Basic Occupational

Health and Safety

Introduction
What is occupational health and safety?
Occupational health and safety is a discipline with a broad scope involving many
specialized fields. In its broadest sense, it should aim at:
the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and
social well-being of workers in all occupations;
the prevention among workers of adverse effects on health caused by their
working conditions;
the protection of workers in their employment from risks resulting from
factors adverse to health;
the placing and maintenance of workers in an occupational environment
adapted to physical and mental needs;
the adaptation of work to humans.
OSH Legislation/OSH Standard
Republic Act No. 11058
An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety
and Health Standards.
RA 11058 was enacted to improve the implementation and
enforcement of OSH standards in the Philippines.
To ensure the safety, health, and welfare of workers across all
industries by setting clearer guidelines, increasing employer
accountability, and imposing stricter penalties for non-
compliance.
Definition of Terms
Certified first-aider - refers to any person trained and duly certified to administer
first aid by the Philippine Red Cross or any organization authorized by the Secretary
of Labor and Employment.
Competency standards - refer to industry-determined specification of proficiency
required for effective work performance. These are expressed as outcomes with
focus on workplace activity rather than training or personal attributes, and the
ability to apply new skills in new situations or changing work organization.
Covered workplaces - refer to establishments, projects, sites and all other places
where work is being undertaken wherein the number of employees, nature of
operations, and risk or hazard involved in the business, as determined by the
Secretary of Labor and Employment, require compliance with the provisions of this
Act.
Employer - refers to any person, natural or juridical, including the principal
employer, contractor or subcontractor, if any, who directly or indirectly benefits
from the services of the employee.
Equipment - refers to any machine with engine or electric motor as prime mover.
General safety and health inspection - refers to an examination of the work
environment including the location and operation of machinery other than those
covered by technical safety audits, adequacy of workspace, ventilation, lighting,
conditions of work environment, handling, storage or work procedures, protection
facilities and other possible sources of safety and health hazards in the workplace.
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) - refers to establishments employing less
than ten (10) employees, and establishments employing less than one hundred (100)
employees, respectively.
Occupational health personnel - refers to a qualified first aider, nurse, dentist or
physician engaged by the employer to provide occupational health services in
the establishment, project, site or workplace.
Occupational Safety and Health (OSII) standards - refer to the Occupational
Safety and Health Standards issued by the Secretary of Labor and Employment
pursuant to Articles 168 and 171, Chapter 2, Title I of Book Four of Presidential
Decree No. 442, as amended, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the
Philippines, and such other standards as may be issued pursuant to this Act.
Safety and health audit - refers to a regular and critical examination of project
sites, safety programs, records, and management performance on program
standards on safety and health
Safety and health committee - refers to a body created within the workplace
tasked with the authority to monitor, inspect and investigate all aspects of the
work pertaining to the safety and health of workers.
Safety and health program - refers to a set of detailed rules to govern the
processes and practices in all economic activities to conform with OSH
standards, including the personnel responsible, and penalties for any violation
thereof.
Safety officer - refers to any employee or officer of the company trained by the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and tasked by the employer to
implement an occupational safety and health program and ensure that it is in
accordance with the provisions of OSH standards.
Safety signage - refers to any emergency, warning or danger signpost or any
safety instruction using the standard colors and sizes, including the standard
symbols for safety instructions and warnings in the workplace, prescribed by
the DOLE.
Workplace - refers to any site or location where workers need to be or to go to
by reason of their work, and which are under the direct or indirect control of
the employer.
Importance of OSH
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is essential for creating a safe, healthy, and
productive work environment. Here are the key reasons why OHS is important:
1.Protects the Health and Well-being of Workers
a.Physical Safety: Reduces the risk of injuries and accidents in the workplace.
b.Mental Health: Promotes a supportive environment that minimizes stress,
burnout, and harassment.
c.Long-term Health: Prevents illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to hazards
like chemicals, noise, or poor ergonomics.
2.Prevents Workplace Accidents and Fatalities
a.Establishes standards and protocols to identify, assess, and mitigate risks.
b.Reduces the likelihood of incidents, saving lives and preserving the well-being of
workers.
3.Improves Productivity and Efficiency
a.Healthy workers are more engaged, focused, and productive.
b.Reducing workplace hazards minimizes downtime caused by accidents or
illnesses.
4.Builds a Positive Workplace Culture
a.Fosters trust and collaboration between employers and employees.
b.Demonstrates that the organization values its workforce, leading to higher morale
and job satisfaction.
5.Reduces Financial Costs
a.Prevents costly consequences such as medical expenses, legal liabilities, and
compensation claims.
b.Minimizes operational disruptions caused by accidents or regulatory penalties.
6.Ensures Compliance with Legal Requirements
a.Aligns with government regulations and industry standards, avoiding fines and
legal actions.
b.Demonstrates corporate responsibility and adherence to ethical practices.
7.Encourages Sustainability and Social Responsibility
a.Contributes to a healthier community by reducing environmental hazards and
promoting safe practices.
b.Positions the organization as a socially responsible entity.
8.Prepares for Emergencies
a.Emergency preparedness plans ensure swift and effective responses to crises like
fires, earthquakes, or chemical spills.
b.Protects both workers and the organization during unforeseen events.
Duties and responsibilities of Employers,
Employees, and Safety Officers
1.Employers’ Duties and Responsibilities
a.Provide a Safe Workplace
i.Ensure the workplace is free from hazards that could cause harm or injury.
iiConduct regular risk assessments and implement control measures.
b.Compliance with Laws and Standards
i.Adhere to OHS regulations, such as Republic Act No. 11058 and other
applicable standards.
ii.Maintain necessary permits and certifications.
c.Training and Education
i.Organize regular safety training sessions for employees.
ii.Ensure workers are aware of their rights and responsibilities under OHS
laws.
d.Provision of Equipment
i.Supply and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to employees.
ii.Ensure tools and machinery are safe and regularly inspected.
2.Employees’ Duties and Responsibilities
a.Follow Safety Policies and Procedures
i.Comply with all workplace safety rules and regulations.
ii.Use PPE and safety equipment as instructed.
b.Report Hazards and Incidents
i.Inform supervisors about unsafe conditions or potential hazards immediately.
ii.Report accidents, injuries, or near-misses to appropriate personnel.
c.Participate in Training
i.Attend all required safety training sessions.
ii.Continuously educate themselves about workplace hazards.
d.Avoid Reckless Behavior
i.Work responsibly to prevent endangering themselves or others.
ii.Avoid tampering with or misusing safety devices.
e.Exercise Rights
i.Exercise the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation.
ii.Participate in consultations or activities related to workplace safety.
3.Safety Officers’ Duties and Responsibilities
a.Develop and Implement Safety Programs
i.Create and maintain an OHS management plan tailored to the organization.
ii.Ensure compliance with government regulations and standards.
b.Conduct Risk Assessments
i.Identify potential workplace hazards and implement preventive measures.
ii.Regularly inspect and audit work environments.
c.Promote Awareness
i.Educate workers and management on safety procedures and regulations.
ii.Organize safety campaigns and training sessions.
d.Monitor Compliance
i.Ensure workers and employers follow OHS laws, policies, and procedures.
ii.Enforce disciplinary measures when necessary.
e.Incident Investigation
i.Investigate workplace accidents and recommend corrective actions to prevent
recurrence.
ii.Prepare and submit incident reports to management and relevant authorities.
f.Emergency Coordination
i.Lead emergency response efforts and drills.
ii.Ensure proper functioning of safety systems, such as alarms and evacuation
plans.
Thank You