Basic Occupational Safety & Health

in the
Construction Industry

Salus Consultancy Services

Engr. Tito L. Brizuela Jr.

Owner
Professional Mechanical Engineer
OSH Consultant
Email: tlbrizuela@gmail.com
09196872229/09267293317

NAME:

TRAINING DATES:

VENUE:
 TABLE of CONTENTS
TOPICS PAGE
Introductory Session: OSH Framework 1
Importance of Safety and Health 2
Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions 12
Construction Site Premises 15
Excavation Safety 23
Tools and Equipment 29
Construction Machinery: Mobile Equipment Safety 33
Construction Machinery: Crane Safety 37
Ladder Safety 43
Fall Protection 45
Temporary Structures 54
Environmental Safety 61
Occupational Health 76
Personal Protective Equipment 92
Demolition and Explosives Safety 99
Routine Site Safety Inspection 103
HIRAC/Risk Assessment 107
Job Hazard Analysis 110
Accident Investigation 114
Communicating OSH 122
Workplace Emergency Preparedness 129
Role of the Safety and Health Officer 135
Employees’ Compensation Program 139
Salient Features of OSH Legislations 143
Development of an OSH Program 151
V022021
 INTRODUCTORY SESSION: OSH FRAMEWORK

Absolutely true: Every worker has the right to a SAFE and HEALTHY workplace!

What is the STATUS of occupational safety and health (OSH) in MY workplace?

1. Accidents and injuries result to loss of lives, limbs, time and property
2. Most accidents at work could have been prevented
3. Sound prevention need to be implemented systematically in the national
and enterprise / workplace level

The OSH Framework

Course Title:
CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
(COSH)

Type Of Course: Basic; Mandatory

Methodology: Lecture & discussions, exercises, workshop, presentation and reporting

Duration: 5-Days

Course Description
• Mandatory 40-Hour Construction Occupational Safety and Health Training for Safety Officers 2
• Pursuance with Republic Act No. 11058 and DOLE Department Order 198-2018.

Course Objectives
To provide the participants the basic knowledge and skills on the basic concepts and principles of
occupational safety and health (OSH) that will enable safety officers to develop and implement their
company’s construction safety and health program (CSHP).

Development of a “Quality” Safety Officer.

Emphasize that anyone can become a SO however, the qualities of SO matters. Without “Quality” is
merely like just complying with the requirement and not fulfilling the roles and responsibilities as
indicated in DO198.

What is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)?

Occupational safety and health is a discipline with a broad scope involving three major fields:
▪ Occupational Safety
▪ Occupational Health and
▪ Industrial Hygiene.

OSH encompasses the social, mental and physical well-being of workers - the “Whole Person”. ILO

1
 IMPORTANCE OF SAEFTY AND HEALTH

Let us ask ourselves: Why the need for OSH? Because every worker has the right to a SAFE &
HEALTHY workplace!
1. OSH Situationer
2. Roles of Safety Officers
3. Compliance?
4. Career growth

OBJECTIVES:
At the the end of the session, the participants will be able to:
1. Understand the current Philippine OSH situation
2. Describe the OSH situation in their own workplaces
3. Define unsafe or unhealthy acts and conditions

COSH training aims to provide:

1. Protection of life
2. Protection of Property
3. Protection of operation

What is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)?

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is an interdisciplinary activity concerned with the prevention of
occupational risks inherent to each work activity. The main aim is the promotion and maintenance of the
highest degree of safety and health at work, therefore creating conditions to avoid the occurrence of work
accidents and ill health. The achievement of this desirable state of safe working conditions implies that
employers must perform risk assessment regarding safety and health at work, and must decide if actions
are required and what kind of OSH measures should be implemented. According to the International
Labour Organization, OSH encompasses the social, mental and physical well-being of workers, that is
the “whole person” [3]. Therefore OSH is not only avoiding work accidents or occupational diseases, but
the result of taking actions to identify their causes (hazards existent at workplace) and the implementation
of adequate preventive OSH control measures.

When accidents happen…

There are a lot of effects when an accident happens including increase in tardiness and absenteeism which
the lowers down the morale and productivity of workers and also affects the profit of the company
(summary of the OSH Video from OSHC)

Workplace Risk Assessment

1. Hazards identification
2. Evaluation of Risks and Hazards
3. Control Measures
4. Accident Causation: Risky Workplace and Risky Workers
5. Dangerous occurrences, imminent danger situations
6. Accident Investigation
7. Responses to OSH Issues and Concerns
8. OSH Programming and Legislations
9. Communicating OSH
10. Training of Trainers
11. OSH Inspection
12. Conduct of OSH Inspection

2
Global OSH Data: ILO 2018
• 2.78M men and women die at work per year
• 350,000 death due to accident
• 2.4M death due to work-related diseases.
• 374M non-fatal injuries each year (resulting in more than 4 days of absences from work)
• 160M non-fatal occupational diseases (causing more than 4 days absence)
• Average of 6,400 people die every day due to work-related accidents/ illnesses every year
• 3.94% of global GDP is the economic cost of poor occupational safety and health practices

Furthermore, as estimates show, work-related diseases represent the main cause of death at work,
killing almost six times more workers than occupational accidents. This should highlight the need for a
new paradigm of prevention: one that also focuses on work-related diseases, not only on occupational
injuries. Statistics for diseases will become higher due to COVID-19 infection at work!

Local Scenario: Filipino Workers

1. 41.5 million+ employed Filipinos (January 2018) both in the formal and informal sectors
2. 57% services sector; 25% agriculture;
3. 18% industry sector (mining, manufacturing, construction etc.)
4. 3.5 million government employees

Key Local OSH Data Sources

1. 2015-2016 Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (ISLE)
2. Work Accidents/Illnesses Report (WAIR) Summary of mandatory reports of companies
3. NSO Household Survey Data
4. OSHC Database

Locally, the plight of health and safety of the Filipino is somewhat challenging. As a third world country
we have shifted from an agricultural background to an industrial front. As the 21st century unfolds, more
emphasis is placed by the government and private sector on OSH concerns to take us out of that hole into
a brighter future. This is the situation of OSH in the Philippines

Goals:
1. Develop OSH Champions (advocates) from all sectors
2. Increase the level of recognition and respect for OSH as essential to the productivity & sustainability
of any enterprise.

OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES All Industries (Establishments employing 20 and over) except

Agriculture 2003, 2007, 2009

INDICATOR 2003 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015

Total Cases* 23,265 20,386 17,713 48,957 49,118 50,961
Superficial Injuries and Open Wounds 11,609 10,517 9,045 11,140 12,765 10,042
Fractures 1,927 1,839 1,356 2,082 1,497 1,572
Dislocations, Sprains and Strains 3,336 2,366 2,085 2,460 2,004 2,254
Traumatic Amputations 547 234 194 220 317 228
Concussions and Internal Injuries 1,048 694 589 953 576 880
Burns, Corrosions, Scalds and Frostbites 2,300 2,065 1,781 2,073 1,538 1,509
Acute Poisonings and Infections 221 750 665 229 242 245
Foreign Body in the Eye 1,848 1,565 1,558 1,471 1,253 1,101
Others 430 356 451 7 510 28
Source of data: Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics 2003/2004, 2007/2008, 2009/2010, 2011
/2012 BLES Integrated Survey, Philippine Statistics Authority, 2013/2014, 2015/201 6 Integrated Survey
on Labor and Employment

3
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
All Industries (Establishments employing 20 and over) except Agriculture 2003, 2007, 2009

INDICATOR 2003 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015

Total Cases* 55,413 47,235 71,894 85,483 171,787 127,973
Work-Related Musculoskeletal
20,603 13,296 28,574 45,572 88,454 78,716
Disorders
Occupational Dermatitis 5,028 5,965 5,644 4,374 9,381 6,196
Occupational Asthma 6,742 8,759 4,906 3,652 8,914 8,363
Infections 7,825 6,517 3,482 3,773 6,395 3,559
Tuberculosis - - 2,921 4,505 3,670 3,320
Heat stroke, cramps, exhaustion 631 577 633 1,044 1,792 1,078
Cardiovascular Diseases 1,454 854 767 2,030 1,679 1,567
Deafness 510 172 320 868 296 309
Chilblain, frostbite 150 112 37 99 268 321
Cataract 634 284 140 309 218 314
Acute Poisonings 202 189 192 91 125 N/A

Source of data: Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics 2003/2004, 2007/2008, 2009/2010, 2011 /2012 BLES Integrated
Survey Philippine Statistics Authority, 2013/2014, 2015/2016 Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment

Local Statistics: Filipino Workers

Reduction on Occ disease can be due to many

factors as follows:
1. Reporting of organization
2. Effective implementation of programs
3. Not reporting of workers
4. Poor report database

Reduction on Occ disease can be due to many

factors as follows:

COVID-19 Tracker
(as of 19 July 2021 / 1600H) - 557,058
Total Number of Cases
Deaths: 11,829 - Mortality Rate: 2.1%
Recovered: 512,789 - Recovery Rate: 92.05%

Data on OSH Work Alert Accident Report (BWC)

Work-Alert Report 2017 2016
Work-Alert Cases 72 31
Fatal 95 29
Non-Fatal 117 44
Industry 2017 2016
Construction 36 14
Manufacturing 19 4
Services 5 5

4
Percentage of Establishments Employing 20 or More Workers by Occupational Safety and Health
(OSH) Policy/Program Implemented and Major Industry, 2015-2016 (n= 28,799)

(Source: Philippine
Statistics Authority,
Integrated Survey on Labor
and Employment)

Labor Inspection Data

OSH INSPECTION RESULTS (BWC)

Role of employers to
comply with the
established OSHS.
Thus, the need for
enforcement. - Birth of
RA11058

Vision 1 Million: Be an OSH Champion

1. A dynamic, holistic, and sustainable program that aims to develop OSH Champions
(advocates) beginning in 2018 until 2022.
2. Program to continue create and raise awareness, understanding and passion for
OSH among Filipinos.
3. Increase the number of OSH advocates will help achieve decent work and
accident and illness free workplaces in the Philippines.

Goals:
1. Develop OSH Champions (advocates) from all sectors
2. Increase the level of recognition and respect for OSH as essential to the productivity & sustainability
of any enterprise.

OSH ISSUES AND CONCERNS

1. Low compliance rate to OSH Standard (OSHS)
2. Limited coverage of OSH Standard
3. Absence of strict penalties
4. Fragmented OSH Administration
5. Outdated OSH Standard

5
 OSH Compliance and Violations 2018

Source: PSA Labstat updates (Vol. 23 No. 8)

OSH ISSUES AND CONCERNS

1. Low compliance rate to OSH Standard (OSHS)
2. Limited coverage of OSH Standard
3. Absence of strict penalties
4. Fragmented OSH Administration
5. Outdated OSH Standard

Construction Industry Situation in the Philippines:

Facts:

986 – construction establishments

243,490 – hired personnel in construction
104,874 (43.1%) – aged 15 to 30 years old
930 establishments with designated health and safety personnel (2015)

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 Source: PSA Labstat Sept 2018 (vol. 22 No. 17)

• The number of cases occupation injuries in the construction industry in 2015 was reported at 2,115.
• Three out of every five (66.1% or 1,399) cases of occupational injuries were cases without workdays lost while the rest
were classified as temporary incapacity cases (32.6% or 689) and fatal cases (0.6% or 13).
• The frequency rate of cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 1,000,000 hours of exposure was posted
3.20 percent. This means that there were around three cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 1 million
hours of exposure.
• On the other hand, the incidence rate or cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 1,000 workers was posted
at 8.34 percent. This implies that there were around eight cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 1,000
workers during the period.
• Meanwhile, the severity rate or workdays lost of cases of occupational injuries resulting to temporary incapacity per
1,000,000 employee-hours of exposure was recorded at 10.34 percent.
• The overall average workdays lost of temporary incapacity cases per occupational injury was posted at 7.09 workdays.

Heinrich's Domino Theory

According to Heinrich, an "accident" is one factor in a sequence that may lead to an injury.
• The factors can be visualized as a series of dominoes standing on edge; when one falls, the linkage
required for a chain reaction is completed.
• Each of the factors is dependent on the preceding factor.

W. H. Heinrich"s Industrial Accident Prevention, first published in 1931.

Heinrich's Domino Theory states that accidents result from a chain of sequential events, metaphorically
like a line of dominoes falling over. When one of the dominoes falls, it triggers the next one, and the
next... - but removing a key factor (such as an unsafe condition or an unsafe act) prevents the start of the
chain reaction.

REMEMBER : ACCIDENTS are caused… so ACCIDENTS can be prevented

Mr. Heinrich’s Survey

88% Unsafe or Unhealthy Acts
10% Unsafe or Unhealthy Conditions
2% Acts of Nature
Therefore:
98% Accidents are Preventable
2% Non-Preventable

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 The Iceberg Effect on Cost of Accidents
Direct Costs of Accidents – Tend to be the ones that we think of first.
✓ Emergency Medical Care
✓ Injury, sickness, damage to property
✓ Equipment Damage or Material Spoilage
✓ Compensation Payments
✓ Investigations of Legal Authority
✓ Insurance Premiums
Indirect Costs of Accidents - those that are less obvious but they account for more on the overall cost
1) Injured Worker
• lost productivity on day of injury
• lost productivity due to follow-up care
• lost productivity after returning to work
2) Worker’s Crew
• completing added work
• assisting injured worker
• lost productivity due to inspection
3) Crew around Accident Site
• watching events and discussing accident
4) Training Replacement Worker
5) Supervisors
• investigating accident
• preparing reports
• time with management, owner or regulatory agencies
INDIRECT COST –Ex: Legal, lost man-h our,
loss of productivity

So Why OSH?

LEGAL REASON FOR OSH is related ,to the compensatory, punitive, and preventive effects of laws,
that protect the safety and health of workers. OSH legislation requires aII organizations to ensure the
safety, welfare and health of employees and to conduct all work related activities in such a manner that
they should not pose any harm to them.

ECONOMIC There are powerful economic reasons for decreasing work concerning accidents as well
as ill health and diseases related to work can result in many days of absence from work. Accidents can
hinder normal operations and is a. possible addition to the operating costs of a company. Additionally,
the strain and stress on other employees can demotivate them, or might lead to more mishaps. The
medical expense incurred by injured and ill workers in hospitals will be borne by the company

MORAL it is morally right to safeguard worker from any kind of harm. It is the duty of all companies
to provide the best care for their employees. Friends & families expect their love ones to go out and make
their livelihood to come back home safe. The grief, pain, suffering of people who have their affected or
hurt while working for their companies are felt by workers as well as their family members.

CLEAR POINTS:
Occupational Safety and Health Is important because:
1. It provides safety and health measures in different work environments and sectors.
2. It is an area that is concerned with the safety, health, as well as the welfare of people engage in
organization
3. It also increases productivity when employees are healthy and happy.

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 UNSAFE ACTS & UNSAFE CONDITIONS

Being PROACTIVE is better than being REACTIVE.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the session, the participants will be able to:
1. Identify the two immediate causes of accidents
2. Explain the differences between the following OSH Concepts:
a) Unsafe Act VS Unsafe Condition
b) Accident VS Incident
c) Hazard VS Risk
3. Relate some examples of unsafe acts and condition to the construction industry
4. Practice identifying unsafe acts and unsafe condition in the workplace

Due to the massive acceleration in the development of construction sector, several injuries, diseases
and other incidents have occurred. In fact the leading causes of fatal accidents in the construction
industry are the following:

• Excavation Collapse
• Falls from Heights
• Electrocution
• Hit by Falling Objects
• Accidents Involving Construction Equipment

Why do people get into accidents?

Filipinos have a lot to say when an accident happens. Some of the common misconception about the
occurrence of an accident are the following:
• “Oras na niya!” (It’s his time)
• “Malas niya lang...” (It’s his misfortune)
• “Tanga kasi!” (Imbecile)
• “Ah! Kasama sa trabaho iyan!” (It’s part of his job)
But, these are not the real causes .... THESE ARE ONLY EXCUSES..

Two Immediate Causes of Accidents: Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions

1) Unsafe Condition
• Physical or Chemical property of a workplace's Environment, Equipment / Machine, Material
• Deviation from standard physical / chemical condition
• Likely to cause injury, illness, relative property damage
• An unsafe condition is any situation or condition (whether physical or chemical in nature) in a
workplace's environment, equipment/machine, or material that is likely to cause injury, illness, and even
property damage.

What will you look for in a construction as a Safety Officer? (Examples of Unsafe Condition)
1. Defective tools, equipment, or supplies
2. Inadequate machine guards
3. Inadequate support and bracing for scaffolds
4. Inadequate warning system
5. Conditions or situation which may lead to fire or explosion
6. Poor housekeeping
7. Uneven walking surfaces
8. Excessive noise
9. Poor ventilation
10. Poor illumination

2) Unsafe Act
Unsafe act is a performance of a task conducted in a manner that may cause injury, illness, property
damage. This includes improper action or behavior. Unsafe act is also defined as a human action that
deviates from standard practices.

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 Factors Contributing to Unsafe Acts & Conditions
1. Improper Attitude
2. Physical Limitations
3. Lack of Knowledge or Skills
4. Lack of Supervision
Safety -
State of freedom from risks, usually achieved through all measures and arrangements set to
protect workers from injury or ill health. Freedom from accidents; Freedom from harm, injury and loss.
Accident versus Incident
1. Accident is unplanned or unexpected occurrence / event that may result in property damage and does
result in an injury or illness to a worker
2. Incident is an unplanned or unexpected occurrence / event that may result in property damage, but
does not result in an injury or illness
3. Incidents are also called “near-misses”
Hazard versus Risk
• Hazard is anything (unsafe act, unsafe condition, substance, material, process, chemical, etc.) that has
the potential to cause harm, damage, or adverse health effect on people
• Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect
if exposed to a hazard
A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone.
Basically, a hazard is the potential for harm or an adverse effect (for example, to people as health effects,
to organizations as property or equipment losses, or to the environment).
Risk is a combination of the probability of the contact of a person to the hazard and the severity of the
effect when a person comes into contact with a hazard. The risk is lowered either if it is unlikely that a
person may come into contact with a hazard or the severity of the effect due to contact is low.
Hazard Statement
1) When we talk about hazard, it is important to create a proper hazard statement
2) Hazard statement is a phrase that describes the nature of the hazard
3) Hazard statement consists of 3 Parts:
a. Who is exposed
b. What is the hazard
c. What are the possible effects of the hazard (injury, illness, property damage, environmental
impact)
Three Steps to Control Hazards and Accidents
1. Identify the hazard
▪ Inspection (before the accident occurs)
▪ Investigation (after the accident occurs)
2. Evaluate
Determine if what you identified complies with safety standards, by means of
Occ. Health & Safety Standards, OEL, TLV, PEL, NIOSH, others.
3. Correct the hazard
1. Engineering control 2. Administrative control 3. Personal protective equipment
Engineering Methods – eliminate or reduce the hazard
Initial design specification Isolation (Place) Change in Process
Substitution Ventilation
Administrative Methods - control of employees exposure
Isolation (Time) Medical Examination Workplace Monitoring
Scheduled reduced work hours Increased breaks SOP’s
Personal Protective Equipment
Use of a protective barrier to protect the worker from the hazard
CLEAR POINTS
1. Unsafe condition is the deviation from the standard physical / chemical condition
2. Unsafe act is the deviation from the standard practices
3. Unsafe condition and acts are not only encountered in the construction industry but also in everyday life
4. Accident results to harm to a person while incident does not result to harm to a person
5. Hazard is anything the has the potential to cause harm, damage, health effect, or environmental impact
6. Accidents are caused and accidents can be prevented

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 CONSTRUCTION SITE PREMISES

Economy is driven by workers and businesses. The construction industry is one clear index.

OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify the things to consider in ensuring a safe and healthy construction site premise
2. Relate some government regulations to the needed requirements in having a safe and healthy
construction site premise
3. Explain some OSH requirements in construction site premise

This module will give you the important and relevant parts of DO 13 related to construction site premises.
Some parts of DO 13 have already been amended by RA 11058 which will be discussed in the last day.

What are the things to consider in ensuring a safe and healthy construction site premise?
• Strategic planning of location of TemFacils, welfare facilities, entrances/exits, access, staging areas,
parking areas, evacuation area, etc.
• Strategically posted on-site and can easily be understood with labels and legends

Planning for site layout is very crucial for the success for the project. Every project has its unique layout.
Apart from other uncertainties like project designs, environmental effects and time constraints, site layout
planning in itself is a typical multi objective problem.

Advantages of Layout Planning

• Temporary facilities' location will be planned ahead of time
• Effective use of available area
• Avoids unauthorized construction of temporary facilities which are not relevant to the construction
• Minimizes the time and motion of workers by planning where to locate the material laydown area or
equipment positioning in relation with workers' location

Perimeter Fences and Gates

• Prevents entry of unauthorized people into the construction site
• Secure the workers inside the construction site
• Protects the public outside the construction site
• To protect the construction equipment from theft
• Protect the property within the construction from vandalism and sabotage

Security Personnel
• Protects the life of people within the construction site and the property by avoiding common threats
such as theft or robbery, property vandalism, etc.
• To minimize damage and help protect and secure the property immediately
• Preventing public from entering the construction area
Temporary Facilities
• Temporary facilities like offices should be constructed in a way that it is not easily damaged by strong
winds or typhoon
• Provide and maintain an adequate weathertight temporary office
• Shall have the necessary basic facilities, like water, light, etc.
Welfare Facilities
1. Adequate sanitary and washing facilities
2. Adequate facilities for changing and for the storage and drying of work clothes
3. Adequate accommodation for taking meals and shelter
4. Suitable living accommodation for workers, as may be applicable
5. Separate sanitary, washing and sleeping facilities for men and women workers
6. Adequate supply of safe drinking water
7. it should be stored in closed containers
7.1. dispensed through taps or cocks
7.2. containers should be cleaned and disinfected at regular intervals not exceeding fifteen (15) days
7.3. notices shall be conspicuously posted in locations where there is water supply that is not fit for
drinking
8. In compliance with DOLE DO 13, Section 16: Workers' Welfare Facilities

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Traffic Management
1) Organize a construction site so that vehicles and pedestrians using site routes can move around safely
2) Vehicles include construction heavy equipment
3) We must organize a construction site so that vehicles and pedestrians using site routes can move
around safely.
4) The routes need to be suitable for the persons or vehicles using them, in suitable positions and
sufficient in number and size.
5) The term ‘vehicles’ includes: cars, vans, lorries, low-loaders and mobile plant such as excavators, lift
trucks and site dumpers etc.
6) The key message is: construction site vehicle incidents can and should be prevented by the effective
management of transport operations throughout the construction process.
7) Keeping pedestrians and vehicles apart
8) - The majority of construction transport accidents result from the inadequate separation of pedestrians
and vehicles. This can usually be avoided by careful planning, particularly at the design stage, and by
controlling vehicle operations during construction work.
a) Entrances and exits - provide separate entry and exit gateways for pedestrians and vehicles;
b) Walkways - provide firm, level, well-drained pedestrian walkways that take a direct route where
possible;
9) Minimizing vehicle movements - Good planning can help to minimise vehicle movement around
a site. For example, landscaping to reduce the quantities of fill or spoil movement. To limit the number
of vehicles on site:
a) provide car and van parking for the workforce and visitors away from the work area;
b) control entry to the work area; and
c) plan storage areas so that delivery vehicles do not have to cross the site.
10) Visibility - If vehicles reverse in areas where pedestrians cannot be excluded the risk is elevated and visibility
becomes a vital consideration
11) Signs and instructions - Make sure that all drivers and pedestrians know and understand the routes and traffic rules
on site.

Good Housekeeping
1. Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times
2. Through cleanliness of building, yards, machines, equipment,
3. Regular waste disposal, and
4. Orderly arrangement of processes, operations, storage and filing of materials.

Benefits of Good Housekeeping

1. Eliminates accident and fire hazards
2. Maintains safe and healthy work conditions
3. Saves time, money, materials, space, and effort
4. Improves productivity and quality of work
5. Boosts morale
6. Reflects a well-run organization

5 S and Good Housekeeping

• Originally developed by HIROYUKI HIRANO
• A systematic and step-by-step technique of waste elimination from work environment
• Through better workplace organization, visual communication, and general cleanliness

1. Seiri – Sort - Suriin

Identify and eliminate all unnecessary items from the workplace
Decide what you need
Remove unnecessary clutter

2. Seiton (Systematize – Sinupin)

Put all essential materials in a systematic order
Organize layout of tools and equipment
Ensure everything is available as it is needed and at the “point of use”
“A place for everything and everything in place.”

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3. Seiso (Sweep - Simutin)
Clean and/or polish the workplace to attain a dirt or dust-free state
Inspecting for defects
Divide areas into zones
Define responsibilities for cleaning
Tools and equipment must be owned by an individual

4. Seiketsu (Standardize - Siguruhin)

Generate a maintenance system for the first three S
Develop procedures, schedules, practices
Regularly audit using checklists and measures of housekeeping
“System should apply to all!”

5. Shitsuke
(Self-Discipline – Sariling-Kusa)
A condition where all members practice the above 4S spontaneously and willingly as a way of life

Solid Waste Management (What is an MRF?)

Materials recovery facility — includes a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center, a
composting facility, and a recycling facility
Definition as per RA 9003: An Act Providing for an Ecological Solid Waste Management Program
- In construction, MRF should be used as a laydown area for materials which can still be re-used or
recycled. There should be a separate Garbage Yard for construction wastes with proper segregation.

Fire Protection and Control

Emergency Exits (As per OSH Standards Rule 1940: Fire Protection and Control)
1) At least two exits shall be provided in every floor and basement of every workplace capable of
clearing the work area in five (5) minutes
2) Additional exits shall be provided if the travel distance from any occupied space in a high hazard
occupancy exceeds twenty-three (23) meters
3) At least two exits shall be provided in every floor and basement of every workplace capable of
clearing the work area in five (5) minutes
4) Additional exits shall be provided if the travel distance from any occupied space in a high hazard
occupancy exceeds twenty-three (23) meters
5) Safe, continuous and unobstructed passageways with a minimum width of at least one meter, but not
less than the width of the exist, shall be provided and maintained
6) No steps or stairs shall be used in horizontal exits. When there is a difference in level between
cemented floor areas, ramps or inclines of not more than one to ten (1 to 10) slopes shall be installed
7) The construction of the exits, including stairs and means of illumination, shall be in accordance with
the provisions of the Building Code, Electrical Code of the Philippines, and Fire Code of the
Philippines

Portable Fire Extinguishers

1) All places of employment shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers for protection against
incipient fires and approved fire extinguishers shall be used
2) Extinguishers shall be installed on hangers or brackets conspicuously located in unobstructed areas
readily accessible in the event of fire

As per OSH Standards Rule 1940: Fire Protection and Control on Portable Fire Extinguishers
A. All places of employment shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers for protection against
incipient fires and approved fire extinguishers shall be used
B. Portable extinguishers shall be maintained in fully charged and operable condition and kept in their
designated places at all times when not in use
C. Extinguishers shall be installed on hangers or brackets conspicuously located in unobstructed areas
readily accessible in the event of fire
D. Extinguishers having group weight not exceeding 18 kilograms shall be installed so that the top is
not more than 1.5 meter above the floor. Those exceeding 18 kgs., except wheeled types, shall be
installed not more than 1 m. above the floor
E. Extinguishers shall be inspected monthly or at more frequent intervals when circumstances require
to ensure they are in their designated places, to determine physical damages and that they are in good
operable condition

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F. Mandatory monthly inspection of fire extinguishers shall be documented on fire extinguisher tags
attached to the fire extinguisher

G. At regular intervals of not more than one year, or when specifically indicated by an inspection,
extinguishers shall be thoroughly examined, recharged or repaired
H. On the place where extinguishers are located, the type and use of the extinguishers and instructions
on its proper use shall be marked in visible and easily readable letters
I. Extinguishers shall be hydrostatically tested before use and periodically tested at least once in every
five (5) years or as may be required by the enforcing authority

Construction Safety Signages - In compliance with DOLE DO 13, Section 9

1) Mandatory requirement on the use of PPE prior to entry to the project site.
2) Areas where there are potential risks of falling objects.
3) Areas where there are potential risks of falling.
4) Areas where there are tripping or slipping hazards.
5) Approaches to working areas where danger from toxic or irritant airborne contaminants/substances
may exist which should indicate the name of the contaminant/substance involved and the type of
respiratory equipment to be worn.
6) Areas where explosives and flammable substances are used or stored.
7) All places where contact with or proximity to electrical/facility equipment can cause danger.
8) All places where workers may come in contact with dangerous moving parts of machineries or
equipment.
9) Location of fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment.
10) Instructions on the usage of specific construction equipment.
11) Periodic updating of man-hours lost.

