Safe and healthy working environment is a productive environment.
Joffrey M. Suyao, regional director of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Davao Region underscored the importance of prevention of occupational accidents and diseases as contributing factor to productive industries and healthy environment during recently held celebration of the World Day for Safety and Health.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Safety and health in the use of chemicals at work.”
“The use of chemicals in the workplace nowadays is inevitable thus, it poses a challenge of finding the balance between the benefits of chemical use and the preventive and control measures of potential adverse impact on workers, workplaces, communities and environment,” Suyao said.
“We have to strictly enforce and comply with the occupational health and safety guidelines to protect man and his environment,” he added.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) marks in 2003 the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on the 28th of April to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. In many parts of the world, national authorities, trade unions, employers’ organizations and safety and health practitioners organize activities to celebrate this date.
Observed in Davao region last May 7, the celebration intensifies the awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on emerging trends in the field of occupational safety and health and on the magnitude of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities in the country and in the world.
During the event, companies who have observed high standards on safety practices were recognized. J.A. Angeles Construction Corp, Hedcor Tudaya Project contractor, was recognized for attaining Two-Million Safe ManHour No Lost Time Accident. While the Makati Development Corporation was awarded for its One-Million Safe ManHour No Lost Time accident achievement for its Abreeza Residences project.
Suyao also cited the contributions of Philippine Red Cross and Association of Safety Practitioners of the Philippines, Inc. (ASPPI) in the observance of this international event. Both organizations have been DOLE’s partner in advocating occupational safety and health, and continuing education safety practitioners.
An ILO report published in early February calls for measures to prevent or control the adverse effects of chemicals on workers, the
public and the environment.
“Chemicals are key to healthy living and modern convenience. They range from pesticides that improve the extent and quality of food production, to pharmaceuticals that cure illnesses, and cleaning products that help establish hygienic living conditions,” the report said.
“Chemicals are also critical in many industrial processes for developing products important to global standards of living. However, governments, employers and workers continue to struggle to address controlling exposure to these chemicals in the workplace, as well as limiting emissions to the environment,” it added.
Sherwin B. Manual/DOLE11
