Cosh Avie Manual Final 2

CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
INTRODUCTION: COSH Framework

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Training for Safety Officers is one of
the mandatory 40-hour training courses required for safety officers working in the
construction industry under Rule1030 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS),
Sections 14 and 16 of the DOLE Department Order No. 198 series 2008, and the DOLE Department
Order No. 13 series 1998: Guidelines Governing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry.
 Course Overview, Requirements and Objectives
o To learn the basic principles of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

o To reinforce participants’ positive behavior towards Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
o To increase awareness of the participants on the implementation of Occupational Safety
and Health (OSH) program
o To familiarize with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards as promulgated by the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
o To know the requirements for the appointment of a Safety Officer and for OSHC-DOLE
accreditation as OSH Practitioner/Consultant
o Individually, the participants shall develop a safety and health action plan or program
designed to prevent accidents and occupational diseases in accordance with the
provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS)

Introduction of Speakers and Participants
o Day 1
o Day 2
o Day 3
o Day 4
o Day 5
All rights reserved 2020 property of ATCS duplication in any form without written approval is strictly prohibited
1 | | P a g e Email Address jarosalve@gmail.com / www.avietcs.com / avie.avietcs.com
 House rules - for Webinars

1. Every participant must join the webinar and check their internet connection 30minutes
prior to start of the webinar and must inform the ATCS technical team in advance
2. Only the enrolled participants shall be on the webinar platform
3. During breaks everyone is ask to stand up relax and stretch, have a snacks or coffee
4. Everyone will have the privilege of ask question during the webinar. He/she must send his
question via chat so that the flow of training will not be much affected
5. Quizzes, exams and practical Q@A must be dealt with outmost truthfulness/ cheating is
not advisable
6. Participants shall wear proper attire during the seminar
7. All videos of the participants must be working at all times
8. If there is an emergency or need to go out, the participants must inform the group by
chatting "going out for a moment or gofm" and it must not last 10mnts
9. Must use their true names in the zoom platform
10. Assignments/homework shall be done accordingly to avoid the delay of distribution of
the certificates
 House rules - for Classroom Type of Training
1. Be on time at the beginning of the day and every breaks.
2. Come prepared with workbook and completed homework if any
3. Be kind, polite, and courteous to others.
4. Be respectful to classmates, speakers, and property.
5. Engage with the discussion and group activities.
6. Obey Housekeeping Rules
7. If need to go for personal comfort – no need to ask permission.

8. Obey all House rules.
 Diagnostic Examination/Pre-Test
Course Outline / Learning Road Map:

Nominal
Schedule Module No. Module Title
Duration (Hrs)
1 Importance of Safety and Health 1 Hr.
Unsafe act & Unsafe Condition (Basic causes
2 1.5 Hrs.
Day 1 of workplace accidents)
3 Construction Site/Premises 1.75 Hrs.
4 Excavation Safety 1 Hr.
5 Tools and Equipment Safety 1 Hr.
6 Construction Machinery (Mobile Equipment) 1.75 Hrs.
7 Construction Machinery (Crane Safety) 1.75 Hrs.
8 Fall Protection 1 Hr.
Day 2
9 Temporary Structures (Scaffolding & Ladder) 1.25 Hrs.
Temporary Structures (Erection &
2.50 Hrs
Dismantling))
10 Environmental Safety 1.75 Hrs.
11 CoViD-19 Prevention Measures 1.5 Hrs.
12 Occupational Health 1.75 Hrs.
Day 3 13 Personal Protective Equipment 1.75 Hrs.
14 Demolition Safety 1 Hr.
15 Routine Site Safety Inspection 1 Hr.
Construction Site Visit and Presentation of
4 Hrs,
Inspection Results
16 Job Hazard Analysis 1 Hr.
Day 4 17 Accident Investigation & Reporting 1 Hr.
18 Role of Safety Officers 1 Hr.
19 OSH Communication (Tool Box Meeting) 2 Hr.
20 Emergency Preparedness 1 Hr.
Day 5
21 Employees Compensation 1 Hr.
22 OSH Legislation and Programming 1.50 Hrs.
Re-entry Plan and Training Evaluation
Module 1 – Importance of Safety and Health

• Module Objectives
Upon completion of the module, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the current Philippine OSH situation
2. Describe the OSH situation in their own workplaces
W hat is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)?

OSH also commonly referred to as health and safety, occupational health and safety (OHS),
occupational health, or occupational safety, is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety,
health, and welfare of people at work.
OSH is generally defined as the science of the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of
hazards arising in or from the workplace that could impair the health and well- being of workers,
taking into account the possible impact on the surrounding communities and the general
environment.
OSH Situationer (Global and Local)
Latest data from the Philippine Statistical Authority’s survey (PSA) reveal that there has been an
increase on occupational injuries between the years 2003 to 2015 from 23,000 occupational injuries
to an approximate of 51,000, and 55,000 occupational diseases to around 128,000. However, there
is a possibility of under-reporting of both occupational injuries and diseases due to weakness in

the notification system of workplace accidents and data/report on workers’ exposure to hazard.
- 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
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the total cases of occupational diseases in workplaces
reached over 125,000 in 2015. Back pain is the most common type of occupational disease, making up
32.8% of the reported cases. This is followed by essential hypertension (11.5%) and neck and shoulder
pain (11.4%).
Meanwhile, the most at risk industry for workers was found to be in administrative and support service
activities (34.3%) and manufacturing industry (31.1%), jointly comprising almost two thirds of the total
cases of occupational diseases in 2015.
-Faizza Tanggol | Communications Officer WHO Philippines | 23 August 2018 | The Occupational Safety and
Health Standards Act will protect the health of workers in the Philippines
The Philippine Government estimates that 2.2 million Filipino workers in medium and large
enterprises enjoy effective occupational safety and health (OSH) protection and services. In
other words, 17 of 18 persons in the nation’s workforce of 38.8 million do not benefit from
acceptable working conditions. Studies substantiate that OSH conditions in micro-firms and the
informal sector pose risks and hazards.

-Ma Lourdes Macapanpan | Programme Assistant in Employment Policy and Job Creation ILO Country
Office for the Philippines (CO-Manila) | https://www.ilo.org/manila/areasofwork/safety-and-health-at-
work/lang-- en/index.htm
COSTS OF ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES:
Human Costs
The effect of accident to a worker entails a lot of losses in terms of:
Ø Disability- (temporary or permanent) Pain and suffering
Ø Loss of income; loss of earning capacity
Ø Change in social life
Ø Death
Economic Costs
The economic cost of incidents and illnesses are far greater than most people realize
Direct Costs:
Ø Medical Costs
Ø Insurance premium
Ø Employee compensation
Ø Regulatory penalties
Indirect Costs:
Ø Investigation of the incident
Ø Cleaning up of incident site
Ø Disruption in production
Ø Repair/ replacement of damaged materials/ equipment
Ø Training of new/ replacement employees
Ø Poor employee morale leading to low production
Ø Environmental litigation
Ø Ecological remediation
Ø Marketing efforts to project image
Summary Key Points:
 Every workplace has different hazards, risk, and level of exposures. Tailor fit your OSH response.
 Safety officers play a key role in the overall management of programs in their companies.
 Accidents and injuries result to losses of lives, limbs, time and property. Most accidents at
work could have been prevented. Immediate causes of accidents are unsafe and unhealthy
acts and conditions.
 Conduct workplace risk assessment through hazards identification, evaluation and control.
Module 2 – Unsafe act & Unsafe Condition (Basic causes of workplace
accidents)
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
General Concepts on OSH
Accident Causation Theories
Accidents occur every day and, one way or another, will impact virtually everyone. For the record,
an accident is technically anything that happens by chance or misfortune. This definition provides
two important points. First, accidents are unavoidable as a whole; the chance of one occurring will
virtually always be present. Second, the chance of an accident occurring is a variable that can be
changed. While it is impossible to prevent all accidents, it is possible to decrease their rate of
occurrence. Understanding the cause of a phenomenon such as this is key to decreasing its
occurrences, as often knowing the cause is the only way to formulate effective prevention
strategies.
Heinrich’s Domino Theory

As one could easily guess from the commonly used name for Heinrich’s theory, Heinrich (1936)
explained accidents using an analogy to dominos falling over one another and creating a chain
of events. While this theory is not the most advanced or complex theory, it is especially
noteworthy as one of the first scientific theories used to explain accidents. It is often still
referenced today, seven decades later.
When dominos fall over, each tips the next enough to push it over and continue the process
until all the connected dominos have fallen. However, if just a single domino is removed, the
entire process ceases. Heinrich explains accident causation in the same way:
As you can see from the figure, Heinrich identified five stages of accident causation. The first stage,
the social environment and ancestry, encompasses anything that may lead to producing
undesirable traits in people. More precisely, this includes the
nature and nurture aspects of someone’s background. Genetics,

poor parenting/socializing, and an unhealthy subculture are all
examples of characteristics o f nature and nurture that can
negatively influence individuals and lead to the next stage of

accident causation. It is worth noting that Heinrich’s inclusion
of genetics and ancestry is very much a product of the time it
was written. A modernized version of this theory would likely
use the term “inherited behavior,” similar to how alcoholism

and temperaments can be inherited.
The second stage, faults of a person, refers to personal characteristics that are conducive to
accidents. For example, having a bad temper may lead to spontaneous outbursts and disregard
for safety. Similarly, general recklessness can also be one of the manifestations o f poor character.
Ignorance, such as not knowing safety regulations or standard operating procedures, is also an
example of this stage.
The third stage, an unsafe act or condition, is often the beginning of a specific incident. Unlike
the first two stages, which affect the probability of accidents occurring, this stage is closer to the
accident in terms of temporal proximity. This can include a specific act that is unsafe, such as
starting a machine without proper warning, or failing to perform appropriate preventative actions,
such as using guardrails or other safety measures. In essence, this stage entails acts (or failures to
act) that occasionally cause accidents.
The next stage, logically, is the accident itself. This, in and of itself, needs little explanation. It is,
simply, when something occurs that is undesirable and not intended. The final stage, injury, is
the unfortunate outcome of some accidents. Whether an injury occurs during an accident is
often a matter of chance and not always the outcome. This relationship highl ights the
relationships between stages in terms of causality. An accident occurring is not a sufficient
cause for an injury, but it is a necessary one. Similarly, the undesirable characteristics in stage two
do not always occur in poor environments, but could not occur without such environments.
Given this necessary causality, the most important policy implication is to remove one of the
dominos (though try for more than one just to be safe); produce a healthy subculture through
positive accident prevention training and seminars, attempt to weed out people with undesirable
characteristics (or otherwise address said traits), and, if all else fails, have a procedure in place for
dealing with accidents to minimize injury and loss.
This “Loss - Causation model ” which has been made by Mr. Frank E. Bird Jr., of the International
Loss Control Institute (ILCI) i n the USA was based on an earlier model developed by Heinrich. This
model can be considered a "negative" model since the outcome of failures in the various phases
is loss. As such the model can be used to understand the various causes leading to accidents and as
a framework for accident/incident investigation.
Definition of terms:
Safety – Freedom from accident. The control of hazards to attain an acceptable level of risk.
Incident- An event that may or may not result to loss.
Accident- Unplanned, undesired event, not necessarily injurious or damaging, that disrupts the
completion of an activity.
Hazard- Is any potential or existing condition in the workplace that, by itself or by interacting with
other variables, can result in death, injuries, property damage, and other losses.
Risk- Chance of physical or personal loss.
Another definition of accident is usually a result of contact of a body with a source of energy above the
threshold limit of the body or structure
Causes of Accidents
➢ Unsafe acts. A violation of safe procedure

• Act of omission
• Act of commission
➢ Unsafe Conditions. Seen as a physical or chemical property in the material

Three Steps to Control Hazards and Accidents:
1. Identify- Involves knowledge and understanding of the several types of workplace
environmental stresses and the effect of these upon the health of the worker.
2. Evaluate- The decision- making process resulting in an opinion as to the degree of health
hazard that exists from chemical of physical agents from industrial exposure.
3. Correct- Engineering, Administrative Control and PPE.
Risk Assessment
“Overall process of estimating the magnitude of risk and deciding whether or not the risk is tolerable”
Tolerable Risk
“Risk that has been reduced to a level that can be endured by the organization having regard to its
legal obligations and its own OH & S policy”

Residual Risk
Once we have done all we can to reduce the risk on a particular hazard, there will still be some risk
there (we can rarely get it down to no risk without eliminating the job all together). The amount of risk
that remains after we’ve put our controls in place is called the residual risk.
In simple terms, the risk from the hazard should be determined by estimating
Ø Severity of harm
Ø Likelihood of harm occurring
Risk can be classified as:
Low Risk – considered acceptable. No further actions are necessary as existing Health & Safety
arrangements is adequate
Medium Risk – moderately acceptable level of risk. But risk reduction measures must be
developed and implemented
High Risk – unacceptable level of risk. Actions must be immediately implemented or the risk
mitigated or controlled
MANAGEMENT OF RISK
Based on the results of the risk assessment the organization must now decide if:
Ø No action required
Ø No additional controls required
Ø Efforts to be made to reduce the risks
Ø Work should not be started or continue until the risks have been reduced or urgent action
required
Summary Key Points:
 Safety Officers have the role of classifying their establishments through proper identification of
the different health hazards as part of the risk assessment process
 Unsafe c o n d i t i o n i s t h e d e v i a t i o n f r o m t h e s t a n d a r d physical / chemical
condition
 Unsafe act is the deviation from the standard practices

 Unsafe condition and acts are not only encountered in the construction industry but also in
everyday life
 Accident results to harm to a person while incident does not result to harm to a person
 Hazard is anything the has the potential to cause harm, damage, health effect, or environmental
impact
 Risk is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed if exposed to a hazard
 Accidents are caused and accidents can be prevented
Module 3 – Construction Site/Premises


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

SEE ANNEX – Department Order No. 13 series 1998 or Guidelines
Governing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry
Coverage
• Good Housekeeping
• Safety Signage
• Fire Safety
• Means of Access and Egress

• Heavy Equipment
• Lifting Equipment
• Excavation
• Scaffolding
• Ladder
• Safety Inspection
HOUSEKEEPING
SIGNS OF POOR HOUSEKEEPING
1. cluttered and poorly arranged areas
2. untidy or dangerous storage of materials
3. presence of items no longer needed or in excess

4. dusty, dirty floors and work surfaces
5. tools and equipment left in work areas
6. no waste bins and containers

7. presence of spills and leaks
Disadvantages of Poor Housekeeping
 Low Morale
 Low Productivity
 Fire
Three Types of Hazards Resulting From Poor Housekeeping
1. Slip, trip, and fall hazards- One of the most common type of hazards created by poor housekeeping
are slip, trip, and fall hazards. When objects, materials, tools, and equipment are not properly stored
workers are bound to trip over them. Slippery conditions are created when water, moisture, oils, grease,
etc. are left on the floor in work areas. Fall hazards are created when employees have to stand on make
shift surfaces to reach items stored at higher levels. Falls also occur when changes in elevation are not
properly marked or barricaded in work areas.
2. Strain and sprain hazards- Sprain and strain injuries can result from slip, trip, and fall incidents. They
also can occur when heavy items are not properly put away. When heavy or awkward objects are placed
on the floor and need to be picked up by a worker it creates a risk for injury. Too often items have to be
moved when there is poor housekeeping in a work area just for the sake of getting them out of the
way. Because of unnecessary lifting, sprains and strains can occur.
3. Laceration hazards- Whether you are working in a

construction or a manufacturing setting, there are
plenty of sharp objects that can cut your hand or body.

