
and only if they have been evaluated and approved by a competent person.
Source: https://
www.philstar.com/nation/2016/03/10/1561599/3-workers-buried-alive-antipolo-landslide
7.2. Requirements
Rule 1417 of the OSH Standards provides that demolition works to be supervised by competent persons
whether the method used is mechanical, manual or explosives.
All demolition operations of building or other structure over six (6) meters high shall be under supervision
of a competent person. No person except the workers who are directly engaged in the demolition shall
enter a demolition area to within a distance equal to 1 1/2 times the height of the structure being
demolished, where this distance is not possible the structure shall be fenced around and no unauthorized
person shall be allowed within the fenced area.
Section 1108 (a) (b) of the National Building Code also provides that the work of demolishing any building
shall not be commended until all the necessary pedestrian protective structures are in place.
The Building Official may require the permittee to submit plans, specifications and complete schedule of
demolition. When so required, no work shall be done until such plans,specifications and schedule are
approved by the Building Official.
Mechanical demolition, which involves the use of specialized equipment such as excavators equipped
with tools for crushing concrete and shearing steel is the most widely used method.
There are 3 different methods: 1) manual using hand-held tools, 2) mechanical using heavy equipment,
and 3) use of explosives and 2 techniques: 1) sequential in reverse order to construction; and 2) induced
by removing key structural members causing the whole structure to collapse.
Demolition is an inherently dangerous process that requires careful planning and placing all precautions
in place before the work starts.
Unsecured Hazards in the Area. Unsecured objects like glass and structural members may fall
while workers are working under them.
Utilities. Utilities lines that are not properly located, secured and locked-off.
Hazardous Substances. Exposure to hazardous substances from tanks and equipment that
might contain hazardous chemicals, gases, or flammable materials is likely.
Walkways and Access. Walkways not properly installed and not compliant with the standards
can cause slips, trips and falls.
Illumination. Not properly lighted stairwells, passageways and access to floors where work is in
progress expose workers to danger.
Structural Instabilities.
o Conduct engineering survey to locate unstable structures.
o Shore/brace walls and floors as needed to maintain safe work.
o Competent person continually inspect to detect hazards resulting from weakened or
deteriorated floors, walls, or loosened materials.
o Always ensure that the total weight of debris, materials and heavy equipment do not exceed the
carrying capacity of the certain floor.
Unsecured Hazards.
o Use debris netting, sidewalk sheds, canopies, or catch platforms to reduce hazards from falling
objects.
o Make sure employee entrances to multi-storey structures are completely protected by sidewalk
sheds or canopies, or both, providing protection from the face of the building for a minimum of 8
feet.
o Canopies should be at least 2 feet wider than the building entrances or openings capable of
sustaining a load of 150 pounds per square foot.
Utilities.
o Verify the location of all utility lines.
o Ensure lines have been shut-off, capped, or otherwise controlled outside the building before
beginning work.
o Coordinate with utility companies before controlling their utility lines
Illumination.
o Access or egress in multi-storey buildings must be properly illuminated and completely and
substantially covered over at a point not less than two floors below the floor on which work is
being performed.
o Access to the floor where the work is in progress must be through a properly lighted, protected,
and separate passageway.
The principal causes of accidents during demolition are the choice of an incorrect method of
demolition, an unsafe place of work and the unintentional collapse of the building being
demolished, or of an adjoining structure because of lack of temporary support.
Most effective control is preparation. Preparation involves the overall planning, including the,
methods to be used to bring the structure down, equipment necessary to do the work,
manpower requirement; protection of the public and measures to be taken to perform the work
safely.
Source: https://
www.philstar.com/nation/2019/09/23/1954274/2-construction-workers-die-after-malate-hotel-
under-demolition-collapses
Source: https://
newsinfo.inquirer.net/771182/1-dead-2-injured-in-cebu-construction-accident
8. Safety Hazards and their Control:
Hazards working around Heavy Equipment
Big Idea
“Heavy equipment is essential in construction but considered dangerous and if not effectively controlled
will remain to be among the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries among workers and even the
public.”
8.2. Requirements
Rule 1415.10 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards requires testing and inspection
of lifting appliance providing that “no appliance shall be used unless it has been tested and
examined thoroughly initially and every year thereafter.
Section 10 of DO 13: Guidelines Governing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry
requires that:
o all heavy equipment shall be required Testing and Certification by DOLE Accredited
Organizations before use; and
o all operators of heavy equipment shall be certified by TESDA.
with minimum operating weight and horsepower rating 1,000 kg and 10 HP, respectively.
8.3.1. Classification of Heavy Equipment
Lifting Equipment
o Mobile Lifting Equipment. Wheel Mounted Telescopic Boom, Crawler Lattice Boom, Rough
Terrain Crane, Boom Truck
o Stationary. Tower Crane, Hammerhead Crane, Luffing Crane, Barge Crane, Quay Crane,
Overhead Traveling Crane, Gantry Crane
Allow only authorized personnel to operate mobile equipment. Assign operators only to equipment they
are qualified and licensed to operate. Provide operators with the instructions and training and ensure that
operators:
Do not leave equipment unattended unless the motor has been shut off, brakes
securely set, transmission gears engaged, and all hydraulic components lowered to a
supporting surface or otherwise protected against accidental movement.
Chock or turn the wheels toward the curb on any equipment parked on a grade.
Transmix concrete trucks, lubrication trucks, fuel trucks, and those using primary engine-powered
auxiliary, also known as power take off (PTO) are not considered unattended when:
the operator is outside the cab but within arm’s length of the unit or is in contact with
auxiliary equipment or controls;
the primary unit’s brakes and gearing arrangements are designed for safe use of
auxiliary attachments and/or exterior controls are in the proper position; and
the primary unit is equipped with an automatic lockout device that prohibits operating
exterior controls until the brake and gear arrangements are in the proper position.
8.5.3. Hazards Control – Signal Person
Provide a trained signal person where there is danger from blind spots, moving equipment, swinging
loads, buckets, booms, etc.
Do not operate equipment at speeds greater than those that are reasonable and safe considering weather
conditions, traffic, road conditions, type and condition of equipment, and manufacturer’s
recommendations.
The operator must have the equipment under control at all times and be able to stop within the clear-sight
distance.
Do not permit employees between a towed vehicle and the towing vehicle, except when hooking or
unhooking it.
Do not allow operators or passengers to ride on or in equipment unless they are seated with installed
seatbelts fastened, except for stand-up operation.
Equip all trucks and combination vehicles operated on public roads including all buses, and vehicles
carrying flammables, explosives, or hazardous materials with emergency equipment. Equip all mobile
machines with appropriate fire extinguishers.
Early Warning Device. Use Early Warning Device (EWD) with reflective markers when
parked along public roadways.
Wheel chocks. Use two-wheel chocks for each vehicle or trailer where there is a
possibility that the vehicle will move or shift because of roadway conditions or loading or
unloading of the vehicle or trailer.
Fire extinguishers. Install one dry chemical extinguisher. When transporting flammable
or explosive cargo, install at least two dry chemical fire extinguishers.
8.5.8. Hazards Control – Braking System
Equip a bus, truck, tractor-trailer, combination of vehicles, or similar type equipment with the following
braking systems:
Gears Engaged.
Do not operate any vehicle on a downgrade with gears in neutral or clutch disengaged.
Unattended at Night.
Make sure equipment left unattended after hours on or near roadways or in areas where
work is in progress has lights, reflectors, or lighted or reflective barricades to identify the
location of the equipment.
Unauthorized Riding.
Do not allow personnel to ride in or on mobile equipment unless they are sitting in a
seat designed and installed for the purpose.
Qualified person must inspect mobile equipment before conducting required onsite brake
performance tests. The inspection ensures that the equipment is in safe condition and that it
meets the original design specifications and standards. Be sure to keep inspection records.
Repair unsafe equipment and re-inspect before use. Also inspect equipment exempted from
brake tests before using onsite. If found to be unsafe, repair and re-inspect. Keep record of the
inspection for review.
Periodic
Inspect equipment in service at the beginning of each shift. Do not place the inspected unit into
service unless applicable equipment and accessories are in safe operating condition, including:
o Service brake
o Secondary brake
o Parking brake
o Windows
o Tires
o Warning devices
o Steering mechanism
o Operating controls
o Wipers
o Coupling devices
o Fire extinguisher
Keep daily inspection logs with the vehicle.
Repair Shutdown. Shut down and secure equipment during repairs or adjustments unless operation is
essential to making the adjustments or repairs.
Refueling. Refueling is subject to the requirements of “Standards for Material Handling, Storage, and
Disposal.”
Tire Repair. Provide a safety tire cage when inflating, mounting, or dismounting tires installed on “split
rims”. Do not weld on rims unless tire is removed.
Blocking. Block/crib equipment or parts suspended or held aloft by cables, hydraulic cylinders, slings,
ropes, hoists, or jacks, or lower to a supporting surface before permitting employees to work in, under, or
between pieces of equipment or parts.
Brake Repair. Use a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to clean asbestos-lined
brake assemblies. Do not use compressed air for this purpose.
Most common causes of accidents involving heavy equipment are: 1) poorly maintained equipment, 2)
operator error, 3) unqualified operator, 4) improper selection and use of equipment, 5) unsafe work
practices, and 6) inclement weather.
Among the most important hazards controls are regular inspection, appropriate training, competence and
certification of operators and good maintenance of equipment.
Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/
nation/regions/12/14/15/teen-construction-worker-cut-in-half-in-freak-accident
Source: https://
www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/12/17/Cardona-Rizal-road-accident.html
9.2. Requirements
Rule 1415 of the OSH Standards provides guidelines in safe operation, inspection and maintenance of
lifting equipment and other working gears like hoist and rigging accessories to prevent accidents:
Every lifting appliance including working gear and all other plant equipment used for anchoring
or fixing shall:
1. be of good mechanical construction, of sound material and adequate strength for the load it will
carry;
2. be properly maintained and inspected at least once a week and the result of such inspection
shall be recorded in a log book maintained by the employer or user of the equipment, open to
enforcing authority
After erection or alteration, every hoist shall be tested and examined every six (6) months by a
competent person and the result of such tests and examination shall be recorded in a logbook
maintained for the purpose. The logbook shall be made available for inspection by the enforcing
authority.
A lifting appliance shall not be operated other than by a person trained, competent, physically fit,
and authorized to operate the appliance.
When the operator of a lifting appliance has no clear and unrestricted view of the load for safe
working, there shall be appointed one or more signal men to give the necessary signals to the
operator.
Cranes are generally classified into stationary and mobile. Stationary are overhead, gantry and tower
cranes. Mobile are truck-mounted, crawler-mounted and mobile tower cranes.
Fatal and serious injuries may occur with crane operation. Hazards are classified into at least 5 groups:
Overloading. According to OSHA, 80 percent of all crane upsets and structural failures can be attributed
to exceeding the crane’s operational capacity (Hoist Crane Safety, 2015).
Failure of outrigger. If the outrigger is not set at the designated reinforced location with corresponding
load chart and rating, moving the load can result in structural failure of the outrigger beam (CraneTech).
Soft ground. Inadequate crane support, especially on soil causes the crane to quickly get out of level,
which could lead to a tipping accident. This base failure is often caused by soft soil (Davis, 2011).
Pinch Point. While fixing the crane’s load or untying the materials lifted or moved, the worker’s body part
or whole body can be crushed between 2 moving objects or between a moving and a stationary object.
Unsafe Hooks. Substandard, defective and improperly used hooks may cause the load to fall which can
severely injure workers and other people in the vicinity.
Obstruction of vision or blind spots. Struck by accidents related to crane operations are often caused
by inability of the operator to clearly see the surroundings.
Wire rope failure. Wire ropes nearing end-of-life or have been damaged due to corrosion or wear and
tear can be disastrous, especially when used for lifting heavy materials in construction activities.
Side pull. Using the crane to “tow” a load that is not lined up properly to get it into position is extremely
dangerous unless the crane is stable and load is small.
Boom buckling. When a boom strikes against a structure during slewing and with suspended load, It
cannot sustain side forces and can easily buckle. People below can be fatally hit by the load or the
bucking boom.
Raise the load few inches to verify balance and effectiveness of the brake system.
Do not move a load over workers.
Watch for overhead electrical distribution and transmission lines and maintain a safe working
clearance of at least 10 feet from energized electrical lines.
Provide an electrical ground to the upper rotating structure supporting the boom and materials
being handled while working near energized transmitter towers.
Use tag lines to prevent dangerous swing or spin of materials when raised or lowered by a
crane or derrick.
Make load testing reports/certifications available.
A crane operator concerned about hazards involving a crane can refuse to handle loads
until a qualified person determines there is no hazard or the hazard has been corrected.
Stopping multiple-crane lifts.
The crane operator and the lifting supervisor have the authority to stop a multiple-crane
lift if either determines the lift cannot be done according to the lift plan.
9.7. Equipment
Make sure cranes are equipped with a load chart.
Inspect crane machinery and other rigging equipment daily prior to use.
Ensure crane platforms and walkways have anti-skid surfaces.
Remove all broken, worn or damaged wire rope from service.
Provide guardrails, hand holds and steps for safe and easy access to the crane.
Properly torque tower crane mast bolts according to manufacturer specifications.
Post the maximum acceptable load and the last test results on the crane.
Remove defective rigging equipment from service.
Do not load rigging equipment in excess of its recommended safe working load.
Remove rigging equipment from working area when not in use.
Mark custom-designed grabs, hooks, clamps or other lifting accessories to indicate the safe
working loads.
Proof-test grabs, hooks, clamps, or other lifting accessories prior to use to 125 percent of their
rated load.
Crane Safety refers to structural soundness of the equipment and its components, proper
operation, proper rigging operation; and proper assembly and dismantling procedure.
Hazards associated with crane operation are structural failure and overloading, instability failure,
materials falling or slipping, electrical hazards when crane or its load line contacts an overhead
power line, being struck by the crane or an overhead load, caught in between the cranes,
caught in the crane’s swing radius, and falls.
Source: https://
newsinfo.inquirer.net/981417/crane-falls-in-pasay-2-dead-6-hurt-accident-pasay-crane-crash
Source: https://
www.thesummitexpress.com/2016/05/crane-collapse-makati-accident.html
10.2. Requirements
All site fabricated/conventional supported scaffolds exceeding 6 meters in height or a working load of 150
kg/m2, structural steel should be used, shall be designed and inspected by the structural engineer and
approved by the appropriate authority (Rule 1414.02.2.4 of DO 128-13 Series of 2013).
All scaffolds competent person must undergo the standard scaffold training and assessment prescribe by
DOLE and TESDA (Rule 1414.14 of DO 128-13 Series of 2013).
COSH Training Certificate from DOLE or its accredited safety training organizations.
TESDA-issued Scaffold Erection Certificate.
At least 2 years experience in scaffold erection.
Note: There are three main points to the definition: it is elevated, it is temporary, and it supports either
personnel or materials or both.
Supported Scaffolds. Consist of one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles,
legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support.
Framed: Platform(s) supported on fabricated end frames with integral posts, horizontal bearers,
and intermediate members.
Tube and Coupler: Platform supported by tubing, erected with coupling devices connecting
uprights, braces, bearers, and runners.
Manually Propelled/Mobile: Unpowered, portable, caster- or wheel-mounted supported scaffold.
Pump Jack: Platform supported by vertical poles and movable support brackets.
Ladder Jack: Platform resting on brackets attached to ladders.
Falls from elevation. Unguarded or improperly guarded scaffolds may cause workers to fall from
height.
Struck by falling tools and debris. Absence of appropriate guardrails and toe boards can allow
tools and materials to fall and can hurt workers in the lower level.
Scaffold collapse. Improperly installed and wrong procedure of dismantling can cause scaffold
collapse that can seriously injure or even kill workers.
Electrocution. Working close to energized electrical power lines can cause electrocution of the
scaffolders.
Suspended. Platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure.
Two-point (swing stage): Platform supported by hangers (stirrups) suspended by two ropes from
overhead supports and equipped with a means to permit the platform to be raised and lowered.
Single-point Adjustable: Platform suspended by one rope from an overhead support and
equipped with a means to permit the platform to be moved to desired working levels.
Catenary: Platform supported by two essentially horizontal and parallel ropes attached to
structural members of a building.
Multi-point Adjustable: Platform(s) suspended by more than two ropes from overhead supports
and equipped with a means to permit the platform to be raised and lowered. Includes chimney
hoists.
Interior Hung: Platform suspended from the ceiling or roof structure by fixed-length supports.
Needle Beam: A platform suspended from needle beams.
Multi-level: Two-point or multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold with a series of platforms at
various levels resting on common stirrups.
Float (ship): Braced platform resting on two parallel bearers and hung from overhead supports
by ropes of fixed length.
Ensure scaffolds are erected, moved, dismantled or altered under the supervision of a
competent person.
Make sure a competent person inspects the scaffolding and, at designated intervals, repeat the
inspection.
Ensure a competent person inspects rigging on suspension scaffolds before each shift and after
any occurrence that could affect structural integrity.
Check that synthetic and natural rope used in suspension scaffolding is protected from heat-
producing sources.
Always check to make sure scaffolds are at least 10 feet from electric power lines at all times.
Equip scaffolds with guardrails, midrails and toeboards, as required.
Ensure damaged parts that affect the strength of the scaffold are taken out of service.
Make sure scaffolds are not moved horizontally while workers are on them unless they are
designed to be mobile and workers have been trained in the proper procedures.
10.5.2. On Use
Make sure employees are taking protection while working near overhead power lines.
Scaffolds should be accessed by using ladders and stairwells. Cross bracing should not be
used.
Scaffolds should not be loaded with more weight than they were designed to support.
Employees should be provided with a full body harness when working at a height of more than 6
mtrs.
10.5.3. On Stability
Make sure scaffolds are sound, rigid and sufficient to carry its own weight plus four times the
maximum intended load.
Ensure scaffolds are erected on solid footing.
Do not support scaffolds or planks with unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or
concrete blocks.
Never use scaffold accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders that
are damaged or weakened from any cause.
Tightly plank scaffold platforms with scaffold plank grade material or equivalent. All scaffolds
should be fully planked.
Do not allow employees to work on scaffolds when covered with slippery materials. Work is not
permitted in bad weather or strong winds.
For a complete course on scaffold safety, take related course: Safe Scaffold Erection and Basic
Scaffold Inspection Course.
Aerial lifts are vehicle-mounted, boom-supported aerial platforms used to access utility lines and other
aboveground job sites usually replacing ladders and scaffolding due to their mobility and flexibility.
They may be made of metal, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, or other materials. They may be powered or
manually operated.
