The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) of the Philippines in partnership with OSHNET-ZAMPEN and DOLE Region 09 organized a Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) to new Safety Practitioners in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The 40-hour training course was held last June 16-20, 2014 at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel in Sanito, Ipil. There were 26 participants (19 males and 7 females) composed of Engineers, Sales Personnel, Electric Related Works, Nurses, Business Man, Security Guard, Police and a student.

This training course contains topics that aim to heighten the knowledge and advance the skills of participants on the basic concepts and principles of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). Best practices were also introduced as part of the module showcasing the benefits and positive impact of OSH when implemented effectively at the workplace.

The training team was composed by Safety Engineers, Officers and Advocates from the Occupational Safety and Health Network of ZamPen (OSH-Net) and the Occupational Safety and Health Center.

The Training Sessions�

Engr. Cedrick Lim of OSHNET facilitated the session on the Different Kinds of Accidents; Human Aspects, Improper Attitude, and Hazards. To engage active participation, Engr. Lim divided the participants in four (4) groups in which, each group stated a work happening and identified it whether it is Unsafe Act or Unsafe Condition. The participants really had a good time during this session because of the interactive debate game.

Engr. Aris Tugahan, of DOLE Region 09, followed by discussing the 5S+2 and Good Housekeeping wherein emphasized the elimination of common workplace hazards that could help the job done safely and properly.

The second day was handled by Engr. Eliezer Cabatingan who discussed about the general concepts of Fire Safety, Electrical Safety, Machine Safety, and Personal Protective Equipment, to help participants identify potential risks in their work place and establish preventive measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

After the recap, the third day session was handled by Engr. Cedrick Lim who focuses on Safety/Inspection, Accident Investigation, Industrial Hygiene and Control Measures to help participants develop the skills of anticipating, identifying, and evaluating hazardous conditions and practices. To unload participants of the intensive lectures that transpired for the past 3 days and re-energized them for the next day session a simple socialization was organized in the evening.

The fourth day continued with discussions by Dr. Rey Sta. Ana on the Physical, Chemical, Biological, Ergonomic, Hazards and their Potential Health Effects to workers. Recognition of hazards in the workplace is the first step to protect workers from injury, illness and death.

The highlight of the fifth day, was the plant visit at MJ Rubber Milling at Kitabog, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay. Participants were instructed to make observations of the plant�s work processes in relation to Occupational Safety and Health. Upon returning from the plant visit, their observations were recorded in a worksheet. All the learnings starting from day one boils down the last workshop which was the Formulation and Presentation of Re-Entry Plans of participants to each of their establishments.

The closing ceremonies cap-off with the awarding of training certificates to the participants. Engr. Cabatingan of DOLE gave the closing remarks emphasizing the continuous effort to take action and conscious practice of OSH in the workplace to avoid accidents and loss of lives.

Charliemagne M. Palma & Analyn P. Eleuterio
GIP