SARA, ILOILO – A big leap for occupational safety and health (OSH) in the municipality of Sara as 50 representatives from various micro and small enterprises (MSEs) became certified safety officers 1 (SO1) to assist in the overall implementation of their OSH policies and programs to achieve a zero-accident workplace. The free 1-day training was conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Center – Region 6, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Iloilo Field Office and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). The training was conducted at the Sara Evacuation Center, Iloilo, on October 7, 2022.
Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Training for SO1 is required for low-risk establishments with fewer than 50 employees. It is in accordance with Section 3(v) of DOLE Department Order No. 198-18, also known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11058, “AN ACT STRENGTHENING COMPLIANCE WITH OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.”
“We thank the DOLE and the OSHC for conducting this safety officer training to capacitate our companies in making a safe and healthy workplace, and to prevent accidents in their workplaces,” said Sara Vice Mayor Toto Ryan Zerrudo.
“This training will enable our workers in Sara to be more conscious of the welfare of everyone in their companies,” he added.
Mr. Melveen, Focal of OSHC-Region 6, also thanked the municipality of Sara for accommodating the participants and providing the opportunity to reach out to establishments that were affected by the pandemic. The safety officer training is being provided to MSEs at no cost by OSHC-Region 6 to lessen their financial burden of complying with the requirements of the OSH Standards.
“Upon completing this course, every one of you will be the champions who will advocate for the welfare of your co-workers to ensure zero accidents so that your companies will prosper, the municipality of Sara will prosper, and the entire country will prosper,” he expressed to the participants.
The participants developed their skills in making their hazard identification, risk assessment, and control (HIRAC) documents as one of the requirements in the OSH Standards for them to utilize when they go back to their companies. They identified safety and health hazards, analyzed their probability and severity, and brainstormed possible control measures. Before the end of the training, the participants were provided a re-entry plan for them to serve as a guide in jumpstarting their directions as safety officers when they go back to their respective companies.