The major causes of fatalities with aerial lifts are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip overs.
Training
Only trained and authorized persons are allowed to operate an aerial lift. Training should include the
following:
To ensure safety, the law requires that scaffolds exceeding 6 meters in height shall be designed
and inspected by a structural engineer and approved by the appropriate authority.
All scaffolders and supervisors shall comply with the training requirement, certifications and
experienced required by law.
Scaffolds and accessories shall be regularly inspected, properly tagged and maintained to
remove unsafe materials/parts and prevent from use.
11. Safety Hazards and their Control:
Hazards with Hotworks
Big Idea
“Hazards with hot works are something not to be taken lightly as it can cause fire and explosion if not
managed appropriately. There are both mandatory requirements and best practices that employers can
learn from to control the hot works hazards.”
11.2. Requirements
Welding or cutting operations shall not be permitted in rooms or areas containing combustible materials or
in proximity to explosives or flammable liquids, dusts, gases or vapors, until all fire and explosion hazards
are eliminated. Rule 1100.01 (1)
A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided at the place where welding and cutting operations are being
undertaken. Rule 1100.01 (4)
The safety man shall inspect the areas and issue a written permit or authorization for welding and cutting,
indicating therein the precautions to be followed to avoid fire or accidents. Rule 1100.01 (5)
Confined spaces. Small and enclosed places are specially dangerous for hot work. Dangerous and
flammable gases can accumulate and can cause explosion or can cause death if inhaled.
Electrical machines/equipment. Poorly maintained hot work machines and equipment may injure
workers like electric shock and electrocution.
Sparks. Sparks igniting flammable gases and objects cause most of workplace fires and explosion.
Gas cylinders. If not properly handled and stored, gas cylinders can cause fire and expose workers to
toxic gas and fall injuries.
Fumes. Dangerous fumes released in the hot work process can contaminate the breathing zone of the
workers and can cause damage to eyes and respiratory system.
Do not perform hot work where flammable vapors or combustible materials exist.
Move work and equipment away from hazardous environment, when possible.
Provide suitable fire-extinguishing equipment ready in case of fire.
Assign a fire watch every time hot work is performed.
This is required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than a minor fire might
develop, or any of the following conditions exist:
combustible material, in building construction or contents, closer than 35 feet (10.7 m) to the
point of operation;
combustibles are more than 35 feet (10.7 m) away but are easily ignited by sparks;
wall or floor openings within a 35-foot (10.7 m) radius expose combustible material in adjacent
areas including concealed spaces in walls or floors; and
combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of metal partitions, walls, ceilings, or
roofs and are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiation.
11.4.2. Welding or Cutting Containers and Hollow Spaces
Do not weld, cut, or perform other hot work on used drums, barrels, tanks or other containers until you
clean them.
Clean them thoroughly to make certain there are no flammable materials present or any
substances such as greases, tars, acids, or other materials which when subjected to heat, might
produce flammable or toxic vapors.
Disconnect or blanket any pipelines or connections to the drum or vessel.
Vent all hollow spaces, cavities or containers to permit air or gases to escape before preheating,
cutting or welding.
Purge with inert gas.
11.4.3. Cutting Hazards and Precautions
Observe the following safety precautions when performing oxyacetylene cutting and plasma arc cutting:
Never place hands or fingers between the metal plate and the bed.
Never place hands under the hold-downs or knife.
Ensure all personnel is clear from the piece being cut.
Support the plate to avoid cut end of the metal to fall away.
Ensure that the work area is gas-free when using oxyacetylene (high-pressure oxygen stream
used in cutting with an oxyacetylene torch can throw molten metal for a distance of 50 to 60
feet).
Always post a fire watch to protect the surrounding areas and personnel.
Install all covers, insulators, and handles before attempting to operate the plasma arc cutting
equipment.
Open all primary disconnect switches before charging any electrical connections when using
plasma arc cutting equipment.
11.4.4. Preventing Wounds and Burns
A wound could be a result of an electrical shock. Welders could accidentally suffer an electrical shock,
which could cause a loss of balance resulting to minor to serious injuries.
The causes of burns are generally classified as thermal, electrical, chemical, or radiation. Whatever the
cause, shock always results if the burns are extensive. The four types of common burns experienced by
welders include:
Thermal burns: caused by exposure to intense heat, such as fire, bomb flash, sunlight, hot
liquids, hot solids, and hot gases. Care depends upon the severity of the burn and the
percentage of the body area involved.
Electrical burns: electric current passing through tissues or the superficial wound caused by
electrical flash causes electrical burns. The entrance wound may be small; but as electricity
penetrates the skin, it burns a large area below the surface. Usually, there are two external burn
areas: one where the current enters the body and another where it leaves.
Chemical burns: generally not caused by heat, but by the direct chemical destruction. When
acids, alkalis come in contact with skin, they cause “chemical burns” usually affecting mouth,
eyes and extremities. Alkali burns are usually more serious than acid burns because they
penetrate longer.
Radiation burns: result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. First- and second-degree
burns may develop.
11.4.5. Preventing Fall
Fall protection is required for a welding operator to work on platforms, scaffolds, or runways at an
elevation of more than 4 feet. Fall protection can be use of railings, safety belts, lifelines, or some other
equally effective safeguards.
Because of the level of hazard, hot work requires inspection of the area and a written permit or
authorization before work is allowed. This indicates the precautions to be followed to avoid fire
or accidents.
A fire watch is required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than
a minor fire might develop, combustibles are present within 35 feet of operation.
A suitable fire extinguishing equipment to be used by the qualified fire watch in cases where fire
might develop. Fire watch must remain in the area 30 to 60 minutes after a hot work is
performed.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-
development-professionals-network/2015/jun/08/philippines-factory-fire-72-workers-unions-
human-rights
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/976399/manila-
pavilion-hotel-fire-death-toll-pagcor-fatalities-dead
Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/
southeast-asia/article/2137710/least-four-dead-manila-hotel-fire-hundreds-guests-evacuated
12.2. Requirements
To improve the safety along the national road network of the country, the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) issued orders related to construction safety and health:
DO No. 10, Series of 1978 – “Safety of Personnel and Third Parties, Prevention of Accident
Responsibilities.”
Contractor shall:
be answerable for the safety, protection and security of personnel, third parties, public at large,
persons or occupants of adjacent buildings/structures affected;
provide, erect and maintain all necessary barricades, suitable and sufficient warning lights,
effective danger signals and other signs;
shall take all the precautions necessary for the protection of the works and the safety of
personnel and the public;
provide protection to roads closed to traffic and lighting to obstructions at night;
provide appropriate signs to detours made conspicuous to motorists and public; and
cover and provide all excavations and diggings with pedestrian footpaths made of precast
concrete planks and/or bailey bridges.
DO No. 56, Series of 2005 – “Guidelines for the Implementation of DOLE D. O. No. 13, Series of
1998, On Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry.”
Issued by DPWH to set guidelines, rules and procedures to implement DO 13 of DOLE providing that:
DO No. 13, Series of 2008 – “Guidelines in The Procurement and Installation of Road Safety
Devices and Facilities”.
The first advanced warning sign seen by drivers is generally ‘ROADWORKS AHEAD.’
First sign is located 2D meters before the work or start of taper – e.g. for 60 kph approach
speed, the distance is 120 meters prior to the taper or works area.
Spacing of other warning signs in the advance warning area is D meters. e.g. WORKMAN signs
(Note: where visibility is good and there are more than two advance signs the spacing of signs
may be reduced to a minimum of 0.5D)
The spacing for Traffic Cones or Bollards to create a taper should be 5 to 10 meters.
Approach Clearance Area for Workers – generally 20 to 30 meters long. Longer if works are hidden from
approaching traffic eg. by a crest or curve.
Adjacent Clearance Area for Workers – generally 1.2 meters wide.
Traffic Cones
Temporary Bollards
Concrete Barriers
Water Filled Plastic Barriers
Plastic Mesh or Tape
12.4.4. Termination Area
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) aware of these hazards, issued a number of
policies, guidelines and procedures to guide contractors and workers for the safety and health of workers,
motorist and the exposed public.
There are 4 manuals issued by DPWH to road infrastructure safety: 1) Road Safety Audit Manual, 2)
Road Works Safety Manual, 3) Highway Safety Design Standards Manual – Part 1: Road Safety Design
Manual; 4)Highway Safety Design Standards Manual – Part 2: Road Signs and Pavement Markings
Manual.
Understanding hazards in road projects and controlling them requires a good understanding of the 4
components of a Typical Road Work Site: 1) advance warning area, transition area, work area and
termination area.
Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/
1154972/skyway-coping-beam-falls-causing-heavy-traffic-at-nlex
Source:https://
mb.com.ph/2018/05/20/imus-cavite-flyover-collapses/
Source: https://
manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/242248/5-construction-workers-hurt-in-skyway-
collapse.html
13. Job Hazard Analysis
Big Idea
Writing safe job procedures and providing these to workers have been proven to be helpful in preventing
workplace accidents. Job Hazard Analysis is one tool to help identify hazards and write safe job
procedures.
13.2. Requirements
Department Order 198-18 (IRR of RA11058) provides in:
Section 4 that it is the duty of the employer to provide complete job safe instructions and proper
orientation to all workers.
13.3. What is JHA?
Importance
Many workplace injuries and illnesses can be prevented by closely looking into workplace operations,
writing safe job procedures and providing appropriate training to workers. The findings of the job hazard
analysis can be:
used to implement controls to prevent accidents and illnesses, therefore making the workplace
safer and more productive; and
a good reference to write safe job procedures and use this procedure to train workers before
they start work.
