WESTERN VISAYAS - A total of 40 participants from the various district offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed the in-person 40-hr Construction Safety and Health (COSH) Training for Safety Officers at the Capernaum Bldg., Jaro, Iloilo City, dated July 25-29, 2022.
The COSH Training was facilitated by the Western Visayas OSH Network (WVOSHNET), in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Center - Region 6 (OSHC-6). The 5-day training was designed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure the protection and welfare of workers employed in the construction industry, and the general public within and around the vicinity of construction work sites.
With the numerous public infrastructure projects going on in the country, the DOLE and the DPWH recognize the need to strengthen existing linkages to promote the welfare of workers and the expansion of the construction industry. The DWPH, as the engineer and construction arm of the country, requires that every winning bidder shall submit a construction safety and health program (CSHP) in accordance with the DOLE Department Order No. 13 - Series of 1998, otherwise known as the "Guidelines Governing OSH in the Construction Industry." According to the department order, The CSHP refers to a set of detailed rules to cover processes and practices that shall be utilized in a specific construction project site in conformity with the OSH Standards including personnel responsible and the penalties for violations thereof. The DPWH will initially evaluate and approve the CSHP then be concurred by the DOLE upon receipt of the document.
With the presence of DPWH personnel as certified safety officers in various public works, the general public is guaranteed that the CSHP of contractors will be implemented well and that their OSH committees will function accordingly in OSH promotion and accident prevention leading to economic growth and sustainability in the region.
Meanwhile, the OSHC, the authority on OSH in the areas of research, training, information dissemination, and technical services shall continue to develop inclusive programs to inform the general public on prevention and reduction of work-related injuries and illnesses. Likewise, the OSHC-6 shall further expand linkages to both the public and private sectors in making OSH a way of life in Western Visayas.
For OSH training requests and inquiries, please contact Melveen Melocoton, Regional Manager, at (033) 327 4065 or you may visit the office at 3F, ME Bldg., Brgy. Dungon B, Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo.