The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 and Western Visayas Safety and Health Network Inc. (WV-OSHNET Inc.) conducted a five-day training on Construction Safety and Health (COSH) at the HRT Service Center of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), La Paz last August 1-5, 2016.
The training was in compliance to the DOLE’s Department Order 13 Series of 1998 on occupational safety and health requirements. The said Department Order requires every construction project to have a suitable Construction Safety and Health Program (CHSP).
“This is exclusive for DPWH Engineers and includes a 40-hour course design prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Center and another eight (8) hours to cover the orientation on the General Labor Standards (GLS)” Engr. Narciso M. Pasuelo, Vice President of WV-OSHNET Inc. said.
Participants of the program were welcomed by of DOLE Region 6 OIC – Regional Director Salome O. Siato and DPWH Region 6 OIC-Assistant Regional Directo Jose Al V. Fruto.
The series of lectures kicked off with an insight on the importance of safety and health as well as unsafe and unhealthy acts and conditions in the workplace. Excavation and demolition safety was reviewed as well as construction machinery and temporary structures. The Engineers also analyzed several job hazards and learned about investigating accidents.
The training highlighted the on-site visit/inspection of the ongoing construction of the Fort San Pedro National High School classroom building for the Engineers to apply what they have learned from the first three days. According to Engr. Jelen Garin, president of the 1st batch of trainees, this is to comply to the standard procedures according to DOLE and this training helps a lot to prevent accidents on the construction site. On the last day, OSH programming and legislation were tackled and more importantly workplace emergency preparedness.
It is the DPWH’s commitment to provide a safe environment for the public especially during the construction of infrastructure projects. This program will enhance the engineers’ knowledge and to increase their level of awareness on suitable safety and health program for every construction project.