What is Job Hazard Analysis?
JHA is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they cause harm to
people in the workplace. It is one component of the larger commitment of a safety and health
management system.
The analysis focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, the materials and
the work environment.
It is one of the best ways to determine, establish and write proper safe job procedures.
JHA is an excellent process that separates a job into its basic steps. Each step in then analyzed to
identify and potential hazards. Once the hazards are known, safe job procedures are developed. It gives
opportunity for management to involve employees in developing safe work procedures.
Involving Employees
Involving employees is important because they have a unique understanding of the job which is valuable
in finding hazards. Involving employees helps minimize oversights and gets a good “buy-in” that makes
easier for workers to follow safe job procedures with less supervision.
Usually, JHA teams are composed of the process owner, supervisor, safety officer, design engineer,
maintenance person. A job hazard analysis conducted and written by the Safety Officer alone is usually
not effective.
Give priority to tasks/processes which 1) have high incidence of accidents and near misses, 2) are new,
and 3) are newly revised/changed. Example:
With the help of the owner of the process, break the task into steps and list in chronological order. There
is no hard and fast rule as to how many steps. The general guideline is not too broad to miss the basic
steps and not too detailed to become unnecessarily long.
Example:
Steps: Hazard
Position trailer in loading dock
So on and so forth
In each step listed down, describe the hazard by answering the basic question “what can go wrong”.
Describing the hazard is best done by analyzing the relationship between:
Steps: Hazard
Position trailer in loading Spotter may be hit by the trailer; driver might fall during
dock disembarking
Open trailer door Door might bang head of the person opening the trailer door
Do this step with the Hierarchy of Controls as guide. It is good to remember that not all hazards control
strategies are equal. Some are more effective than the others. In recommending hazard controls consider
the effectiveness, practicality and resources required. Example, redesigning the process may be most
effective, but to some situations, may not be practical if it requires highly technical expertise and a lot of
money to do.
Example:
Door might bang head of the person Orient person in-charge before
Open trailer door
opening the trailer door work. Use bump cap.
The first 4 steps are needed to write the safe job procedure. After writing the draft procedure, consult with
the owner of the process and the supervisor to finalize. Get the approval of the manager, then implement
after training the process owners.
Use this procedure in training workers before start of work and remind workers during safety meetings.
The following are the instances/opportunities to review and improve the JHA
every time there are mishaps, injuries, or work-related illness occurs
after a near miss
when the process changes
following an employee’s safety complaint
when equipment is damaged
per scheduled review
HAZARDS – PREVENTIVE
BASIC JOB STEPS
POSSIBLE INJURIES MEASURES
STEP 3.
STEP 4.
STEP 5.
promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers
of all occupations.
prevent workers from departures due to health caused by their working conditions.
protect workers in their working environment from hazards and risks usually causing adverse
health effects.
place and maintain a worker in an occupational environment adapted to his/her physiological
and psychological capabilities.
Surveillance of the environment is accomplished through Work Environment Monitoring (WEM) while that
of the health of the workers is through Medical Screening and Surveillance.
The primary tools for the prevention of illnesses in the workplace are the engineering and administrative
controls in place such as properly working fume hoods and well-implemented safety and health policies.
Medical screening and surveillance are valuable secondary tools for disease prevention.
Occupational Diseases are those having a specific or a strong relation to occupation, generally with only
one causal agent, and recognized as such. While Work-Related Diseases are those having multiple
causal agents, where factors in the work environment may play a role, together with other risk factors, in
the development of such diseases (ILO Encyclopedia).
Adverse health condition in the workers related to the exposure to factors on the job or in the work
environment (World Health Organization). Examples:
Physical: heat, noise, radiation
Chemical: solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, dust
Biological: tuberculosis, hepatitis B virus, HIV
Psychosocial stressors: lack of control over work, inadequate personal support
Mechanical
14.4.2. Work-Related Diseases
Adverse health condition in the worker affected by multiple risk factors, according to World Health
Organization (WHO) such as:
1. Environmental/Psychosocial
Thermal environment
Vibration
Poor lighting
Noise
Radiation
3. Chemical
Gases
Mists
Vapor
Fumes
4. Social Support System
Surveillance must be perform/conducted by employer in the workplace for those workers who
are exposed to the harmful effects of hazards and working conditions (RA 11058; OSH
Standards).
Working Conditions, according to RA 11058, refer but not limited to:
Early detection of illnesses and implement control measures to prevent them from getting
worse.
Provide data to analyze and help management evaluate health risks and controls.
Allow workers to communicate their concerns about work that affects their health.
Evaluate controls and its effectiveness.
Provide opportunity to reinforce training and educations for workers.
14.5.2. When is Surveillance Conducted
carcinogens;
dangerous pathogens (e.g. Hepatitis B, HIV and TB);
certain sensitizers, such as substances that may cause occupational asthma, e.g., laboratory
animals, mineral oils, wood dust, solder fumes;
substances that may cause dermatitis, e.g., latex;
extreme heat and cold, noise, vibration, illumination and radiation; and
substances with systemic toxicity such as lead, arsenic and mercury.
14.6. Components of Health Surveillance
40 hr – Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) with Students Manual 14. Medical Screening
and Surveillance 14.6. Components of Health Surveillance
IN PROGRESS
The OH physician conducts assessment on the hazards workers may be exposed and which have the
potential to cause adverse health effects. There is need to seek full understanding of the hazards through:
Exposure assessments are done comparing data to the exposure limits of certain hazards which are
published by the standard authorities. Examples of published exposure limits are:
Permissible exposure limits (PELs) by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) at https://www.osha.gov
Threshold limit values (TLVs) and biological exposure indices (BEIs) by the American
Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) at https://www.acgih.org
Recommended exposure limits (RELs) by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
14.6.2. Component 2 – Identification of adverse health outcomes for each hazard
The adverse health outcomes are identified for each hazard to determine who among the employees are
at risk and be enrolled in proactive screening on a continuous or periodic basis. The sample table below
may be accomplished.
Classifying employees into the high-risk group for surveillance is dependent on the following factors:
type of exposure
dose or level of exposure
duration of exposure (short-term, high level exposure vs. long-term, low level exposure)
likelihood of exposure
consequence of exposure
anticipated frequency of exposure
14.6.3. Component 3 – Screening Activities
Screening activities are often done through medical examinations, on or off the work site. These
examinations are conducted in intervals. Per OSH Standards these examinations are:
Special examinations may be required where there is excessive exposure to health hazards, such as
excessive noise, dust, lead, mercury, and other similar substances.
An employee returning to work after a sick leave shall be examined by the occupational health physician
to:
Biomonitoring involves measurements of biomarkers in body fluids and other specimens, such as feces,
hair, teeth, and nails, indicating that there is interaction between the biological system and a potential
hazard which may be chemical, biological or physical (WHO).
obtaining a blood lead level or zinc protoporphyrin level in a worker with known lead exposure;
obtaining a urinary phenol level in a worker with benzene exposure; and
obtaining a red blood cell cholinesterase level in a worker with organophosphate pesticide
exposure.
Table 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards sets the Threshold Limit Values of
Airborne Contaminants. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) also
publishes the Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work
environment (2008).
Examples of chemicals that can be assessed by biological monitoring
Communicating results to the individuals or groups and to the company completes the cycle of medical
surveillance. Depending on the policy of the company and its documented OSH Program, results are
submitted to at least 3 recipients:
ensure confidentiality
explain in detail to the employee concerned
compare with previous results, if appropriate
use results to prepare action plan to remedy matters of concern
discuss meaningfully with other teams to look for opportunity to integrate results into the
surveillance program
14.6.6. Component 6 – Documentation and Records Keeping
The general guideline to evaluate is looking for data as evidence to prove that workers are no longer
getting sick and are kept healthy after control measures are implemented.
Results of evaluation is used to design and implement continuous improvement initiatives of the general
OSH program of the Company.
Medical screening and surveillance are considered valuable secondary tool in disease
prevention in workplaces, the first being engineering and administrative risk controls.
Early detection and analysis of surveillance data are the most effective strategies in preventing
diseases.
There is a need for OH personnel to be working closely with the frontline safety personnel in
identifying and assessing hazards and in developing action plans to address health concerns
after surveillance.
Medical screening and surveillance data need to be handled with utmost care and
confidentiality.
Findings from medical surveillance are best addressed by integrating control measures into the
bigger OSH program which are subject to evaluation for adequacy and effectiveness.
describe the importance of monitoring the work environment in evaluating employee exposure
to hazards,
determine compliance requirement of the law and the standard, and
explain the concept of occupational exposure limit or threshold limit values.
15.2. Requirements
Work Environment Monitoring is required in every workplace by Rule 1077 of the Occupational Safety and
Health (OSH) Standards.
The employer shall exert efforts to maintain and control the working environment in comfortable
and healthy conditions for the purpose of promoting and maintaining the health of workers.
The employer shall carry out the WEM in indoor or other workplaces where hazardous work is
performed and shall keep a record of such measurement which shall be made available to the
enforcing authority.
The WEM shall be performed periodically as may be necessary but not longer than annually.
WEM shall be performed by safety and medical personnel who have taken adequate training
and experience in WEM (internal monitoring).