The OSH standard has the following formula as a guide in determining the sizes of different safety signages:
S > L²
2000
S & L expressed in the same unit of measurement
S = Area of Safety Sign
L = Distance of Observation
Standard Color of Signs (As per OSH Standards, Table 11: Standard Colors of Signs for Safety
Instructions and Warnings in Building Premises)

1) Red Fire Protection. To call attention to fire protection equipment apparatus and facilities;
Examples:
- Fire stations and equipment (extinguishers, pumps, buckets, hose, hydrants)
- Fire extinguishing systems (valves, alarm, sprinkler, piping, etc.)
- Fire protection materials (doors, blankets, extinguishing agents)
- To identify Danger, Stop Signals (red lights placed on barricades at temporary obstruction or on
temporary construction; stop buttons for electrical switches used for the emergency stopping of
machinery; emergency stop bards on hazardous machines such as rubber mills.

2) Green Safety. Designating “safety”

Examples:
- location of first-aid equipment; location of safety and allied devices; safety bulletin boards

3) White Traffic. White, black, or a combination of these are the basic colors for the designation of traffic
and housekeeping marking. Solid white, solid black, single color stripping or alternate stripes of black
and white.
Examples:
- (housekeeping) location of refuse cans; white corners for rooms or passageways, drinking fountains
and food dispensing equipment location
- (traffic) location and width of aisleways; dead ends of aisles or passageways; stairways and
directional signs

18
4) Yellow Caution. To designate caution and for marking physical hazards, such as striking against,
stumbling, falling, tripping, and “caught in between”. Solid yellow, yellow and black stripes, yellow and
black checkers or yellow with suitable contrasting background shall be used in interchangeably, using
the combination which will attract the most attention in the particular environment.
Examples:
5) Orange Alert. To designate dangerous parts of machines or energized equipment which may cut,
crush, shock or otherwise injure, and to emphasize such hazards when enclosure doors are open or when
gear, belt or other guards around moving equipment are open or removed, exposing unguarded hazards.
Examples:
6) Blue Precaution. To designate caution, limited to warning against starting, use of, or the movement
of equipment which is under repair or being worked upon.
Examples:
- “Men at Work” - signals for railroad tracks (if men are working or if tank cars are connected, or
similar work)
- “Under Repair” -signals warning of danger against use while undergoing repairs (elevators, kiln,
boilers, electrical controls, ladders, scaffolding, vaults, etc.)
7) Purple Radiation. To designate hazards. Yellow is used in combination with purple for markers, such
as tags, labels, signs and floor markers.

Electrical Safety
The employer must train employees in safe work practices in working with electrical equipment

Causes of Electrical Accidents

1) Contact with live conductors
2) Short circuiting
3) Arcs and sparks
4) Overloading
5) Inadequate grounding
6) Usage of substandard replacement
7) Wet environment

Grounding
- creates a low-resistance path from a tool to the earth to disperse unwanted current
- when short circuit or lightning occurs, energy flows to the ground protecting you from electrical shock,
injury, and death

Signs that Electrical Hazards Exist

1) Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
2) Warm tools, wires, cords, connections, or junction boxes
3) Circuit breaker that shuts-off a circuit
4) Worn or frayed insulation around wire or connection
Electrical Shock - the most serious electrical hazard
This happens when you touch a live wire, a tool or a machine with poor insulation. You then become a
conductor. The shock that you feel is the electrical current going through your body.

CLEAR POINTS
1. Although work processes are high risk, but a construction site can be managed to maintain a safe
and healthy work environment
2. Layout plan, perimeter fences, and security personnel are vital to keep the people safe and to keep
the property secured
3. Welfare facilities are needed to promote the health and well-being of workers
4. A good traffic management plan prevents accidents of people and the public near any construction
activities
5. Good housekeeping eliminates accident and fire hazards
6. Proper segregation of wastes in construction is needed to comply with RA 9003
7. Emergency exits and portable fire extinguishers in a construction should comply with OSH
Standards Rule 1940
8. Construction Safety Signages in a construction should comply with DOLE DO 13 Section 9
9. Electrical hazards should be identified and controlled in the construction site

19
 EXCAVATION SAFETY

Roads traverse the country, bringing people and goods to places. The infrastructure is still construction.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the session, the participants will be able to:
1. Highlight the hazards of working in an excavation
2. Explain how to protect employees from cave-ins / soil collapse
3. Identify the factors that pose a hazard to the employees working in excavations
4. State the role of a competent person at an excavation site

What is an Excavation? (OSH Standards Rule 1413)

1. Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth removal
2. Excavation and trenching are among the most hazardous construction operations. OSHA defines an
excavation as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth
removal.

Types of Excavation Works

1. Open Excavation
a. An excavation in an open ground and can vary in shape and size
b. Usually wider and is intended for basement floors of buildings
2. Pit Excavation
a. Generally excavated to install manholes, pump stations, or underground tanks to construct pile
caps and other types of foundations
b. Pit excavations are usually four-sided and deeper than the narrowest horizontal dimension at the
surface.
c. Pits are generally excavated to install manholes, pump stations, or underground tanks. They are
also excavated to construct pile caps and other types of foundations or to access or locate existing
services.
d. Pit excavations are usually four-sided and deeper than the narrowest horizontal dimension at the
surface.
e. Pits are generally excavated to install manholes, pump stations, or underground tanks. They are
also excavated to construct pile caps and other types of foundations or to access or locate existing
services
3. Trench
a. Is a long narrow excavation which is deeper than it is wide, and open to the surface along its length
(no wider than 15 ft / 4.5 m)
b. To install or maintain underground services

General Requirements Prior to Excavation

1. Carry-out joint site safety inspection with client or owner, consultant, and company representatives
2. Identify and locate underground facilities or utilities, (water, oil, gas pipelines, electric powerlines,
telephone lines, sanitary sewer lines)

Things to Consider Prior to Excavating

1. Soil classification
2. Depth of excavation
3. Proximity of adjacent structures
4. Weather and moisture conditions
5. Sources of vibrations
6. Overhead power lines
7. Underground utilities
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Safety Risks in an Excavation
1. Soil collapse due to loose rock or soil
2. Falls (people, materials, equipment, tools)
3. Electrocution due to contact with above and underground utilities
4. Being struck by heavy equipment
5. Adjacent structure which may collapse due to an ongoing excavation work
6. Workers being trapped in an excavation due to lack of access and egress
7. Vehicular traffic

Health Risks in an Excavation

Soil collapse is the most feared excavation risk, but other potentially fatal risks may also occur in an
excavation work:
1. Asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen (confined space condition in an excavation)
2. Inhalation of toxic gases or fumes
Types of Soil Collapse
Principal Causes of Soil Collapse
1. Steep cutting angle
2. Super-imposed load
3. Shock and vibration
4. Water accumulation
5. Drying
6. No regular monitoring and inspection!

Tension Cracks
1. Usually form at a horizontal distance of 0.5 to 0.75 times the depth of the trench, measured from the
top of the vertical face of the trench
2. These are the parts of an excavation susceptible to forming cracks which may then lead to soil
collapse

Method of Excavation Protection

1. Sloping
2. Benching
3. Shoring or Timbering
4. Sheet Piling
5. Trench Boxes
6. Shotcrete

Types of Soil
1. Solid Rock – Rock formations (Adobe)
2. Type A – Most stable; clay stiff and firm soils -solid soils with substantial cohesion and no water table present
3. Type B – Medium stability; silt and unstable rock; disturbed soil. soils likely to crack or crumble -soil that can be
excavated by hand tools, show signs of cracking after excavating, and possess a low to medium moisture content
(i.e. heavily seamed silty clays, compacted clayey fill, and mixtures of clays and silts)
4. Type C – Least stable; gravel, loamy sand, submerged soil, soil from which water is freely seeping soft and loose soils
- soils easily excavated by hand with little or no cohesion (i.e. sand, gravel, silt, organic soil, soft and wet clay,
and loose fill)
Sloping

Soil Type Height / Depth Ratio Slope Angle

Stable Rock Vertical 90°
Type A ¾:1 53°
Type B 1:1 45°
Type C 1½:1 34°

22
 Benching
A method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one
or more series of horizontal steps with rise between steps. 2 Basic Types:
Shoring or Timbering (As per OSHS Rule 1413.01)
Walls of every excavation over 1 m (3 ft) deep shall be supported by adequate shoring or timbering to
prevent collapse, provided that this shall not apply to an excavation:
1. in which a worker is not required to enter for any purposes
2. cut in solid rock
3. the walls are sloped to forty-five degree (45) angle from the vertical or cut to the angle of repose
4. in which a worker is engaged in timbering or other work for the purpose of compliance with this Rule
if precautions are taken to ensure his safety.
5. Shoring is the provision of a support system for trench faces used to prevent movement of soil,
underground utilities, roadways, and foundations
6. Shoring or timbering is used when the location or depth of the cut makes sloping back to the
maximum allowable slope impractical
7. Shoring systems consist of posts, wales, struts, and sheeting

Shielding or Trench Boxes

1. Intended primarily to protect workers from cave-ins and similar incidents
2. Excavated area between the outside of the trench box and the face of the trench Should be as small as possible
3. The space between the trench boxes and the excavation side are backfilled to prevent
lateral movement of the box
4. Shields may not be subjected to loads exceeding those which the system was designed to withstand

Removal of Trench Boxes

1. Employees clear of area under shields during removal
2. Shoring removed from the bottom up, SLOWLY!
3. Backfill with removal

Minimum Berm (As per OSH Rule 1413.02)

1. Excavated material shall be kept from the edge of the excavation to provide a clear berm of a distance not
less than one third of the depth of the excavation
2. Where the disposal area is limited, a berm of reduced width of not less than 1 m. (3 ft.) may be allowed, provided
the materials being excavated are stable, the shoring is designed to carry the additional load, and barriers are
provided to prevent roll back of the excavated materials

Tools, Materials, and Machinery (As per OSH Rule 1413.03)

1. Tools or materials shall be kept a minimum of 1 m (3 ft.) away from the edge of the excavation to
prevent being knocked down into the excavation
2. No vehicle or other machinery shall be driven, operated or located near the edge of an excavation at
least a distance one-third (1/3) of its depth

Provision for Barricades (As per OSH Rule 1413.04)

The top of the walls of an excavation more than 2.0 m. (6 ft.) deep shall be barricaded to a height of at
least 1 m (3 ft.) to prevent the fall of workers
Means of Access and Escape (As per OSH Rule 1413.05)
1. Every excavation over 1 m. (3 ft.) deep shall be provided with means of access and escape in case of
flooding or soil collapse
2. Every excavation shall have at least one (1) ladder in every 16.6 m. (50 ft.) of length or fraction thereof
3. which shall extend at least 0.83 m. (2’6”) above the top of the excavation to provide a firm handhold
when stepping on or off the ladder
Inspection of Excavation (As per OSH Rule 1413.06)
1. Every part of an excavation over 2 m. (6 ft.) deep where workers work shall be inspected by the
person in charge at least once everyday
2. It should also be inspected after a weather disturbance or earthquake
Competent Person (OSH Rule 1413.07: Supervision and Execution of Timbering and other Work)
1. Timbering or support for any excavation shall be erected, added, altered or dismantled only under the
direction of the project supervisor.
2. Timbering and other support for any excavation shall be of good construction, sound materials, and
of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used and properly maintained,
3. All struts and bracings shall be properly secured to prevent displacement.
4. Timber giving off toxic saps or substance soluble in water shall not be used for timbering.

23
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Confined Entry

1. Shaft and tunnel excavations are to be considered confined entry situations and a hazard assessment and risk
control analysis must be undertaken.
2. Where monitoring of hazardous atmospheres is required, the job site supervisor must be equipped with suitable
testing equipment (i.e. explosive meter, oxygen, and toxic gas detectors) and be trained in proper monitoring
procedures. It is recommended that continuous monitoring devices be used where monitoring is necessary.
3. Ventilation systems must be put in place to provide a safe atmosphere where they may be a lack of oxygen or
unsafe accumulations of toxic vapors, gases, dusts, or other harmful substances.
4. The ventilation rate at the work face of the tunnel shall not be less than 2.75 cubic meter per second per square
meter of face area (50 cubic feet/minute per square foot of face area).

First Aid Facilities/Emergency Procedures

Due to the nature of work, it is important that proper first aid supplies be provided at the excavation
worksite. A first aid kit shall be provided at each shaft location. It is recommended that at least one worker
on each shift shall be a certified first aider with CPR training. A basket stretcher and blankets must also be
provided at each worksite, as well as a "parachute-type" full body harness for hoisting a worker to the surface,
if necessary.
Lighting/Electrical Installations
Underground excavations must be provided with a source of electrical illumination for the full length of the
tunnel and at the working face of the tunnel excavation [minimum 25 lux (2.5 foot-candles) of illumination].
In the event of electrical failure, an emergency lighting system must be in place. This may consist of battery
operated flashlights suitably sized and located to assist workers in exiting the tunnel.
Fire Protection
A minimum of two, 2A-10BC rated multi-purpose type fire extinguishers shall be provided in each
shaft and tunnel excavation. Combustible scrap materials such as wood shoring component, shall not
be allowed to accumulate in the excavation. These shall be removed at least daily.
Use of explosives
All blasting operations must be undertaken by a certified blaster who is qualified to handle and use explosives.
Explosives must be stored and transported.
Access/Egress
Vertical drilled shafts, shored with steel sleeves, are normally provided access by a straight fixed vertical ladder. Where the
ladder exceeds 5 meters (15 feet) in length a rest platform or proper fall protection must be provided. This can be done by
providing a worker with a full-body safety harness secured with a lifeline to a fall-arresting device.

CLEAR POINTS
1. Types of Excavation Works include open excavation, pit excavation, and trench
2. Excavation works are high risk because excavation failures like a soil collapse occur quickly, limiting
the ability of workers to escape
3. There are safety and health risks in excavation works that need to be controlled
4. The causes of soil collapse are steep cutting angle, super-imposed load, shock and vibration, water
accumulation, drying, and lack of regular monitoring and inspection
5. There are several methods to protect and excavation and prevent soil collapse
6. The type of soil should be considered in choosing the appropriate excavation protection
7. Minimum Berm for excavated material is 1/3 of the depth of the excavation
8. Tools, materials, and machineries should be kept at a safe distance away from the edge of the
excavation
9. Excavation more than 2 m deep shall be barricaded to a height of 1 m
10. Ladders should be deployed in every 50 ft of length
11. Excavation should be inspected daily by a competent person
12. If there are harmful dusts, gases, or fumes, an excavation should be tested for hazardous atmosphere
using a gas detector
13. There should be public protection and traffic management during excavation works

24
 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT : HAND & POWER TOOLS

The difference between men and boys are the price of their toys (and tools).

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this learning session, the participants will be able to:
1. Identify the difference between hand tools and portable power tools
2. Learn the hazards associated with hand and power tools
3. Apply safety control measures to avoid the hazards associated with hand tools and power tools

Types of Tools
1. Hand Tools non-powered, Operated manually by bare hands
2. Portable Power Tools are operated through an additional power source

Types of Power Tools

1. Electric Tools - electricity
2. Powered Abrasive Wheel Tool - with a wheel/disc for grinding, cutting, polishing, buffing
3. Pneumatic Tools - compressed air
4. Liquid Fuel - kerosene, gasoline
5. Hydraulic - pressurized liquid fluid/ hydraulic pressure (brakes), hammer drills, impact wrenches
6. Powder Actuated Tools - operate like a loaded gun

Hand Tools - General Hazards

1. Misuse of tools or using tools for wrong tasks (screwdriver as chisel, pliers as hammers)
2. Poor / Improper maintenance
3. Using damaged tools
4. Poor housekeeping and improper storage (slips and trips)
5. Sparks that can ignite fire
6. Dust, flying, falling, and splashing objects

Hand tools are non-powered. They include anything from axes to wrenches. The greatest hazards posed by hand
tools result from misuse and improper maintenance. Like using a screwdriver as a chisel may cause the tip of the
screwdriver to break and fly, hitting the user or other employees.

If a wooden handle on a tool such as a hammer or an axe is loose, splintered, or cracked, the head of the tool may
fly off and strike the user or another worker.

A wrench must not be used if its jaws are sprung, because it might slip.

Impact tools such as chisels, wedges, or drift pins are unsafe if they have mushroomed heads. The heads might
shatter on impact, sending sharp fragments flying.

The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees but the employees
have the responsibility for properly using and maintaining tools.

Around flammable substances, sparks produced by iron and steel hand tools can be a dangerous ignition source.
Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools made from brass, plastic, aluminum, or wood will provide for safety.

Hand Tools - Control Measures

1. Inspect and remove unsafe hand tools
2. Keep workspace as clean as possible and do not leave tools laying around unattended
3. Saw blades, knives, or other tools be directed away from other workers working in close proximity
4. Tools must be sharp, dull tools can be more hazardous than sharp ones
5. If wooden handle on a tool such as hammer is loose, splintered, or cracked, the head of the tool may fly off
6. Wrench must not be used if its jaws are sprung, because it might slip
7. Impact tools such as chisels are unsafe if they have mushroomed heads
8. Avoid use of hand tools near flammable substances, spark can ignite a fire
9. Always wear appropriate PPE's
25
Power Tools - General Hazards and Risks
1. Damaged electrical equipment - electrical shock/burn
2. Fall of worker secondary to electrocution
3. Dust, flying, falling, splashing fragments/objects
4. Fuel vapors that can burn or explode and also give off dangerous exhaust fumes
5. Getting hit by the tool's attachments (Pneumatic tools) and moving parts that can caught-in body parts
6. Noise and vibration
7. Sparks, gases, vapors, heat - fire and explosion
8. Misfires and explosions (powder actuated)
Power Tools - General Control Measures
1. Never carry a tool by the cord or hose
2. Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect it from the receptacle
3. Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges
4. Disconnect tools when not in use
5. Observers should be kept at a safe distance away from the work area
6. Avoid accidental starting. The worker should not hold a finger on the switch button
7. Tools should be maintained with care - keep sharp and clean
8. Follow instructions in the user's manual
Machine Guarding
1. Is a static / fixed protective covering
2. Placed on the moving part of the tool to prevent contact to body parts
3. Also prevents dust, flying particles, or disintegrated cutting disc from
splashing to the worker
4. Belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, fly wheels,
chains, or other reciprocating, rotating, or moving parts of equipment
must be guarded. Hazardous moving parts of a power tool need to be safeguarded.
For example, belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, fly wheels, chains, or
other reciprocating, rotating, or moving parts of equipment must be guarded if such parts
Circular
are exposed to contact by employees.
Electric Tools - Specific Control Measures Saw
1. Electric tools should be operated within their design limitations
2. When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry place
3. Electric tools should not be used in damp or wet locations
4. Tools must have a three-wire cord and be grounded
5. Power cord should be double insulated
Safety Switches
The following hand-held powered tools must be equipped with a momentary contact "on-off" control
switch: drills, tappers, fastener drivers, horizontal, vertical and angle grinders with wheels larger than 2 inches
in diameter, disc and belt sanders, reciprocating saws, saber saws, and other similar tools. These tools also may
be equipped with a lock-on control provided that a single motion of the same finger or fingers that turn it on
can accomplish turn off.

Powered Abrasive Wheel Tool

1. Powered abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing, and wire buffing wheels may throw off flying
fragments
2. Before an abrasive wheel is mounted, it should be inspected closely and sound or ring-tested
3. Failure to ring test could result to a cracked/ disintegrated wheel
4. Wheel can fly-off hitting workers in the area

Powered abrasive grinding, cutting, polishing, and wire buffing wheels create special safety problems
because they may throw off flying fragments.

Before an abrasive wheel is mounted, it should be inspected closely and sound- or ring-tested to be
sure that it is free from cracks or defects. To test, wheels should be tapped gently with a light non-metallic
instrument. If they sound cracked or dead, they could fly apart in operation and so must not be used. A sound
and undamaged wheel will give a clear metallic tone or "ring."

Due to the possibility of a wheel disintegrating (exploding) during start-up, the employee should
never stand directly in front of the wheel as it accelerates to full operating speed.

Portable grinding tools need to be equipped with safety guards to protect workers not only from the
moving wheel surface, but also from flying fragments in case of breakage.

26
 Pneumatic Tools - Hazards and Risks
1. Are powered by compressed air and include chippers, drills, hammers, and sanders
2. Main risk: getting hit by one of the tool's attachments
3. tool must be fastened securely to the hose to prevent it from becoming disconnected and fly-off
4. Other hazards include noise and dust

Powder Actuated Tool

1. Generically called Hilti Gun or Ramset Gun
2. type of Nail Gun used to join materials to hard surfaces like steel / concrete by direct fastening
3. relies on a controlled explosion created by a small chemical charge, similar to the process that
discharges a firearm
4. operate like a loaded gun and should be treated with the same respect and precautions
5. only specially trained employees must operate them

Powder Actuated Tool - Control Measures

1. Should not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere
2. Before using the tool, inspect it to ensure it is clean, that all moving parts operate freely, and barrel
is free from obstructions
3. tool should never be pointed to anybody
4. should not be loaded unless it is to be used immediately
5. loaded tool should not be left unattended
6. Hands should be kept clear of the barrel end

Hydraulic Tools
1. Operated through pressurized liquid fluid / hydraulic pressure (brakes, hammer drills, impact
wrenches)

General Safety Precautions

All hazards involved in the use of power tools can be prevented by following 5 basic safety rules:
1. Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance.
2. Use the right tool for the job.
3. Examine each tool for damage before use.
4. Operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Provide and use the proper protective equipment.

Lock Out Tag Out

lockout is the isolation of energy from the system (a machine, equipment, or process) which physically locks the
system in a safe mode. The energy-isolating device can be a manually operated disconnect switch, a circuit
breaker, a line valve, or a block (Note: push buttons, selection switches and other circuit control switches are not
considered energy-isolating devices). Tag out is a labelling process that is always used when lockout is required.
The process of tagging out a system involves attaching or using an information tag or indicator

A lockout/tag out program will help prevent:

• Contact with a hazard while performing tasks that require the removal, by-passing, or deactivation of safe guarding
devices.
• The unintended release of hazardous energy (stored energy).
• The unintended start-up or motion of machinery, equipment, or processes.

CLEAR POINTS
1. Hand Tools are non-powered and operated by bare hands
2. Portable Power Tools are operated through additional power source
3. Types of Power Tools are Electric, Powered Abrasive Wheel Tool, Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Liquid
Fuel

27
 CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY (MOBILE EQUIPMENT SAFETY)

INTRODUCTION
Heavy equipment or earth moving equipment are the most useful machineries in construction. They serve an
important role in excavation, soil dozing and leveling, ditching and soil compacting, etc.
As this heavy equipment operates, the operator and the people working around it are the most likely to have an
accident due to disoperation of the equipment and unsafe work practices.
We all know that there are too many accidents that might happen with the use of this equipment but most of this
accident can be prevented. The supervisor serves a very important role in preventing such accident by strict
implementing the safety rules and guidelines involve in the operation of earth moving equipment

Load mobilization is made easier and safer with construction machinery.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this learning session, the participants will be able to:
1. Know what is a heavy equipment
2. Learn the legal basis of heavy equipment safety
3. Identify the hazards related to heavy equipment operations and the persons at risk
4. Identify some of the blind spots of heavy equipment
5. Explain the responsibilities of workers on foot and heavy equipment operators
What is a Heavy Equipment?
Any machine with engine or electric motor as prime mover; with minimum operating weight of 1,000 kg
and horsepower rating of 10 HP
Used for:
1. Lifting
2. Excavating
3. Leveling
4. Drilling
5. Compacting
6. Transporting
7. Breaking works
Bulldozer
Machinery for leveling, earth moving, and clearing
Motor Grader
Leveling aggregates, grading wide expanses and roads, preparing roadbeds for the laying of pavement
Wheel Loader
Used for scooping and loading excavated dirt and rocks, and can also be used for carrying loads for short
distances
Compactor with Sheep Foot Attachment
Used for compacting work such as roads, road fills, river dikes, dams, and foundations
Dump Truck
Used for hauling excavated dirt and rocks
Excavator
Used for excavation and loading work by an extendible working device and rotating function, while
the main body of the machine itself generally remains stationary

Heavy Equipment Accidents

1. Electrocuted if equipment touches an overhead power line
2. Crushed if vehicle overturns
3. Run over by moving or backing vehicle
4. Crashed on a structure
5. Being flooded

Legal Basis of Heavy Equipment Safety - DOLE Department Order 13, Series of 1998: Guidelines Governing
Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry
Section 10: Safety on Construction Heavy Equipment
Pre-construction
1. The General Constructor must ensure that appropriate certification is obtained from DOLE duly accredited
organizations for the following:
a) All heavy equipment operators assigned at the project site must be tested and certified in accordance
with a standard trade test prescribed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in
coordination with its accredited organization/s.
 28

b) All heavy equipment must be tested and certified in accordance with the standards prepared by DOLE
or its recognized organization/s prior to commissioning of said equipment.

Certified Operators
1. Only duly certified operators shall be allowed to operate their designated heavy equipment
2. All operators and riggers must wear personal protective equipmen

During Construction
Mobilization or Transport of Heavy Equipment
1) Load restriction of trailers carrying such heavy equipment
2) Load restrictions, height and width clearances as imposed by DPWH for all roads and bridges to be
utilized during transport
3) Only duly certified operators are allowed to load and unload heavy equipment to trailer
4) Equipment to be transported must be properly secured to the trailer
5) The General Constructor must ensure that the following conditions are met or complied with:
6) 10.2.1 Mobilization or Transport of Heavy Equipment.
a) Load restriction of trailers carrying such heavy equipment.
b) Load restrictions, height and width clearances as imposed by Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) for all roads and bridges to be utilized during transport.
c) Only duly certified operators are allowed to load and unload heavy equipment to trailer.
d) Equipment to be transported must be properly secured to the trailer.

Routine Inspection
1. Duly certified mechanics and operators shall conduct daily routine inspection of all heavy equipment
deployed at the site
2. The General Constructor and the equipment owner shall maintain a separate logbook for data on maintenance,
repairs, tests and inspections for each heavy equipment
3. Such logbook shall be used as a necessary reference during the conduct of equipment inspection
4. In the interest of accident prevention, duly certified mechanics and operators shall conduct daily routine
inspection of all heavy equipment deployed at the site in accordance with standards set by TESDA in
coordination with the Association of Construction Equipment Lessors (ACEL, Inc.).
5. a) Routine inspection of all heavy equipment must be performed by DOLE accredited professionals in
accordance to standards set by DOLE recognized equipment suppliers.
b) All equipment which do not comply with the minimum safety
6. standards for equipment certification shall be immediately removed from the work site for restoration or
repair until they meet said standards or requirements.