When items are not properly stored this creates a huge
risk for laceration injuries. Sharp tools, jagged metal,
sharp edged material, etc. can all easily cut through a

glove or clothing and injure a worker
WHAT IS GOOD HOUSEKEEPING?
Good housekeeping means there is a clean and orderly place for everything and everything is in
place.
The 5S of Good Housekeeping

Seri (Sort/eliminate)
Seaton (Systematize/organize)
Seiko (Sweep/clean/polish)
Seekers (Sanitize/standardize)
Shinseki (Self-discipline/ training

Controls
 Clean work area
 Provide waste bins
 Keep floors, aisles and stairs free from obstructions

 Properly stack & store materials, tools and equipment
Rule 1060 - Premises of Establishment
1. Building premises shall have adequate fire, emergency or danger sign and safety instructions
of standard colors and sizes visible at all times
2. Other visible signs that may be needed to direct the driver of motorized vehicle such as
STOP, YIELD, and DO NOT ENTER, properly positioned within the compound of the
establishment shall be used to increase safety especially during the night
3. Handicapped employees should be restricted only to designated workplaces. As far as

practicable and feasible they should be provided with facilities for safe and convenient
movement in the establishment
4. Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times through cleanliness of building, yards,
machines, equipment, regular waste disposal, and orderly arrangement of processes,
operations, storage and filing of materials
5. Personal Facilities: Adequate comfort rooms and lavatories separate for male and female
workers, adequate dressing rooms for female workers and locker rooms for male workers
shall be provided
SAFETY SIGNAGES
A Safety Sign provides information about health and safety at work by means of a signboard, a
safety color and a safety message to a specific object, activity or situation.
D.O. 13 Section 9
Construction Safety Signage

Construction Safety Signage must be provided to warn the workers and the public of hazards
existing in the workplace. Signage shall be posted in prominent positions at strategic locations and,
as far as practicable, be in the language understandable to most of the workers employed.
Section 9.1 The signage should include but are not limited to:
a) Mandatory requirement on the usage of personal protective equipment prior to entry to the project
site.
b) Areas where there are potential risks of falling objects.
c) Areas where there are potential risks of falling.
d) Areas where explosives and flammable substances are used and stored.
e) Areas where there are tripping or slipping hazards.
f) Approaches to working areas where danger from toxic or irritant airborne contaminants/substances
may exist which should indicate the name of the contaminant/ substance involve and the type of
respiratory equipment to be worn.
g) All places where contact with or proximity to electrical/ facility equipment can cause danger.
h) All places where workers may come into contact with dangerous moving parts of machineries or
equipment.
I) Location of fire alarms and firefighting equipment.
j) Instruction on the usage of specific construction equipment.
k) Periodic updating of man-hours lost.
Safety Bulletin Board

Mandatory provision of safety and warning signs are reiterated
not only for the protection of workers, but also the public in
general. Signs should conform to the standard requirements of
the OSHS.
Where Signage’s are needed . . .
 Usage of PPE
 Falling/falling objects
 Explosives and flammable substances
 Tripping and Slipping Hazards
 Toxic or irritant airborne contaminants/ substances
 Proximity to electrical facilities/equipment
 Moving parts of machines
 Location of Fire Fighting Equipment

 Instructional signs/Update of man-hours lost
PPE and Safety Scoreboard
FIRE PROTECTION
Fire is the result of the chemical combination of a combustible

material (fuel) with oxygen in the presence of enough heat. If any
one of the three is missing, a fire will not start. The relationship is
called fire triangle. It is important that every worker, not only
supervisor, knows the main causes of fire, how fire spreads, how to
fight fire, and how to prevent fire.
Basic Chemistry of Fire

Fuel. Or combustible materials. This includes many
substances such as natural gas (methane), plastics, wood,
natural and artificial fibers, paper, coal and other living
matter. Inorganic substances are also combustible,

substances like hydrogen, ammonium nitrate magnesium,
phosphorus, sodium and sulfur.
Flashpoint - is the lowest temperature at which its vapors ignite if given an

ignition source. Examples of flashpoints:
Auto ignition temperature - is the temperature that causes spontaneous ignition
Oxygen. Fire normally draws its fire through the air, which is a mixture of 21 percent oxygen and 78
percent nitrogen. 16% of oxygen is needed to sustain fire.
Heat. Sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the fuel surface to a point where chemical union of the
fuel and oxygen occurs. The temperature at which the substance gives off these vapors or gases in
sufficient quantity to be ignited is called the “flash point” of the substance.
Chemical Reaction. Vapors of gases, which are distilled during burning process of a material, are
carried into the flame

Three methods of Heat Transfer
 Conduction. Is the transfer of thermal energy between neighboring molecules in a substance due
to a temperature gradient. It takes place in solids, such as metals, timber, concrete and glass.
Some solids, such as metals, are better conductor of heat than woods, for example.
 Convection. Is one of the major modes of heat transfer and mass transfer. It takes place in fluids
and gases cause by the convection currents.
 Radiation. Is electromagnetic radiation emitted from a material which is due to the heat of the
material, the characteristics of which depend on its temperature. It is the process of heat
transmission through air and gases. If you are sitting close to a bonfire, he will feel the heat of the
fire, even though the surrounding is cold, this is an example of heat radiation.
Sources of Ignition
 Electrical equipment. Hot surfaces produced by defective electrical equipment are a common
source of ignition.
 Spontaneous Ignition. If some liquids are heated or sprayed to a very hot surface, it may ignite
spontaneously without a present ignition source.
 Spontaneous Combustion. Is a type of combustion which occurs without an external ignition
source. Combustion begins if a sufficiently strong oxidizer, such as oxygen, is present.

 Smoking. In many workplaces, employees smoking, or other persons smoking in a certain area,
can be a source of fire.

 Friction. Sparks can be created by friction, for instance where the moving part of a machine
comes to contact with a fixed part, or two moving surfaces rub each other or slide together during
machine operation.
 Engines, Vehicle Emissions and Hot Surfaces. In vehicle maintenance, and parking areas, diesel-
petrol engine, vehicle emissions and hot surfaces like exhaust systems can be a source of ignition.
 Open Flame Sources. Open flame in the workplace such as boilers, furnaces, portable heating
appliances, etc. can be also a source of ignition.
 Lighting. In limited cases, lighting can be a source of ignition.
Products of Combustion
 Fire Gases. Are the vaporized products of combustion
 Flame. Is the visible luminous body of a burning gas, which becomes hotter and less luminous
when it is mixed with increased amounts of oxygen.

 Heat. Is the process of energy transfer from one body or system due to thermal contact.
 Smoke. The Visible product of incomplete combustion.
Phases of Burning
 Incipient Phase or Beginning Phase

 Flame Producing or Free-Burning Phase
 Smoldering phase
INCIPIENT PHASE – or beginning of fire

• oxygen is plentiful
• Temp has not built to high peak
• Breathing not difficult
• Direct water application

• Ventilation: not a problem
• Little steam production
FREE BURNING PHASE – fire begins to deplete the room’s oxygen supply and temperature greatly
increased.
• Fire has involved more fuels
• Oxygen supply is being depleted

• Heat accumulates at ceiling
• SCBA is a must
• Ventilation: not a definite need
• Good steam production
SMOLDERING PHASE – after oxygen content of the air falls below 15%, the fire enters a smoldering
phase where flame may cease but dense smoke and heat completely fill the room.
• Oxygen supply is below 15%
• Temp is very high
• Normal breathing not possible
• Backdraft hazard
• Fire extinguishment: indirect method
• Ventilation is a must
Fire Spread Control
Ø Starvation or Fuel Removal. There are three ways to achieve starvation:
 Take the fuel away from the fire
 Take the fire away from the fuel
 Reduce the quantity or bulk of the fuel.
Ø Smothering or oxygen removal. Smothering can be achieved by:
 Allowing the fire to consume the oxygen while preventing the inward flow of
more oxygen. Oxygen levels can be reduced below the minimum (16%) percentage
needed for combustion by purging and rendering the atmosphere inert in closed
containers or processing systems.
Ø Cooling or heat source control. The most common means of fire. Water is the most
effective and cheapest medium for fighting a fire.
Ø Inhibition. Breaking the chemical chain reaction.
Classifications of Fire and Extinguishing Methods
 Class A or combustible materials such as solid materials, wood, cloth,

paper, and natural fibers. Water is used in cooling to reduce the temperature of the
burning material below i t s i g n i t i o n temperature. It i s t h e m o s t e f f e c t i v e
way o f extinguishing the Class A fire.
 Class B fires involve Flammable liquids, greases and gases. Foam,

vaporizing liquids, carbon dioxide and dry powder can be used on Class B fires. There
may be some restrictions on the type of foam which can be used because some foam
breaks down on contact with alcohols.
 be
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. This class of fire can
controlled by the use of non-conducting extinguishing agents. The safest procedure is to
always de-energize high voltage circuits and treat as Class A or Class B fire depending on the
fuel
 titanium,
Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium,
zirconium, sodium and potassium. Water and other common extinguishing agents are
ineffective on this kind of fire because of its extremely high temperature. There is no agent
available that will effectively control fires in all combustible metals. Special extinguishing
agents are available for control of fire in each of the metals and are marked specifically for
that metal.
 are designated
Class K fire or kitchen fire. Fires that involve cooking oils or fats
“Class K” under the US system, and “Class F” under the European/Australasian systems.
Though such fires are technically a subclass of the flammable liquid/gas class, the special
characteristics of these types of fires are considered important enough to recognize
separately.
Fire Extinguishers - Is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires,
often in emergency situations. This is the first line of defense.
SAFETY IN LIFTING OPERATIONS
Material Handling
Material handling, whether done manually or with mechanical equipment, can be a major source of
occupational injuries. It was estimated that 25% of all occupational injuries are from manual handling of
materials.
Common manual handling injuries workers suffer from includes:
1. strains and sprains,
2. Fractures and bruises.

3. Back Injuries
4. Nip points accidents
5. Etc.
On the other hand, Mechanical handling injuries suffers may include:
1. Crushing of hands or feet
2. Roll over by wheels

3. Pin down by equipment
4. Struck by
5. Etc.
These are caused primarily by unsafe practices such as improper lifting, carrying heavy loads, incorrect
gripping, failing to observe proper foot or hand clearances and not using or wearing proper equipment
and/ or personal protective equipment and clothing.
Another cause of materials handling accidents can be caused by poor job design. Ergonomics is
sometimes described as “fitting the job to the person, rather than the person to the job.” The
ergonomic approach therefore looks at manual handling as a whole, taking into account a range of
relevant factors including the nature of the task, the loads, the working environment and individual
capability.
Many manual handling injuries are cumulative rather than being truly attributable to any single
handling incident.
Pictures of Equipment and Use
Basic Handling Principles
 Needless handling costs but cannot add value to the product

 Manual handling must be eliminated whenever possible and mechanical
means should be employed
 Handling should be correlated with operations, inspections, storage and
other handling that comes All handling systems should be integrated

 Handling equipment should be replaced wherever greater efficiency can
be so obtained.
CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
According to
1. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
a) SOLIDS
 Bulk – crated large machineries and parts, crated materials, caustic blocks, soap blocks, etc.
 Powder – flours, phosphates, sugar, cement.

 Granules & Gravel size – copra meal pellets, silicates.
 Odd size – copra.
b) LIQUIDS
 Light – solvents, oils, fuels.
 Viscous – molasses, asphalt, heavy oil, paints.
 Pastes – detergent paste, adhesives.
c) GASES
According to HAZARDOUS CHARACTERISTICS:
d) Flammables – easily set on fire & likely to burn rapidly.
e) Explosives
f) Toxic – poisonous.
g) Corrosive
h) Emits Hazardous Fumes or Gases

i) Fragile
MATERIALS HANDLING – is the preparation, placing, and positioning of materials to facilitate their
movement or storage.
 There is now substantial international acceptance of both the scale of the manual handling
problem and methods of prevention.
 Modern medical and scientific knowledge stresses the importance of an ergonomic approach in
removing or reducing the risk of manual handling injury.

 ERGONOMICS – is sometimes described as “fitting the job to the person, rather than the person
to the job”.
The ergonomic approach therefore looks at manual handling as a whole, taking into account a range of
relevant factors including the nature of risk, the load, the working environment and individual capability.
Many manual handling injuries are cumulative rather than being truly attributable to any single
handling incident. The result can be physical impairment or even permanent disability.
MATERIALS HANDLING (Categories)

 LIFTING
Distance is particularly important where lifting is an integral part of the job.
 TRANSPORTING
Considerable thought should be given to the planning and routing of traffic.
 STORING
Depends on cost and type of materials and free flow of materials
TYPES OF MATERIALS HANDLING

 MANUAL
 Individual Capacity
 25 kg…female
 50 kg…male
 Accessories
 2 wheeled hand trucks
 4 wheeled hand trucks

 Crowbars
 Shovel
 MECHANICAL
 Powered Hand Truck

 Crane
 Hoist
 Forklift
 Boom Truck
 Heavy - Duty Truck
 Tractors
 Railroad Cars
 Conveyors
 Pipelines
 Pallets
 Carton Clamps
 Wire Ropes
SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
1) Can the job be engineered to possibly eliminate manual handling?
2) Can the material be conveyed or moved mechanically?
3) In what way do the materials being handled cause injury?

4) Can employees be given handling aids to make their job easier and safer?
5) Will protective clothing or equipment, help prevent injuries?
MATERIALS HANDLING PROBLEMS

Common injuries are strains, sprains, fractures & bruises. These are primarily caused by unsafe practices:
 improper lifting,
 carrying too heavy load,

 incorrect gripping,
 failing to observe proper foot or hand clearance, and
 Failing to use or wear proper equipment &/or personal protective equipment & clothing.
Property damage & serious injury/fatality caused by mechanical equipment!
Hazards in Crane Operations
• Structural failure
• Overloading
• Instability
• Falling or slipping load
• Electrical Hazards
Safety Precautions in Crane Operation
 Do not carry or use crane beyond the rated load
 Never move load over people.
 Never allow personnel to ride on a load.

 Center the crane over the load before starting to hoist.
 Lift, move & lower loads smoothly.
 Do not leave suspended load unattended.
 Keep hook block more than 2m above the floor when not in use.
 Use tagline to stabilize and control loads.
 Respond to signals from designated signalman only.

 Maintain safe distance from electrical transmission lines.
Rigging
Is the process where a load is prepared for lifting using a lifting machine. The main part of this
process is the tying up of the load with sling and/or other connecting devices so that the load could
be hooked onto a crane.

Sling Inspection
 Broken Wires
 Abrasion
 Crushed Strands
 Corrosion
 Kink
Safety Inspection
Is a systematic way of identifying potential workplace hazards before they cause a health and safety
problem?
Purposes of Safety Inspection
• Eliminate Hazards
• Assess Effectiveness of OSH Program

• Display Visible Management Commitment to Safety
• Establish Accountability
• Identify Training Needs
• Fulfill Legal Obligations
Types of Inspection
 Continuous Inspection
A process conducted as part of their job responsibilities in noting and correcting potential
danger
 Periodic/Interval Inspection
A systematic process with specific intervals and widely regarded as “real” safety and health
inspection
 Intermittent/Emergency Inspection
An unscheduled inspection may be
After Inspection
 Writing of inspection report

 Correction of hazards
 Monitoring and evaluation
Corrective Actions
 Immediately correct everything possible.