In the event of inability to perform the WEM, the employer shall commission the OSHC and other
institutions accredited or recognition by DOLE, to perform the measurement. Check the OSH Center
website to know the list and contact of organizations accredited to perform WEM
at https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/34-accreditation/114-work-environment-measurement-providers
The work environment gets contaminated from the a single and a combination of hazards inherent to the
processes in the workplace.
For example, the materials and equipment during the production process generate gases, vapors, fumes,
dusts, mists, heat, noise, radiant energy, etc. that cause contamination of the work environment through
the process of dispersion and diffusion.
The risk factors in a contaminated environment may enter into the worker’s body through 3 routes:
To prevent injuries, illnesses and death, a work environment monitoring is required to identify and assess
hazardous substances that the workers may be exposed and adversely affect their health (ILO).
WEM is the determination of environmental hazards/stresses and their hazardous effects on workers’
health by directly measuring hazards through sampling and analysis of the atmospheric working
environment and other fundamental elements of working environment for the purpose of determining
actual conditions (Rule 1077, OSHS), including:
Noise
Temperature
Humidity
Pressure
Illumination
Ventilation
Concentration of substances
WEM is a useful tool of accomplish the following:
SDS of chemicals
Work practices and general work conditions
Stage 2: Recognition of health hazards
Measures changes in composition of body fluids, tissues or expired air to determine absorption
of contaminants in the environment
3. Work Environment (Area) Monitoring
Important Notes:
1. WEM can only be conducted by competent persons, preferably industrial hygienist who has the
appropriate training.
2. Equipment/instruments must be in working condition and are calibrated
3. Common WEM Equipment
o Lux Meter
o Sound Level Meter
o Psychrometer
o Anemometer
o Multi gas tester
o light intensity
o sound intensity level
o relative humidity
o speed of wind
o detects Co, H2s, O2 and CH4 gas
TLVs are the maximum average airborne concentration of a hazardous material to which healthy adult
workers can be exposed during an 8-hour workday and 40-hour workweek—over a working lifetime—
without experiencing significant adverse health effects (ACGIH).
The hazardous substances in the workplace enters into the worker’s body through inhalation,
ingestion and skin absorption which through metabolic reaction may be excreted or
accumulated that overtime could cause injury, illness or even death.
WEM requires measuring equipment, competent person and standard values to compare
measurement data from during evaluation.
This is an excellent way to reference the commitment to safe work practices and provide a systematic
method for involving supervisors, employees, safety coordinators, and safety committees in the process
of eliminating workplace hazards.
It may be preferred to as “preventive maintenance” for facility safety, where the goal is not to discover
how many problems there are but rather identify improvements to operations.
16.2. Requirements
40 hr – Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) with Students Manual 16. OSH Inspection 16.2.
Requirements
IN PROGRESS
Section 3 (g) of Department Order 198-18 defines safety and health inspection as “examination of the
work environment, including the location and operation of machinery … . adequacy of work space,
ventilation, lighting, conditions of work environment … and other possible sources of hazards in the
workplace.
Section 14 (b) of the same Department Order states that one of the roles of the safety officer is to
frequently monitor and inspect health and safety aspects of the operation which is consistent with Rule
1047 (5) of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) stating that the Safety Man conducts
health and safety inspections.
16.3. Inspection vs Audit
Safety inspections focus on compliance standards pertaining to the physical environment: emergency
exits, fire extinguishers, machine guards, hazardous material storage, etc. while safety audits, on the
other hand, focus on work processes.
Benefits of Inspections
Over and above the main purpose of OSH inspections to meet compliance requirements there are other
benefits that organizations gain from. OSH inspections can be an opportunity to:
Planning is essential for an effective inspection to ensure that the following are defined in a written
procedure:
what to inspect;
who to inspect;
where to inspect;
when to inspect; and
how to inspect.
Part of the planning is to take note of the items that are most likely to develop into unsafe or unhealthy
conditions because of stress, wear, impact, vibration, heat, corrosion, chemical reaction or misuse.
Include areas where no work is done regularly, such as parking lots, rest areas, office storage areas and
locker rooms.
Must be included and given priority in safety inspections are machinery, tools, equipment and materials
as well as facilities and building structures.
The inspection team should include both employee and employer representatives who have been
appropriately trained on how to conduct OSH inspections, specifically:
safety professionals
company or facility management
first – line supervisor or foreman
mechanical engineer or maintenance supervisor
employees
maintenance personnel
other inspection teams
contractors’ inspection services
Frequency of formal/planned inspections is determined according to the OSH program where the OSH
committee outlines the schedule. The schedule is generally based on the regulatory or legislation
requirements, results of hazard analysis and risk assessment, incident history and recommendation of the
equipment manufacturers. Ideally, inspections are done at a time that won’t interrupt operations to
prevent unsafe conditions.
The most common approach to conduct formal or planned inspections is to divide the workplace into
areas where inspection teams are assigned. Usually, formal checklists tailored to the items or area to be
inspected are required so that items are not missed and findings are documented – an important input for
the preparation of the inspection report. Checklist is a basic tool to clarify inspection responsibilities,
controls inspection activities and provides a report of inspection activities (Work Safe).
It is important to remember that checklists need to be updated every time inspections are done to
consider changes in the process, recent incidents and results of the previous inspections that might need
to be included as new items.
Because the purpose is finding opportunities to improve and not finding faults, it is imperative that
cooperation of the workers in areas being inspected is needed. Inspectors, therefore, need to conduct
inspections in a manner that would not threaten workers. Good communication skill is the key.
Accomplish column 4 and 5 by writing down proposed corrective actions by the supervisor of the area
inspected or process owner and agree on a target date. Affix the name and signature of the inspector and
the date of inspection and submit to Safety Office or management depending on what is indicated in the
procedure.
16.8. Follow-up and Monitoring
Because the real intention of inspections is for improvement, OSH inspections can be viewed as a cycle
of planning – doing – checking – acting (PDCA). Therefore, the work of the OSH Inspection Team does
not end at submitting the inspection report.
OSH inspection teams are duty-bound to check (at an agreed time) if proposed corrective actions were
done and results are effective. Depending on the results of the previous inspection, a new inspection
checklist is developed for the next schedule of inspection with the results of the previous results included.
One of the duties of Safety Officers is to conduct regular inspections of the workplace as a way
to prevent injuries and illnesses by identifying existing and potential hazards and correcting
them before they cause harm.
A clearly written procedure and a carefully-laid inspection schedule based on the OSH Program
are essential.
All inspections require a checklist to ensure nothing is missed out and findings documented.
OSH inspections are planned to determine what to inspect, who to inspect, where to inspect,
when to inspect and how to inspect.
The ultimate purpose of inspection is to identify areas to improve safety performance and not to
find fault with people and of the system.
Engineering controls are usually used to control hazards at the source, administrative controls to control
hazards at the path and personal protective equipment (PPE) to control hazards at the point of the
receiver (the workers).
Engineering methods are used to control hazards. These controls are focused on the source of the
hazard. The intention is to eliminate the hazard, but if cannot be eliminated, for whatever reason, hazards
should be reduced/minimized.
1. Substitution – Substitute with something that is not hazardous or less hazardous.
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
1. Practices – Some of these are very general in their applicability. They include housekeeping activities
such as:
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Examples:
Danger signs
Warning signs
Caution signs
Safety Signs have 3 panels and 4 components. A panel is the area of safety sign having distinctive
background color different from adjacent areas of sign, which is clearly delineated by a line, border or
margin.
PPEs may include gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, coveralls,
vests and full body suits.
17.6.1. Requirements
Section 8 of DO 198-18 and Rule 1080 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards provides that
employers shall provide workers with appropriate PPEs free of charge.
Section 29 of DO 198-18 provides that employers shall be imposed a penalty to P50,000 per day for not
providing PPEs to workers or for charging PPEs to the account of the workers.
Employers must provide personal protective equipment to workers when engineering, work practices and
administrative control strategies are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection.
Employers do not only issue PPEs to workers but must ensure that these are properly used to give
maximum protection. The best practice is for employers to train each worker required to use personal
protective equipment to know:
when it is necessary;
what kind is appropriate;
how to properly put it on, adjust, wear and take it off;
the limitations of the equipment; and
proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the equipment.
A properly-designed PPE program is the basis for providing these to workers. A PPE program must be
designed after a thorough risk assessment is done to match the PPEs with the hazards; the selection,
maintenance, and use of PPE; the training of employees; and monitoring of the program to ensure its
ongoing effectiveness.
Make employees understand that PPEs have limitations and do not offer total protection. PPE can create
another hazard, example, gloves prevent skin damage while working with moving equipment, but can
create an entanglement hazard when working with a rotating machine.
The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) is the duly recognized agency for testing and setting
standard specifications of Personal Protective Equipment and other safety devices in the Philippines.
It is the responsibility of the employers and the responsibility of the Safety officers of establishments to
ensure that PPEs issued to workers are within the standard and are duly tested by the OSHC. To ensure
that PPEs purchased are within the standard, the Safety Officers may check with the OSHC website
which publish the updated list of brands and distributors of the following:
Fall Protection
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Fall_Protection_Equipment.pdf
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Eye_and_Face_Protective_Equ ipment.pdf
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Hard_Hat_Class_E.pdf
Hard Hat Class G
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Hard_Hat_Class_G.pdf
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Hard_Hat_Class_C.pdf
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Safety_Shoes_D.pdf
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Safety_Shoes_C.pdf
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Safety_Shoes_B.pdf
Heavy Duty and Electrical Hazard Resistant Footwear with Mid-Sole Device
https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/Files/Passed_Safety_Shoes_A.pdf
The 2 primary hazard control strategies: 1) hazard control to get rid of the hazard which uses
engineering methods and 2) exposure control to reduce exposure to the hazard which uses
administrative approaches.