DO 13, Section 7.2

1. The General Constructor must provide for one (1) Construction Safety and Health Officer for every ten (10)
units of heavy equipment assigned to the project site
2. To oversee the effective compliance with the Construction Safety and Health Program at the construction
project site, in terms of heavy equipment utilization and maintenance

Persons at Risk
1. Equipment Operator
2. Spotters
3. Workers on foot
4. Supervisors and Management People
5. Other construction site personnel

Blind Spot
1. This is the area around a vehicle or piece of construction equipment that is not visible to the operator, either
by direct line-of sight or indirectly by use of internal and external mirrors
2. Small heavy mobile equipment have small blind spots and heavy mobile equipment have large blind spots,
both can cause serious injury or death
3. The taller and wider the machine is, the bigger is the blind spot area
4. Operators, spotters, and workers on foot need to be aware where the blind spots are

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Spotters for Heavy Equipment
1. serves as an extra set of eyes for drivers, equipment operators and individual workers on the site
2. making sure that a truck that’s backing up doesn’t run into anything or anyone
3. A properly trained spotter is needed if:
a. Anytime an equipment operator doesn’t have a clear view of the site
b. Is operating near workers on foot
c. Is operating around energized power lines or equipment
d. Is working on varied terrain
4. The spotter must be highly visible, and everyone on the job site should be aware of his or her role
Communication
1. A standardized set of hand signals should be used
2. Operators should always know exactly where all ground based workers are located and make them give
signals before proceeding
3. Spotters should always keep their attention focused on moving equipment and should be in constant
communication with the operator
Spotters Hand Signals
Responsibilities of Workers on Foot
1. Wearing of high visibility vests
2. Keep a safe distance from heavy equipment
3. Know the equipment’s blind spots
4. Never assume that the equipment operator sees you

Responsibilities of Heavy Equipment Operators

1. Safety features of equipment, know how to use and operate safely the equipment
2. Systematic maintenance and repair
3. Pre-operational inspection of equipment
4. Review manufacturer’s operating manual
5. Know where the blind spots are
6. Look for workers on foot around the equipment
7. STOP! when signaled; when waived at violently; or if you are in doubt
8. Maintain a safe operating speed
9. Keep machine under control at all times

Instruction To Follow When Working Near Electric Cable

1. Wear rubber on leather sole shoes
2. Assign a watchman to prevent unintended contact with the electric cable.
3. Maintain the specified minimum distance. If the transmission voltage is high, prevent close distance to prevent sparks
and create hazard even if contact is not made.
4. Always maintain the specified minimum distance especially when operating the backhoe, considering the movement of
the boom.

Minimum Distance of High Voltage

Transmission Voltage Minimum

Distance
6.6 kV 3m
33.0 kV 4m
66.0 kV 5m
154.0 kV 8m
275.0 kV 10 m

CLEAR POINTS
1. Heavy equipment is a machine with engine or electric motor as prime mover, with minimum operating weight
of 1,000 kg and horsepower of 10 HP. Heavy equipment are powerful machines that are useful in
construction, however they are hazardous which may result to various accidents
2. DOLE DO 13, Section 10 requires all operators to have a TESDA NC and all heavy equipment to have a
third-party testing
3. One additional safety officer must be provided for every 10 units of heavy equipment
4. The taller and wider the heavy equipment is, the bigger is its blind spot
5. All heavy equipment operating should have a designated spotter who is properly trained
6. Good communication between the operator and spotter is vital for the prevention of accidents
7. Workers on foot and heavy equipment operators both have responsibilities in making themselves and others safe

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 CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY (CRANE SAFETY)

Overhead while we travel the streets, we see steel giants, moving to and fro, building each city.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this learning session, the participants will be able to:
1. Learn the types of cranes
2. Identify the hazards related to crane operations
3. Know the factors that cause crane accidents
4. Learn the basic crane safety based from OSH Standards, DO 13, and Code of Practice for Tower Crane
Safety

How does a tower crane work?

1. Tower Cranes are seen on almost every major construction site throughout the world
2. These machines are built to lift heavy loads efficiently and safely
3. A modern tower crane consists of three major sections: the base, the tower mast, and the slewing unit

Types of Crane

Telescopic Crane
A telescopic crane offers a boom that has a number of tubes that are fitted inside each other. Then hydraulic
mechanisms extend or retract the tubes to length or shorten the boom anywhere within the jib's radius.

Mobile Cranes
This is the most basic type of crane and consists of a steel truss or telescopic boom mounted on some kind of mobile
platform. This platform could be wheeled, a rail or even a cat truck. The boom is hinged at the bottom and can be
raised or lowered by cables or hydraulic cylinders
Truck Mounted Crane
These types of cranes are mounted on a rubber tire truck and provide excellent mobility. The outriggers will extend
vertically or horizontally and are used to stabilize and level the crane when it is hoisting a load of materials

Rough Terrain Crane

The crane is mounted on an undercarriage that has four rubber tires and is designed to be use off road. The
outriggers can extend vertically and horizontally to stabilize and level the crane when it is lifting a large load.

Cranes and Hoists

Crane and Hoist are usually utilized to transfer and carry certain objects, such as raw materials, products,
equipment and etc., from one place to another. Cranes and hoists are specialized equipment designed to
perform lifting and moving of loads. Their function and methods of operation are not like any other equipment
or machine. They require specific instructions and training for safe operation and proper maintenance.

Hazards of Crane Operations

1. Structural Failure
2. Overloading
3. Instability
4. Falling or slipping load
5. Electrical Hazards

Important Guidelines to Help Avoid Crane Failures

1. Safety
2. Maintenance
3. Training
4. Planning
5. Supervision

1. Crane Safety
• The most important aspect that the operator, employer, and worker of should learn
• Ensure that all workers and subcontractors comply with all provisions of the OSH Standards and Code
of Practice for Tower Crane Safety from DOLE-OSHC

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2. Maintenance
• Erection, dismantling, and transportation, and use of cranes affect its operable condition and lifespan
• Metal parts corrode and electrical parts wear out
• Cranes also naturally want to fall down
• All engineering reports and maintenance records regarding the tower crane should be kept

3. Training
• Operators, riggers, workers erecting and dismantling cranes, and even appointed people responsible for
the lifting operations (foremen, engineers, supervisors) need to be trained not only about technicalities but
also safe operations of crane
• Cranes are designed to stay upright but the fact that accidents continue to happen is proof that many
people are not fully aware of the risks or how to manage them

4. Planning
• This stage is very important since this is to ensure that all parties involved have an understanding of what
they want to do and how they will do it
• There should be close coordination of movements and actions in the site
• Planning will also ensure that the crane is use correctly and that the right crane is use for the job

5. Supervision
• Once a plan is in place, there needs to be effective supervision to ensure that it is strictly followed
• Regardless of pressures of time or money
• Training and Experience play a big factor to ensure proper supervision of crane's safe operation

Load Rating Chart - Make sure it is available and the Crane Operator can see it:
1. Rated Load Capacities
2. Telescopic Arm Length and Angle
3. Operating Speeds
4. Special Hazard Warning or Instruction

Inspection and Testing:

1. Third party inspection
1.1. Accredited by DOLE/BWC
1.2. Yearly or after modification, alteration, repairs, transfer or re-install
2. Internal Inspection
2.1. Before using on site
2.2. Monthly Inspection/Maintenance
3. Operator must be trained and certified

D.O. 13 – On Heavy Equipment

“The General Contractor must provide for one (1) Construction Safety and Health Officer for every ten
(10) units of heavy equipment assigned to the project site, to oversee the effective compliance with the
Construction Safety and Health Program at the construction project site, in terms of heavy equipment
utilization and maintenance”
Pre - Construction
Section 10.1-a “All heavy equipment operators assigned at the project site must be tested and certified in
accordance with a standard trade test prescribed by TESDA in coordination with its accredited
organization/s”
Section 10.1-b “All heavy equipment tested and certified by DOLE or its recognized organizations prior to
commissioning”
During Construction
Section 10.3. In the interest of accident prevention, duly certified mechanics and operators shall conduct daily
routine inspection of all heavy equipment deployed at the site in accordance with standards set by TESDA in
coordination with the ACEL.

CLEAR POINTS:
1. Different Types of Cranes presents different types of hazards, Accountability of Responsibility to
Competent Person and workers involved to operation helps to minimize the accidents.
2. Compliance to Legislations and Code of Practice to Tower Cranes Safety guides management for safe
and smooth facilitation of Cranes/Construction Heavy Equipment.

32
 LADDER SAFETY AND FALL PROTECTION

Zero accidents with ladders is best achieved with the right training and equally sound equipment.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1) At the end of this learning session, the participants will be able to:
2) Identify safe and unsafe ladder practices
3) Describe correct practices when ascending and descending a ladder
4) Describe correct practices for using extension ladders

Ladder Safety

“No matter how quickly a job can be done, there is always time to fall”

Safe Unsafe

Types of Ladders

Non self-Supporting / Extension Ladders Self-Supporting / Step Ladder

Ladder Don'ts:
1. Overreach from a ladder
2. Use the top two rungs
3. Move a ladder while on it
4. Climb while holding a material
5. Share a ladder

Ladder Do's:
1. Instead of overreaching, move the ladder
2. Instead of using the top two rungs, get a taller ladder
3. Instead of moving a ladder while on it, get down and move the ladder
4. Instead of climbing while holding a material, use a toolbelt
5. Instead of sharing a ladder, get a second ladder

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Always Remember:
1. Use the right ladder for the job
2. Inspect the ladder before use
3. Set-up the ladder properly
4. Follow the safety rules for climbing and using ladders

Ladder Safety Requirements

1. Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times
2. Maintain the center line of your body between the ladder’s vertical support rails while working
3. Check bottom of shoes and ladder rungs for grease and dirt
4. Make sure ladder has non-skid pads
5. Ensure spreaders are fully extended and locked
6. Test pullies, springs, rung locks and ropes on extension ladders
7. Store ladders on their side or secure with a chain or cable when stored in an upright position

Telescopic / Extension Ladders

1. A minimum of 36 inches overlap is required
2. Must be secured at the top
3. Must have a clear area where the feet of the ladder will be positioned
4. Must have area secured with cones or barrier tape, or have an attendant

4:1 Rule
Follow 4:1 Rule when setting-up and using extension ladders

“Using the wrong ladder will bring you back down to Earth...THE HARD WAY!”

CLEAR POINTS

1. Use the right ladder for the job

2. Follow proper do's and don'ts in using ladders
3. Maintain 3-point contact when climbing or going down the ladder
4. Follow 4:1 rule when setting-up and using extension / telescopic ladders

34
 FALL PROTECTION

As we ascend to greater heights, we are faced with a risk hiding in the shadows: falling to the ground below.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the session, the participants will be able to:

1. Highlight the definitions of fall prevention, fall restraint, and fall arrest
2. Explain the requirements of fall protection
3. Recognize the hazards associated with fall protection
4. Know how to inspect and wear personal fall arrest system equipment
5. Know the requirements for anchorage points

What is Fall Protection?

1. A series of steps and safety measures conducted
2. To eliminate or control the injurious effects of an unintentional fall
3. While accessing or working at heights

Anatomy of a Fall
Fall are unexpected and the time it takes to strike a lower level surface is frightfully fast.
1. It takes most people about 1/3 of a second to become aware
2. It takes another 1/3 of a second for the body to react
3. A body can fall up to 7 feet in 2/3 of a second

Planning for Fall Protection

Whether you are performing maintenance on equipment at heights, or working at heights on a construction
project, you have to plan your work with the goal of eliminating any chance of a fall.
1. Should be an an integral part of the work planning process, from constructability, to systems installation,
to use and maintenance
2. The workplace cannot be truly safe unless fall protection is incorporated into every phase of the process
3. Planning will keep workers safe and minimize fall exposures

Legal Basis
DO 128-13, Amending Rule 1414 on Scaffoldings of the 1989 OSH Standards\
Rule 1414.12: Fall Protection
1. For supported scaffolds: Fall protection equipment shall be provided on any scaffold 2m (6 feet) or more
above ground
2. Shall be protected by guardrail from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold
3. Open sides and ends shall be allowed when the scaffold distance is 25 cm (10 in) or less from the structure
being worked on
4. For suspended scaffold: Fall protection equipment shall be provided on any suspended scaffold 2m (6
feet) or more above ground
5. Employers shall provide fall protection for personnel erecting, installing or dismantling scaffolds
6. The employer shall designate a competent person, who shall be responsible for determining the
feasibility and safety of providing fall protection
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Fall Protection Methods
1. Fall Prevention - A system that will prevent a person from falling to a lower level. Example: Railings
2. Fall Restraint - A system that will allow the worker to approach a fall hazard and work but will not
allow the worker to fall to a lower level
3. Personal Fall Arrest System - A system that will protect a person from crashing on to a lower level after
a fall. Example: Full body harness/lanyard

When is Fall Protection Required?

Fall prevention is required for falls onto dangerous equipment. Zero fall distance is allowed.
a. For work on forms or steel reinforcing over 6 feet in height
b. Fall protection is required for scaffolding over 6 feet in height.
c. Fall protection required for walking / working surfaces over 6 feet in height in construction
d. Fall protection is required for vertical ladders without cages over 24 feet
e. No fall protection is required for portable extension ladders

Hazards with working / walking surfaces

▪ Open-sided floors
▪ Holes
▪ Leading edges
Fall Prevention: Guardrail System Requirements
1. Shall be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms
2. Each toprail or equivalent member of a guardrail system shall be able to withstand a force of at least 100
kg (220 pounds)
3. The height of toprails on supported scaffolds shall be 91 cm (36 in.)
4. Midrail shall be installed at a height approximately midway between the toprail of the guardrail system
and the platform surface
5. Guardrails shall not be rough to prevent punctures or lacerations to personnel and to prevent snagging
of clothing
6. Toeboards shall be at least 15 cm. (6 in.) in height
7. Toeboards may be made of wood, iron, steel or other equivalent material
8. Toeboards shall be securely fastened in place
9. Standard railings for open edges shall be at least 1 meter from the floor level to the upper surface of the
top rail
10. Standard railings shall have posts not more than 2 meters (6.6ft) apart and an intermediate rail halfway
between the top rail and the floor
Guardrail Construction

Safe
Unsafe

Unsafe Safe
Floor Openings / Holes
1. Secured indentified covers
2. Guardrails
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
1. Used to protect an employee from hitting a lower level once they have fallen
2. Components include:
a) An anchorage point
b) Full body harness
c) Deceleration devices
d) Connectors – lanyards, rope grabs, anchorage connectors
3. When using personal fall arrest systems:
a) If you fall, the impact force to the body has to be less than 1800 pounds, achieved by using shock
absorbing lanyards and a harness
b) Minimize fall distance, the maximum free fall distance can only be 6 feet
c) There can not be any structures below in you fall distance
d) Maximum weight of an individual w/tools is 310 pounds

Full Body Harness

Full Body harnesses must be inspected by the user before use. A documented annual inspection by a
competent person is required as well. It is the responsibility of each Division/ Section to perform these annual
inspections on their equipment.
1. Need to be inspected before use by the worker, and at least annually (documented) by a Competent
Person
2. Harnesses should never be modified
3. Do not write on or paint harnesses unless material is approved for use
4. Should be taken out of service immediately if defective or exposed to an impact

Harness Fitting

A properly fitted harness is essential to minimize the shock to the body if you were exposed to a fall arrest.
Harnesses do have limitations, if you are over three hundred ten pounds and under one hundred thirty pounds
you will need specialized equipment.
Harness Pressure Points

If you are suspended by your fall arrest equipment you must be aware of the potential hazards of orthostatic
intolerance. Excessive pressure from the straps can cut off blood flow to the legs and cause permanent damage
after hanging for fifteen minutes. Some harnesses are equipped with step in straps designed to relieve these
pressure points if a worker is hanging. Be sure to know how to use this type of equipment if you have it.

Lanyards
Only use the lanyard in accordance with the manufactures recommendations. Do not tie the lanyard back to
itself unless it is design to do so. The clips must be designed for the type of anchorage point you are using.
And as with any synthetic material equipment, do not use against sharp edges or objects.
1. A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which generally has a connector at each end for connecting the
body belt or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline or anchorage.
2. Must not be tied back to themselves unless specifically designed for such use
3. Should have the appropriate clip for the intended anchorage points
4. Do not knot or wrap around sharp objects

Lifelines
The lifeline is used to connect a personal fall arrest system (consisting of a harness and deceleration lanyard)
to an anchor point that cannot be reached by the short lanyard. The lanyard/lifeline connection point in a
sense becomes the anchor point. The lifeline is not intended to stretch to add to the length of a fall.
The lifeline can be made of a flexible line such as a rope or cable, or it can be made of a strap or webbing
material.
Lifelines can hang vertically from an anchor point and horizontally between two anchor points.

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Restraint Devices
If guardrails are not feasible then fall restraint is the next best way to work if you are exposed to a fall hazard.
Restraint systems must be installed and used under the supervision of a competent person. Because no free
fall hazard is possible in restraint systems, the anchorage point requirement is one thousand pounds.
1. Provide access but prevent the fall
2. Limit anchorage requirement to 1000 lbs
3. May be more suitable for loading areas, scaffold erection and dismantling
4. Should be installed and used under the supervision of a Competent Person
5. Fall restraint assumes the employee cannot reach the edge, they are basically on a short leash.
6. If the employee can fall over the edge, then a personal fall arrest system must be used.
Use of Restraint Cables
Here are two photographs of actual applications of a fall restraint system.

Planning for a Rescue

Whenever working at heights where there is a potential of hanging from a harness after a fall, a written job
hazard analysis is required. In the JHA, there must be a rescue plan to retrieve someone hanging from a
harness within a short period of time.

The goal of any rescue is to limit the hanging/suspension time of the fallen employee. With a harness, the
suspension time is a maximum of 15 minutes, less is desirable.

The plan should address the fact the worker may be unconscious.
Ensure all the rescue equipment is in place or ready to be put in place.

Ensure everyone is aware of the plan.

1. The rescue plan must be written in the hazard analysis
2. The goal is to rescue the employee as soon as possible and limit the hanging time to no more than fifteen
minutes.
3. Plan for a worker that is unconscious.
4. Ensure all the rescue equipment in the vicinity
5. Call the supervisor or safety officer whenever someone has been in a fall arrest situation

CLEAR POINTS

1. Fall protection is a series of steps and safety measures conducted to eliminate or control the injurious
effects of an unintentional fall while working at heights
2. A body can fall up to 7 feet in 2/3 of a second
3. Fall protection should be part of the planning process prior to construction
4. DO 128-13, Rule 1414.12 is the legal basis of fall protection
5. Fall protection methods are: fall prevention, work positioning and fall restraint, and personal fall arrest
system
6. Fall prevention includes: guardrail systems and floor coverings
7. PFAS includes: anchorage point, full body harness, deceleration devices, and connectors
8. Restraint devices prevents the fall of a worker by providing a short leash so that workers cannot reach
the edge
9. There should be a rescue plan whenever working with the potential of hanging by a harness

38
 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

Destiny awaits those who take the first step. When done safely, it marks the beginning of an adventure.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this learning session, the participants will be able to:
1. Identify the Hazards, Risks, Advantages, and Consequences in using Scaffoldings
2. Know the Basic Concepts of Scaffoldings
3. Learn the Legal Basis of Scaffolding Safety and its General and Specific Requirements

What is a Scaffolding?
This refers to a temporary or movable platform supported on the ground or suspended, used for access and/or
working at considerable heights above ground

Hazards in the Use of Scaffoldings

1. Overloading of the scaffoldings
2. Improperly erecting a scaffolding
2.1. incomplete / incompatible accessories
2.2. use of improvised accessories
2.3. erecting on an unstable ground
2.4. lack of bracings or supports
3. Safe access or standard catwalk not provided
4. Lack of fall protection (Guard Rails)
5. Contact with a live electrical cable, electrocution
6. Fall of person from height
7. Fall of materials and objects from height
8. Collapse of scaffold

Risks in the Use of Scaffoldings

1. Fall of person from height
2. Fall of materials and objects from height
3. Collapse of scaffold
4. Electrocution

Things to consider when selecting a scaffolding system

1. Weight of workers, tools, materials, and equipment
2. Site condition: Ground condition, proximity of electrical cables, vibration
3. Height of scaffold
4. Type of work that will be done
5. Duration of work and weather conditions
6. Requirements for pedestrian traffic
7. Means of access to the scaffold
8. Configuration of the building or structure being worked on

Classification of Scaffoldings

1. Supported Scaffoldings
1.1. are platforms supported by legs, outrigger beams, brackets, poles, uprights, posts, frames, or
similar rigid support
2. Suspended Scaffoldings
2.1. contain one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead
structure

39
1) Supported Scaffoldings types

Mobile / Rolling Wood Pole Scaffold Tubular & Coupler Scaffold Frame Scaffold
Scaffold

2) Suspended Scaffoldings types

Outrigger Scaffold Gondola

Parts of Frame Scaffoldings

Cross Brace
Joint Pin

Main Frame
Ladder / Step Ladder
(H-frame / A-frame)

Catwalk / Platform
Adjustable Base Mudsill
Plate

40
Legal Basis of Scaffolding Safety

As per DO 128-13, Section 1, Rule 1414.02

General Requirements
2.1.1 Every scaffold shall be of good construction
of sound materials and strength for the purpose for
which it is intended;
2.1.2. Timber used for scaffolds shall be in good
condition, the bark completely stripped off, and
not painted or treated in any manner that defects
cannot be easily seen; and
2.1.3. All materials and parts of scaffold not in use
or intended for reuse shall be kept under good
condition and separate from other materials
unsuitable for scaffolds

Specific Requirements
1. Timber/bamboo Scaffolds – limited to a height of 6 meters from the ground or base. Over 6 meters
height, steel scaffolds shall be used
2. Manufactured Scaffolds – more than 6 meters in height shall be designed by structural engineer and
approved by appropriate authority
3. Site fabricated / conventional supported Scaffolds – exceeding 6m in height or a working load of 150
kg/sqm shall be designed and inspected by the structural engineer and approved by the appropriate
authority
4. Suspended Scaffolds – shall be designed and inspected by a structural engineer if site fabricated
5. No scaffold shall be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of a competent
person
6. Fall protection equipment and Personal Fall Arrest System – required when working in a height of 2m
and above
7. All personnel involved in scaffolding activities shall have appropriate training and certification

Competent Person

As per DO 128-13, Section 1, Rule 1414.14: Training and Competency Requirement

a) Competent Person
i) All scaffolds competent person must undergo the standard scaffold training and assessment
prescribed by DOLE and TESDA.
ii) The competent person shall have the following certification:
a) COSH Training Certificate from DOLE or its accredited safety training organizations.
b) Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erection Certificate.
iii) At least 2 years of experience in scaffold erection.
b) Scaffold Erector
i) All scaffolds erectors must undergo the standard scaffold training and assessment prescribed
by DOLE and TESDA.
ii) Scaffold erectors shall have the following certification:
a) One Day Workers Safety Orientation from DOLE or its accredited safety training organizations.
b) Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erector NC II.

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Design
1. Supported scaffolds and their components shall be capable of supporting at least 4 times the maximum
intended load
2. Suspended scaffolds shall be capable of supporting at least 6 times the maximum intended load
3. All scaffolds designed by structural engineer shall be approved by appropriate authority
3.1. Strength and Stability
4. Any damaged or weakened scaffold members from any cause shall be immediately repaired, replaced or
discarded
5. Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of the working load for which they are intended
6. Scaffolds shall be anchored or secured to permanent or rigid structures. In the absence of permanent
structures, guys and sway bracing and/or outrigger shall be used

Site Inspection and Preparation

1. Site inspection shall be carried out before actual erection to check ground conditions, overhead wires,
obstructions, changes in surface elevation, and structural support
2. Site preparation shall be performed to ensure that the soil are level and firm, mud and soft soil are replaced
with compacted gravel or crushed stone
3. On sloping grounds, the area where mudsills rest shall be leveled by excavating rather than backfilling

Scaffold Erection
As per DO 128-13, Section 1, Rule 1414.06: Scaffold Erection
1. No scaffold work shall be undertaken without the direct supervision of a competent / qualified person
2. Always maintain the base width to height ratio of 1:4 during erection forstabi_x0002_lity. If the height
exceeds what is allowed, refer to Rule 1414.3.2.7 (Scaffolds shall be anchored or secured to permanent
or rigid structures. In the absence of permanent structures guys and sway bracing and/or outrigger shall
be used)
3. No scaffold activity shall be undertaken if the wind velocity exceeds 48 kph.
4. For erected scaffold, additional precaution shall be considered during typhoon
5. No other work shall be allowed to commence below the scaffold during erection phase

Footings
1. Standards require that every scaffold should have footings, sills or supports that are sound, rigid and
capable of supporting twice the maximum load to which the scaffold may be subjected without settlement
or deformation
2. Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks shall not be used to support scaffolds
3. DO 128-13 Rule 1414.3.2. Strength and Stability of Scaffolds: The footing, sills or anchorage for
scaffolds shall be sound, rigid, and capable of carrying twice the maximum intended load without settling
or displacement. Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks shall not be used
to support scaffolds;

Base Plate with Leveling Screw

1. Distribute weight on mudsill and prolong plank life
2. Attach scaffold to mudsill and prevent movement due to impact, vibration or uplift due to improper
loading
Mudsills
1. Use 2” x 10” planks for mudsills
2. Lay planks under at least two posts, either along the scaffold or across its width
3. Center scaffold baseplates on the mudsill and extend mudsills two feet past the last scaffold frame
4. Use leveling screws to compensate for uneven ground and to ensure that scaffold is level and plumb

Frame Scaffolding
1. Restrained from tipping by guys, ties, or equivalent when higher than 4:1 ratio
2. Must be capable of supporting 4 times the maximum intended load
3. Plumb and level scaffold frames until connections can be made with ease
4. Do not force members to fit
5. DO 128-13 Rule 1414.3.2.7: Scaffolds shall be anchored or secured to permanent or rigid structures. In
the absence of permanent structures guys and sway bracing and/or outrigger shall be used
6. DO 128-13 Rule 1414.3.2.8: Scaffold components produced by different manufacturers shall not be
intermixed unless the components fit together

42
Scaffold Platform Requirements
DO 128-13 Rule 1414.2.2: Specific Requirements:
2.2.9. Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between the front
uprights and the guardrail supports.
2.2.10. Each platform unit (e.g, scaffold plank, fabricated plank fabricated deck, or fabricated platform)shall
be installed so that the space between adjacent units and the space between the platform and the uprights is
no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
2.2.11. Each scaffold platform and walkway shall be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide.
2.2.12. Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means shall
extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm)

Stair Access
DO 128-13 Rule 1414.6.2
6.2 Material and Personnel Access
6.2.1. Scaffold with one section height shall be provided with safe access.
6.2.2. Supporting members used in the construction of runways, ramps,
stairs and ladders shall be securely fastened and braced.
6.2.3. When hooked-on ladder is used, a rest platform with a minimum width of 60cm (2 ft)shall be provided
every 4m in height.
6.2.4. Ladders used for access shall protrude at least 1m above the landing place.
6.2.5. When major components are removed for the purposes of access it shall be designed.

Scaffold Inspection and Tagging

DO 128-13 Rule 1414.07: Scaffold Inspection and Tagging.
All scaffoldings shall be inspected prior to use. Inspection and tagging shall be performed by a qualified or
competent person as the case may be. All manufactured scaffolds shall follow the manufacturers'
recommendations.
1. Direct connections shall be evaluated by a qualified or competent person who shall confirm, based on
the evaluation, that the supporting surfaces are capable of resisting the loads to be imposed.
2. Inspections should be carried out daily and every shift. All site fabricated/conventional supported
scaffolds exceeding 6 meters in height or a working load of 150 kg/m2 shall be evaluated, tested and approved
by a qualified person.
3. All scaffold identification tags shall be of a solid green, yellow, or red color with black lettering. All
scaffold tags shall be hanged in every scaffold access points.