 Report at once conditions beyond one’s authority and suggest solutions.
 Take intermediate action as needed.
Summary Key Points:
• Although work processes are high risk, but a construction site can be managed to maintain
a safe and healthy work environment
• Layout plan, perimeter fences, and security personnel are vital to keep the people safe and
to keep the property secured
• Welfare facilities are needed to promote the health and well-being of workers
• A good traffic management plan prevents accidents of people and the public near any
construction activities
• Good housekeeping eliminates accident and fire hazards
• Proper segregation of wastes in construction is needed to comply with RA 9003
• Emergency exits and portable fire extinguishers in a construction should comply with
OSH Standards Rule 1940
• Construction Safety signage in a construction should comply with DOLE DO 13
Section 9
• Electrical hazards should be identified and controlled in the construction site
Module 4 – Excavation Safety

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
Excavation
• Is any man-made cut, cavity or

depression in an earth surface that is
formed by earth removal
Trench
•is a narrow excavation where the depth is greater than its width, and the width measured at
the bottom is not greater than 15 ft.
Hazards of Excavation Works
• Soil Collapse
• Falls
• Vehicular Traffic
• Underground Utilities
• Working Surface
• Confined Space Conditions
Principal Causes of Soil Collapse

• Steep cutting angle
• Super imposed load
• Shock & Vibration

• Water Pressure
• Drying
Prevention of Soil Collapse
Type A – Most stable: clay
Type B – Medium stability: silt and unstable rock (disturbed soil as type B)
Type C – Least stable: gravel, loamy sand, submerged soil, soil from which water is freely
seeping.
Prevention of Soil Collapse
§ Cut the slope at a safe angle (H:V)
• Type A - 3/4:1 or 53°
• Type B - 1:1 or 45°

• Type C - 1½:1 or 34°
Prevention of Soil Collapse…
• Provision of shoring and timbering
Sheet Piles
Plate Lining System Box Type
Shielding
Per Rule 1413 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards

(OSHS):
The walls of every excavation over 1-meter-deep shall be supported by

adequate shoring…
Falls
• Minimum Berm
- Not less than one third of the depth of the excavation
-may be reduced to not less than 1 meter provided that

materials are stable, shoring and barriers are present (Per Rule
1413 of the OSHS)
• Barricades of at least 1-meter high should be provided.
•Signs should be posted to prevent the public from going near the
excavation.
Surface Crossing of Trenches
• Walkways or bridges must be provided
• Minimum clear width of 20 in.
• With standard rails

• Extended a minimum of 24 in. past the surface edge
Vehicular Traffic
 Provide workers with warning vests or other suitable garments marked with reflectorized
materials
 Designate a trained flag person along with signs and

barricades when necessary
 Use horn or give signals to ensure safety.
Underground Utilities
 Determine location of underground facilities and take necessary steps to prevent damage to
these facilities.
 In an open excavation, support, protect or remove underground installation.
Working Surface
 Excavation shall be kept free of water at all times
 And in muddy area, workers should be provided with boots to reduce the hazard of slipping.
Confined Space Conditions
Hazardous Atmosphere:
• Oxygen, O2: < 19.5% or > 23.5%
• Flammable gas concentration > 10% of Lower Flammability Limit (LFL)
• Hazardous toxic chemicals
Excavation in confined space
• Check the condition of the atmosphere before entry
• Do not work alone in a confined space
• Provide lifeline
• Provide ventilation or blower before entering
• Provide emergency rescue equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness and line and
basket stretcher
Working in Excavation
• Prior to opening
• Check excavation permit
• Identify all underground installations
• Remove trees, boulders, stumps, other surface encumbrances and hazards before starting
excavation
• During operations
• Wear appropriate PPE
• Give special attention to side slopes that are adversely affected by weather, moisture
content or vibration
• Safe working distance between workers
• Maintain guardrails, fences, or other barricades and warning lights
• During break time, workmen should never stand or take rest on high banks of soft material
• Do not leave tools, materials, or debris in walkways, ramps, or near the edge of excavations
• Do not use guardrails as resting place
Inspection
 Daily before start of each shift
 After heavy rain
 When fissures, tension cracks, undercutting, water seepage, bulging at the bottom or other
conditions occur
 When there is any indication of change or movement in adjacent structures or spoil pile
Rule 1413 of the OSHS states that excavation shall be inspected at least once every day.
Additional Reference for Confined Space
An enclosed or partially enclosed space that:
• Is not designed or intended for human occupancy except for the purpose of performing
work
• Has restricted means of access and egress
• May become hazardous to any person entering to it
• Even if a space is not fully enclosed it can still be classified as confined.
- An open ditch / trench / excavation can be classified as a confined space.
• A space doesn’t even have to be small to be considered confined.
- E.g. cold storage, ships hold, etc.
Hazards of Confined Space
Summary Key Points:
 An excavation may not be safe to enter without a proper support structure being provided.
 Types of Excavation Works include open excavation, pit excavation, and trench
 Excavation works are high risk because excavation failures like a soil collapse occur quickly,
limiting the ability of workers to escape
 There are safety and health risks in excavation works that need to be controlled
 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
 There are several methods to protect and excavation and prevent soil collapse
 The type of soil should be considered in choosing the appropriate excavation protection
 Minimum Berm for excavated material is 1/3 of the depth of the excavation
 Tools, materials, and machineries should be kept at a safe distance away from the edge of the
excavation
 Excavation more than 2 m deep shall be barricaded to a height of 1 m
 Water increases the possibility of a cave in.
 Excavation should be considered as a confined space.
Module 5 – Tools and Equipment Safety

1. Know what a heavy equipment is
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
Introduction:
• The Supervisor is primarily responsible for ensuring the safe use of tools.
• The use of hand and portable power tools must be accompanied with proper orientation.
• The use of right tools for the job eliminates potential hazards thus ensuring quality of work.
Hand tool accidents from:
• Human carelessness
• Not knowing the right tool for the job

• Ignorance of safety precautions
• Failure to maintain/keep the tools properly

• Not instructed for the correct usage
Basic tool check
• Are the tools right for the job?
• Are the tools in safe working condition?
• Are the tools being used properly?
• Are the tools kept in a safe place?
HAND TOOLS SAFETY TIPS
• Keep tools clean
• Check tools for good working condition ü Use the right size and type for the job
• Carry tools in tool box, bag or belt
• Do not use excessive force on the tool
• Wear appropriate PPE

MAIN TYPES OF PORTABLE POWER TOOLS
• Electric
• Pneumatic
• Cartridge/powder actuated
• Gasoline
• Hydraulic
INJURIES CAUSED BY:

• Electric shock
• Particles in the eyes
• Fires
• Falls
• Explosions
• Falling tools
Wheel Breaking
• Choose, right wheel for the task.
• Don’t bend or stress wheel.
• Ensure disc is compatible with grinder.
• Ensure disc is correctly fitted.
• Wear correct PPE for the task
PNEUMATIC TOOLS DANGER
• Leaving airline where it may cause tripping hazard of be damaged by traffic

• Leaving tool with air supply switched on
• Disconnecting the hose from the tool using it to clean machine or clothing.
• Squeezing the trigger before reaching the work
CARTRIDGE TOOLS
• Used for fastening fixtures and materials to metal, pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete, masonry, block,
brick, stone and wood surfaces
DANGERS
• Free shots
• Ricochet
• Atmosphere causing explosion

• Projectiles fired through the work
SAFETY TIPS
• Do not use if your hands are wet or if standing on wet
surfaces
• Make sure that you know how to use the tool properly
• If tools are misused, it can result in injury or spoiled work
COMMON ERGONOMIC INJURIES
• Bursitis ¡ Osteo-arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ¡ Tendonitis

• Cellulitis ¡ Tenosynovitis
• Epicondylitis ¡ Tension Neck/Shoulder
• Ganglion ¡ Trigger finger

INJURIES CAUSED BY…
• Repeated overtime use of vibrating tool/equipment.
• Tools/tasks which require twisting hand or joint movement.

• Applying force in an awkward position.
• Applying excessive pressure on parts of the hands, back, wrists or joints.
• Working with the arms over-stretched or overhead.
• Working with a bent back
REMINDER!
The injury/disease caused by poorly designed or unsuitable tools and work stations often develop slowly
over a period of months or years. However, a worker will usually have some signs and symptoms for a
long period of time indicating that something is wrong.
THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Because power tools often come into close contact with the body, wearing the appropriate personal
protective equipment is necessary to prevent personal injury.
Summary Key Points:
 Hand Tools are non-powered and operated by bare hands
 Portable Power Tools are operated through additional power source

 Types of Power Tools are Electric, Powered Abrasive Wheel Tool, Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Liquid
Fuel
Module 6 – Construction Machinery (Mobile Equipment)

1. Learn the types of heavy equipment
2. Identify the hazards related to its operations

3. Know the factors that cause accidents
4. Learn the basic safety based from OSH Standards and DO 13
Introduction
• Many types of mobile construction heavy equipment are being used in a construction site doing
a wide variety of work. Most of these machines operate within close proximity to persons on foot.
With this, many people are exposed to hazards associated with this equipment.
• In short, you have a congested construction site with personnel on foot, and mobile
machines working in the same area at the same time!
TOTAL EQUIPMENT SAFETY MANAGEMENT

1. Management Commitment
• Restrict entry onto site of non-essential personnel.
• Establish Controlled Entry Points to site.
• Coordinate Operations of Various Trades Working in the Same Areas.