Safety signage and warning signs are important administrative approach to advice and alert
persons of the nature and degree of potential hazards.
Use of appropriate PPEs is required by law to give workers protection when engineering and
administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection.
18.2. Requirement
Department Order No. 198, Series of 2018 which is the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11058
(OSH Law) requires establishments to develop and implement an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Program which shall include Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC).
Labor Advisory 04-19 (Guide for Compliance of Establishments to DO 198-18 requires establishments to
determine its own level of risk (whether low, medium or high) based on the Hazard Identification, Risk
Assessment and Determination of Control (HIRADC) conducted by the company.
18.3. Workplace Assessment
OSH Risk Assessment is a process or method of assessing the likelihood of a risk factor to cause
harm/illness to the worker, determining the severity or consequence of the risk factor and rating OSH
risks in terms of significance as basis for identifying control measures.
Doing an OSH Risk Assessment in the workplace is so important to make it integral part of an
occupational health and safety management plan. Among its benefits are:
Hazard is defined in Session 1 as potential to cause injury, harm or damage. It can be health hazards
(biological, chemical, physical and ergonomic) or safety hazards (poor housekeeping, improper materials
handling, mechanical, electrical, fire, etc.).
In this step, identify first the activity, example, window cleaning at 3rd floor of a bldg.
Risk is defined in Session 1 as the degree of uncertainty expressed in likelihood of the consequence to
occur and the severity of that consequence if, indeed, it will occur. In this step, after assessing likelihood
and severity, there is to calculate risk rating and find out risk significance.
Urgent action is required for risks assessed as Extreme. The actions required may include:
instructions for the immediate end of the work, process, activity, etc
isolation of the hazard until more permanent measures can be implemented.
Actions taken to address an Extreme risk must be documented. Documented control plans with
responsibilities and completion dates are required for High and Medium risks.
There is a need to closely examine the existing risk controls and their effectiveness in controlling the risk
at an acceptable level. The risk assessment team examines existing data of accidents, near misses,
illnesses to determine if existing control measures are adequate.
The result of the evaluation in Step 3 is helpful to determine the residual risk which is the level of risk that
remains after control measures are applied. If the residual risk is evaluated to be significant, additional
control measures will be recommended.
If evaluation in Step 3 finds that existing risk controls are not adequate as evidenced by a significant
residual risk, additional control measures shall be implemented, as recommended in Step 3.
Note: OSH Risk Assessment which uses HIRAC as tool is an on-going process like a cycle because after
risk is evaluated, controls are implemented, monitored and reviewed and then another round of hazard
identification is done.
HIRAC is done with active involvement of workers and management in teams. A HIRAC done by a single
or a few people is less effective.
The following is the basic and standard form used in doing HIRAC.
Conduct of HIRADC in every workplace is a requirement of RA 11058 – the OSH Law without
which a penalty is imposed.
Among the benefits Risk Assessment offers are help in creating awareness about hazards and
risk, identifying who may be at risk, determine sufficiency and effectiveness of controls, help
prioritize implementation of control measures and help determine if applicable requirements are
met.
OSH Risk Assessment is the process of identifying hazards, assessing risk and determining
controls while HIRADC is the tool to perform OSH Risk Assessment.
19.2. Requirements
The OSH Law (DO 198-18) provides in:
Section 11 (d) that employers shall provide workers adequate and suitable information on emergency and
disaster management protocols including proper evacuation and shutdown procedures.
Section 12(14) that establishments are to develop a comprehensive OSH program that includes a plan to
respond to emergencies and disasters.
Emergencies may be natural or man-made. Many types of emergencies , however, can be anticipated
which can help employers and workers plan to prepare how to respond to unpredictable situations.
People can not think clearly and logically during crisis.
Emergency action planning is a process of hazard assessment to determine what, if any, hazards
inside or from outside the workplace could cause an emergency situation. Many establishments claim
they find it beneficial to include a diverse group of representatives in the planning process.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a document that outlines actions of employers and employees during
emergency situations. It describes how workers will specifically respond to different types of emergencies,
taking into account specific worksite layouts, structural features, and emergency systems.
2) assess how they would affect people in the workplace including the worst-case scenario; and –
floor plans
exit locations
assembly point
5. Names, titles, departments and contact numbers for explanation of duties and responsibilities
under the EAP
trained
equipped
certified
*If there are confined space operations, include procedure or confined space entry in the Emergency
Action Plan.
provide employees with written medical procedure to minimize confusion during medical
emergency
if infirmary, clinic/hospital is far, ensure qualified first aider is available
first aid supplies must be available
transportation available for emergencies
10. Role of Employees
Establishments with well-prepared Emergency Action Plans are better prepared and guided to
protect workers against injuries and fatalities and properties against loss or damages.
Emergency action planning has 3 broad steps: 1) identify potential emergencies, 2) assess how
they can affect people in the workplace, and 3) plan how to respond.
A well-developed Emergency Action Plan combined with proper worker training result to lesser
injuries to workers and lesser damages to properties.
The commitment and support of all workers and employers is critical to the EAP’s success.
Involving workers in putting together the plan and implementing an EAP is the key.
20.2. Requirements
The OSH Law (RA 11058) and its IRR (DO 198-18) require covered establishments to develop and
implement a suitable OSH Program (Section 12). This OSH Program shall be:
DO 13 Series of 1998, “the Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction
Industry” requires that every construction project shall have a suitable Construction Safety and Health
Program (CSHP) which must be:
Effective OSH programs reduce the extent and severity of work related injuries and illnesses, improves
employee morale and productivity and reduces workers’ compensation costs. OSH programs are
developed guided by the following criteria:
workplace specific;
input from the workers;
clear responsibilities and accountabilities;
each of the program’s elements must be in writing;
must also address the safety and health of contractors, guests, suppliers and community; and
be available and effectively communicated.
Management must demonstrate commitment and support without which success of implementation is not
assured. This commitment can be in terms of:
Letting workers should know their roles in the safety and health program including their rights
and responsibilities.
Consulting workers directly.
Requiring and encouraging workers to report safety and health concerns promptly.
Encouraging workers to suggest improvements in the safety and health program.
Assignment of responsibility and accountability to:
o CEO/Manager or his representative
o Supervisors
o Workers’ Representatives (union members if organized)
o Company Physician, nurse or first-aider
o Safety Officer
o Safety and Health Committee
20.4.3. Workplace Risk Assessment
Workplace risk assessment identifies the hazards, analyzes the risk level and recommends hazard
controls. The HIRAC forms part of the OSH Program. The goal is to try to answer the following questions:
With the risk assessment as reference, hazard prevention and control plans are developed where specific
items may be needed to address workplace specific activities such as:
Training and education are required to implement health and safety procedures into specific job practices
and to raise awareness and skill levels of employees to an acceptable standard.
A re-orientation for workers in high risk establishments shall be conducted not less than once a year or as
prescribed in the company’s OSH program.
The establishment, through its Safety and Health Committee, shall review and evaluate the OSH
Program, at least once a year, to ensure that its objectives are met.
Although commonly-used, accident frequency and severity rates are not always the only measures to use
for evaluating the effectiveness of a health and safety program.
Safety audits have been found to be effective to measure the effectiveness of OSH Programs. The audit
identifies weaknesses and areas for improvement of the OSH program. Once weaknesses are identified
and corrective actions are implemented continuous improvement of the OSH Program is assured.
A written CSHP program containing the minimum core elements is a requirement of the law to
all covered establishments. Non-compliance of this requirement carries a penalty of P40,000
per day until complied.
Compliance for CSHP is the responsibility of the Construction Manager or the Project Engineer.
Minimum core elements of CSHP as required by the Department of Labor and Employment are:
1) management commitment, 2) employee involvement, 3) workplace risk assessment, 4)
hazard prevention and control, 5) safety and health training and education, and 6) OSH program
evaluation.
CSHP should be approved by the DOLE-Regional Office where the project is located before
start of any construction project.
The formal report shall be submitted on or before the 20th day of the month following the date of
occurrence and an investigation report in the prescribed form shall be submitted on or before
the 30th day of the same month.
In case employee has not reported back to duty on the closing date of reporting, an estimate of
the probable days of disability shall be entered in the report and corrected after the return of the
injured. After the return of the injured, the corrected days of absence shall be used.
Where the accident results in death or permanent total disability, the employer, in addition to the
written report, shall initially notify the Regional Labor Office within twenty-four (24) hours after
occurrence.
All deaths and permanent total disabilities shall be investigated by the Regional Office within
forty-eight (48) hours after receipt of the initial report of the employer.
OSHA strongly suggests to investigate both incidents and accidents since a “near miss” or sometimes
called “close call” might still hurt workers if circumstances are slightly different.
Investigate both because a near miss is an accident in progress. A hazard that caused a “near miss” is
the same hazard that can cause a fatality. An incident-accident relationship is like an iceberg: visible
fatalities are few but the hidden near misses are many.
21.4. Incident/Accident Investigation
A well-ordered and thorough process to identify and correct shortcomings in the safety and
health management programs that helps employers to look beyond what happened and
discover why it happened.
Ensure that any failure in the process or system are rectified and does not happen again.