Green tags shall be hanged at each scaffolds access that

have been inspected and are safe for use

Yellow tags shall be placed whenever special requirements for safe use are required. Situation requiring
yellow tags may include whenever scaffold has been modified to meet work requirements, and as a result
could present a hazard to the user. Situation requiring Yellow tags shall be closely supervised

Red “DANGER – UNSAFE FOR USE” tags shall be used during erection and dismantling when the
scaffold is left unattended or when scaffold is inspected to be unsafe or defective

Clearance from Power Lines

Insulated Lines Voltage Minimum Distance

Less than 300 Volts 3 feet (0.9m)
300 Volts to 50 KV 10 feet (3.1m)
More than 50 KV 10 ft (3.1m) plus 0.4in (1cm) for each 1 KV over 50 KV

Un-insulated Lines Voltage Minimum Distance

Less than 50 KV 10 ft (3.1m)
More than 50 KV 10 ft (3.1m) plus 0.4in (1cm) for each 1 KV over 50 KV

43
Suspended Scaffoldings
1. Suspended scaffold and its accessories should be able to withstand 6 times its maximum intended load
2. Outrigger beams and accessories shall rest on surfaces capable of supporting at least 4 times the
maximum intended load
3. Must be attached to the roof, tied to secured anchorage, or secured with counterweights

Counterweights:
1. made of non-flowable material
2. Secured and not removed until scaffold disassembled

Suspension Ropes
1. Support at least 6 times maximum load
2. Protected from friction during direction changes
3. Replace if there are physical damages like kinking, flattening
Proper Use of Scaffoldings
DON'TS
1. Never overload
2. Do not erect, move, dismantle and alter near power lines
3. No barrels, boxes, ladders on top of scaffolds
4. Do not use platform covered with mud/debris
DO'S
1. Repair in place or replace damaged components
2. Prohibit work activities during high winds
3. Remove whole scaffold from service until repaired
4. Maintain safe clearance from electrical cables

Good housekeeping practices to avoid these situations:

Rusting Couplers
Contributing factor: Drum has no drain holes, accumulating rain water, drum not painted promoting rust

Corrective Actions
1. Storage drums for couplers to have their bottom drilled with drain holes
2. Metal drums if used for storage should be cleaned, painted and labeled
3. Retain adequate quantity of drums
4. Sort out and isolate corroded couplers/components, clean and treat them anti-rust solution.

CLEAR POINTS

1. Scaffolding is a temporary or movable platform used for access and/or working at considerable heights
above the ground
2. Scaffoldings are useful in construction but they pose hazards and risks which may result to accidents
3. Classification of scaffoldings: supported and suspended
4. Legal basis of scaffolding safety is DOLE DO 128-13
5. Every scaffold shall be of good construction and sound materials
6. Timber/bamboo scaffold is limited to a height of 6m
7. Manufactured and site fabricated/conventional scaffolds exceeding 6m in height shall be designed and
inspected by the structural engineer
8. Suspended scaffolds shall be designed by a structural engineer
9. Persons involved in scaffoldings should be either competent or scaffold erector (qualified)
10. Supported scaffold shall be capable of supporting at least 4 times the maximum intended load
11. Suspended scaffolds shall be capable of supporting at least 6 times the maximum intended load
12. Scaffoldings should be inspected and tagged prior to use
13. Remember the safe clearance of a scaffolding used near power lines
14. Do not move mobile scaffoldings while a person is on it

44
 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

As we do our jobs each day, the way we address a hazard determines our work for tomorrow.

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lecture, the participants would be able to:
1. Identify the different environmental hazards;
2. Identify the specific measuring equipment for particular hazards; and
3. Discuss the fundamental concepts of IH and describe the functions of an industrial hygienist and roles
of Safety Officer in Environmental Safety.

An environmental hazard is a substance, state or event which has the potential to threaten the surrounding
natural environment and/or adversely affect human's health

Industrial Hygiene
The science and art devoted to the Identification, Evaluation, and Control of environmental factors or
stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or
significant discomfort and inefficiency among workers or citizens of the community.”

3 BASIC STEPS OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

1. Identify the Hazard (Alamin, Kilalanin)
2. Evaluate the Hazard (Suriin, Sukatin)
3. Control the Hazard (Ituwid, Itama, Ayusin)

Hazard Statement - Is a phrase that describes the nature of the hazard. It will also be determined by the
application of the classification criteria.

PHYSICAL HAZARD
1. Noise
2. Vibration
3. Illumination
4. Temperature Extreme
5. Pressure
6. Radiation
I. PHYSICAL HAZARDS
1. NOISE – is harmful and unwanted sound, characterized by 3 parameters:
• Frequency - measured in (Hertz) cycles per second
• Loudness - intensity of the sound, measured in Decibel (dB)
• Duration – length of exposure (continuous, intermittent, burst, waxing / waning)
Permissible Noise Exposure Level (OSHA 1981) – maximum sound level for a given amount of time, where
a worker need not wear hearing protection, provided

Duration / day Sound Level

Hours Decibels dB
8.0 90
4.0 93
2.0 96
1.0 99
0.5 102
0.25 or less 105

Adverse health effects of noise

• Elevation of the hearing threshold or minimum level of perceptible sound
• Traumatic damage to the middle and inner ears
• Rupture of the eardrum
• Acoustic Trauma (Explosion, gunshot) - Deafness
• Temporary Threshold shift (New Year’s fireworks)
• Tinnitus
• Poor communication

45
2. VIBRATION
• It is a physical factor that acts on man by transmission of mechanical energy from sources of oscillation.
• Usually refers to the inaudible acoustic phenomena, which are recognized by the tactile experience of
touch and feeling.
• It is a vector quantity with both a magnitude and direction.
• Continuous low frequency oscillation that is more likely felt than heard
• Affects the body through direct contact

SOURCES OF VIBRATION:
• Segmental vibration: Chain Saw, Portable Grinder, Jackhammer, Polishers, hand held power tools,
• Whole Body Vibration: Tower Crane, Cars, Buses, Train, places with floor mounted machines

Health Effects of Vibration

• Inflammation of joints and muscles (wrist, elbow, shoulder)
• Vibration white finger
• Generalized fatigue

3. ILLUMINATION

GENERAL LIGHTING
Sometimes referred to as ambient light fills in between the two and is intended for general illumination of
an area.
LOCAL LIGHTING – NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL
Type of lighting which illuminates a relatively small area without illuminating the general surroundings
significantly.

Visibility of a workplace as a result of light:

▪ The source of light is either natural or artificial
▪ It is measured in lumens or lux

Importance of Illumination – it is important that we see what we are doing. There are recommended
illumination standards based on the visual demands of different activities. Below is a summary of illumination
required based on activity. (Please refer to the table of Illumination Levels in the OSHS for the complete
listing)
VISUAL FATIGUE
• Double vision
• Headache
• Painful irritation
• Production of excess tears
• Redness of eyes

Bright – if the workplace illumination is higher than the recommended

Dark – if the workplace illumination is lower than the recommended

Temperature Extremes - its either HOT or

COLD Factors affecting Heat Exposure:

• THERMAL FACTORS
Temperature & Humidity
• PHYSICAL WORKLOAD
Light, Moderate, Heavy & Very Heavy
• WORK-REST REGIMEN
Heat & Cold Stress

HEAT STRESS – when the workplace heat causes the body’s temperature to go higher than 37.5C, like in the
following exposure settings:
a) High temperature
b) High humidity
c) Poor ventilation
d) Multiple heat sources

46
Thermoregulatory Mechanism
A defense system of the body where heat is first removed from the organs producing it (metabolic heat)
to the skin by the blood to maintain a temp of 37C (+/- 0.5C) by SWEATING. It enhances:
1. Conduction – transfer of heat through direct contact (from a warm to a cool area)
2. Convection – thru air currents
3. Radiation – outward transfer of heat from a high temp level to lower temp level
4. Evaporation – conversion of liquid to gas

Acute Health Effects of Heat

• Prickly heat - immature sweat glands
• Heat fatigue - bad mood (water loss)
• Heat cramps - muscle spasm (loss of water + salts)
• Heat exhaustion - fatigue, dehydration, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting
(loss of water + salts + electrolytes)
• Heat stroke - overheating, seizures (failure of thermoregulatory system)

COLD STRESS - when the workplace temp causes the body’s temperature to go lower than 36.5C as in ice
plants, Broadcast Industry, Semiconductor Industry, Food processing plants, Ice Cream plants, Deep sea
diving, Laboratories. Thermoregulatory mechanism to raise temperature is by CHILLING / SHIVERING.

Health effects of Cold

• Hypothermia, Chills (also another normal thermoregulatory mechanism)
• Frostbite – medical condition where cold temperature constricts blood vessels, impedes blood flow to
fingers, thus resulting in tissue and cell death

Prevention & Treatment

• Transition rooms where temperature is higher than the cold room
• Rest breaks, warm food and drink
• Thermal clothes
PRESSURE HAZARD
This is the atmospheric force that is constantly applied on the body, which may be affected by changes
in altitude or artificially induced work conditions.

Pressure is defined as the force exerted against an opposing fluid or thrust distributed over a surface,
expressed in force or weight per unit of area (like pounds per square inch or “psi”. Critical injury and
damage can occur with extremes of pressure. We perceive pressure in relation to the earth’s
atmosphere—at sea level, about 14.7 psi.

As altitude above sea level increases, atmospheric pressure decreases

altitude = pressure and altitude  pressure

Pressure changes cause body stress. In human physiology studies, the typical unit of measure is in
millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

When pressure decreases, air expands and when pressure increases, air compresses
pressure = air expands and  pressure = air compresses (becomes compact)

Physiologic loss of hearing both is experienced as one increases altitude, and as one decreases altitude
because inside the middle ear, this expanding air pushes the eardrum outward; or the vacuum created
during compressing air pulls the eardrum inward. It has been recognized as from the beginning of caisson
work (work performed in a watertight structure) that men working under pressures greater than at a
normal atmospheric one, are subject to various illnesses connected with the job.

RADIATION

The motion of electrically charged particles produces electromagnetic waves. These waves are also called
“electromagnetic radiation” because they radiate from the electrically charged particles. They travel
through empty space as well as through air and can penetrate some other substances. Radio waves,
microwaves, visible light and X-rays are all examples of electromagnetic waves.

The electromagnetic spectrum can be divided into two at a wavelength of about 10 nm, which
distinguishes Non-Ionizing Radiation and Ionizing Radiation. Visible light, infrared and microwaves are
types of non-ionizing radiation. X-rays and Gamma rays are examples of ionizing radiation.
 IONIZING RADIATION A radiation consisting of particles, x-rays, or gamma rays with sufficient
energy to cause ionization in the medium through which it passes.
NON-IONIZING RADIATION refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry
enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules that is, to completely remove an electron from an atom or
molecule

Types of Non-Ionizing Radiation:

1. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
2. Infrared (IR) Radiation
3. Laser Radiation
4. Microwave Radiation

Effects of Non-ionizing radiation
Ozone may be produced as a result of electrical discharges or

ionization of the air surrounding non-ionizing radiation sources, e.g. UV, high power laser, microwave
and short duration exposure in excess of a few tenths ppm can result in discomfort (headache, dryness of
mucous membranes and throat).

II. CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Chemicals are important in daily operations, including the life of a person. They exist as solids, liquids
and gases. Their presence and use in the workplace are synonymous with growth and production.
However, chemicals can still cause reactions when these come in contact with objects, people and/ or
other chemicals. It is a type of occupational hazard caused by exposure to substances in the workplace.

Occupational health hazards also arise from contact with chemical agents in the form of vapors, gases,
dusts, fumes, and mists, or by skin contact with these materials. The degree of risk of handling a given
substance depends on the magnitude and duration of exposure.
a. Gases are substances in gaseous state are airborne at room temperature. Examples are chlorine,
hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, phosgene and formaldehyde.
b. Vapor results when substances that are liquid at room temperature evaporate. Examples are the
components of organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, acetone, and xylene.
c. Mist is fine particles of liquid that float in air (particle size of 5 to 100 um approximately. Examples:
nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
d. Dust is a solid harmful substance, sometimes ground, cut or crushed by mechanical actions and fine
particles float in air (particle size of about 1 to 150 um). Examples are metal dusts and asbestos.
e. Fume is a gas (such as metal vapor) condensed in air, chemically changed and becomes fine solid
particles which float in air (particles size of about 0.1 to 1 um). Examples are oxides generated from
molten metal such as cadmium oxide, beryllium oxide, etc.

Routes of Entry into the body:

A. Dermal Absorption/ Injection (Skin)

Important “accidental” route of entry, health effects of chemicals
• Localized irritation
• Generalized reaction (sensitization or allergic reaction)
• Absorption and vascular dissemination
• Increase absorption with increased temperature and perspiration
B. Ingestion
• Accidental swallowing from eating in contaminated area
• Smoking on the job with contaminated fingers and hands
• Ingestion of inhaled materials
C. Inhalation
Most “important” route of industrial chemical exposure
Determinants:
• Concentration in the air
• Duration of exposure
• Amount of air inhaled
D. Optical (Eye) Contamination
Chemicals enter the body thru direct contact with the conjunctiva, then it passes into the canals that drain
tears from the eye

48
 Vapors
A substance diffused or suspended in the air, especially one normally liquid or solid. Occupational
exposure is from:
• Degreasing of metals
• Printing
• Dry-cleaning
• Painting
• Laboratory Analysis

Mist
A water in the form of particles floating or falling in the atmosphere at or near the surface of the earth
and approaching the form of rain. Occupational exposure is via:
• Wastewater treatment
• Acids from electroplating
• Oil mists from cutting & grinding operation
• Mist from Spray painting operation

Fumes
Volatilized solid that condenses when they contact air:
• Soldering operation
• Welding
• Lead-battery making
• Mining operation

Dust
Refers to the suspension of solid particles in air.
Dust are classified according to size:
• Total Dust – all dust particles in the area
• Respirable Dust – fraction of total dust which passes through a selector which can be inhaled and
deposited in the lungs

EXAMPLES OF DUSTS OR PARTICULATES

SILICA DUST METAL DUST ASBESTOS DUST

Building Leaded paint Thermal & acoustic insulation
materials such Grinded metal Fire resistant walls & partitions
as stone, bricks Asbestos cement sheets & flooring
& concrete

WOOD DUST
Flooring
Wood fixtures

Control of chemical hazards:

1. At the Source
• Substitution the chemical • Isolation of the source
• Changing the process • Wetting of dusty work
• Enclosing the source • Installing local exhaust

2. Along the Path

• Applying dilutional ventilation • Increasing distance between the source and the
• Good housekeeping receiver
• Improving general ventilation

3. At the Receiver • Training and Education

• Enclosing workers in control rooms
• Use of PPE
• Rotation of workers
 IV. ERGONOMIC HAZARDS

Ergonomics is a technique that brings together several disciplines to solve problems arising from work
and the working environment. Ergos- work; Nomos- natural way
• Ergonomic hazards cause pain and fatigue from various sources.
• Lead to low productivity and output (mental and physical performance)

The ILO defines ergonomics as “... The application of human biological science in conjunction with the
engineering sciences to achieve the optimum mutual adjustment of man, and his work, the benefits being
measured in terms of human efficiency and well-being.” “Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to
the people who work in them”

Ergonomic hazards can be seen in:

• Poor workplace design – cramped leg area, crowded worktable, distant work materials
• Awkward body postures – prolonged sitting, twisted body while bending
• Repetitive movements – sewing, cutting, stamping
• Static posture – prolonged standing without motion
• Forceful motion – extreme pulling and pushing
• Manual handling – improper carrying of materials, use of pliers.

In a broad sense, the benefits that can be expected from designing work systems to minimize ergonomic
stress on workers are as follows:
• More efficient operation;
• Fewer accidents;
• Lower cost of operation;
• Reduced training time; and
• More effective use of personnel.

III. BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS

Biologic hazards are the cause of infectious disease that can originate from people, animals and plants.
They are characterized by 2 parameters: 1) can reproduce or replicate; 2) living or dead organisms. They
come in the form of Bacteria, Viruses, Molds, Fungi & Parasites even Plants..

• Poor sanitation and housekeeping

• Hospital works
• Removal of industrial waste and sewage
• Poor personal cleanliness

Methods of Identifying Hazards:

1. Walk-through/ocular inspection – this is necessary in identifying the potential hazards and
determining the critical conditions in the workplace. It will be good to make a checklist for
inspection.
2. Review of the process involved – The identity of the chemical intermediates formed in the course
of an industrial process and the toxicological properties of these intermediates may be difficult to
establish. Undesirable chemical by-products such as carbon monoxide resulting from the incomplete
combustion of organic material may be formed.
3. Knowing the raw materials, by-products and finished products – Knowing about the raw
materials used and the nature of the products manufactured will help you determine the specific
contaminants to which workers are actually exposed. Possible impurities in raw materials such as
benzene in some solvents should be considered.
4. Gathering workers’ complaints – the actual chemicals or substances handled may be determined
by interviewing the workers. More so, their complaints can also be gathered and assessed in the
clinic record.
5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a summary of important health, safety and toxicological information on
the chemical or the mixture ingredients.

50
DO 136-2014
Guidelines for the implementation of Globally Harmonized Systems (GHS) in chemical safety
program in the workplace.

Employers must:

▪ Dec 1, 2013 - Train employees on new labels & SDS

▪ June 1, 2016 - Update labels, complete training & update HazCom program

Chemical manufacturers, distributors, importers

▪ June 1, 2015 - Comply with provisions of rule – except can continue to…
▪ December 1, 2015 - ship under old system until this date

Safety Data Sheet (Global Harmonization System) – as the biodata of a chemical, it contains:

1. Chemical Product / Company Details

2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
3. Hazards Identification
4. First Aid Measures
5. Fire Fighting Measures
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
10. Stability and Reactivity
11. Toxicological Information
12. Ecological Information
13. Disposal Considerations
14. Transport Information
15. Regulatory Information
16. Other Information
EVALUATION OF HAZARDS
WORK ENVIRONMENT MEASUREMENT
is the direct measurement of hazards, environmental stresses and their hazardous effects on the workers’
health.
Purpose of Work Environment Measurement (WEM) :
1. Determine the magnitude of harmful environmental agents;
2. Predict the harmfulness of new facilities, processes and methods;
3. To monitor worker’s exposure to hazards;
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of control measures adopted for improvement;
5. Maintain a favorable working condition.

Rule 1070 of OSHS “Occupational Health And Environmental Control”

1. Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)
2. Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
3. Work Environment Measurements (WEM) should be done annually

51
DO 160-16: Guidelines on the Accreditation of Consulting Organizations to Provide WEM Services
1. Establishments shall only seek WEM services from accredited WEM Providers Otherwise, the WEM
shall NOT be regarded as compliant to Rule 1077 (Working Environment Measurement) of the
OSHS
2. NO person or organization shall be allowed, hired or provide WEM services unless the requirements
of this rule are complied with

Accepted Standards:
1. Occupational Safety and Health Standards
2. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ACGIH (Threshold Limit Values
(TLV) (Biological Exposure Indices (BEI))
3. Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA)
4. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Equipment used for environmental monitoring

Recommended Illumination Levels

1. A minimum of 50 lux – passageway, corridor, warehouse, concrete placement, excavation and
waste areas, access ways
2. A minimum of 100 lux – engine and boiler rooms; toilets and washrooms, General construction
plants and shops, Carpentry shops, barracks or living quarters, tunnel and shaft heading during
drilling
3. A minimum of 300 lux – medium inspection; office deskwork with intermittent reading and writing
for filing and mail sorting. Lunch room, Locker room, Rest room, Shower room.
4. A minimum of 500 lux – fine inspection, fine woodworking, welding, Core Making, Shearing,
Stamping, Punch press, Spinning, Woodworking, Planing, First aid station, accounting, drafting,
stenographic work.
5. A minimum of 1000 lux – extra fine assembling; jewelry and watch mfg; proofreading in printing
plants. Chipping, Grinding, Fine core making, Machine shop bench work

Permissible Noise Exposure Level:

Duration / day Sound Level

Hours Decibels dB
8.0 90
4.0 93
2.0 96
1.0 99
0.5 102
0.25 or less 105

C. Comparison of measurement results with standards

Laboratory analysis results are compared with the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). These are exposure
guidelines that have been established for airborne concentration of many chemical compounds.
Concentrations of hazards that exceed the TLVs can cause adverse effects to humans. There are three
categories of TLVs:

1. Time-Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) is the time-weighted average concentration for a normal 8-

hour workday or 40-hour workweek to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after
day, without adverse health effects.
2. Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) is the maximum concentration to which workers can be
exposed continuously for 15 minutes without suffering any harm. Not to exceed 4 exposures in one
day.
3. Ceiling (TLV-C) is the concentration that should not be exceeded during any part of the working
exposure; otherwise, the exposed workers might be vulnerable to serious risks.
Evaluation
The measurement data will be compared with existing standards or guidelines:
• Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) guideline used by ACGIH
• Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) -standard used by OSHA (DOL)
• Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
• Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) guideline used by NIOSH - the new PEL (CDCP)
• Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MACs)
Action Level
• The level of a harmful or toxic substance/activity which requires medical surveillance, increased
industrial hygiene monitoring, or biological monitoring. (NIOSH and OSHA)
• Action Levels for TLV for chemical is 50% of its TLV

Control Measures Mitigating Hazards at the Source

• Eliminate the source
• Substitution using a less harmful or less hazardous chemical or process
• Isolation – enclose sources or the employee, or the source and some employees together rather than all
employees, use machine guards
• Modification of the source or process
• Automation – use robotic, remote or computer aided products
• Separation – place the source in a different location to the employee
• Local Exhaust Ventilation – using ventilation to capture contaminant at the source to prevent it from dispensing

VENTILATION
The process of supplying and removing air by natural or mechanical means to and from any space
1. General or Dilution
• Natural Ventilation
• Mechanical Ventilation
2. Local Exhaust Ventilation
• Enclosure hood
• Capturing hood
• Receiving hood
General Ventilation – is classified into mechanical ventilation which utilizes fans and blowers and
natural ventilation which uses natural airflow (wind) caused by difference in temperature, room air
pressure through open doors or windows, roof ventilators, and chimneys, etc.

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) - Local exhaust ventilation system incorporating hoods, ductworks,
air cleaning device, fans and blowers and exhaust ducts is commonly used in industrial ventilation.

Common errors in applying extraction are:

1. the effectiveness of small hoods is usually overestimated – be realistic
2. the hood is usually too far away from the process
3. the hood doesn’t surround the process enough
4. inadequate airflow
5. failure to check that the extraction continues to work
6. workers are not consulted, so they don’t understand the importance of extraction and do not use it properly

CLEAR POINTS
1. Industrial Hygiene is the identification, evaluation, and control of environmental hazards in the
workplace.
2. Safety Data Sheets provides information for Identification, Evaluation, Control of Chemical
Hazards.
3. Work Environment Measurement is needed for proper evaluation of Environmental Hazards.
4. Concentrations of hazards that exceed the TLVs can cause adverse effects to humans.
5. All hazards can be controlled (Engineering, Administrative & PPE), some situations will require
more than one control measure to obtain optimum results.
6. As Safety Officer, we need to understand the Identification & Evaluation of Hazards for
appropriateness of Controls to be recommended.

53
 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

An inspection a day keeps the accident away.

OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the module, participants will be able to:
• Explain the basic concept of occupational health
• Identify health effects of common hazards in construction work
• Recommend appropriate health interventions to prevent and control occupational or work-related
health problems
• Rule 1960 of OSHS; OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

Occupational Health Defined (ILO / WHO)

“The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of
workers in all occupations by…
• PREVENTING workers from getting sick,
• PROTECTING workers from health risks,
• PLACING worker in tasks adapted to his ability.”

Workplace Hazards
1. Safety Hazard
Something that has a potential for harm or injury
a) Tripping, falling and slipping hazards. (Poor Housekeeping)
b) Mechanical hazards
c) Electrical hazards
d) Fire
e) Material Handling

2. Health Hazard
Something that has a potential to cause illness or ill health
a) Physical Hazards
b) Chemical Hazards
c) Biological Hazards
d) Ergonomic Hazards

Safety hazards encompass any type of substance, condition or object that can injure workers. Many types
of workplaces they can include spills on floors, walkways blocked by cords or boxes, falls from heights,
machinery with moving parts, confined spaces and electrical hazards such as frayed cords.

BASIC CAUSES ILLNESS / INJURY (WORK-RELATED ILLNESS / INJURIES)

Workplace Factors
1. Exposure duration or the length of time of being vulnerable to work hazards.
Constant exposure to amounts, which have low levels in the workplace over a prolonged period of time,
increases the risk of disease after a latency period (the interval between exposure to a hazard(s) and the
clinical appearance of disease);

2. Magnitude, level or dose of exposure. As the concentration or amount of a hazard is increased the
likely it can do more harm.

3. Timing of exposure. This is related to exposure duration. A worker who is exposed to a hazard
continuously or for several periods in a day is more at risk than those with less exposure

4. Multiplicity of exposure. Exposures to mixtures of hazards or several chemicals at the same time
can cause synergistic or cumulative effects.

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Personal Factors
1. Age is an important factor since elderly and young workers have poor metabolic processes, which
allow a buildup of toxic substances. In a normal adult, these substances can be easily neutralized.

2. Sex is a very important consideration, too. A hazardous agent may be toxic to female workers and
not toxic to male workers or vice versa. For pregnant women, some toxins may cause developmental
problems in the fetus. Lead and mercury have been documented to cause neurological defects in the
offspring of exposed pregnant women. In both men and women, other toxins may affect their
reproductive systems.

3. The genetic make-up of a worker should also be considered because those with history of allergies
will find it difficult to work in an environment where their allergies would likely flare up. Also those
with enzyme deficiencies may not be able to handle toxic substances that enter the body.

4. Your medical history is important to identify previous illnesses, which may be aggravated by
substances, or agents found in the workplace. An anemic (weak and pale) worker who will be employed
in a company using lead may continue suffering from anemia (condition characterized by an abnormally
low number of red blood cells in the circulating blood) due to lead exposure. A worker diagnosed with a
liver disease should be closely monitored if he/she would be working with solvents since which may
compromise the liver functions.

5. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, drug
abuse, among others can alter a worker’s natural defense mechanisms and increase the chance of
developing ill-effects. For example, higher risk of liver disease in a worker exposed to solvents and a
history of alcohol consumption; or increased risk of hypertension in a worker with occupational stress
who is also eating high salt and high fat diet. The risk of lung cancer is much greater in workers who
have workplace exposure to asbestos fibers and who also

Monitoring
1. Surveillance in occupational health practice covers periodic, systematic and continuous hazard
assessment and medical examination.
2. Surveillance data will provide trends or emerging patterns in workplace hazards and illnesses.
3. Surveillance has to be followed by preventive action (appropriate control measures) and evaluation
of the effectiveness of intervention.
4. Surveillance is conducted to meet regulatory requirements.

Types of Monitoring
1. Ambient / Environmental (Work Environment Monitoring)
2. Biological (Blood, Urine, Stool, Chest X-ray, Tissue cultures)
3. Medical Surveillance (Employment Medical Examinations)

WORK ENVIRONMENT MEASUREMENT is the direct measurement of hazards, environmental

stresses and their hazardous effects on the workers’ health.

BIOLOGICAL MONITORING is a way of assessing chemical exposures by measuring the chemical

or its breakdown products in a biological sample (usually urine, blood or breath).

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE - is the systematic assessment of employees exposed or potentially

exposed to occupational hazards. This assessment monitors individuals for adverse health effects and
determines the effectiveness of exposure prevention strategies.
Pre-employment (Entrance), Periodic Examinations, Special Examinations, Transfer Examinations,
Separation Examinations
Rule 1960: Occupational Health Services : Health Programs shall include:
1. Entrance or Pre-Employment
2. Periodic
3. Special examination
4. Transfer examination
5. Separation examination

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Monitoring Strategies

Physiological - related to the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms
and their parts. Medico-Physiologic - Medical

Medical Surveillance
1. Pre-employment or Entrance Exam
1.1. Medical history
1.2. Physical examination
1.3. Medical history and P.E.
1.4. Baseline blood levels of chemicals or their metabolites
2. Periodic examination - Annual Medical Examination Same as pre-employment
3. Special examination
• X-ray of affected body part
• CT-scan of affected body part
• Other appropriate laboratory examinations
• May include random Drug Testing; Biological Monitoring, COVID-19 Testing
4. Transfer examination:
• Base line health status prior to transfer.
• comorbidity cases
• results will determine the transfer.
5. Separation examination:
• Medical history and PE.
• Blood levels of chemicals or their metabolites

Biological Monitoring
• Measurement and assessment of agents or their metabolites either in tissues, secreta,
excreta, expired air, or any combination.
• Assessment to overall systemic exposure to chemicals by measurement of the
chemicals or their metabolites in blood, urine or breath.
• Evaluates exposure compared to reference.
✓ Biological exposure
✓ Chemical absorbed- acute/chronic

• Purpose of Medical

Surveillance Primary -

Prevention of illness.
• - Aims of Occupational Health (WHO, ILO)
• Secondary - Early detection of work-related health problems and determining its cause.