• Provide Fundamental Site Rules and Training to all Persons at Risk.
• Adequate Lay-Down Areas Established.
2. Employee Involvement
• All must receive basic orientation.
• Attend operator’s Tool Box Meetings
• Must learn, follow, and obey established Safety rules.
• Realize that they must see, and be seen.

DO 13 Sec. 12
Safety & Health Information
12.6 Specialized instruction and training should be given to:
a. drivers/operators of lifting appliances, transport, earth- moving and materials-handling equipment and
machinery or any equipment of specialized or dangerous nature.
b. Workers as signalers
3. Pre-Construction Job Hazard Analysis
• Identify Potential Known Hazards.

• Job Conditions: Haul Roads, Access Points.
• Lay down/Storage Areas.
4. HAZARD PREVENTION and CONTROLS
• Perimeter Fencing, Enclosures, signs.

• Spotters provided for in-the-blind, backing machines and/or equipment.
• Be Alert; Stay Clear; Hear Warnings.
• Temporary Barricades around Hazards.
5. Equipment maintenance
• Duly certified mechanics and operators shall conduct daily routine inspection
• Inspect before operation

• Check instrumentation
• Check safety devices; horns, lights

• Warm up and make trial run
• Keep machine clean
• Be aware of abnormalities
SAFE OPERATION GUIDELINES
1. AUTHORIZED OPERATOR
• Qualified with license

• Well trained
• Good physical condition
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Keep control of the Machine at all Times.
• Take Machine “Out of Service”, if it is unsafe to operate.
• Familiarity with the operating characteristics of your machine.
• Be On the Look-Out for Other Trades Working in the Same Area.

• Frequently check for the Location of other Machines. Keep Lights and Backup Alarm in
Operating Condition.
• Allow NO ONE to Ride Outside the Cab for Any Reason!

• Always inform Appropriate Personnel of any Abnormal Conditions, Defects, or Changes
made in Machine and/or Job Procedure or Conditions.
• Report Unsafe Workers to Supervisor.
• Talk Safety with Those Who Work with You. Maintain “Constant Awareness”.
• Do Not Attempt Repairs or Maintenance that You Do Not Understand.
• Always Check the Mirror on the Blind Side, making Sure of Your Clearance. (Backing
on the Blind Side should be avoided if at all Possible).
• Learn and Follow Safe Work Practices!
2. Personal Protection
3. Physical Condition
4. SAFETY RULES
• Check job site condition
• Soil condition
• Working near utilities

5. SALIENT POINTS
• HE Operators be tested and certified
• All Heavy Equipment tested and certified
6. Alertness
The Most Dangerous Movement is backing!
• Know where your Blind Spots are.

• Look for people walking around you.
• STOP! When Signaled; when waived at violently; Or if you are in doubt….
• Maintain a safe operating speed.
7. Avoiding Distraction
• Small Machines have small blind spots, where large machines have large blind spots, both can
cause serious injury or death!
• The taller and wider the machine, the bigger the blind spot area.
8. Appropriate Use
• Specific equipment operation

• Equipment capacity
• Equipment capability
• Equipment restriction
CONCERNED PERSONNEL
• Equipment Operator
• Workers on foot
• Spotters
• Management people and supervisors
• Other construction site personnel
HAZARDS PRESENT IN CONSTRUCTION HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION
 Moving parts of the equipment
 Uneven terrain
 Energized electrical lines
 Fall
 Dust
 Overloaded equipment
 Noise
 Vibration
 Unsecured loads
 Improvised attachment
 Blind spot
BLIND SPOTS – DUMP TRUCK
 Small heavy mobile equipment has small blind spots and heavy mobile equipment have
large blind spots, both can cause serious injury or death
 The taller and wider the machine, the bigger the blind spot area
 Operators, spotters and workers on foot need to be aware where the blind spots are.
Located
RESPONSIBILITIES OF WORKERS ON FOOT
 Wearing of high visibility vests (or equivalent) and other appropriate PPE’s.
 Keep a safe distance from heavy equipment

 Know the equipment’s blind spots. Never assume that the equipment
operator sees you
 Never ride on the steps or drawbars of any equipment.
 Watch out for swinging parts.
SPOTTER RESPONSIBILITIES
 Wearing of high visibility vests and other appropriate PPE’s.

 Spotters should use clearly understood hand signals or traffic control devices, (i.e. signs, etc.)
 Spotters should know operator visibility limitations, always remain visible to the operator
and be sure eye contact is made before any signals are given.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

 Learn and follow Safe Work Practices!
 Review manufacturer’s operating manual
 Conduct pre-operational inspection of equipment.
 Know how to operate and use safety features on equipment properly

 Allow NO ONE to ride outside the cab for any reason!
 Keep all lights, back-up alarm, seat belts, mirrors, shields and safety guards in place and in
good condition.
 Be aware of people on foot around you and other machines operating in the area.
 Know where your blind spots are and always check the mirror on the blind side.
 Avoid underground utilities and overhead power lines.
 Must understand signals and always obey the spotter.
 STOP! When signaled; when waved at violently; or if you are in doubt!
 Maintain a safe operating speed.
 Operate within the equipment’s rated capacity.
 Report any abnormalities, defects and unsafe condition. Take Machine “Out of Service”, if it
is unsafe to operate
 Do Not Attempt Repairs or Maintenance that You Do Not Understand
 Never get on or off a moving equipment. Park in a safe place, apply parking brakes, turn off
engine and remove the key before dismounting.
 Turn the engine off before refueling
OPERATOR AUTHORIZATION
 Operating heavy equipment is a great responsibility
 Operation is reserved only for safe and responsible operators
 A policy and procedure on authorization of heavy equipment operators must be in place. The
operator must be competent, trained and in good health.
D.O.13 – ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT
Section 7.2
“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, 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”
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 10.2.4-a
“Only duly certified operators shall be allowed to operate their designated heavy equipment”
5 BASIC GUIDELINES ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION
When using heavy equipment, there are 5 basic guidelines that the operators must
always follow to ensure safety:

1. Know how to properly operate the equipment you are using
2. Do not use heavy machinery when you are drowsy, intoxicated, or taking prescription
medication that may affect your performance
3. Use only equipment that is appropriate for the work to be done
4. Inspect your equipment to ensure that it is in good working condition before beginning a job. In
addition, ensure that regular inspections and maintenance are conducted as appropriate
5. Do not stress or overload your equipment.
Summary Key Points:
 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
 DOLE DO 13, Section 10 requires all operators to have a TESDA NC and all heavy equipment
to have a third-party testing
 One additional safety officer must be provided for every 10 units of heavy equipment
 All heavy equipment operating should have a designated spotter who is properly trained
Module 7 – Construction Machinery (Crane Safety)