Finding these shortcomings (causes) is the main purpose of investigations. Once shortcomings are
identified, these are rectified/corrected so that the incident won’t happen again.
Besides, it is a requirement of the law (Rule 1050). Non-submission of reports is a violation imposed with
a P30,000 penalty and failure to develop and implement Safety and Health Program, which includes
Accident Investigation, with P40,000 penalty.
21.6.2. Analyze
Incidents/accidents are usually analyzed in two ways: events analysis and cause analysis.
1. Event analysis helps investigator determine the sequence of events that ultimately led to the
incident/accident. The output of an event analysis is a story that presents events in chronological order
from the actual event to the point when the incident actually happened. Event analysis includes:
2. Cause analysis helps investigators pinpoint the causes at 3 levels: direct cause of the injury/illness;
surface or contributing cause; and the underlying or root cause.
Surface or contributing cause is the specific unsafe act or unsafe condition that led the worker to
have contact with electricity. This is determined by asking why the worker had contact with
electricity.
Example: The worker hit the overhead wire nearby with the metal scaffolding tube.
Root or underlying cause is failure or weakness of the system that allows the unsafe act or
unsafe condition to exist. This is determined by asking why the unsafe act or unsafe condition
exist.
Example: There was no inspection conducted prior to start of scaffolding work to check live wires within
10 feet near the work area.
Investigators make recommendations based on the event and cause analyses. It is important to note that
recommendations should address the root cause and the unsafe behavior or unsafe conditions.
Correcting unsafe behavior and unsafe conditions and not their underlying causes does not ensure that
incidents/accidents would not happen again (OSHA, 2015).
Investigations that seeks to address the real underlying causes not only prevent future incidents, but also
improve workplace morale. Putting the blame on and punishing the workers do not offer much help.
Avoid superficial and general recommendations because they result to weak corrective actions and do not
offer much help in improving safety and health performance.
Incident/accident investigations are of no use and never complete without corrective actions. Like in doing
recommendations, corrective actions must address the root or underlying cause(s).
Note that most corrective actions intended to address the root cause are systems-based and cannot be
quickly corrected. They take time, effort, resources and importantly management support. Examples are:
Corrective actions are deemed effective when the incident or accident do not happen again.
Seeking to address the root cause and not making conclusions focused on employee actions
not only prevents future accidents but also improves morale in the workplace.
The classification and the number of Safety Officer depends on the level of risk and the number of
employees. Failure to provide a Safety Officer is subject to an administrative fine of P40,000/day until
complied.
In the same manner, employers are mandated to organize their OSH Committee to plan, develop,
oversee and monitor implementation of the OSH Program (DO 198-18, Section 13).
The type of the OSH Committee depends on the level of risk and the number of employees. Failure to
organize the OSH Committee is subject to an administrative fine of P40,000.00/ day until complied.
22.3. Safety Officers
“Any employee or officer of the company trained by DOLE or DOLE-accredited Training Organization,
tasked by the employer to implement the OSH program ensuring that OSH standards are complied” (DO
198-18, Section 3.u).
Safety Officer are classified into four: Safety Officer 1 (SO1); Safety Officer 2 (SO2); Safety Officer 3
(SO3); and Safety Officer 4 (SO4). The following are their respective qualifications:
Duties and responsibilities per Rule 1047 of OSHS and Sec. 14 of DO 198-18
As provided in RA 11058, Section 14 (d) Safety Officers are authorized to remove hazards and issue
work stoppage when necessary based on the procedure provided by the OSH Standards.
The Safety Officer is accountable to the employer. For purposes of effectiveness, the Safety Officer shall
report directly to the employer according to Rule 147 (8).
General Requirement
OSH Committee shall be organized in all places of employment one month from the date the
business starts and reorganized every year.
Report to DOLE using RSO Form within 1 month after creation or reorganization.
Composition
Less than 10 workers and low risk establishments with 10-50 workers and low to high risk
establishments with 50 workers and above:
Medium to high establishments with 10-50 workers and low to high risk establishment with 51
workers and above:
The Annual Exposure Data Report (AEDR) is part of the mandatory reportorial requirement using Form
DOLE/BWC/HSD-IP-6b which is submitted to the Regional DOLE Office on or before January 31 every
year.
The AEDR uses 2 measures of injury/illness experience: the Frequency Rate (FR) and Severity Rate
(SR).
1. Disabling Injury/Illness Frequency Rates (FR) is based upon the total number of deaths, permanent
partial, permanent total and temporary total disabilities in the period (year) covered. This expresses the
injury/illness in million man-hour unit with the formula:
2. Disabling Injury/Illness Severity Rate (SR) is based on the total of all scheduled charges deaths,
permanent partial, permanent total disabilities plus the total actual days of temporary total disabilities in
the period (year) covered. This expresses the loss in terms of million man-hour unit with the formula:
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – any injury or sickness which permanently or totally
incapacitates an employee from engaging in any gainful occupation.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – injury which result in loss or loss of use of any member
or part of a member of the body.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – injury or illness which does not result in death or PTD or
PPD but which results in disability from work for a day or more.
The Safety Officer is the principal assistant and consultant to remove hazards and correct
unsafe practices in the workplace. The OSH Committee is the planning and policy making group
in all matters pertaining to safety and health.
There are 4 classifications of Safety Officers. There is an appropriate classification and number
of Safety Officer for each establishment depending on the level of risk and the number of
employees.
There are 3 types of OSH Committees, depending on the level of risk and the number of
employees of the establishment.
23.3. Coverage
Among the private sector, the following are covered:
Employees’ Compensation Program is designed to provide employees and their families with income
benefits, medical, and other benefits in the event of work-connected sickness, injury or death.
Rule #2
For the disease/illness and the consequent disability or death to be compensable, the disease/illness
must be in the ECC’s List of 32 Compensable Diseases. (Click here)
Rule #3
Other diseases not in the list may still be compensable if employee can establish causal connection, the
nature of his work or the working environment. “INCREASED RISK THEORY” may help but not for pre-
existing diseases.
1) if victim is intoxicated,
Under the ECP, it is not the illness or injury that is compensated. It is the incapacity to work
(DISABILITY), as a result of the illness or injury, that is being compensated.
Type of Disability
This is granted to employee who gets permanently and totally disabled and has difficulty taking care of
basic personal needs. P1,000.00 per month allowance for the private and public sector employees.
In case of death, there is a Monthly Income Benefit pension to beneficiary plus 10% for each dependent
child not exceeding five. Funeral benefit of 30,000 for private and public sector employees.
1. Physical Therapy Rehabilitation appliances, e.g. hearing aid, crutches, wheelchair, prosthesis, etc.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
23.10. Filing of Claims
All EC claims may be filed by the claimant or his beneficiary at the System (SSS for private sector, and
the GSIS for the public sector employees) nearest to the place of work or residence.
No claim for compensation shall be given due course unless said claim is filed with the Systems
within THREE (3) YEARS from the time of sickness, injury, or death.
ARTICLE 196
Delinquent contributions. Employer’s failure to remit contribution shall not prejudice the right of the
employee or his dependents to benefits.
ARTICLE 200
Safety devices. Employer’s failure to maintain safety devices subject to 25% penalty.
2. If accidents do happen and illnesses proven to be work-related, the worker and his family can claim
compensation and benefits from the Employees Compensation Commission through its programs.
3. Only diseases which are in the list of compensable diseases are compensable, however, if a causal
connection is established, diseases not in the list may be considered.
4. The Loss of Income Benefit is granted not to compensate the injury or the illness but the worker’s
inability to work and earn income.
This wisdom by Henry Ford is an inspiration: “Anyone who stops learning is old. Anyone who keeps
learning stays young.”
24.1. Session Objectives
At the end of the session, participants are able to:
24.2. Requirement
DO 198-18, Section 16 (b) requires all workers to undergo the mandatory OSH seminar prescribed by the
Department of Labor and Employment to be conducted by the Safety Officer of the establishment or any
certified OSH practitioner or consultant.
Training, as a process, involves 5 steps in cycle according to the ADDIE model (David, 2014).
In this session, focus is only in the Implementation phase consisting of training delivery/presentation and
learning facilitation. But let us understand first the kinds and roles of a trainer.
Kinds of Trainers
There are 4 kinds of trainers. Which kind should an OSH trainer be?
A trainer, who is the Safety Officer, should be knowledgeable of the topic being presented.
2. Training technologist
There is need for trainers to know how to use presentation technologies e.g. audio-video technologies,
computers and internet-enabled technologies.
Adults learn differently. This differentiates training from education. Adults bring with them their own
knowledge, skills and experiences into the training rooms. This is where trainers need to be sensitive in
dealing with adults to encourage learning and behavior formation.
4. Course designer
Before any course is delivered or presented, they are carefully designed and developed based on the
training needs analysis.
5. Group facilitator
The trainer has the ability to facilitate learning in a group setting. Learners are different individuals with
different learning styles. It is a challenge for trainers to keep the environment safe for adults to learn.
6. Presenter
A trainer is expected to be able to deliver the training in a manner that learning is conveyed effectively. A
trainer should be able to get and keep the attention of adult learners.
24.5.1. Authority
Try not to look awkward in front of your audience. Looking awkward lessens a trainer’s
authority.
Looking confident, on the other hand, establishes authority.
The best way to look confident and exude authority before an audience is to prepare. Know the
topic well.
24.5.2. Involvement
The best way to teach something is to get the attention, sustain the interest and provide value to the
listeners.
Engage the audience, encourage and appreciate participation, listen to their stories.