56
 Occupational Health - The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and
social well-being of workers in all occupations by PREVENTING workers from getting sick,
PROTECTING workers from health risks, and PLACING worker in tasks adapted to his ability.”

Example of Hazards in Construction Industry

OCCUPATIONS HAZARDS TARGET ORGAN SYSTEM

Wood dust, heavy loads, repetitive
Carpenters Lungs, Musculo-Skeletal System (Disorders)
motion
Heavy metals in solder fumes, asbestos Red Blood Cells, Kidneys, CNS (Brain), Musculo-
Electricians
dust, awkward posture Skeletal Disorders
Solvents, paint additives, toxic metals in CNS Depression (Narcosis), Reproductive System,
Painters
pigments Liver, Pulmonary Edema (Lungs)
Demolition workers Asbestos, noise, lead, dust Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer (Lungs)
Solvents from adhesives, awkward CNS Depression (Narcosis), Reproductive System,
Tile setters
postures Liver, Pulmonary Edema (Lungs), MSD’s

Cement, awkward posture, heavy loads Irritation of Respiratory Tract, Skin and/or Eyes,
Masons
Pneumoconiosis, MSD’s

Pipefitters, plumbers Lead fumes and particles, asbestos Red Blood Cells, Kidneys, CNS (Brain)
Ears, HAVS, Disorders of the spine,
Drillers Noise, vibration, dust
Pneumoconiosis
Truck and equipment Ears, Disorders of the spine, Skin, Circulatory
Noise, vibration, engine exhaust
operators System
Highway and street Ears, Disorders of the spine, Skin, Circulatory
Asphalt emissions, heat, engine exhaust
construction workers System
Welders, solderers Welding emissions, metal fumes, lead Red Blood Cells, Kidneys, CNS (Brain), MSD’s

Narcosis (depresses the normal function of CNS-sensory, integration, and motor-most functions of the
body and mind) Headache, dizziness, drunken feeling, disorientation, confusion, loss of consciousness,
short term memory, Mesothelioma (a malignant growth in the pleural lining of the lung)

Pneumoconiosis (accumulation of dust in lungs)

HEALTH HAZARDS CLASSIFICATION

Physical Hazard Biological Hazard Chemical Hazard Ergonomics

1. Noise 1. Viruses 1. Dusts 1. Non-Recovery of the
2. Vibration 2. Bacteria 2. Gases body
3. Radiation 3. Fungi 3. Vapors 2. Repetitive Nature of the
4. Illumination 4. Insects 4. Fumes work
5. Temperature Extremes 5. Mists 3. Uncomfortable working
6. Radiation stations
7. Abnormal Pressure

PHYSICAL HAZARD is an agent, factor or circumstance that can cause harm without contact. Physical
hazards include ergonomic hazards, radiation, heat and cold stress, vibration hazards, and noise hazards.

A physical hazard can injure workers with or without contact.

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 TYPES OF PHYSICAL HAZARDS

I. NOISE
It’s harmful and unwanted sound (e.g. Noise from Construction Industry)

Early Signs Hearing Loss

• Difficulty in understanding spoken words in a noisy environment
• Need to be near or look at the person speaking to help understand words
• Complaints that people do not speak clearly
• Ringing noises in the ears (tinnitus)

Adverse Health Effects Of Noise

Acute Effects:
1. Acoustic Trauma (explosion, gunshot)
• It is an injury to the inner ear that's often caused by exposure to a high-decibel noise. This
injury can occur after exposure to a single, very loud noise or from exposure to noises at
significant decibels over a longer period of time

2. Temporary Threshold shift (Disco)

• It is a temporary shift in the auditory threshold. It may occur suddenly after exposure to
a high level of noise, a situation in which most people experience reduced hearing.

3. Tinnitus
4. Poor communication

Chronic or Long term effects:

1. Permanent Threshold shift
2. Noise induced hearing loss
3. Psychosomatic effects

Psychosomatic means mind (psyche) and body (soma). A psychosomatic disorder is a disease which
involves both mind and body. Some physical diseases are thought to be particularly prone to being made
worse by mental factors such as stress and anxiety.
Causal relationships have been discovered between noise and psychological effects such as
annoyance, psychiatric disorders, and effects on psychosocial well-being.

Control Measures for Noise

• Engineering Control – Purchase new equipment / PMS Isolation / damping
• Administrative Control – Job rotation / breaks / shifting
• PPE – Ear plugs / ear muffs

II. EXTREME OF TEMPERATIURES: HEAT

Thermoregulatory Mechanism

Adverse Health Effects of Heat Stress

1. Heat Cramps – are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise
or strenuous activity in hot environments.

2. Heat Exhaustion – a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse,
a result of your body overheating; Cold, pale, clammy skin, nausea and vomiting, weakness,
dizziness, weak pulse, fainting.

3. Heat Stress – is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable
to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails,
and the body is unable to cool down; High Body Temp (39°C or 103°F), Hot, Red, Dry or Damp
Skin, Fast & Strong Pulse, Losing Consciousness.

Control Measures for Heat Stress

• Engineering Control – Isolation by Providing Temporary Tent / Shelter, Provision of Drinking
Stations adjacent to work areas

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 • Administrative Control – Job rotation, Establish work-rest schedule, breaks, Instructions to
Increase in Fluid Intake, Medical Surveillance
• PPE – Cotton Long sleeves uniform, UV Protection Eyewear

LABOR ADVISORY NO. 3-16 – Safety and Health Measures to Prevent and Control Heat Stress at the
Workplace

III. EXTREME OF TEMPERATIURES: COLD

Adverse Health Effects of Heat Stress

1. Frostnip – The mildest form of freezing injury, it occurs when the top layers of skin freeze
(usually ear lobes, noses, cheeks, fingers or toes). The affected area turns white and may feel
numb; the top layer of skin feels hard but the deeper tissue still feels normal (soft).

2. Frostbite – Freezing of the deep layers of skin (usually fingers, ears, nose, hands, feet, toes).
Skin turns pale, numb and hard.

3. Hypothermia – Body loses heat faster than it can produce it. It is sneaky and often kills before
people are aware of the danger. Symptoms include shivering, poor body coordination, being
groggy or having slurred speech and the inability to think or pay attention.

Control Measures for Heat Stress

• Engineering Control – Isolation by provision of Heated Shelter / Temporary shelter or break
areas
• Administrative Control – Job rotation / breaks / Shifting/serving hot foods / Medical
Surveillance
• PPE – Cotton uniform, Jackets, Raincoat, Gloves, etc.

IV. VIBRATION
Physical factor which affects man by transmission of mechanical energy from oscillating sources.

Segmental Vibration
Adverse Health Effects:
1. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
2. Tingling
3. Numbness
4. Blanching of fingers
5. Pain

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 Spinal diseases often cause pain when bone changes put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. They can
also limit movement.
Quadriplegia / Tetraplegia: is when a person has a spinal cord injury above the first thoracic vertebra,
paralysis usually affects the cervical spinal nerves resulting in paralysis of all four limbs.
Paraplegia: is when the level of spinal cord injury occurs below the first thoracic spinal nerve. The
degree at which the person is paralyzed can vary from the impairment of leg movement, to complete
paralysis of the legs and abdomen up to the nipple line. Paraplegics have full use of their arms and hands.

Whole Body Vibration

Adverse Health Effects:
1. Fatigue
2. Irritability
3. Headache
4. Disorders of the spine

Control Measures for Vibration

1. Engineering Control – Purchase new equipment / PMS Rubber Dampening Pads, Vibration
damping seats
2. Administrative Control – Job rotation / breaks / Shifting// Medical Surveillance
3. PPE – Anti-Vibration Gloves
V. Illumination
Excess or Inadequate Illumination can be describe as the following:
Recommended Illumination Levels

Area of Operation Min Lighting Level (lux)

Chipping, Grinding, Fine core making, Machine shop bench work 1000
Fine inspection, fine woodworking, welding, Core Making, Shearing, Stamping,
Punch press, Spinning, Woodworking, Planning, First aid station. 500

Lunch room, Locker room, Rest room, Shower room. 300

General construction plants and shops, Carpentry shops, barracks or living
100
quarters, tunnel and shaft heading during drilling
Passageway, corridor, warehouse, concrete placement, excavation and waste
50
areas, access ways

Adverse Health Effects of Illumination

1. Visual Fatigue 4. Painful Irritation
2. Double Vision 5. Lacrimation
3. Headaches 6. Conjunctivitis
 Control Measures for Illumination
• Engineering Control – Improve illumination by:
o Adding: natural light sources, artificial light sources
o Reduce: isolation or enclosure
• Administrative Control – eye examination

VI. PHYSICAL HAZARD: RADIATION

Radiation is energy that travels through space in the form of electromagnetic waves or sub-atomic
particles. There are two main types of radiation: IONIZING and NONIONIZING.

Types Sources Health Effects

Ionizing is caused by unstable atoms giving off X-rays Cancer, congenital defects, death
energy to reach a more stable state.

Non-ionizing is described as a series of energy Ultraviolet Skin redness, Premature skin

waves composed of oscillating electric and Welding ageing, and Skin cancer
magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light Arcs Corneal and Conjunctival burns,
Infrared Retinal injury and Cataract
Laser
Microwaves

Adverse Health Effects of Radiation

1. UV Keratitis
2. Cataract

UV Radiation Exposure / Welding Arcs

Welding arcs give off radiation over a broad range of wavelengths - from 200 nm (nanometers) to 1,400
nm (or 0.2 to 1.4 µm, micrometers). These ranges include ultraviolet (UV) radiation (200 to 400 nm),
visible light (400 to 700 nm), and infrared (IR) radiation (700 to 1,400 nm).
UV Radiation is divided into three ranges - UV-A (315 to 400 nm), UV-B (280 to 315 nm) and UV-C
(100 to 280 nm). UV-C and almost all UV-B are absorbed in the cornea of the eye. UV-A passes through
cornea and is absorbed in the lens of the eye.
Some UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation can reach the retina.
Keratitis is a condition in which the eye's cornea, the clear dome on the front surface of the eye, becomes
inflamed. S & Sx is pain, impaired eyesight, photophobia (light sensitivity), red eye and a 'gritty'
sensation

Control Measures for Radiation

• Engineering Control – Isolation of workshops
• Administrative Control – Job rotation / shifting / breaks
• PPE – Welding Mask, Spectacles, Welding Apron, etc.

VII. PHYSICAL HAZARD: PRESSURE

This is the atmospheric force that is constantly applied on the body, which may be affected by
changes in altitude or artificially induced work conditions. Construction of tunnels and bridge
foundations below the water table requires laborers (known as sandhogs) to work in pressurized
environments to keep out the water. “Caisson disease” (decompression sickness) was first observed
in these workers.

Adverse Health Effects from Abnormal Pressure

1. Headaches – low barometric/atmospheric pressure can cause headaches or migraines by creating a
pressure difference between the atmosphere and the air-filled sinuses. The problem is exacerbated
when the sinuses are congested or blocked for any reason.

2. Joint Pain – link between changes in barometric pressure and ambient temperature and changes in
knee pain severity. It's not clear why a falling barometer would exacerbate joint pain and arthritis,
but studies such as this one confirm that they do. It could be that barometric pressure affects the
viscosity of the fluid that lines joint sacs, or it could be that it triggers the pain responses in the nerve
endings of the joint.

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3. Blood Pressure – our blood moves through our bodies using a pressure system created by the heart.
So it makes sense that this pressure would be affected by the pressure in the air around us, when the
barometric pressure drops, so does your blood pressure. For some, this might mean a feeling of
dizziness or even blurred vision.

4. Acute decompression syndrome (Caisson’s disease) – is an acute neurological emergency in

divers. It is caused due to release of nitrogen gas bubbles that impinge the blood vessels of the spinal
cord and brain and result in severe neurodeficit (abnormally weak function of the nervous system).
Control Measures for Pressure
Pressure
• Pre-employment screening
• Training (pre-event)
• Scheduled work duration
• Exercise (during event)
• Medical monitoring / medications
• Rehabilitation (post-event)

TYPES OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS

3 Types
1. Solid
2. Liquid
3. Gas
Routes Of Entry Into The Body
1. Inhalation
2. Ingestion
3. Skin Contact
4. Eye Contamination

Workers can be exposed to chemicals in liquids, gases, vapors, fumes and particulate materials. Chemical
hazards include acids, pesticides, carbon monoxide, flammable liquids, welding fumes, silica dust
and fiberglass fibers.

a. Gases are substances in gaseous state are airborne at room temperature. Examples are chlorine,
hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, phosgene and formaldehyde.
b. Vapor results when substances that are liquid at room temperature evaporate. Examples are the
components of organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, acetone, and xylene.
c. Mist is fine particles of a liquid float in air (particle size of 5 to 100 um approximately.
Examples: nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
d. Dust is solid harmful substances are ground, cut or crushed by mechanical actions and fine
particles float in air (particle size of about 1 to 150 um). Examples are metal dusts and asbestos.
e. Fume is a gas (such as metal vapor) condensed in air, chemically changed and becomes fine
solid particles, which float in air (particles size of about 0.1 to 1 um). Examples are oxides
generated from molten metal such as cadmium oxide, beryllium oxide, etc.

Adverse Health Effects from Chemical Exposure

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 Acute vs. Chronic Toxicity

ACUTE CHRONIC
Represents cumulative damage to specific organ systems
Occurs almost immediately (hours/days) after an
exposure Many months or years to have recognizable clinical disease

Absorption of phenol through the skin creating a

Inhalation of lead causing damage to the kidneys
chemical burn

Inhalation of formaldehyde causing irritation to mucus

Inhalation of asbestos causing cancer to the lungs
membranes

Toxicity is the intrinsic capacity of a chemical agent to adversely affect an organism, including humans.

Chemical Hazards Adverse Health OutcomesAs stated in Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Toxicological
Information section:
• Neurologic (brain, nerves)
• Cardiovascular (heart, blood vessels)
• Hematologic (blood)
• Respiratory (airway, lungs)
• Renal (kidneys)
• Urologic (bladder)
• Gastrointestinal (stomach, intestines)
• Dermatologic (skin)
• Teratogenic (birth defects)
• Carcinogenic (cancer)

ORGANIC SOLVENTS

Sources / Exposure Routes of Entry Health Effects

Paints Inhalation of vapors Narcosis (depresses the normal function of CNS)
Varnishes Skin absorption Headache, dizziness, drunken feeling, disorientation,
Adhesives confusion, loss of consciousness, short term memory
Preservation agents Reproductive: Infertility
Liver : Cirrhosis, Cancer
Respiratory : Pulmonary Edema
Kidney : Glomerulonephritis
Skin Effects : Irritative effects

DUST: Cement
Sources / Exposure Routes of Entry Health Effects
Cement Mfg. Inhalation WET POWDER
Construction Skin Absorption Skin - irritation
Eyes – abrasion, irritation
DRY POWDER
Eyes – irritation
Respiratory Tract – irritation, small airway
disease, pneumoconiosis (accumulation of dust in
lungs)

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CONTROL measures for chemical hazards
Chemical safety is the practice of handling chemicals in a safe manner, minimizing the hazard to public
and personal health.

1. Ensure appropriate/correct environment where chemicals are being used and stored (good
ventilation, with exhaust system, etc.)
2. Read and understand the SDS*- a guide used to control/manage chemical hazards.
3. Only trained chemical handlers are allowed to handle chemicals
4. Know and understand the Health Impact and HAZARD of Chemicals being handled;
5. Be focused and implement correct handling, storage and use of PPEs

BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
1. TUBERCULOSIS
➢ When a person with contagious TB disease coughs, sings, sneezes, or laughs, TB germs can
be forced from the lungs into the air
➢ Another person MAY breathe in the bacteria
➢ If the bacteria make it into the lungs and are not killed by the body’s immune system, the person
becomes “infected”
➢ DOLE - Department order no. 73-05 “Guidelines for the implementation of policy and
program on Tuberculosis prevention and control in the workplace”
2. HIV / AIDS
• HIV is the virus which causes AIDS.
• AIDS is a serious and usually fatal condition in which the body’s immune system is severely
weakened and cannot fight off infection.

DOLE – Department Order NO.102-10 Guidelines for the implementation of policy and program on
HIV/AIDS prevention and control in the workplace
ELISA, which stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV infection

HIV can enter the bloodstream

• During unprotected sex
• Through transfusions of contaminated blood or blood products
• Puncturing of the skin by needle or sharps infected with HIV
• From an HIV positive mother to her baby
3. HEPATITIS B
This is a general term referring to inflammation of the liver from risk factors:
Infectious- Viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic
Non-Infectious - alcohol, auto-immune, drugs and metabolic disease

HBV is NOT transmitted by casual contact in the workplace

It is NOT spread through contaminated food and water
that is Hepatitis A

Mode of transmission:
• Sexual contact
• Mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth (vertical transmission)
• Blood (Contaminated)
4. COVID-19
What is COVID-19
• is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus,
and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as '2019 novel coronavirus'
or '2019-nCoV.'

Most at Risk Workers and Vulnerable Group

• Employers are highly encouraged to allow these workers to do work from home arrangement.
Work Agreements should be developed to detail the deliverables from these employees and
there shall be no diminution in wages or benefits.
• Employees at higher risks:
• >60 yrs. old employees
• With pre-existing illness i.e. hypertension, diabetes, cancer, or with
immunocompromised health status
• Pregnant women
 How does COVID-19 spread?
• Primarily through close contact with someone who is infected, and
• By touching contaminated objects and surfaces.

COVID-19 Detection
COVID-19 RT-PCR test is a “real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)”
test for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in upper and lower respiratory
specimens (such as nasal, nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, sputum, lower respiratory tract
aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage, and nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate or nasal aspirate) collected from
individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider
Engineering Controls Against COVID-19
• Quarantine facilities
• Physical barricades
• Disinfection of sites/vehicles
• Sanitizing foot-baths
• Vaccine
Administrative Controls against COVID-19
• Physical distancing protocols
• RT-PCR or Rapid Testing
• Quarantine procedures (14 days)
• Government Guidelines
• Proper hand washing
• Work-from-home
• Temperature scanning

DTI and DOLE INTERIM GUIDELINES ON WORKPLACE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

OF COVID-19
1. Coverage – all workplaces, employers, workers in the private sectors
2. Workplace safety and health
A. Increasing physical and mental resilience – diet, rest, exercise
B. Reducing transmission – physical distancing, wearing of face mask, disinfection of
C. Minimize contact rate – WFH, physical distancing, online instead of face-to face meetings
D. Reducing risk of infection – employees with symptoms to be checked immediately, proper
PPE (esp. front-liners), decontamination of workplace
3. Duties of employers and workers – Policies, resources, designation of SO, local hiring, Covid- 19 hotline

COVID-19 OSH Program Requirements

• Identification Prior to entrance in building or workplace
• Identification Inside the workplace
• Identification to Minimize contact rate
• Identification In the event that a worker is suspected as having COVID-19:
• Duties of Employer and Workers:
• COVID-19 Testing
• Most at Risk Workers and Vulnerable Group
• Assistance by the DTI and DOLE
• Reporting of Illnesses/Disease/Injuries

PPE: Mask, gloves, face shield, chemical suit, rubber boots, shoe cover

Ergonomics
“The science of adapting the workplace, job, and tool to the worker, not just the other way around
We can optimize HUMAN WELL-BEING by proper implementation of Human
Biological Science and Engineering Science

RISK FACTORS:
• Static posture, Awkward posture, Extreme range of motion
• Forceful exertion
• Repetitive movement
CONTROL measures for ergonomic hazards
Engineering methods
Workplace or Tools/Modification
Administrative Control
Take regular breaks, from work, Alternate work tasks, Regular stretching

Substance Abuse
Impacts of Alcohol and Drugs at Work - Physical, Mental, Safety and Productivity

Section 12. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OSH) PROGRAM

b) For medium to high risk establishments with 10–50 workers and low to high risk establishments
with 51 workers and above. – The OSH program, which shall be duly signed by the employer,
must include at least the following:
1. Company commitment to comply with OSH requirements;
2. General safety and health programs, including:
3. Safety and health hazard identification, risk assessment and control (HIRAC),
4. Medical surveillance for early detection and management of occupational and work-related
diseases, and
5. First aid and emergency medical services;
6. Drug-free workplace (RA 9165),
7. Mental health services in the workplace (RA 11036), and
8. Healthy lifestyle;

CLEAR POINTS

1. The purpose of medical surveillance in occupational health is to Identify, Evaluate and Control
Occupational Illnesses in the workplace.
2. We can refer to Safety Data Sheet on the health effects and control of chemicals used in the
workplace.
3. Occupational diseases and work-related illnesses can be prevented
4. Development of Company policies and programs are important to promote, protect and monitor
workers’ health in compliance to Laws, standards and guidelines exist to promote health and
well-being of workers; serves as legal basis for putting up a health program

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 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Seen as the last resort in controlling hazards, we now discuss the familiar term called PPE.

OBJECTIVE:
1. The participant is expected to know the functions of PPE, the different types and their limitations.
2. They are also expected to know the components to prepare a PPE Program to serve as a guide in
managing PPE’s.

If the hazard cannot be removed, and a worker is needed for the operation (or equipment), then the last
resort is to put a barrier between the worker and the hazard – thus the PPE. Actually, PPE can be used in
conjunction with engineering controls and administrative methods.

Uses of PPEs
1. Where temporary control measures are necessary before engineering controls are installed
2. To supplement engineering controls in reducing exposure during maintenance and repair
3. During emergencies
4. It is the last line of defense

However, PPEs protective devices have one serious drawback - they do not reduce or eliminate the
hazard. The fact that a protective device may become ineffective when the wearer lacks sufficient
knowledge on how to use it, adds to the limitation of these PPE.

1. Head protection – hardhat, cap, visor

2. Foot protection – safety shoes, boots
3. Hand protection – gloves
4. Eye protection – goggles or safety glasses
5. Hearing protection – ear plugs or ear muffs
6. Respiratory protection – SCBA, mask

The use of this should be confined to certain situations:

1. Where temporary control measures are necessary before engineering controls installed.
2. Where engineering controls are not practicable.
3. To supplement engineering controls in reducing exposure during maintenance and repair.
4. During emergencies

PPEs vary in design, equipment specifications, application and protective capability. Proper selection
depends on the toxic substance involved, conditions of exposure, human capabilities and equipment fit.
In this module though, we will be giving particular attention to respiratory protective equipment.

During exposure to hazards, as a last resort, workers turn to protect themselves with a barrier – called
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE. The degree of risk depends on the severity of the hazard, and the
degree of exposure. PPE is the last line of defense in Industrial Hygiene control; it does not eliminate the
hazard; it aids in controlling individual exposure.

What is personal protective equipment?

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure
to serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with
chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective
equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats,
respirators, or coveralls, vests and full body suits.

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Eye and Face Protection
Employees can be exposed to a large number of hazards that pose
danger to their eyes and face. OSH Standards requires employers to
ensure that employees have appropriate eye or face protection if they
are exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal,
liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors,
potentially infected material or potentially harmful light radiation. Goggles

Many occupational eye injuries occur because workers are not wearing any eye protection while others
result from wearing improper or poorly fitting eye protection. Employers must be sure that their
employees wear appropriate eye and face protection and that the selected form of protection is appropriate
to the work being performed and properly fits each worker exposed to the hazard. Spectacles, Goggles,
Safety goggles, Face shields

Head Protection
Protecting employees from potential head injuries is a key element of any safety program. A head injury
can impair an employee for life or it can be fatal. Wearing a safety helmet or hard hat is one of the easiest
ways to protect an employee's head from injury. Hard hats can protect employees from impact and
penetration hazards as well as from electrical shock and burn hazards.

Hard hats are divided into three industrial classes:

• Class A - hard hats provide impact and penetration resistance
along with limited voltage protection (up to 2,200 volts).
• Class B - hard hats provide the highest level of protection
against electrical hazards, with high-voltage shock and burn
protection (up to 20,000 volts). They also provide protection
from impact and penetration hazards by flying/falling objects.
• Class C - hard hats provide lightweight comfort and impact
protection but offer no protection from electrical hazards.

Foot and Leg Protection

Employees who face possible foot or leg injuries from falling or rolling objects Hard Hat
or from crushing or penetrating materials should wear protective footwear. Also,
employees whose work involves exposure to hot substances or corrosive or
poisonous materials must have protective gear to cover exposed body parts,
including legs and feet. If an employee's feet may be exposed to electrical
hazards, non-conductive footwear should be worn. On the other hand,
workplace exposure to static electricity may necessitate the use of conductive
footwear. (Leggings, Metatarsal guards, Toe guards, Combination foot and shin
guards, Safety shoes). Steel Toed Boots

Hand and Arm Protection

If a workplace hazard assessment reveals that employees face potential injury to hands
and arms that cannot be eliminated through engineering and work practice controls,
employers must ensure that employees wear appropriate protection. Potential hazards
include skin absorption of harmful substances, chemical or thermal burns, electrical
dangers, bruises, abrasions, cuts, punctures, fractures and amputations. Protective
equipment includes gloves, finger guards and arm coverings or elbow-length
gloves.
Employers should explore all possible engineering and work practice controls to Chemical Resistant Gloves
eliminate hazards and use PPE to provide additional protection against hazards

that cannot be completely eliminated through other means. For example, machine guards may eliminate
a hazard. Installing a barrier to prevent workers from placing their hands at the point of contact between
a table saw blade and the item being cut is another method.

67
Body Protection
Employees who face possible bodily injury of any kind that cannot be
eliminated through engineering, work practice or administrative controls,
must wear appropriate body protection while performing their jobs. In
addition to cuts and radiation, the following are examples of workplace
hazards that could cause bodily injury:
Temperature extremes; Hot splashes from molten metals and other hot
liquids; Potential impacts from tools, machinery and materials; Hazardous
chemicals.

Cover All / Jump Suit

Hearing Protection
Determining the need to provide hearing protection for employees can be
challenging. Employee exposure to excessive noise depends upon a number of
factors, including:

The loudness of the noise as measured in decibels (dB). The duration of each
employee's exposure to the noise. Whether employees move between work
areas with different noise levels. Whether noise is generated from one or
Ear Muffs and Ear Plugs
multiple sources.

EARPLUGS
Hearing protectors placed inside the ear to block out noise. To work effectively, they should fit snugly
into the ear canal. Discuss

EARMUFFS
A device composed of a headband with two cushioned ear cups that form a seal around the outer ear,
covering it completely and blocking out the noise.

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

Is a rating system used to determine the effectiveness of hearing protection devices to decrease sound
exposure within a given working environment.

Formula:
• Earplugs - Approximate Noise Protective Level = Noise Level – [ (NRR – 7) x 0.5 ]
• Earmuffs - Approximate Noise Protective Level = Noise Level – [ (NRR – 7) x 0.75 ]

Example of Using the NRR : For Earplugs:

Approximate Noise Protective Level = Noise Level – [ (NRR – 7) x 0.5 ]
PROCEDURE
1. Noise level: 95 dB(A)
2. NRR of hearing protectors: 33 dB
3. Subtract 7 dB from the NRR: 33 dB - 7 dB = 26 dB
4. Multiply by 1/2: 26 X 1/2 = 13 dB
5. Subtract 13 dB from the Approximate Noise Protective Level: 95 dBA - 13 dB = 82 dB

Respiratory Protection
When employees must work in environments with insufficient oxygen or where
harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays are present, they
need respirators. These health hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, other
diseases, or death.