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
Some Common Overhead Crane Hazards and Tips on How to Prevent Them
Preventing Overhead Crane Hazards: In any type of industry, the coming together of anticipation
and pro-actively handling problems is something, which does result in greater success than just
reactively responding to incidents. If an individual works in the world of construction and

manufacturing, there are hazards always present at job sites, but w i t h p r o p e r t r a i n i n g a n d
p r e p a r a t i o n a h e a d f o r t h e m , a lot o f i s s u e s c a n be prevented.
In order to keep all those involved safe, all operators and workers need to understand the most
basic of all safety hazards, and how to recognize any of them right away. Please read on to learn
more about the many potential risks that are a part of overhead cranes and the accompanying
preventable measures.
Potential Electrical Hazards
About 50% of all crane accidents that happen overhead can be attributed to machinery coming into
contact with a power source of some kind during operation. Typically, why this occurs is because, as
a crane moves materials close to or beneath energized power lines, the hoist line or boom gets
into contact with the electrical source. This is an issue, which is about half of all hazards that are
associated with these overhead cranes, and it can be stopped with good safety planning.
Safety planning that is effective can be done before the cranes even get to the worksite. It is important
to establish who will be in charge of any and all pre-job safety. Every danger zone should be clearly
marked, and this does specifically apply to, the 10-foot radius of all power lines of the entire area.
The whole area should be considered to be an unsafe working place from the get go. The 10-
foot radius can be marked with barriers, fences, taping, etc. to give clear visual clues for all workers.
In addition to this, make sure to ask electrical companies to de-energize or to ground any existing
power lines when there are individuals working in close proximity to them.
However, until specifically informed by the electrical company, all operators should assume that all
power lines are energized and extremely dangerous. A final preventative measure is to make sure all
ladders, tools, and other systems being used on the work site aren’t at all conductive.
Crane Overloading
When a crane exceeds over its operational capacity, it can also prove to be the very thing, which tends
to cause about 80% of all crane accidents and structural failures as well. The overloading of the crane’s
operational capacity is caused by some of the following:
• The presence of swinging or a sudden dropping of any load
• Any defective components

• The hoisting of a load that is beyond its normal capacity
• The dragging of a load
• Whenever side-loading a boom
A lot of these mistakes are the result of predictable human error. The formal training for operators
should have a working knowledge of some key points, and any conditions where stated lifting
capacities happen to be valid. Some of these key points are crane load charts and lifting capacities.
Operators shouldn’t just rely on instinct or experience to decide if weight load is correct.
Falling Loads
When working with overhead cranes, falling loads are one of the most common, and most dangerous,
hazards. A falling load can result in several injuries, fatalities and significant structural damage to
buildings and property. Additionally, it will also lead to significant time and money costs.
One of the best ways to lessen the chance of any materials falling down from cranes is clear. It is to
make sure to perform regular maintenance of hoists. An example of this is to do load testing
maintenance to ensure that you know how many pounds a hoist can handle exactly. It also will
provide an accurate indication of just how well the hoist is functioning currently. Another way to
reduce the chance of mechanical failure is by performing inspections of the crane each day. If, and
when, a potential problem is identified by the operators, they need to make sure to implement the
lockout/tag-out procedure.
Though it may be obvious, what should be clearly stated is this that workers need to always wear the
proper head, foot, hand, and eye protection while working on the job site itself. They also need to
be constantly aware of what is going on in their surroundings. They don’t want to accidentally go
walking beneath a suspended load at any time.
In summary, falling loads from an overhead crane could be the result of:
• Operator incompetency. You must ensure your employees are adequately trained
so they are able to carry out their roles competently and safely.
• Slipping. If you don’t secure loads properly it can result in slipping material.
• Mechanical failure. The risk of mechanical failure can be reduced if you ensure a competent
person carries out routine inspections, maintenance and repairs at suitable intervals.
• Two blocking. Two blocking occurs when an uppermost hoist line component (i.e. the
load block, hook block, overhaul ball) touches the upper block, boom tip or similar
component. When two blocking occurs, increased tension is placed on the line which can
result in falling loads or crane components.
Crane Overload
The m a j o r i t y o f c r a n e s t r u c t u r a l f a i l u r e s a n d u p s e t s a r e t h e r e s u l t of s o m e b o d y
overloading a crane. If you exceed a crane’s operational capacity, you are likely to subject it to
structural stresses and cause irreversible damage.

You could overload a crane if you:
• Swing or suddenly drop loads.
• Hoist loads beyond the cranes capacity.

• Use defective components.
• Drag loads.
• Side-load a boom.
Crane Safety Tips
When working with cranes, there will always be hazards. However, you can minimize the risks by
ensuring you take appropriate precautions to undertake all operations safely
To carry out your crane operations safely, you should:
• Appropriately t r a i n a l l e m p l o y e e s . As a n e m p l o y e r , y o u h a v e a
l e g a l responsibility to provide appropriate health and safety training to all your employees
so they’re competent at their jobs. By training your employees you’ll increase workplace
safety, satisfaction and profits as you reduce injuries, fatalities, accidents and sickness
absence.
• Ensure employees know they must not stand under loads and ensure operators
never lift a load over an employee. You must never stand under a crane or have a load
lifted over you. It’s crucial your employees are aware of this and avoid walking through any
zones where cranes are overhead.
• Know, u n d e r s t a n d a n d c o m p l y w i t h t h e Lifting O p e r a t i o n s a n d L i f t i n g
Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). To find out more about your legal responsibilities
under LOLER, have a look at our LOLER FAQ Guide.
• Carry out routine maintenance and repairs of all on-site equipment at appropriate
intervals. Part of your legal responsibility under LOLER involves
• Carrying out routine, periodic maintenance and repairs to ensure your machinery is in safe
working condition.
• Ensure a supervisor is present on site at all times when cranes are in operation.
• Make employees aware of, and strictly enforce, your load and lifting limits.
• Ensure clear warning signals are displayed on-site when needed. You must display the
relevant hazard signs in all danger zones on-site to warn your
• Employees of the potential hazards. You must also ensure all your employees know and
understand all the warning signs so they are aware of when they are entering a danger
zone.
• Select appropriate PPE for all employees. You must ensure your employees
• Wear appropriate foot, head and eye protection, along with any other PPE you have
identified in your risk assessment.
• Properly safety-plan all jobs before starting work. You must also decide who’s in
charge of pre-job safety planning prior to any cranes arriving on-site.
Summary Key Points:
 Cranes are powerful machines that are vital in every construction project.
 However, more power also warrants higher risks which can lead to accidents
 All workers and subcontractors should follow the OSH Standards, DO 13, and Code of Practice
for Tower Crane Safety
Module 8 – Fall Protection

1. Have an understanding of the fall protection requirements
2. Know the height requirements for use of a safety harness and fall restraint system in
general construction and for steel erection
3. Be able to explain and demonstrate the proper uses of a body harness/ personal fall
arrest system
4. Know when and how safety nets should be used for fall protection
5. Know when and how guardrail systems should be used
6. Understand special fall protection requirements for working on scaffolding

7. Identify the elements of a fall arrest system and explain their use
8. Understand the requirements for covers over holes and other openings
Areas or Activities Where Fall Protection is needed:
• Ramps, runways, and other walkways.
• Excavations,
• Hoist areas.
• Form work and reinforcing steel.
• Leading edge work, unprotected sides and edges.
• Roofing works, pre-cast concrete erection

• Residential construction and other walking/working surfaces.
Fall Protection Standard:
•The rule sets a uniform threshold height of 6 feet (1.8 meters), thereby providing consistent
protection.
•Employer must assess the workplace to determine if the walking or working surfaces have the
strength and structural integrity to safely support workers.
• Select the proper fall protection system to protect exposed employees at 6 feet
(1.8 m) or more.
• Provide the proper training.

• Protection also must be provided for construction workers who are exposed to the hazard of
falling into dangerous equipment
Fall Protection Systems:
1. Guardrail Systems.
2. Personal Fall Arrest Systems.
3. Positioning Device Systems.
4. Safety Monitoring Systems.