Give the best content, organize the presentation well, deliver with energy.
Appear friendly to the audience. Smile is the most powerful to start engagement.
24.5.4. Vocal Expressiveness
The voice of the trainer is powerfully persuasive. It can be a factor in the success and failure of teaching.
Use conversational voice just like talking to friends plus a little energy.
There are 3 pitfalls to watch:
o Not being heard because voice is too soft to get attention
o Monotony providing no variation of voice, can put people to sleep
o Use of artificial voice can disrupt focus of audience
24.5.5. Physical Expressiveness
Let the learner know that they are heard and understood
Empathize with emotions
24.6.3. Facilitating Skills #3: Checking for Understanding
Although speaking apprehension is real, there are things that can be done to lessen negative effects on
the speaker’s performance and even use the discomfort into adrenaline for an impressive presentation.
The more time spent on researching and organizing the more familiar the speaker will be with the
presentation. Apply the 90/10 rule – 90 percent preparation, 10 presentation.
Practice
Practice increases confidence and quality of presentation. Envision the audience when practicing.
Scrimmage
Find somebody to listen while during practice. Not only will this help a speaker become more comfortable,
but may also receive valuable feedback.
It is unrealistic to expect perfect presentation. Do not memorize, instead, remember main points,
arguments, and evidence, and speak to the audience conversationally.
Think positively
Communicate honestly. Preparation, practice, and attitude give the best possible advantage. Positivity is
the difference between nervousness and enthusiasm.
The very first line of introduction sets the tone for the rest of the presentation. Begin with enthusiasm,
confidence, and volume.
Slow breathing lowers the heart rate and prevent a speaker from speeding through the presentation. Take
time.
Walking and gesturing will help a speaker use adrenaline to engage with the audience. It also helps to
gain confidence.
If the speaker makes a mistake, simply correct the error and move on. Try to be as conversational as
possible while remaining appropriate to the situation.
Questions from the audience can be terrifying but speakers should accept that questions are opportunity
for listeners to clarify and integrate learning. The following guide suggested by Barnard (2017) are useful.
Make clear at the start when is the preferred time for questions (any time or at the end of the
presentation).
Allowing questions anytime gives chance to clarify confusions immediately, but this approach
may disrupt the presentation.
If questions are entertained at the end, consider leaving enough time.
Be guided by the framework for responding questions
If a question is not clearly understood the first time, ask and clarify before attempting to answer.
Involve the audience
Remember that even though a speaker is responding to a question of one person, the rest of
the audience must hear and understand.
This can be done by done by repeating or paraphrasing.
Respond concisely
1. Answer
If the speaker has a good answer, go ahead and answer briefly and clearly.
2. Reflect
Ask the question back such as “Can you clarify . . .” or “Do you mean…”
The speaker may opt not to answer if the question is personal or factually inaccurate.
3. Deflect
4. Defer
It is important to regularly communicate the OSH Program of the establishment to all levels of
the organization including management, employees, contractors/sub-contractors, service
providers and clients/guests.
Training is a process of providing workers skills and knowledge to do their job efficiently,
effectively and safely.
There are 4 facilitating skills OSH trainers can use. These are 1) maintaining self-esteem, 2)
responding with empathy, 3) checking for understanding and 4) making procedural suggestions.
25.2. Requirements
DOLE Department Order No. 13 – Section 12.5 requires supervisors or any designated persons (e.g.
foreman, leadman, gangboss, etc.) to conduct daily tool box or similar meetings prior to starting the tasks
for the day to discuss with the workers and anticipate safety and health problems related to every task
and the potential solutions to those problems.
The supervisor shall remind the workers on the necessary safety precautions that need to be undertaken.
Toolbox Meetings are important because they give management opportunity to engage employees on a
regular basis, a perfect venue to discuss safety issues among employees and reinforce management
commitment to safety and health.
DO 13 requires the daily conduct of Toolbox Meetings in the construction site premises before the start of
the daily work to inform workers about changes to the jobsite and working conditions that may have
occurred since their last shift (Jones (2018).The regular and frequent conduct of these meeting helps to:
The HIRAC, which highlights the levels of risk in each process, is a good reference to decide which
Toolbox Meeting topics to prioritize. The list of prioritized topics serves as guide only. New topics can be
added when needed. Example, if Safety Officer observes an increasing incidents of workers violating the
PPE policy, the topic on the importance of PPE can be prioritized in Toolbox Meetings.
Let the participants know of the venue and time of the meeting. Conducting the meeting at a regular
venue and at the beginning of each day is recommended.
2. Set the scene of the meeting, create a safe and positive environment
Keep record of meeting dates, discussion agenda and attendance with signature of facilitator
and participants.
Show follow-up items from previous hazards, accidents and incidents.
25.6. 6 Keys to a Successful Toolbox Talk
Keep it short. Toolbox talks should be around 5 – 15 minutes.
Focus on one topic relevant to the work being done that day.
Get workers involved by asking questions or having them demonstrate safe work practices.
Be sure to cover changes to the site or working conditions.
Have employees inspect tools, equipment, and PPE.
Allow for questions and answers at the end of the toolbox talk.
Effective Toolbox Talk can:
Toolbox Talks are about enhancing employee safety, not just being present long enough to sign an
attendance sheet. Employers sure that whoever is providing the training is qualified, so that the workforce
is benefitting from it. One good toolbox talk could be the difference between life and death.
Toolbox Meeting topics are usually selected and prioritized according to the level of risks of the
tasks in the workplace.
There are 5 suggested to steps to run an effective Toolbox Meetings. These are: 1) have a
regular schedule, 2) set a safe meeting environment, 3) follow the agenda, 4) close the meeting,
and 5) keep records such as the agenda, safety topic, attendance and dates.
26. Overview of the Mandatory Eight-Hour
Safety & Health Orientation (MESH)
Big Idea
“All workers are required to undergo mandatory OSH seminar to be able to recognize hazards in the
workplace and how to protect themselves from the adverse effects of the hazards”.
identify the coverage of the OSH training for all workers; and
conduct the mandatory training.
26.2. Requirements
All workers shall undergo the mandatory OSH workers’ seminar as prescribed by DOLE. The mandatory
OSH seminar may be conducted by the Safety Officer of the establishment or any certified OSH
practitioner or consultant.
The workers’ OSH seminar and other training/orientation as required by the employer or by law shall be at
no cost to the worker or considered compensable time (Section 16b, DO 198-18).
Willful failure of the employer to conduct the mandatory seminar results in administrative fine of P25,000
per day until complied (Section 29, Do 198-18).
Objective: Participants to be able to express appreciation and recognize the OSH legislation.
Topics:
Importance of OSH
OSH Situationer (global, national, company statistics)
Salient Features of the OSH Law
Applicable OSH Standards
Company OSH policies and program
26.3.2. Module 2: Understanding OSH
Objective: Participants are able to discuss the basic concepts of occupational safety and health.
Topics:
Objective: Participants are able to recognize safety hazards and appropriate measures.
Topics:
Objective: Participants are able to perform hazard identification, risk assessment and control (HIRAC).
Topics:
Topics:
Objective: Participants are able to identify the required administrative requirements and express
commitment to OSH.
Topics:
Objective: Participants are able to commit, in writing, to perform work the safest way by complying with all
safety policies and procedures of the company.
Develop and have the OSH Program approved by management first before conducting the OSH
orientation, as this is part of the required topic (Overview of OSH).
Conduct this orientation to all existing workers, incoming workers, returning workers and
transferred workers.
Section 16 (b) of RA 11058 states that “All workers shall undergo the mandatory workers’ OSH seminar
as prescribed by DOLE which shall be jointly participated by workers and employers using the
standardized training module. This maybe conducted by the safety officer”.
We “J3 Trainers and Consultants Inc.” have MESH Module for the construction industry and general
industries, if you want to buy please click the link below.
27.2. Requirements
A joint DTI and DOLE Interim Guideline issued April 30, 2020 requires all workplaces, employers and
workers in the private sector to implement safety and health standards aligned with the following
objectives:
The Interim Guideline jointly issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE) is a response to the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force
(IATF) to provide policy direction to the private business establishments.
27.3.1. Increasing Mental Health and Physical Resilience
Promote healthy lifestyle among workers including good nutrition, enough sleep, regular exercise and
taking vitamins to build body resistance.
Prior to entrance
In high risk workplaces (health care and other frontline services) workers take extra
precautionary measures and comply the Interim Guideline on Health Care Provider Networks
issued by the Department of Health (DOH).
Company together with the employees formulate a policy on Covid-19 testing guided by the
DOH protocols.
The employer shall provide the DOLE and copy to DOH a monthly report on illness, injuries and
diseases using the Work Accident/Illness Report Form (WAIR).
DPWH, on the other hand, also issued additional guideline to ensure COVID-19 protection and
control in construction project sites.
Employers provide the policies and resources, the workers comply with social distancing,
practice proper hygiene and respiratory etiquette and other public health protocols.
RA 11058 – An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and
Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof.
DOWNLOAD
OSH Standards 2019 EditionDepartment Order No. 13: OSH in the Construction Industry, pp
234Department Order No. 128 – 13 Series of 2013: Rule 1414 on Scaffoldings of 331 the 1989, pp 331
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Department Order No. 13 – Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety and Health in The Construction
Industry
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DOLE BQF WAIR with COVID
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POLICY ON COVID-19
PREVENTION AND
CONTROL MEASURES IN
THE WORKPLACE
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