68
Air Purifying
Filtering air impurities which are present in the atmosphere before they are inhaled by the worker.
• Filter- type
• Cartridge- type

Respirator Filter Definition

N-SERIES FILTERS
Filters restricted to use in an atmosphere free of oil aerosols
R-SERIES FILTERS
Filters intended for removal of any particle including oil-based liquid aerosol. Used only for single shift
(8 hours of continuous or intermittent use)
P-SERIES FILTERS
Filters intended for removal of any particle including oil-based liquid aerosols. Should be used and re-
used for not more than 40 hours or 30 days whichever comes first

Air Supplying
Provides continuous supply of uncontaminated air also known as -
(Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus [SCBA]) Used in:
• Confined spaces or oxygen deficient areas
• Concentration of contaminant is high
• Fire-fighting

Criteria for Selection of Respirators

• Identification of contaminants
• Maximum possible concentration of contaminants in the work area
• Acceptability in terms of comfort
• Compatibility with the nature of job
• Proper fit to the face of user to prevent leakage

If PPE is to be used, a PPE program should be implemented. This program should address the hazards
present; the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE; the training of employees; and monitoring of the
program to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

Limitations of PPE
It does not reduce or eliminate the hazard. PPE is provides no protection if it is Defective, Used
incorrectly, incorrect Size, wrong Type. The wearer may be exposed to the hazard without knowledge
of it. Protection provided to the wearer only

69
 PPE Program is composed of the following elements: (SHRIMP DISC FC)

1. Selection
2. Fitting
3. Health Aspects
4. Issue
5. Proper Use
6. Compatibility
7. Maintenance
8. Disposal
9. Information & Training
10. Supervision
11. Reviews
12. Checklist

Explanation:
1. Selection
To be done by a suitably trained person with adequate information of the task, hazards, personnel,
materials, etc.
2. Fitting
When first issued, the user should also be trained to check the fit whenever the equipment is used.
Ensure an adequate fit under supervision
3. Health Aspects
Use of PPE can affect employees’ health (e.g. skin irritation, heat stress)
A number of medical conditions may make it difficult to use certain equipment
4. Compatibility - If more than one type of PPE is required to be worn simultaneously, then the harmony
of the individual items needs to be evaluated.
The PPE also needs to be compatible with the task involved
5. Issue
Provision should be made to control the issue of PPE to employees, remembering that several
types of equipment may be available.
6. Proper Use
PPE is effective if worn properly for the appropriate task
7. Maintenance (Cleaning and Storage)
Depending on type of equipment used, procedures need to be established for its cleaning and
maintenance when necessary
8. Disposal
Used PPE can be contaminated with toxic agents and disposal procedures need careful
consideration. Depending on the circumstances, equipment may need to be treated as toxic waste
9. Information and Training
Employees have to be given sufficient information and proper training about the hazards
associated with their jobs to enable them to work safely with minimal risk to health.
10. Supervision
A PPE program is unlikely to be successful unless the first line supervisory personnel are
knowledgeable and held accountable for effective use of PPE
Supervisors must set an example by wearing PPE as appropriate and ensure its use by others
11. Reviews
Periodic evaluation to confirm that the agreed procedures are appropriate and being followed
Formal audit carried out by a third party with specialist advisers
12. Checklist
To ensure use of properly fitted, effective PPE for specific jobs
PPE is the last line of defense, hence, its effectiveness may be crucial to the health of the workers

CLEAR POINTS

PPE remains as the last resort to protect the worker

Use of the PPE does not remove the hazard, it merely provides a barrier to shield the wearer.

70
 DEMOLITION and EXPLOSIVES SAFETY

Prevention of accidents is the motivation for skilled demolition and safe use of explosives. Demolition
is the complete or partial dismantling of a building or structure by pre-planned and controlled methods
or procedures. Safe Demolition Requires Adequate Planning (Rule 1417 OSHS)

OBJECTIVES:
At the close of the session, the participant is expected to:
1. List the hazards related to demolition activities; and
2. To cite control methods to be free from its dangers.
3. Know the Regulatory Requirements during demolition activities

Introduction
Prior to permitting employees to start demolition operations, an engineering survey of the structure
shall be made by a competent person to determine the condition of the framing, floors, and walls, and
possibility of unplanned collapse of any portion of the structure.

1. Any adjacent structures where employees may be exposed shall also be similarly checked.
2. The employer shall have evidence that such survey has been performed.

What is DEMOLITION?
1. Complete or partial dismantling of a building or structure by pre-planned or controlled methods or
procedures.
2. Safe Demolition Requires Adequate Planning (Rule 1417 OSHS).

OUTLINE
1. Demolition Planning
2. Hazards Associated with Demolition
3. Demolition Techniques
4. Demolition Methods
5. Demolition Regulatory Requirements
6. Explosive Proper Handling

Prior To Start Any Demolition Activities Adequate Safe Planning Is Required

Why Plan?
1. Identify the Hazards
2. Meet Legislative Requirements
3. Ensure Appropriate Equipment
4. Ensure Safe Disposal of Materials
5. Determine Appropriate Methods of
6. Demolition
7. Determine Cost of Demolition

Key Areas for Planning

1. Type of Construction
2. Type of Structure (Height, Use)
3. State of Structure
4. Structural Hazards
5. Hazardous Substances
6. Location of Services
7. Access and Egress
8. Suitable of Site for Equipment
9. General Conditions of Adjoining Structures
Demolition Technique
1. Sequential – gradual reduction of height in reverse order to its construction
2. Induced – key structural members are weakened or removed, causing the whole part of the
structure to collapse.

Methods of Demolition
1. Manual – use of hand held tools
2. Mechanical – use of heavy equipment, wires and chain, power shear, etc.
3. Explosives – use of explosives
 71
Hazards Associated with Demolition:
1. Falls
1.1. Falling through fragile roofing material
1.2. Falling through openings
1.3. Falling from open edges
1.4. Falling out of elevating work platforms
2. Lift shafts
2.1. Collapse of flooring
2.2. Collapse of ground
2.3. Tripping over debris
3. Being Hit/Trapped/Crushed by Objects
3.1. Falling debris (from service ducts and lift shafts)
3.2. Accidental/uncontrolled collapse of a structure
4. Use of equipment (crane lifting loads) - Failure of structural members (load bearing steelwork)
5. Manual Handling
5.1. Using equipment
5.2. Operating equipment
6. Manual Demolition
6.1. Lifting material
6.2. Cleaning up
6.3. Loading trucks/bins
7. Hazardous Substances –
7.1. Lead - lead based paint, tanks containing lead base petrol –
7.2. Asbestos - sprayed coating, isolation materials, fire resistant wall/partitions, cement sheets,
flooring materials –
7.3. PCBs - stones, bricks and concrete aggregates
8. Dangerous Goods – Flammable liquids/vapors and sludge from industrial process and confined
space
9. Noise and Vibration
9.1. Equipment
9.2. Falling debris
9.3. Explosives
10. Electric Shocks - Live wires from structures
11. Fires and Explosion
11.1. Flammable materials
11.2. Welding or cutting
11.3. Leaks of explosives gases from accidental damage of pipes
11.4. Arson especially when the site is unattended
12. Equipment -
12.1. Electrocution
12.2. Plant Failure
12.3. Dropping material
12.4. Equipment striking persons
12.5. Noise and Vibration
12.6. Flying particles Dust and other airborne
12.7. hazards
12.8. Falling objects onto operators
OSHS Rule 1417 – 1418
1. Structures over 6m high must be under the supervision of a competent person
2. The area is strictly for demolition workers only (Demolition area - w/in a distance equal
to 1.5 x H of structure)
3. If the above distance is not possible, the structure shall be fenced all around
4. Danger signs must be posted around the structure
5. All electrical services must be ensured to have been cut – off
6. Demolition should proceed storey by storey, in a descending order; work on the upper
floors should be completely over before removing the supporting members on the lower floor
7. No part of the structure shall be overloaded w/ debris or any other material
8. Stairs (including all railings), passageways & ladders must be demolished last.

72
 Controls needed
1. Engineering (Elimination, Isolation, Substitution)
1.1. Install screen on equipment to protect from dust and noise
1.2. Install barriers and fences
1.3. Mark off hazardous areas
1.4. Disconnect services to the demolition site
1.5. Ensure there are no sparks or ignition sources where there is risk of fire or explosion
1.6. Ensure separation between the public and demolition activities
1.7. Use power shears, in place of grinding or oxy-acetylene cutting, where there is a risk of fire
1.8. Install safe working platforms (scaffolds and elevating work platforms)
1.9. Install edge protection to open edges of landings, stairways and fixed platforms
1.10. Use shoring and bracing to support loads
1.11. Modify tools or equipment
1.12. Provide guarding to machinery or equipment
1.13. Provide shatterproof/guarded widescreens on equipment
1.14. Install anchor points for fall arrest systems
1.15. Spray water to suppress dust
1.16. Use chutes for dropping debris and cranes for lowering loads
1.17. Install vehicle buffers where equipment is exposed to an open edge
1.18. Provide flash arresters on gauges and hoses of welding equipment
2. Administrative Tools
2.1. Limit the amount of time a person is exposed to a particular hazard
2.2. Implement and document safe working procedures for all hazardous tasks
2.3. Train and instruct all personnel
2.4. Identify hazardous substances prior to work
2.5. Implement safe procedures for handling hazardous substances
3. Personal Protective Equipment
3.1. Hard Hats
3.2. Full Body Harnesses and Lanyards
3.3. Boots

Demolition Safety Tips

Demolition work involves many of the same hazards that arise during other construction activities. However,
demolition also involves additional hazards due to a variety of other factors. Some of these include: leadbased paint,
sharp or protruding objects and asbestos containing material.

• Brace or shore up the walls and floors of structures which have been damaged and which employees must enter.
• Inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) before use.
• Inspect all stairs, passageways, and ladders; illuminate all stairways.
• Shut off or cap all electric, gas, water, steam, sewer, and other service lines; notify appropriate utility companies.
• Floor openings used for material disposal must not be more than 25% of the total floor area.

Generally procedure for demolition are:

▪ All utilities shut off

▪ All glasses removed

▪ Shoring or other measures implemented

▪ Protection of workers from fall

▪ Stairs to be demolished last

CLEAR POINTS
1. Risk from Hazards in Demolition in Safety can be mitigated by proper planning prior to the start of
Demolition and applications of Controls (Engineering, Administrative, PPE)
2. Compliance to Regulatory Requirements during demolition activities facilitates Safe Demolition
Activity.

73
 ROUTINE SITE SAFETY INSPECTION

Routine Site Safety Inspection is a daily task to keep ones’ construction site free from hazards.

OBJECTIVES

Participants are expected to:

1. Understand the keys for effective inspection
2. Discuss the concept of Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control.
3. Apply concept of Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control in Routine Site Safety
Inspection.

Safety Inspection is a systematic way of identifying potential workplace hazards before they cause a
health and safety problem.

Reasons Of Workplace Inspection

1. Identify and/or eliminate hazards
2. Assess the potential losses from the Hazards
3. Select control measures designed to eliminate or reduce the hazards to an acceptable level
4. Monitor the effectiveness of control measures
5. Review compliance with established standards

Keys To Effective Inspection

1. Create checklists 4. modify checklists as needed
2. Schedule your inspections and inspect on 5. Follow-up corrective action
schedule 6. Communicate and involve employees
3. Focus on one hazard at a time 7. Acknowledge participation

Creating Checklists:
1. Write down every potential hazard within the category that you know exists in your work area.
2. Check the written sources you have available to add any hazards that you did not think of.
3. Examine the work area itself to see if you overlooked any conditions that need to be checked, and
note the locations of the hazards already listed.
4. Have employees your list to make sure you have included all the hazards and identified the locations
of each one.

Written Records:
1. Previous inspection reports
2. Job Hazard Analysis
3. Maintenance records
4. Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
5. Accident investigation reports
6. Work environment monitoring
Scheduling:
1. Determine how much time is required for each type of inspection.
2. Inspect as often as possible.
3. Make sure each inspection is thorough.
4. If conditions don’t improve, or if hazards occur between inspections, increase inspection frequency.
5. If no hazardous conditions are found, do not decrease the frequency of inspections.
6. Stick to the schedule.
Conducting the Inspection
1. Stay on the task, don’t be pulled away by phone calls or meetings.
2. Take notes, pictures, record measurements
3. Complete and specific remarks make your inspection efforts useful in the future as a health and
safety resource

Absence of the PPE is not a hazard, the reason why the PPE was required in the first place is the
hazard.

74
 Recommending Corrective Actions
1. Aimed toward eliminating or reducing the hazard
2. Priority-based
3. Must be SMART

Specific Specific action that needs to be done and how will you know it is being done.
Measurable “How will you know it meets expectations?" and defines the objective using
assessable terms (quantity, quality, frequency, costs, deadlines, etc.). It refers to
the extent to which something can be evaluated against some standard
Attainable Achievable answers the questions "can the person do it?" "Can the measurable
objective be achieved by the person?" "Does he/she have the experience,
knowledge or capability of fulfilling the expectation?" It also answers the
question "Can it be done giving the time frame, opportunity and resources?
Relevant Relevant answers the questions, "should it be done?", "why?" and "what will be
the impact?" Is the objective aligned with the company’s implementation and
strategic plan?
Time bound Time-oriented answers the question, "when will it be done?"
Sometimes a task may only have an end point or due date

Patterned as: (format of Re Entry Program)

1. What to do 2. (Action Plan)
3. Who is responsible 4. (Accountability)
5. When is it due 6. (Target Date)
7. What to expect 8. (Output)

Follow-up Corrective Actions

1. It’s the best way to ensure that recommendations are carried out.
2. Evaluates Effectiveness of Recommended Control.

RE-ENTRY FORM

ACCOMPLISHING a RE-ENTRY PROGRAM

Hazard Action Plan Accountability Target Date Output

Madilim sa Elevator Engr Control- Operations Dept. Feb. 21, 20XX: Maliwanag na
Shaft at maaring Magkabit ng Prior to start to work lugar na
may madapa o karagdagan ilaw sa pinagtratrabahuan
mahulog shaft
(Unsafe Condition:
Low illumination - Admin Control- Operations and Feb. 25, 20XX Dagdag Paalala
Physical Hazard) Maglagay ng Safety Dept. sa Kaligtasan
“Warning Signs”.
Magbigay ng
kaalaman sa
pangangalaga ng
mata

PPE- Warehouse Dept. Feb. 21, 20XX: No PPE

Not applicable Prior to start to work applicable for
dark areas

75
 HIRAC - Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control
L SEVERITY
RISK ASSESSMENT is a term used to describe the overall process or I
K 3 2 1
method where you:
1. Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause E
L 3 H H M
harm (hazard identification).
2. Analyze and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (risk I
analysis, and risk evaluation) H 2 H M L
3. Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard, or control the O
risk when the hazard cannot be eliminated (risk control). O
1 M L L
D
When to Create HIRAC?
Every activity / task should have a corresponding HIRAC, prioritizing the following considerations:
1. High Frequency of Accidents
2. Increase occurrence of Near-Misses
3. History of Serious Accidents / Fatalities
4. Potential for Serious Harm
5. New Jobs or New Equipment
6. Changes in Procedures or Standards

LIKELIHOOD (PAGKAKATAON)

Likelihood Score Likelihood Description Probability

Unlikely that this consequence from the hazard will occur at
1 - Unlikely 1%-25%
this workplace or at the company at any time. (N=0)
Has occurred in the workplace or at the company
2 - Likely 26% - 70%
previously. (N=1)
Has occurred several times in the workplace or at the
3 - Very Likely company and is very likely to occur at some time on this >71%
site. (N>1)

SEVERITY (GAANO KATINDI)

Safety and Health Property Damage

Severity Score Environmental Impact
Description Description
No injury to minor No measurable impact, minimal
No damage or
discomfort; environmental disturbance in work area.
1 - Low slight damage
First aid treatment; Near Minor non-conformance of procedures, No
≤PhP10,000
Miss, or Medical Treatment complaints
Temporary or minor reversible impact.
Injuries resulting to Lost Moderate damage,
Contained at the site. Minor noncompliance
2 - Moderate Time Incident, or Temporary PhP10,001 to
to legal requirements or procedures, Single
Total Disability PhP500,000
complaint from general public.
Permanent damage with external impact.
Permanent Partial Disability
Medium term clean up or correction. Large
(PPD), Extensive damage,
3 - High number of complaints. Regional or national
Permanent Total Disability >PhP500,000
media coverage. Notice of violation with
(PTD), or Fatality
penalty. Order to cease operation.

76
 RISK MATRIX

SEVERITY
L
I 3 2 1
K
E
3 H H M
L
I
H
2 H M L
O
O
D
1 M L L

RISK SCORE Risk Control Measure

Requires intervention to reduce residual risk to a lower level prior to work activities starting.
High Residual risks can be controlled to acceptable levels using a combination of Engineering,
Administrative, or PPE
Consider new controls to be implemented to manage residual risk by implementing controls
Medium
based on any level of the hierarchy of controls
Risk acceptable
Low Residual risk does not warrant the application of further controls

ACCOMPLISHING HIRAC FORM

2. Risk Assessment
1. Hazard Identification 3. Risk Control
(Evaluation)
Hazard(s) Possible Effects Probability Severity Risk Proposed Control Measure (s)
Madilim sa Minor 3 3 (9) Engr Control-
Elevator Shaft Illness/Injury to High Magkabit ng karagdagan ilaw sa shaft
at maaring may Permanent Admin Control-
madapa o Partial/Total Maglagay ng “Warning Signs”.
mahulog Disability or Magbigay ng kaalaman sa
(Physical Fatality pangangalaga ng mata.
Hazard) PPE-
Not applicable - remember that the
barrier you recommend should control
the risk/hazard. Bear in mind that
there is no barrier for darkness
(walang panangga sa kadiliman)

Communicating Inspection Results

• Discuss them at safety meetings
• Post the complete checklists
• Post maintenance requests

Inspecting for Chemical hazards

• Check containers and labels – SDS
• Use recommended Personnel Protective Equipment
• Observe proper ventilation, specially in chemical storage, transfer areas and workstations
• Have necessary emergency equipment available and a trained staff to use it

77
Rule 1090: Hazardous Material

What Items Need to Be Inspected?

1. Environmental factors - illumination, dust, fumes, gases, mists, vapors, noise, vibration, heat,
radiation sources
2. Hazardous supplies and materials - explosives, flammables, acids, caustics, toxic or nuclear
materials or by-products
3. Power source equipment - steam and gas engines, electrical motors
4. Electrical equipment - switches, fuses, breakers, outlets, cables, extension and fixture cords,
grounds, connectors, connections
5. Hand tools - wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, power tools
6. Personal protective equipment - hard hats, safety glasses, safety shoes, respirators, hearing
protection, gloves, etc.
7. Personal service and first aid facilities - Drinking fountains, wash basins, soap dispensers, safety
showers, eyewash fountains, first aid supplies, stretchers
8. Fire protection and emergency response equipment - alarms, water tanks, sprinklers, standpipes,
extinguishers, hydrants, hoses, self-contained breathing apparatus, toxic cleanup, automatic valves,
holes, phones, radios
9. Walkways / roadways - ramps, docks, sidewalks, walkways, aisles, vehicle ways, escape routes
10. Elevators, electric stairways, and manlifts - controls, wire ropes, safety devices
11. Working surfaces - ladders, scaffolds, catwalks, plat-forms
12. Material handling equipment - cranes, trollies, conveyors, hoists, forklifts, chains, ropes, slings
13. Storage facilities and area both indoor and outdoor - bins, racks, lockers, cabinet, shelves, tanks,
closets
14. Structural openings - windows, doors, stairways, sumps, shafts, pits, floor openings
15. Building structures - floors, roofs, walls, fencing, columns
16. Miscellaneous - any item that do not fit in preceding categories

Summary
An Inspection Program becomes effective through routine inspection and Follow-up on corrective
actions.

CLEAR POINTS

The Keys for Effective Inspection are;

1. Create checklists
2. Schedule your inspections and inspect on schedule
3. Focus on one hazard at a time
4. Modify checklists as needed
5. Follow-up corrective action
6. Communicate and involve employees
7. Acknowledge participation
8. Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) are useful to prevent or control
accident/illness at the workplace and for classification of risk level of establishments.
9. Application of HIRAC in Routine Site Safety Inspection makes a valuable output in organization
for OSH management.

78
 JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

Every valuable HIRAC is achieved with a Job Hazard Analysis or JHA. It is a collective effort that
focuses both on the different jobs in a company, and a group of people tasked to identify them.

OBJECTIVE:

By the end of this module, the participant will be able to list the steps for a Job Hazard Analysis, and cite
guides in observing different job procedures.

Accidents can occur when:

1. Work is performed incorrectly
2. Workers use hazardous materials
3. Work under hazardous conditions

The process of determining the hazards associated with a job is often referred to as a JHA or a Job Hazard
Analysis. Hazards that present risks to:
1. Environment
2. Safety
3. Health

For proper ESH management all jobs should include a JHA

JHA involves the following steps:

1. Identify basic steps of a job
2. Determine associated hazards
3. Make recommendations to control the hazards

Uses of a JHA
1. Create / improve SOP’s
2. Guide in observing employee performance
3. Accident investigation
4. Safety inspection

Prioritizing JHA’s
1. High Frequency of Accidents
2. Increase occurrence of Near-Misses
3. History of Serious Accidents / Fatalities
4. Potential for Serious Harm
5. New Jobs
6. Changes in Procedures or Standards

JHA Team Watch carefully when conducting a JHA

1. Supervisor
2. Employee most familiar with the job
3. Other employees who perform the job

4. Experts or specialists (maintenance, occupational hygienists, ergonomists, engineers)

Step 1. Identify the Basic Job Steps -Watch carefully as a worker performs the entire job at least once
1) As the operator performs the job again, list the individual steps on the left-hand column.
2) Using simple action phrases that are short and to the point
3) Steps should always be numbered to indicate the order
Step 2. Determine the Hazards: - Identify all of the existing or potential actions or conditions that
could lead to an injury or illness, or harm to the environment.
Hazard Guide:
1) The method or physical actions required for that specific step.
2) The materials used.
3) The machine / equipment used.
4) The environmental conditions under which the step is normally performed.

79
"What if” Questions
1) Anticipate hazardous situations
2) Abnormal operating conditions
3) Incorrect or out of sequence
4) Additional attachments
5) Replacements / alternatives
6) Consequence
Step 3. Recommend Corrective Actions
Physical Actions
• Modifying
1) Rearranging
2) Combining actions
3) Change the process
4) Training
Materials
1) Substitution of materials
2) Machine guarding
3) Safeguarding
4) Limit employee exposure
Work Area Conditions
1) Improved housekeeping procedures
2) Installation of additional lighting
3) Use ventilation system
4) Noise reduction systems
5) Vibration damping
6) Use of PPE
7) Relocation (isolation by place)
8) Rescheduling (isolation by time)
9) Redesign the work area.
10) Height
11) Weight
12) Distance
Uses of Job Hazard Analysis
1) Developing or updating SOP’s
2) Training employees
3) Observing employee performance
4) Conducting inspections
5) Investigating accidents
Operation Title:
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
Steps In Manual Cutting of Steel Bars
Dept./Division: Job Location: Employee Position:
Worksite Safety Officer
Project Mgt. Department
Performed by: Incident: Verified By:
Hand Injury Pedro Santos
Illuminada de Luna
BASIC JOB STEP EXISTING & POTENTIAL RECOMMENDED CORRECTIVE
HAZARD ACTION

1.1 Cut from sharp edges of steel 1.1.A Engg.: N/A

1. Get a Steel Bar bar 1.1.B Admin: work instructions
1.1.C Ergo: proper sitting posture
1.1.D PPE: N/A

2.1 Finger cut while conducting 1.1.A Engg.: Use measuring tape
2. Measure the steel bar
measurement 1.1.B Admin: Training in measuring
1.1.C Ergo: observe proper sitting procedure
1.1.D PPE: wear gloves
3.11metal splinters hitting the eye 2.1.A Engg.: use sharp cutting tools
3. Cut the steel bar
2.1.B Admin: proper work procedure
2.1.C Ergo: observe proper tool handling
2.1.D C PPE: g l o v e s

3.2 pinch injury while finger is caught 3.1.A Engg.: Substitute with cutting machine
in between the cutting tool equipment 3.1.B Admin: Training on use of cutting machine
3.1.C Ergo: observe proper work postures
3.1.D PPE: wear gloves

80
 ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Construction site related accidents are considered serious but these can be eliminated once analyzed.
Suffice it to say that Accidents rank the fifth leading cause of death in the Philippines (June 2015 The
Medical Grind Medical News) worldwide. Employee safety records speak of man-hours worked safely,
while Lost Time, on the other hand, is the technical term for an accident. It can maim or kill a worker
and put a halt to the construction project.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Learn the accident causation theory

2. Discuss the importance of accident investigation
3. Enumerate the types of accidents to be reported
4. Document and make recommendations based on the investigation

Accidents are the result of Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Condition. Identifying the causative factors can
prevent recurrence and save valuable lives.
1. Accident is unplanned, uncontrolled and undesirable.
2. Disrupts normal function of the organization due to injuries/ fatality of workers or damage to
property.
3. Accident can be prevented from recurring through an efficient root cause investigation.

Accident Causation:
1. Refers to the factors that are the primary reasons behind an accident.
2. For occupational health and safety professionals, determining causation factors in any workplace
injury or accident is the key.

1. MAN
1.1. Workforce
1.2. Management of the workforce
1.3. Policies
1.4. Behavior

2. MATERIAL
2.1. Used or Worked or made

3. METHOD
3.1. Policies
3.2. Programs
3.3. Work Methods

4. MACHINE
4.1. Tools
4.2. Machinery

5. ENVIRONMENT
5.1. Physical surroundings
5.2. Natural environment
5.3. Community, social & legal influences

REMEMBER: ACCIDENTS are caused... so ACCIDENTS can be prevented

Mr. Heinrich’s Survey
88% Unsafe or Unhealthy Acts Therefore:
10% Unsafe or Unhealthy Conditions 98% Accidents are Preventable
2% Acts of Nature 2% Non-Preventable

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Heinrich's Domino Theory

According to Heinrich, an "accident" is one factor in a sequence that may lead to an injury.
• The factors can be visualized as a series of dominoes standing on edge; when one falls, the linkage
required for a chain reaction is completed.
• Each of the factors is dependent on the preceding factor.

Heinrich’s Triangle

Primary Causes of Accidents

1. UNSAFE CONDITION
The physical or chemical property of a material, machine or the environment that may result in injury
to a person, damage or destruction to property and other losses; these could have been guarded or
prevented.
• Unnoticed
• Uncorrected

2. UNSAFE ACT
• A human action that departs from a standard or written job procedure or common practice, safety
rules, regulations, or instructions.
• A violation of a commonly-accepted safe procedures and or processes.
• Unaware
• Unable
• Unmotivated

Cost of Accidents
Accident Investigation
1. A methodical effort to collect and interpret the facts of accident.
2. An inquiry as to how and why the accident occurred in order to explore actions that should be
taken to prevent or minimize recurrence of the accident.

Important Feature of an Accident Investigation - Formal Policy requiring the proper and consistent
reporting of all accidents is one of the most important principles of any accident investigation program

PURPOSE OF ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

1. To establish all facts
2. To draw conclusion
3. To make recommendations
4. To prevent recurrence

Investigations are conducted to:

1. Prevent recurrence
2. Comply with policies and regulatory requirements
3. Improve Supervisor’s Management Approach
4. Maintain employee awareness - HSE

Prevention is the reason for conducting an Accident Investigation

Unless the unsafe acts/conditions are:
1. Identified,
2. Eliminated or
3. Controlled… similar mishaps will occur.

All accidents must be investigated:

1. LTA
2. Non-LTA
3. Property Damage
4. Near Accident or Miss (Near Miss?)

TYPES OF ACCIDENT TO BE REPORTED

1. Fatal accidents
2. Accident causing injury or illness
3. Diseases
4. Dangerous occurrences
5. Near Miss – is a circumstance where injuries or property damage did not occur, but the potential
exists for those undesirable events.

The Supervisor should take responsibility in conducting the investigation

1. More familiar with the people involved
2. Has better understanding of the operation
3. Has personal stake in accident investigation
4. Knows the employees best

Investigate the following:

1. Incidents and Accidents
2. Medical Cases
3. Damage to property
4. Injury
5. Theft

Accident Investigations are usually considered a Supervisors responsibility. Advantages of

Supervisors over other investigators:
1. More familiar with the people involved
2. Better understanding of the operations and equipment
3. Personal interest in Investigations
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Team Effort – investigate as a team, it increases the chance of identifying the cause, reduces backyard
blindness and bias.

Managing the Accident Scene

Two Priorities:
▪ Care & Treatment of the Injured
▪ Elimination or control of Remaining Hazards

Care & Treatment of Injured

Supervisors can increase their ability to respond to Medical Emergencies by:
1. Training in First Aid
Safety Sign Board
2. Drills under normal and abnormal conditions
3. Liaison with hospitals

Controlling Remaining Hazards - If a hazardous environment or toxic materials exist:

1. Notify necessary personnel
2. Provide PPE to potentially exposed
3. Refer to MSDS

Isolate the site

1. To protect people from further injury
2. To preserve evidence and valuable clues

Investigate immediately, because:

1. Operations are disrupted
2. Memories fade
3. Employees are at risk

Steps in Conducting the Investigation

1. Gather information
2. Analyze the facts
3. Make recommendations

Step 1. Gather Information (Preliminary Facts). NOI, POI, DOI, TOI

Sources of Information
1. Witnesses
2. Physical evidence at the scene
3. Existing records

Witnesses (these satisfy the 5 senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste)
1. Victim and onlookers
2. Those who heard what happened
3. Saw area prior to incident
4. Others with info about involved individuals, equipment or circumstances

A Healthy tip in asking Questions

When you ask questions, pretend you are blind, and you want a description, which you can picture in
your imagination.

Physical Evidence
These are the objects that the witness saw, heard, felt, tasted and smelled. Provides information about an
accident that witnesses may overlook or take for granted. In absence of the objects, there are 2 additional
tools that serve as physical evidence:

84
a. Sketches
To record details at the accident site for later study Include everything that could be important:
1. Floor plan from overhead view
2. Location of involved man, machine, tool
3. Size/location of transient evidences (spills, dust, footprints, skid marks)
b. Photographs – these tools capture (take pictures in .raw format)
1. detail
2. color differences
3. complex shapes difficult to recall

Step 2. Analyze the Facts

This is done to determine the usefulness of information gathered. One simple approach is to compare
what you have found out with the corresponding standards. Determine which factors meet the given
limits (OSHS), and which do not. This is called Change Analysis – it compares how a job was actually
performed with the way it should have been performed

How the task was done How it should be done Complied / Not complied

These are the information you If YES, put an ✖ , meaning

gathered: this IS NOT one of the causes
These are the standards:
1) Witness statements
Minimum and maximum
2) Physical evidence If NOT, put a ✔,
3) Existing records Means this IS one of the causes

FIND ROOT CAUSES:

▪ Determined the direct and contributing factors, dig deeper!
▪ If employee error, what caused that behavior?
▪ If defective machine, why wasn’t it fixed?
▪ If poor lighting, why not corrected?
▪ If no training, why not?

Step 3. Recommend Corrective Actions

• Specific
• Measurable 1. Engineering method
• Attainable 2. Administrative method
• Realistic 3. Personal Protective Equipment
• Time-bound

Prepare investigation report:

1) Background Information
a) Where and when the accident occurred
b) Who and what were involved
c) Operating personnel and other witnesses
2) Account of the Accident (What happened?)
a) Sequence of events
b) Extent of damage
c) Accident type
d) Agency or source (of energy or hazardous Material)
3) Discussion (Analysis of the Accident - HOW; WHY)
4) Direct causes (unsafe acts, energy sources; hazardous materials)
5) Contributing causes (personal or environmental causes)
6) Root causes (management policies; system procedures; inadequate trainings)
7) Recommendations (to prevent recurrence)

Mandatory Reports: OSHS Rule 1050 Notification and Keeping of Records of Accident and/ or
Occupational Illness
1053.01 Notification - All work accidents or occupational illnesses resulting in disabling conditions or
dangerous occurrence shall be reported by the employer to the Regional Labor Office
 1. Employers Work Accident/Illness Report (DOLE/BQF/WAIR)
2. 2 copies to concerned Regional Office & copy furnished BWC
3. Shall be submitted by the employer on or before the 30th day of the month following the date of the
occurrence of the accident.

Actual Loss Measurements (injuries):

• Disabling injury frequency rate (FR)
• Annual Work Accident/Illness Exposure Data Report (AEDR) (DOLE/BWC/IP-6)
• 2 copies to concerned Regional Office & copy furnished BWC
• Submitted on or before January 20 of the following year with or without accident
• Disabling injury severity rate (SR)
• Disabling injury index
• Serious injury frequency rate (FR)
• Non-LTI frequency rate (FR)

Disabling Injury FR = # of disabling injuries x 1,000,000

employee hours of exposure

Disabling Injury FR = # of disabling injuries x 1,000,000

employee hours of exposure

86
Disabling Injury SR = total days charged x 1,000,000
employee hours of exposure

Disabling Injury Index = (disabling injury FR) x (disabling injury SR)

1,000

AEDR Computations.
Assume:
• # of Disabling Injuries = 10
• Total Emp-Hr Exp = 200,000

FREQUENCY RATE:
Frequency Rate (FR) = No. of disabling injury X 1,000,000
Total Employee-Hour Exposure

Frequency Rate (FR) = 10 X 1,000,000

200,000
Frequency Rate (FR) = 50
Assume:
• Total days lost = 200
• Total Emp-Hr. Exp = 200,000
SEVERITY RATE:
Severity Rate (FR) = Total days lost X 1,000,000
Total Employee-Hour Exposure
Severity Rate (FR) = 200 X 1,000,000
200,000
Severity Rate (FR) = 1,000

Other Requirements:
The following are examples of grounds of work stoppage due to condition or stage of being in
imminent danger

STAGE OF IMMINENT DANGER DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES

1. Damaged Pressure Relief Valve Explosion of boilers

2. Increase temperature of tank due to hot work & Explosion of a storage container
absence of inert gas inside tank.
3. No proper enclosure of the workplace & absence Bursting of a revolving wheel, grinding stone
of machine guard

4. Outriggers of crane are not placed on stable ground Collapse of a crane, hoist and other equipment
5. Oxygen acetylene gas cylinders exposed to Explosion or fire causing damage to the structure
excessive heat
6. Defective over-current protective Electrical short circuit or failure
device of electrical machinery

CLEAR POINTS:

1. Accidents disrupts normal function of the organization due to injuries/ fatality of workers or
damage to property.
2. Accident can be prevented from recurring through an efficient root cause investigation.
3. Primary causes of accidents are unsafe/unhealthy acts & conditions
4. Basic procedures in the conduct of accident investigation must be followed
5. Results of accident investigation must be documented properly and thoroughly.
6. Make recommendations based on the investigation.
7. Dangerous occurrences in the workplace must be addressed.

87
 COMMUNICATING OSH

Many successful meetings begin with a simple checklist or agenda, and the ability to talk and listen.

COURSE OBJECTIVES (Training of OSH Trainers)

1. Explain the roles of safety officers in the conduct of OSH trainings;
2. Enumerate and discuss the stages of the training cycle;
3. Discuss basic presentation and facilitating skills; and
4. Prepare a training plan for their company.

Communication:
1. The process of communication is what allows us to interact with other people;
2. Without it, we would be unable to share knowledge or experiences with anything outside of
ourselves.
3. Communication is what we do to give and get understanding.

What is the importance of Communication in OSH?

Communication is the key to a healthy, safe and productive workplace. It is needed to ensure roles and
directions are understood; to warn against dangers; to avoid unsafe practices; to promote critical
emergency response and particularly to learn about (and from!) the concerns and hazards that workers
encounter.

The Communication Equation

50% of Message - What you see or feel
- Facial expression
- Dress and grooming 40% of the Message - What you hear
- Posture - Tone of voice
- Eye contact - Vocal clarity
- Touch - Verbal expressiveness
- Gesture 10% of the Message – Words
Understanding Communication

1. SENDER - Asserting or Expressing (Sending)

2. RECIEVER - Listening to others (Receiving)

Barriers to communication can lead to misunderstanding and confusion

Environment
1. Cultural Differences
2. Values and Attitudes
3. Generation Gap

Channels
1. Language
2. Noise
3. Hearing

GENERATION GAP & ATTITUDE - Adapt to the situation and be professional

Communicating OSH
“How will efficient OSH communication help in achieving a safe and healthy workplace?”

Communicate OSH Program:

Identify unsafe or unhealthy acts and conditions.
- OSH awareness
- Conduct OSH trainings
- Motivation of workers

88
Conduct HIRAC
- Proper communication to all workers and employers
- Workers will take part and help implement OSH program\

How will efficient OSH communication help in achieving a safe and healthy workplace?
OSH Program Implementation
• Clients and Stakeholders
• DOLE & other government agencies

Employers respond to:

1. Compliance requirements
2. Status of compliance
3. Costs
4. Productivity indicators
5. ”Need to know” and what can be done
6. Efficient, effective way to implement OSH

Workers respond to:

1. How to keep themselves safe and healthy
2. Linking OSH to their productivity
3. Contributing to the achievement of the company

Safety Officers as OSH Trainers: Training of Trainers on OSH

- Great work = Safe work

DO 198-18 SECTION 14: Safety Officer (DO13 Section 12: Safety and Health Information)

Duties and Responsibilities of a Safety Officer

1. Oversee the overall management of the OSH Program in coordination with the OSH Committees;
2. Frequently monitor and inspect any health or safety aspect of the operation being undertaken with
the participation of supervisors and workers.
3. Assist government inspectors in the conduct of safety and health inspection at anu time whenever
work is being performed or during the conduct of an information and OSH reports as required by
the OSH Standards; and
4. Issue work stoppage order (WSO) when necessary based on the requirements and procedures
provided by the OSH Standards.

LABOR ADVISORY O4-20I9 - APPOINTMENT OF SAFETY OFFICER SAFETY OFFICER

The Safety Officer shall be certified by the company's Human Resource (HR) unit/section based on the
qualification requirements such as completion of the prescribed training and minimum years of OSH
experience as provided for under Section 14. Thus, the appointment of its own safety officers and the
appropriate category level of Safety Officer ( i.e. Safety Officer 1, Safety Officer 2, Safety Officer 3
and Safety Officer 4) shall be issued by the company.

DO 198-18 SECTION 16: Safety and Health Training (Workers’ OSH Seminar)
The Mandatory 8-hour Module conducted by the Safety Officer of the workplace as prescribed by
the OSH Standards

1. Oversee the overall management of the OSH program in coordination with the OSH committee;
2. Frequently monitor and inspect any health or safety aspect of the operation being undertaken with
the participation of supervisors and workers;
3. Assist government inspectors in the conduct of safety and health inspection at any time whenever
work is being performed or during the conduct of an accident investigation by providing necessary
information and OSH reports as required by the OSH standards and
4. 4.Issue Work Stoppage Order (when necessary based on the requirements and procedures provided

89
DO 198-18 SECTION 11: OSH Information (DO13 Section 12: Safety and Health Information)

The employer, contractor or subcontractor, if any, shall provide the workers in all establishments,
projects and all other places where work is being undertaken adequate and suitable information on
Occupational Safety & Health

DO 198-SECTION 12: OSH Program (OSHS Rule 1966 – Occupational Health Program)
1. Company Commitment to Comply with OSH Requirements
2. General Safety and Health Programs
3. Safety and health Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC)
4. Medical Surveillance for early detection and management of occupational and work-related
diseases
5. First aid and emergency medical services
6. Promotion of Drug Free workplace, Mental health Services in the Workplace, Healthy lifestyle
7. Prevention and Control of HIV AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B
8. Composition and Duties of Health and Safety Committee
9. OSH Personnel and Facilities
10. Safety and Health Promotion, Training and Education
11. Orientation of all workers on OSH
12. Conduct of Risk Assessment, evaluation and Control
13. Continuing training on OSH for OSH Personnel
14. Work permit System
15. Toolbox/Safety Meetings, job safety analysis

Safety Officers as OSH Trainers

Training of Trainers on OSH

Safety and Health Promotion, training and education provided to workers

Training Title No. of Employees in Date
attendance
Mandatory 8-Hour OSH
Training for workers
Skill Development Trainings
Risk Assessment
WEM
Safety Training for Executive,
Managers & Supervisor

Conduct of Safety Meetings Date

Toolbox Meeting
OSH Committee Meeting
Department OSH Meeting

Toolbox Meetings or Talks

1. Toolbox talks should focus on a single topic and be held regularly for greatest impact.
2. Allow safety officers and workers to explore the risks of specific health and safety issues in the
workplace and think of ways to deal with them.
Safety Briefings
1. Useful way to keep health and safety forefront in the minds of workers and make them aware of
the current risk and hazards.
2. Daily safety briefings by supervisors to all workers that help foster good safety and health culture

90
Tips for Effective Toolbox Talks
1. TALK DIRECTLY to your audience
2. Keep it BRIEF
3. Stay! POSITIVE & use encouraging language
4. Explain WHY to Demonstrate your point
5. Tell STORIES
6. Encourage PARTICIPATION from your audience
7. Use VISUALS
8. Be AUTHENTIC
9. End with ACTION

Safety Officers as OSH Trainers (Training of Trainers on OSH)

Training
Training is concerned with the teaching of specific, factual, narrow scoped subject matter and skills. It
is a formal classroom learning activity.
1. Is a learning intervention;
2. Improves match between job requirements and individual’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes;
3. After training, the individual is able to apply learning immediately
4. Examples : BOSH, COSH, PCO Training etc.

Training Goals
Aims for a favorable change in perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors in a positive direction of an
individual, group or organization.
• Learning
- Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skill through study, experience or
teaching. It is a process that depends on experience and leads to long-term changes in
behavior potential.
• Improved Performance
Trainer Roles within the Training Cycle:
1. Training Needs Analysis (Needs Analyst)
2. Curriculum Development (Program Designer)
3. Dev’t. of Training Materials (Material Developer)
4. Training Implementation (Facilitator)
5. Monitoring & Evaluation (Administrator) Presentation Skills

Fear of presenting or public speaking is universal!

Remember
1. Think of your audience in advance;
2. Anticipate questions;
3. Take a breath, pause!
4. Speak slowly especially when you have participants who are non-native speakers
5. Make eye contact; use appropriate hand gestures
6. Sweep the room as you enter and deliver your opening spiel
7. Stand confidently, dress neatly and appropriately
8. Smile and the world will smile with you

91
Body Language
1. Eye contact
2. Posture
3. Hand gestures
4. Arms
5. Legs
6. Blocking
Answering Questions
1. Listen actively
2. Repeat the question
3. Keep answers short and direct
4. Watch the person’s body language for satisfaction
5. If you don’t know the answer, state your options

Stephen Covey – the biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand, we listen to
respond
Example: emphatic listening
IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE ANSWER, Do say what you know
1. Offer to follow up
2. Direct them to expert

NEVER ARGUE WITH AUDIENCE (The Talker, The Arguer)

1. Thank the person and move on to the next subject.
2. Ask others to comment on his remarks.
3. Thank the person for his participation and indicate it is time to hear from others.
4. Tactfully ask the person to give someone else a chance.
5. Use humor to invite others to speak up.
6. Deliberately turn to others and ask for their opinions.
7. Cut across the person’s flow of talk with a summarizing statement.
8. Avoid looking at the person.
9. Pretend you don’t hear the person and call on someone else.
10. Acknowledge the person’s expertise or experience and ask permission to call on them for specific
examples.
11. Keep your cool- you will never win the argument.
12. Acknowledge the level of passion and ask for the reason behind it.
13. Avoid getting personal.
14. Refer the question to the group and then to him.
15. Try to win this person over by finding some good reasons to agree with some points.
16. Pretend not to hear him.

Qualities of a Good Presentation Slides:

1. Simple – (K.I.S.S.)
2. Visible – for slides, smallest font size: 30
3. Clear – gives the message directly and immediately
4. Put one idea per slide

CLEAR POINTS:

1. Practice, practice, practice!

2. Verbalize…hear your presentation out loud
3. Clarity – make your points and move on
4. Ownership – take responsibility for your presentations

92
 WORKPLACE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Disaster readiness has now evolved to become Workplace Emergency Preparedness because it was
determined that the best response can be mounted by employees when trained properly.

OBJECTIVES:
1. Enumerate the different types of emergencies
2. Explain the elements of an emergency preparedness program
3. Discuss basic preparations for common emergencies
4. Explain the fire brigade concept and organization

Definition of Terms:
Emergency
A serious situation or occurrence that demands immediate action.
Disaster
It is the result of a calamitous event causing massive death, injury or damage.

Natural emergencies
1. Flood
2. Volcanic eruption
3. Earthquake
4. Typhoon
5. Drought
6. Tsunamis

Man Made Emergencies - These can be a result of human error or willful intent
1. Industrial fires
2. Chemical spills / leaks
3. Chemical threat
4. Bomb threats / explosions
5. Structure collapse
6. Construction cave-in
7. Biological threats

Most developed countries operate three core emergency services: Emergency services providing
assistance in dealing with any emergency:

POLICE
The agency who deal with security of person and property, which can cover all the categories of
emergency. They also to some extent deal with punishment of those who cause an emergency through
their deliberate actions.

FIRE SERVICE
Who deal with potentially harmful fires, but also often rescue operations such as dealing with road traffic
collision. Their actions help to prevent loss of life, damage to health and damage to or loss of property.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE

These services attempt to reduce loss of life or damage to health. This service is likely to be decisive in
attempts to prevent loss of life and damage to health. In some areas "Emergency Medical Service" is
abbreviated to simply EMS.

Advance planning for emergencies - the best way to minimize potential loss

93
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The objectives of this are to ensure that the company has developed and communicated plans that will
allow for the effective management of emergencies.

Why Emergency Preparedness Program?

• Quick and effective action is required during the onset of an emergency
• Effective action often depends on having plans in place before the disaster strikes
• If response is delayed, people’s lives maybe needlessly lost

ELEMENTS - Emergency Preparedness Program

1. Identify & Evaluate Hazards
2. Evaluate Resources
3. Develop Emergency Plan & Procedure
4. Conduct Training
5. Conduct Drills & Exercises
6. Educate the public
7. Integrate with community plan

IDENTIFY & EVALUATE ALL WORKPLACE HAZARDS

• Existing Hazards
• Types of potential Hazards
• Number of People or things exposed to the hazard and its adverse consequences.

EVALUATE RESOURCES
• Emergency Equipment
• Transportation
• Emergency Supplies
• Employees Training & Capabilities
• External Help Capabilities

DEVELOP EMERGENCY PLAN AND PROCEDURES

• Command, Control, and Communications
• External Communication
• Records Preservation
• Life Safety
• Property Protection
• Recovery and Restoration
• Community Outreach

CONDUCT TRAINING ON:

• Information on Different Types of Emergencies
• Safety & Health Hazard Risk Assessment
• Incident & Accident Reporting
• Hazardous Communication Program

EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON:

• Co-existing Emergency Program
• Safety & Health Procedures & Protocols
• Duties of other Person

INTEGRATE WITH COMMUNITY PLAN

• Community officials should be involved in the company’s emergency planning process and that
the company be involved in local planning.
• Philippine National Police
• Bureau of Fire
• National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

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OFFICE EMERGENCY KIT ESSENTIALS

Suggestions include:
• Personal items
• Water and food, needed medications, clothing …
• Financial and legal documents
• Water proof container that cannot be easily replaced
• Name and phone numbers of contacts out of area
• Personal Preparedness Plan
• Food
• Extra Clothing
• Sleep Bags
• Personal Protective Equipment

FIRE BRIGADE CONCEPT AND ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION OF FIRE BRIGADE AS A REQUIREMENTS

• Business establishments employing at least fifty (50) persons.
• Requirements for the grant of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC)
REMEMBER:
• The head of the company, through its duly designated safety officer shall evaluate the potential
magnitude of a fire emergency within the company, and the availability of firefighting assistance
from the BFP to determine the nature of the organization to be established.

OSHS Rule 1948.02 (Item 1)

• Every place of employment depending on the magnitude of potential fires and the availability
of assistance from the public fire department shall organize a fire brigade to deal with fires
and other related emergencies.

EVACUATION MAP

CLEAR POINTS:

1. The best way to minimize potential loss is Advance Planning for Emergencies
2. Practicing your emergency responses avoids panic and confusion

95
 ROLES OF CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICERS

Mitigation of hazards is spearheaded by the Safety Officer, and delegated to all emoployees.

OBJECTIVE:
1. List the Duties and Responsibilities of Occupational Safety and Health Officer.
2. Advocate and monitor the Company Safety & Health Program in construction and promote safe
work practices.
3. Maintain the Safety & Health of workers

Safety Trends in Construction

In recent years there is a trend for builders and contractors:
1. They pay more attention to safety-related matters than ever before.
2. It is a fact that more companies are embracing safety perform better and have a higher retention
percentage in their workforce.
3. The future of construction is shifting towards augmented reality

DO 198-2018: Section 3 - DEFINITION OF TERMS

SAFETY OFFICER
1. Refers to any employee or officer of the company trained by DOLE or DOLE-Accredited Training
Organization and tasked by the employer to implement an OSH program, and ensure that it is in
accordance with the provisions of OSH standards.
2. A person engaged in the prevention of accidents, incidents and events that harm people, property
or the environment.
3. Is one who applies the expertise gained from a study of safety sciences, principles and practices
and from professional safety experiences.

The Primary Duty of a Safety Officer

1. Is the prevention of harm to people, property and environment rather than responsibility for
responding to harmful events.
1.1. By controlling
1.1.1. Human Performance
1.1.2. Machine Performance
1.1.3. Physical Environment

2. DO 198-2018: Section 14 - SAFETY OFFICER

2.1. Oversee the overall management of the OSH program in coordination with the OSH
committee;
2.2. Frequently monitor and inspect any health or safety aspect of the operation being
undertaken with the participation of supervisors and workers;
2.3. Assist government inspectors in the conduct of safety and health inspection at any time
whenever work is being performed or during the conduct of an accident investigation by
providing necessary information and OSH reports as required by the OSH standards; and
2.4. Issue Work Stoppage Order (WSO) when necessary based on the requirements and
procedures provided by the OSH standards

SAFETY OFFICER RELATIONSHIPS INSIDE THE COMPANY

1. With the Site Manager

The Safety Officer is accountable to this executive for the proper interpretation and fulfillment of
the duties and responsibilities of this position and related authority, in concurrence with the
dictates of the corporate manager of safety and hygiene (if such a position exists within the
corporation).

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2. With Department Heads and Supervisors
The Safety Officer is responsible for providing advice and guidance about safety and industrial
hygiene appropriate to their processes, installations, and procedures of the construction site.

3. With Department Heads and Supervisors

The Safety Officer is responsible for providing advice and guidance about safety and industrial
hygiene appropriate to their processes, installations, and procedures of the construction site.

4. With Employees
The Safety Officer is responsible for providing advice and guidance about any employee's specific
job or work area in the interest of preventing accidents and controlling property damage.

5. Outside the Company

Here, the Safety Officer must establish appropriate relationships with professional and
organizational groups.

The Primary Duty of a Safety Officer

1. Secretary to the Health and Safety Committee:
1.1. Prepare minutes of the meeting
1.2. Report status of recommendation made;
1.3. Notify members of the meetings
2. Submit to the employer a report of the activities of the committee, including recommendations
made.
3. Acts in an advisory capacity on all matters pertaining to health and safety for the guidance of the
employer and the workers.
4. Conducts investigation of accidents as member of the health and safety committee and submits his
separate report and analysis of accidents to the employer
5. Coordinates all health and safety training programs for the employees and employer.
6. Conducts health and safety inspection as member of the committee.
7. Maintains or helps in the maintenance if an efficient accident record system and coordinates action
taken by supervisors to eliminate accident causes.

Role in Promoting a Safe Construction Site

1. Implementation and Control:
1.1. HSE Induction
1.2. HSE Committee and Meeting
1.3. HSE Inspection & Audits
1.4. Work Permits
1.5. HSE Promotions
1.6. Incentive Schemes and Awards
1.7. HSE Education and Training
2. Site Planning:
2.1. Temporary Facilities
2.2. Medical Services/Supplies
2.3. Housekeeping
2.4. Drinking Water and Washing Facility
2.5. Health & Sanitation
Maintaining Workers and Employer’s Concern for Safety and Health
1. By conducting safety promotion program:
1.1. Positive Approach
1.1.1. Incentive Schemes & Awards
1.1.2. Education & Training
Negative Approach
Disciplinary Action Program

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2. Incentive Schemes & Awards
2.1. Zero Lost Time Injury/Accident (LTI/LTA)
2.2. Awarded by target milestone man-hours. Milestone for every 1M Safe Manhour.
3. Safe Worker of The Month
3.1. Slogan Contest
3.2. Slogan Contest
4. Giveaways
4.1. P10.00/day (15/30) of the month, T-Shirt, Dinner
5. Safety Publicity
5.1. Tool Box Topics
5.2. Safety Awareness Signs
5.3. Safety Handbook
5.4. Accident Summary Sheet
5.5. Safety News Cutting, Poster from
5.6. DOLE, OSHC, DOH
5.7. Memorandum, Safety Statistics Board, Notice Board
6. Monitoring the Company CSHP Program
7. Construction Safety & Health Program
7.1. Describes the general CSHP management techniques to be implemented in order to control
and promote greater Occupational Safety and Health Awareness among all persons employed
upon or associated with the Project.

ACCOUNTABILITY OF SAFETY OFFICERS

1. Reduction of the frequency and severity of accidents. The same criteria for measurement must be
consistently used throughout the company.
2. Reduction of costs stemming from accidents. "Weightings" must be used to correct for
dissimilarities between operations in different areas of the company.
3. The efficiency and smoothness of a department's operations within operations of the plant as a
whole.

NEED FOR SAFETY PROFESSIONALS

1. DO 198-2018: Section 14 - SAFETY OFFICER & DO 13 Section 7 – Construction SH
Officer
1.1. The number and qualification of safety officers shall be proportionate to the total number of
workers and equipment, size of work area, classification of the workplace and such other
criteria as required by the OSH standards.
1.2. The safety officer shall be required to undergo the prescribed DOLE-BOSH training
orientation or course, advanced occupational safety training courses, and/or other OSH
related training or learning as necessary in the effective performance of its duties and
responsibilities.
1.3. Safety officers engaged in micro and small establishments, low to medium risk, shall be
engaged in safety programs including other tasks designated to him/her by his/her employer.
1.4. In the case of a contractor or subcontractor, at least one (1) safety officer must be deployed at
each specific area of operations to oversee the management of the OSH program of its own
workforce.

CLEAR POINTS:

1. The Occupational Safety and Health Officer is the key person to developing a safety program
2. Promoting safe work practices improves employee motivate and participation on health and safety
activities

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 EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION PROGRAM

On to Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP), here to address workers who suffer injuries, illnesses
and death when work-related. It was established as an improvement over the old Workmen’s
Compensation Program (WCP), as created by a written policy (P.D. 626) under the Labor Code of the
Philippines. Both programs provide benefits to workers in case of work-connected contingencies.

OBJECTIVE:

By the end of the ECC Module, the participant will be able to list the different compensable diseases and
injuries under the law. He can also point out the instances that will label the injury as work-related.

WCP provides for a litigious process between the employee and employer where the responsibility of
compensating the employee is with the employer. ECP is simple and non-litigious, benefits are paid from
a fund that is managed and guaranteed by the government.

It is a government agency mandated by law to provide meaningful and appropriate compensation to

workers in the event of WORK-RELATED CONTINGENCIES. Its main functions are:
1. Formulate policies and guidelines for the improvement of the Employees Compensation Program
2. To review and decide on appeal all EC claims disapproved by the Systems
3. To initiate policies and programs towards adequate occupational health and safety and accident
prevention in the working environment.

Eight members of the Commission:

1) Secretary of Labor – Chairman
2) SSS Head
3) GSIS Head
4) Phil Health Chair
5) CSC Chair
6) EC Exec Director
7) Employer Representative
8) Employee Representative

ECP is the present compensation package for public and private sector employees and their dependents
in the event of work-related contingencies. It was created under Presidential Decree No. 626, which was
made effective on January 1975.

The ECP is for public and private sector employees and their dependents. All sectors in industry are
covered. All employers are required by law to have their employees covered by the SSS or GSIS, which
is a requirement for them to be covered by the ECP

Designed to provide employees and their families with

• Income benefits
• Medical and
• Other benefits

It is or work-connected sickness/disease, injury or death.

Compensable Diseases:
Under Annex “A” of PD 626 as amended: For an occupational disease and the resulting disability or
death to be compensable, all of the following conditions must be satisfied:
1. The employee’s work and / or the working conditions must involve risk/s that caused the
development of the illness;
2. The disease was contracted as a result of the employee’s exposure to described risks;
3. The disease was contracted within a period of exposure and under such other factors necessary to
contract it;

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4. There was no deliberate act on the part of the employee to disregard the safety measures or ignore
established warning or precaution
5. Not any disease is compensable
6. Only diseases caused by work or the working environment is compensable
7. List of 32 Occupational Diseases with specific conditions set - conditions or risk factors on the job
must be present for the disease to be compensable

Newly amended rules in Annex “A” of PD 626:

• Cardiovascular Diseases, BR No.11-05-13, May 26, 2011
• Cerebrovascular Accidents, BR No.11-05-13, May 26, 2011
• Essential Hypertension, BR No.11-05-13, May 26, 2011
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary & Extra pulmonary) BR No.11-11- 29,
Nov 28, 2011
• Pneumoconiosis BR No.12-09-18, Sept 27, 2012
• Pneumonia, BR No.12-09-18, Sept 27, 2012
• Occupational Asthma, BR No.12-09-18, Sept 27, 2012
• Asbestos-related Diseases, BR No.12-09-18, Sept 27, 2012
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, BR No.12-09-18, Sept 27,
Year 2012
• Byssinosis, BR No.12-09-18, Sept 27, 2012
• Other diseases not in the list may still be compensable if employee can establish causal
connection with the nature of his work or the working environment.

Compensable injuries:
For the INJURY and the resulting disability or death to be compensable, the injury must be the result of
an accident arising out of or in the course of employment.

Work – Connected Injuries

1. Happened in the workplace
2. Happened while performing official function
3. Outside of workplace but performing an order of his employer
4. When going to or coming from work
5. While ministering to personal comfort
6. While in a company shuttle bus
7. During a company sponsored activity

Progression of Illness (deterioration) or injury:

Where the primary illness or injury is shown to have arisen in the course of employment, every natural
consequence that flows from the illness or injury shall be deemed employment related.

Excepting Instance:
1. Intoxication
2. Notorious negligence
3. Willful intent to injure oneself or another

ECP Benefits:
1. Loss of Income Benefit
2. Medical Benefit
3. Carer’s allowance
4. Death benefit
5. Rehabilitation service

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1. Loss of income benefit - It is the incapacity to work (DISABILITY) as a result of the illness or injury
that is being compensated.

Types of Disability:
1. Total Temporary Disability TTD
2. Partial Total Disability PTD
3. Partial Permanent Disability PPD

Daily Income Benefit for TTD

• for disability not exceeding 120 days
• paid from first day of disability
• may go beyond 120 days but not to exceed 240 days
• P90/day for public sector employees (P200/day starting May 31, 2013)
• P200/day for private sector employees

Monthly Income Benefit for PTD

• for disability that is permanent and total
• also paid for
o Complete loss of sight of both eyes
o Loss of two limbs/permanent complete paralysis of two limbs
o Brain injury resulting in imbecility/insanity
• guaranteed for life if disability remains until death of the worker but may be suspended
o Failure to present for examination / Failure to submit quarterly medical report
o Complete or full recovery / Upon being gainfully employed
o Rehabilitation appliances e.g. hearing aid, crutches, wheelchair, etc.
o Re-skilling for re-employment / Training for entrepreneurship

Permanent Partial Disability

Complete & Permanent Loss of the Use of Number of Months

One thumb 10
One index finger 8
One middle finger 6
One ring finger 5
One little finger 3
One big toe 6
Any other toe 3
One hand 39
One arm 50
One foot 31
One leg 46
One ear 10
Both ears 20
Hearing of one ear 25
Hearing of both ears 50
Sight of one eye 25
2. Medical Benefits
▪ Ward services for hospital confinement
▪ Medical attendance by an accredited doctor
▪ Surgical expense benefit
▪ Reimbursement of cost of medicines

3. Carer’s Allowance
• Granted to employee who gets permanently and totally disabled and has difficulty taking care of
basic personal needs
• PhP1,000/month allowance for the private sector employees only (for public sector employees
starting 2018)

4. Death Benefits
• Monthly Income Benefit pension to beneficiary plus 10% for each dependent child not exceeding
five
• Funeral benefit of PhP20,000 for private sector; PhP3,000 for public sector (PhP20,000 for public
sector starting May 31, 2013)

5. Rehabilitation Services for ODW’s

What is the KAGABAY Program? It is a component of the ECP that extends Rehabilitation services
to Occupationally Disabled Workers (ODW’s)

ECC-Quick Response Team Program (ECC-QRTP)

The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) extends assistance to private and public sector
employees or their dependents in the event of work-related sickness, injury or death. In view of this, the
ECC believes that there is a need for its presence to be felt as soon as the contingency occurs. It is on this
premise that the ECC-QRTP was created.

Availing of ECP benefits

• Claims for EC Benefits are filed with the Systems
o SSS for private sector
o GSIS for public sector
• Fill up prescribed forms and attach support documents such as
o job description
o medical/hospital records
o Physical Exam / Medical Exam and Annual Exam Reports

Prescriptive Period
No claim for compensation shall be given due course unless said claim is filed with the Systems within
THREE (3) years from the time the cause of action occurred.
• Enjoyed only by those with Employee - Employer relationship
• Coverage/entitlement to benefits begin on first day of employment
• Benefits are in addition to SSS and Phil Health benefits

Employees’ Compensation Commission

4th and 5th Flr, ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City

CLEAR POINTS:

1. Employees Compensation is for Work-related injuries only

2. Proper documentation is required for filing a claim.

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 SALIENT FEATURES of OSH LEGISLATIONS

Health and Safety Legislation is best discussed with the understanding provided through four (4)
references, namely:

1. P.D.442, Labor Code of the Philippines;

2. Book IV, Title I (Chapter I, Medical & Dental Services – Chapter II: Occ. Safety & Health Standards
3. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11058 ENTITLED “An Act Strengthening Compliance With Occupational
Safety And Health Standards And Providing Penalties For Violations Thereof” and the
4. Implementing Rules and Regulations DOLE D.O. 198 series of 2018

Section 1 - DECLARATION OF POLICY

The state affirms labor as a primary social and economic force and that a safe and healthy workforce is
integral in nation building.

Section 2 – COVERAGE
• All private establishments where work is being undertaken
• Includes establishments located inside special economic zones and other investment promotion
agencies (e.g. Philippine Economic Zone [PEZA], Clark Development Corporation [CDC])

Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 1-2000; signed March 4, 2020, effective May 22, 2020: The
Rule covers the public sector such as national government agencies, government-owned and controlled
corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges and local gov’t units.

Section 3 - DEFINITION OF TERMS

A. DOLE Accredited Training Organizations – Refers to those which have been granted accreditation
by DOLE pursuant to Department Order No. 16-2001
B. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards – A set of rules issued by DOLE which
mandates the adoption and use of appropriate practices, means, methods, operations & working
conditions to ensure safe & healthful employment.
C. Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) – Establishments employing < 10 employees & < 100 employees,
respectively
D. General Safety & Health Inspection – An examination of the work environment, including the
location and operation of machinery other than those covered by technical safety audits, ventilation,
and other possible sources of safety and health hazards
E. COMPETENCY STANDARDS – Refers to industry determined specification of proficiency required
for effective work performance.
F. CERTIFIED FIRST-AIDER – Refers to any person trained and duly certified to administer first aid
by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) or any organization authorized by the Secretary of Labor and
Employment. This includes Dept. of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection and TESDA
G. EMPLOYER – Any person, natural or juridical, including the contractor, subcontractor, and principal
employer who directly or indirectly benefit from the services of the employee.
H. WORKER - Refers to any member of the labor force, regardless of employment status.
I. Workers’ OSH Seminar – Refers to the mandatory eight (8)-hour module conducted by the safety
officer of the workplace as prescribed by the OSH standards.
J. Imminent Danger – A situation caused by a condition or practice in any place of employment that
could reasonably be expected to lead to death or serious physical harm
K. LOW RISK ESTABLISHMENT – Refers to a workplace where there is Low Level of danger or
exposure to safety and health hazards and not likely or with low probability to result in accident, harm
or injury, or illness.
L. MEDIUM RISK ESTABLISHMENT – Refers to a workplace where there is Moderate Exposure to
safety and health hazards and with probability of an accident, injury or illness, if no preventive or
control measures are in place.\
M. HIGH RISK ESTABLISHMENT – Refers to a workplace wherein the presence of hazard or potential
hazard within the company may affect the safety and/or health of workers

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The following are workplaces commonly associated with potentially high-risk activities:
1. Chemical works and chemical production plants;
2. Construction;
3. Deep sea fishing;
4. Explosives and pyrotechnics factories;
5. Firefighting;
6. Healthcare facilities;
7. Installation of communication accessories, towers and cables;
8. LPG filling, refilling, storage and distribution;
9. Mining;
10. Petrochemical works and refineries;
11. Power generation, transmission and distribution in the energy sector;
12. Storage and distribution center for toxic or hazardous chemicals;
13. Storage of fertilizers in high volume;
14. Transportation;
15. Water supply, sewerage, waste management, remediation activities;
16. Works in which chlorine is used in bulk; and
17. Activities closely similar to those enumerated above and other activities as determined by DOLE in
accordance with existing issuances on the classification of establishments.

Section 4A – DUTIES OF EMPLOYER

1. Capacity building of all workers including mandatory trainings;
2. Provision of information on OSH;
3. Use of devices/equipment with approved industry standards;
4. Compliance with all the requirements of the OSH Standards;
5. Provide appropriate DOLE tested & approved PPEs FREE of charge to the workers.

Section 4B – DUTIES OF THE WORKER

1. Participate in capacity building activities on safety and health and
2. Comply with instructions to prevent accidents or imminent danger situations in the workplace
3. Observe prescribed steps to be taken in cases of emergency
4. Proper use of all safeguards and safety devices furnished for workers’ protection and that of others

Section 4C – DUTIES OF OTHER PERSONS

1. Any other person, including the builder or contactor who visits, builds, renovates or installs devices
or conducts business in any establishments or workplace, shall comply with the provisions of this
Rules and all other regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor and Employment.
2. Whenever 2 or more undertakings are engaged in activities simultaneously in one 1 workplace, it
shall be the duty of all concerned to collaborate and cooperate to ensure compliance with OSH
standards and regulations, other OSH related topics and programs;
3. REPORT TO THEIR IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR any work hazard that may be discovered in the
workplace.

WORKERS’ RIGHTS
Section 5 - THE RIGHT TO KNOW:
The different types of hazards in the workplace; Be provided with training, education and orientation;

Section 6 - THE RIGHT TO REFUSE UNSAFE WORK:

To refuse unsafe work without threat or reprisal from the employer in cases of imminent danger. Affected
workers may be temporarily assigned to other work areas;

Section 7 - THE RIGHT TO REPORT:

To report accidents / dangerous occurrences to DOLE-ROs and other government agencies in the most
convenient way; Workers shall be free from retaliation for reporting accidents.

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 Section 8 - THE RIGHT TO PPE:
To be provided barriers whenever necessary by reason of the hazardous nature of the process or
environment.

Section 9 - SAFETY SIGNAGE AND DEVICES

All establishments, projects, sites and all other places where work is being undertaken shall have safety
signages and devices to warn the workers and the public of the hazards in the workplace.
Safety signage and devices shall be posted in prominent positions at strategic locations in a language
understandable to all, and in accordance with the OSH standards on color of signs for safety instructions
and warnings, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) pictograms, construction safety, classification and
labelling of chemicals, radiation, safety instructions and warning signs, set by DOLE

Section 10 - SAFETY IN THE USE OF EQUIPMENT

Contractor or Subcontractor, if any, must comply with the OSH standards set by DOLE on safety and
use of such equipment in the different phases of the company or project operation including the transport
to and from the establishment, project, site or place where work is being undertaken. Appropriate training
and certification by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC) or other concerned government agency shall be a requirement for
operators before use of equipment, if applicable.

Section 11 - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

The employer, contractor or subcontractor, if any, shall provide the workers in all establishments, projects
and all other places where work is being undertaken adequate and suitable information on the following:
Workplace hazards; Control mechanisms; Appropriate measures; Emergency & disaster management
protocols.

Section 12 - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM - Covered workplaces shall

develop and implement a suitable OSH program and shall be guided by a format prescribed by DOLE.
THE COMPANY MUST ENSURE:
1. The OSH program shall be updated, communicated and be made readily available to all persons in the
workplace.
2. The core elements of OSH program are integrated in the company OSH program such as Management
Commitment and employee involvement, HIRAC, safety and health training and education, and OSH
program evaluation.
3. The company shall submit a copy of the OSH program to the DOLE Office having jurisdiction over the
workplace.
4. A duly signed company commitment to comply OSH requirements together with the company OSH
program using the prescribed template shall be considered approved upon submission EXCEPT for
Construction Safety and Health Program which shall need approval by DOLE prior to construction.

Basic Components of Company OSH Program and Policy (DO 198-18, Chapter IV, Section 12)
2) Company Commitment to Comply with OSH Requirements
3) General Safety and Health Programs
a) Safety & Health Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & Control (HIRAC) -
b) Medical Surveillance for early detection and management of occupational and work-related disease
c) First-aid and emergency medical services
4) Promotion of Drug Free workplace, Mental health Services in the Workplace, Healthy lifestyle
5) Prevention and Control of HIV-AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B
6) Composition and Duties of health and safety Committee
7) OSH Personnel and Facilities
8) Safety and Health Promotion, Training and Education
a) Orientation of all workers on OSH
b) Conduct of Risk Assessment, evaluation, Control -*Continuing training on OSH for OSH Personnel -
*Work permit System
9) Toolbox/Safety Meetings, job safety analysis
10) Accident/Incident/illness Investigation, Recording and Reporting

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11) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
12) Safety signage
13) Dust control and management and regulation on activities such as building of temporary structures and
lifting and operation of electrical, mechanical, communications system and other requirements.
14) Welfare Facilities
15) Emergency and disaster preparedness and response plan to include the organization and creation of
disaster control groups, business continuity plan, and updating the hazard, risk and vulnerability
assessment (as required)
16) Solid waste management system
17) Compliance with Reportorial Government Requirement (refer to Item 9.0)
18) Control and Management of Hazards (refer to Item 2-HIRAC)
19) Prohibited Acts and Penalties for Violations
20) Cost of Implementing Company OSH program

Section 13 - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

a) For establishments with less than 10 workers and low risk establishments with 10 - 50 workers. –
A SO1 shall establish an OSH committee composed of the following:
Chairperson Company owner or manager
Secretary Safety officer of the workplace
Member At least one (1) worker, preferably a union member if organized

b) For medium to high risk establishments with 10-50 workers and low to high risk establishments
with 51 workers and above. – The OSH committee of the covered workplace shall be composed of
the following:
Ex-officio Employer or his/her representative
Chairperson
Secretary Safety officer of the workplace
Ex-officio Certified first-aider, OH nurse, OH dentist, and OH
members physician, as applicable
Members Safety officers representing the contractor or subcontractor, as the case may be, and
representative/s of workers who shall come from the union, if the workers are
organized, or elected workers through a simple vote of majority, if they are
unorganized

c) For 2 or more establishments housed under one building or complex including malls. – When two
or more establishments are housed under one building or complex, the health and safety committee
organized in each workplace shall form themselves into a Joint Coordinating Committee to plan and
implement programs and activities concerning all the establishments.
Chairperson Building owner or his/her representative such as the building administrator
Secretary Safety officer of the building or complex appointed by the Chairperson
Members At least two safety officers from any of the establishment housed under one
building or complex
At least two workers’ representatives, one of which must be from a union if
organized, from any of the establishment housed under one building or complex

Section 14 - SAFETY OFFICER

In the implementation of OSH program, the required safety officers shall be employed or designated with
the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) Oversee the overall management of the OSH program in coordination with the OSH committee;
(b) Frequently monitor and inspect any health or safety aspect of the operation being undertaken with
the participation of supervisors and workers;
(c) Assist government inspectors in the conduct of safety and health inspection at any time whenever
work is being performed or during the conduct of an accident investigation by providing necessary
information and OSH reports as required by the OSH standards; and (d) Issue Work Stoppage Order
(WSO) when necessary based on the requirements and procedures provided by the OSH standards.

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 Safety officer/s of all workplaces must possess the necessary training and experience requirement
according to its category as contained herein.

The respective qualifications of safety officers are as follows:

SO1 8 hours OSH Orientation Course

2 hours Trainors Training
SO2 Mandatory 40 hours training applicable to industry
SO3 Mandatory 40 hours trading applicable to industry
Additional 48 hours advance / specialized OSH training relevant to industry
At least 2 years’ experience in OSH\
Other requirements as prescribed by OSHS
SO4 Mandatory 40 hours training applicable to industry
Additional 80 hours advance / specialized OSH training relevant to industry
A total of 320 hours OSH related training or experience (additional training may be converted
to experience: 80 hours = 1-year experience or vice versa
Actual experience as SO3 for 4 years
Other requirements as prescribed by OSHS

LABOR ADVISORY O4-20I9 - APPOINTMENT OF SAFETY OFFICER

The Safety Officer shall be certified by the company's Human Resource (HR) unit/section based on the
qualification requirements such as completion of the prescribed training and minimum years of OSH
experience as provided for under Section 14. Thus, the appointment of its own safety officers and the
appropriate category level of Safety Officer ( i.e. Safety Officer 1, Safety Officer 2, Safety Officer 3 and
Safety Officer 4) shall be issued by the company.

The engagement of the services of a certified OSH Consultant (SO4) shall be allowed for a period not
longer than one (1) year for establishments whose designated safety officer has to be trained or is in the
process of completing the prescribed training courses and relevant experience.

Section 15 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES

The employer may not establish an emergency hospital or dental clinic in the workplace where there is a
hospital or dental clinic which is located not more than five (5) kilometers away from the workplace,
accessible in not more than twenty-five (25) minutes travel time.

Section 16 - SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING

1. First-Aider - Standard first aid training
2. OH Nurse - At least forty (40)-hour Basic OSH training course for OH Nurses
3. OH Dentist - At least forty (40)-hour Basic OSH training course
4. OH Physician - At least fifty-six (56)-hour Basic OSH training course for OH Physicians
The workers’ OSH seminar and other trainings/orientations as required by the employer and by any law
shall be at no cost on the worker and considered as compensable working time.
Section 17 - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REPORTS
All employers, contractors or subcontractors, if any, shall submit to DOLE all safety and health reports,
and notifications such as but not limited to:
1. Annual Medical Report (AMR); DOLEBWCHSDOH-47-A
2. Report of the Safety Organization; (RSO) the OSH Committee Report DOLEBWCOHSDIP-5
3. Employer’s Work Accident Illness Report (WAIR); DOLEBWCOHSDIP-6
4. Annual Work Accident or injury Exposure Data Report (AEDR). DOLEBWCOHSDIP-6b
5. Government Safety Engineers Accident Investigation Report (Work-ALERT Form IP-6a_1)
Section 18 - WORKERS’ COMPETENCY CERTIFICATION
The PRC shall determine the minimum and necessary competency on safety and health for OSH
personnel and use the same as equivalency in their application for Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) units. In order to professionalize, upgrade and update the level of competence of workers, TESDA
or PRC, shall establish national competency standards and prepare guidelines on competency assessment
and certification for critical occupations to include requirements on safety and health.

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 Section 19 - WORKERS’ WELFARE FACILITIES
1. All establishments, projects, sites and all other places where work is being undertaken shall have the
following free welfare facilities in order to ensure humane working conditions:
2. Adequate supply of safe drinking water;
3. Adequate sanitary and washing facilities;
4. Suitable living accommodation for workers, as may be applicable such as in construction, shipping,
fishing and night workers;
5. Separate sanitary, washing and sleeping facilities for all gender, as may be applicable;
6. Lactation station except those establishments as provided for under DOLE Dept. Order No. 143-15;
7. Ramps, railings and the like; and
8. Other workers’ welfare facilities as may be prescribed by the OSH standards and other issuances.

Section 20 - ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

All employers, contractors or subcontractors, if any, shall comply with other occupational safety and
health standards as provided for in the 1978 DOLE Occupational Safety and Health Standards, as
amended.

Section 21 - COST OF SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM

The total cost of implementing a duly approved OSH program shall be an integral part of the operations
cost. It shall be separate pay item in construction and in all contracting or subcontracting arrangements.

Section 22 - EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY

The employer, project owner, contractor, or subcontractor, if any, & any person who manages, controls
or supervises the work being undertaken shall be jointly & solitarily liable for compliance with OSH
standards including the penalties imposed for violation thereof as provided for in this Rules.

Section 23 - VISITORIAL POWER OF THE DOLE SECRETARY

1. All matters arising from the visitorial and enforcement power of the Secretary of Labor and Employment
or his/her duly authorized representatives shall be governed by the applicable rules on the administration
and enforcement of labor laws pursuant to Article 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as
renumbered, and other laws.
2. The Secretary of Labor or his/her duly authorized representatives with the appropriate inspection
authority shall have the authority:
3. To enforce the mandatory OSH standards in all establishments and conduct an annual spot audit on its
compliance for the same. Must be attended by a Safety Officer and representative of the management
and workers of the establishment.
4. May order stoppage of work or suspension of operations of any unit or department of an establishment
when non-compliance to this Rules, OSH standards and other applicable laws poses grave and imminent
danger to the safety and health of workers in the workplace.
5. Any kind of self-assessment shall not take the place of labor inspection conducted by DOLE.
6. No person or entity shall obstruct, impede, delay or otherwise render ineffective the orders of the
Secretary of Labor and Employment or the Secretary’s duly authorized representatives issued pursuant
to the authority granted under Article 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, and no lower court or
entity shall issue temporary or permanent injunction or restraining order or otherwise assume jurisdiction
over any case involving the enforcement orders.

Section 24 - PAYMENT OF WORKERS DURING WORK

1. STOPPAGE DUE TO IMMINENT DANGER
2. If stoppage of work due to imminent danger occurs as a result of the employer’s violation or fault, the
employer shall pay the affected workers their corresponding wages during the period of such stoppage
of work or suspension of operations.
3. For purposes of payment of wages and any other liabilities arising from the WSO, the employer is
presumed as party at fault if the WSO was issued secondary to an imminent danger situation which would
imperil the lives of the workers. A mandatory conference not later than 72 hours shall be held to
determine whether the WSO will be lifted or not.

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 Section 27 - EMPLOYEE’S COMPENSATION CLAIM
A worker may file claims for compensation benefit arising out of work-related disability or death. Such
claims shall be processed independently of the finding of fault, gross negligence or bad faith of the
employer in a proceeding instituted for the purpose. The employer shall provide the necessary assistance
to employees applying for claims.

Section 28 - INCENTIVES TO EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS

There shall be established package of incentives under such rules and regulations as may be promulgated
by the DOLE to qualified employers and workers to recognize their efforts towards ensuring compliance
with OSH and general labor standards such as OSH training packages, additional protective equipment,
technical guidance, recognition awards and other similar incentives.

Section 29 - PROHIBITED ACTS AND ITS CORRESPONDING PENALTIES

There shall be willful failure or refusal to comply with the OSH standards if the following exists:

1. A record on the safety report of SO or minutes of the meeting of the OSH committee that there’s a
violation of the OSH standards but no action has been made despite findings of OSH violation/s,
2. Repeated simple refusal or failure to comply following a report to DOLE by the worker of prohibited
act/s committed by employer, or Presence of risk or danger in plain view.
3. Should there be non-compliance of two (2) or more items, all penalties shall be imposed; however, the
total daily penalty shall not exceed One Hundred Thousand Pesos (₱ 100,000.00).
4. Fines for micro establishments with one (1) to nine (9) workers, and small establishments with ten (10)
to fifty (50) workers shall have a 0.5 factor if OSH violation has been corrected not later than forty-eight
(48) hours.
5. When the violation exposes the worker to death, serious injury or serious illness, the imposable penalty
shall be One Hundred Thousand Pesos (₱100,000.00).
6. The Secretary of Labor and Employment may issue additional violations and corresponding fines
following consultation with stakeholders.
7. An employer, contractor or subcontractor who was found to be a repeat violator of the above prohibited
acts shall have the penalty of additional fifty percent (50%) thereof and shall be compounded for every
instance of repeat violation.

Section 34 – EFFECTIVITY
This Rules shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Signed: 06 December 2018 / Published: 09 January 2019 / Effectivity: 25 January 2019.

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 \DEVELOPMENT OF AN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH PROGRAM

OBJECTIVE:
To develop an OSH Program based on the guidelines of DOLE D.O. 198-18

Compulsory to all industries is the development and implementation of an OSH PROGRAM

• Is a systematic plan to IDENTIFY, EVALUATE and CONTROL hazards and respond to
EMERGENCIES.
• It lays out responsibilities, resources, and procedures for keeping the workplace safe and
healthy.

COMPONENTS OF THE OSH PROGRAM

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 Role of Management in OSH Programming

Effective safety program can be achieved basically through control of people’s actions. Only top
management has the authority to implement such controls.

REVIEW and ADJUST

Monitor performance:
• Compare current performance with previous performance (benchmark)
• Compare current performance with targets
Make necessary changes to improve the safety program
• Continue successes
• Change failures.

Management Commitment Sample

OSH Policy Requirement:

• Specific to the organization, concise, clearly written, dated, signed.
• Indicates management commitment, support and accountability
• Includes principle and objectives of protecting SH of all members of the organization.
• States compliance with OSHS and related laws.
• States objectives to continually improve the OSH MS
• Employees are aware, communicated and posted
• Covers all workers and community

DO 198-2018 SECTION 12: OSH Program

Covered workplaces shall develop and implement a suitable OSH program in a format prescribed by
DOLE which shall be posted in prominent places.

A. For establishments with less than 10 workers and low risk establishments with 10-50 workers. –
The OSH program, which shall be duly signed by the employer, must include at least the following:
1. Company commitment to comply with OSH requirements;
2. General safety and health programs, including:
• Safety and health hazard identification, risk assessment and control (HIRAC),
• Medical surveillance for early detection and management of occupational and work-related diseases, and
• First aid and emergency medical services;
3. Promotion of the following health domains:

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• Drug-free workplace (RA 9165),
• Mental health services in the workplace (RA 11036), and
• Healthy lifestyle;

Workplace Policy on Healthy Lifestyle Sample

Policy on Drug-Free Workplace Sample

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Medical Surveillance

4. Prevention and control of the following health domains:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (RA 8504),
• Tuberculosis (EO 187-03), and
• Hepatitis B (DOLE DA 05-2010);
5. Complete company or project details;
6. Composition and duties of the OSH committee;
7. OSH personnel and facilities;
8. Safety and health promotion, training and education, including:
• Orientation of all workers on OSH, and
• Conduct of risk assessment, evaluation and control;
9. Conduct of toolbox or safety meetings and job safety analysis, if applicable;
10. Accident/incident/illness investigation, recording and reporting;
11. Provision and use of PPE;

Workplace Policy on HIV-Aids Sample

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 9. Provision of safety signage;
10. Provision of workers’ welfare facilities;
11. Emergency and disaster preparedness and mandated drills;
12. Solid waste management system; and
13. Control and management of hazards.

B. For medium to high risk establishments with 10–50 workers and low to high risk
establishments with 51 workers and above. – The OSH program, which shall be duly signed by
the employer, must include at least the following:
13. Dust control and management, and regulations on activities such as building of
temporary structures, and lifting and operation of electrical, mechanical,
communications system, and other equipment;

18. Prohibited acts and penalties for violations; and

19. Cost of implementing company OSH program.

CLEAR POINTS:

1. Developing an OSH program is a requirement of the Philippine Law

2. It serves to protect the worker and the employer.
3. Enforcement is one response, but not the only response!

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