5. Safety Net Systems.
6. Warning Line Systems.

1. Guardrail Systems:
• The top edge height of topsails must be 42 inches (1.1 meters) plus or minus 3 inches (8
cm) above the walking/working level.
• Screens, midribs, mesh, intermediate vertical members must be
i n s t a l l e d between the top edge of the guardrail system and walking/working surface
(at least 21 inches (53 cm) high.
• The guardrail system must be capable of withstanding a force of at least 200 pounds
applied on the top from both directions, midtrial shall be capable of withstanding a force of
at least 150 pounds applied in any downwards or outward direction.
• A toe-board with minimum 3.5 inches high should be installed all around the platform
and should be capable of withstanding a force of at least 50 pounds.
• Guardrail s y s t e m s s h a l l b e s u r f a c e d t o p r o t e c t w o r k e r s f r o m p u n c t u r e s o r
lacerations and to prevent clothing from snagging.
• Distance between Vertical Posts should not be more than 2.8 Ft.
• If no midtrial is installed the distance between the vertical posts should not be more than
19 inches.
2. Personal Fall Arrest Systems:
These consist of an anchorage, connectors, and body belt or body harness. It must do the following:
1. Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 900 pounds when used with a body belt.
2. Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1800 pounds when used with a body
harness.
3. Be rigged so that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) nor contact
any lower level.
4. Bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration distance an
employee travels to 3.5 feet (1.07 m). (Shock

absorber)
5. To keep at least 3 feet clearance from the ground.
6. Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the

potential impact energy of an employee free
falling a distance 6 feet or the free fall distance
permitted by the system, whichever is less.
7. The use of body belts for fall arrest is

prohibited (1/1/1998) and a full body harness is required.
8. The anchoring point must withstand a force not less than 5000 pounds.
3. Positioning Device Systems:
• Body belt or harness are to be set up that a worker can free fall no farther than 2 feet.
• Secured to an anchorage capable of supporting 3000 pounds.
4. Safety Monitoring Systems:
 Used when no other alternative fall protection has been implemented.

 Competent person to monitor the safety of workers.
 The employer shall ensure that the safety monitor is competent in the recognition of fall
hazards.
 Is capable of warning workers of fall hazard dangers and in detecting unsafe work
practices.
 Is closed enough to work operations to communicate orally with workers and has no other
duties to distract from the monitoring function.
5. Safety Net Systems:
• Safety nets must be installed as close as practicable under the walking/working surface and
never more than 30 feet (9.1 m) below such levels.
• Installed with sufficient clearance underneath to prevent contact with the surface or structure
below.
• The maximum size of each safety net mesh opening shall not exceed 36 square inches nor
be longer than 6 inches (15 cm) on any side.
• Each Safety net or section shall have a
border rope for webbing with a minimum
breaking strength of 5000 pounds.
• Safety nets must extend outward from
the outermost projection of the work
surface as follows
• Safety nets shall be inspected at least
once a week for wear, damage, and other

deterioration.
• Safety nets shall be capable of absorbing
an impact force of drop test consisting of a
400-pound (180 kilograms) bag of sand 30

inches (76 cm) in diameter dropped from the highest walking/working surface at which workers
are exposed, but not less than 42 inches (1.1 m) above the level.
• Items that have fallen into safety nets including – but not restricted to, materials, scrap,
equipment, and tools – must be removed as soon as possible and at least before the next
work shift.
6. Warning Line Systems:
• Consists of ropes, wires, or chains, and supporting stanchions and are set up as follows:
1. Flagged at not more than 6 foot intervals with high visibility materials.
2. Rigged and supported so that the lowest point including sag is no less than 34 inches
(0.9 meters) from the walking/working surface and its highest point is no more than 39
inches (1 m) from the walking/working surface.
3. Shall be erected around all sides of roof work areas.
4. Warning lines shall be erected around all sides of roof work areas.
5. When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less
than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge parallel to the direction of mechanical
equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet (3 m) from the roof edge
perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.
6. When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line must be erected not
less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge.
Fall-protection system are designed to minimize worker’s exposure to fall hazards and to reduce their
risk of injury if they do fall. Nevertheless, employers must establish procedures to ensure that workers
who fall received prompt emergency and medical attention. Emergency procedures should identify key
rescue and medical personnel, equipment available for rescue, emergency communications procedures,
retrieval methods, and primary first aid requirements.
Summary Key Points:
• 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
• A body can fall up to 7 feet in 2/3 of a second
• Fall protection should be part of the planning process prior to construction
• DO 128-13, Rule 1414.12 is the legal basis of fall protection
• Fall protection methods are: fall prevention, work positioning and fall restraint, and personal fall
arrest system
• Fall prevention includes: guardrail systems and floor coverings
• PFAS includes: anchorage point, full body harness, deceleration devices, and connectors
• Restraint devices prevents the fall of a worker by providing a short leash so that workers cannot
reach the edge
• There should be a rescue plan whenever working with the potential of hanging by a harness
Module 9 – Temporary Structures (Scaffolding and Ladder Safety)


1. Identify safe and unsafe practices
2. Be aware of the hazards of working at height on scaffolds.
3. Classify scaffold structures.
4. Identify common accidents associated with scaffolds.

5. Be aware of the maintenance and inspection of scaffolding.
6. Describe correct practices for using ladders
SCAFFOLD means any temporary elevated platform (made of timber, metal or bamboo) and its
supporting structure (including points of anchorage) used for supporting employees or materials or both
in the course of any construction works, including maintenance and demolition works.
Function
Ø As a working platform
• So that the worker can stand on the platform to do their work easily and safely
• So that the workers can place their materials and logistics to carry out their job
Ø As a platform and walking passage
• Scaffolding support the platform used by the worker as their walking path to transport the
material and logistics
Classification of Scaffolds
v Supported Scaffolds
v Suspended Scaffolds
Supported Scaffolds
• Supported Scaffolds are platforms supported by legs, outrigger, beams, brackets, poles,
uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support.
Frame or fabricated scaffolds
• The most common type of scaffold because they are versatile, economical, and easy to use.
• Frequently used in one or two tiers by residential contractors, painters, etc., but their modular frames
can also be stacked several stories high for use on large- scale construction
jobs.
Mobile scaffolds
• a type of supported scaffold set on wheels or casters.
• designed to be easily moved and are commonly used for things like painting
and plastering, where workers must frequently change position
Tube and coupler scaffolds
• they are built from tubing connected by coupling devices.
• are frequently used where heavy loads need to be carried, or where
multiple platforms must reach several stories high.

• Their versatility, which enables them to be assembled in multiple
directions in a variety of settings, also makes them hard to build correctly
Pole scaffolds
• Are types of supported scaffold in which every structural component,

from uprights to braces to platforms, is made of wood. Cannot easily be
reused, and considered old- fashioned and are rarely used today.
Suspended Scaffolds
Suspended Scaffolds contains one or more
platforms suspended by ropes or other non- rigid

means from an overhead structure.
Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds
• Also known as swing- stage scaffolds, are perhaps the most
common type of suspended scaffold.
 Hung by ropes or cables connected to stirrups at each end of the platform, they are typically
used by window washers on skyscrapers.
Single-point Adjustable
• consists of a platform suspended by one rope from an overhead
support and equipped with means to permit the movement of the

platform to desired work levels.
• The most common among these is the scaffold used by window

washers to clean the outside of a skyscraper (also known as a
boatswain's chair).
Suspended Scaffolds:
• Support Device rest on surfaces capable of supporting at least four
times the load imposed
• Counterweights
o Must be able to resist at least four times the tipping moment
o Secured mechanically to outrigger arm

o Made of non-flow able materials
o Tiebacks must be installed
• Guardrails or personal fall arrest system or both
Hazards in the Use of Scaffolds
 Falls from elevation
 Struck by falling tools / debris

 Scaffold collapse
 Electrocution
Recommended Control Measures

Ø Falls from elevation
• Use guardrails
• Must be fully planked
• Use fall arrest systems
Ø Struck by falling tools or debris

• Barricade the area below the scaffold and forbid entry
• Use panels or screens
• Build a canopy or net
Ø Scaffold collapse
• Proper scaffold construction
• Firm foundation
• Plumbed and level
• All components installed
• Do not overload with people or equipment
• Provide wall ties or anchorage
• Have a competent person check scaffold
Ø Electrocution
• Observe clearance/distances required between power lines and scaffolding
• De-energize the lines

• Install protective covering
Mobile Scaffolds
 Plumb, level and squared
 Braced to prevent collapse
 Casters and wheels locked to prevent movement while in a
stationary position
 Not allowed to ride on scaffolds when moving
Three Stages of Scaffolding
1. Building Scaffolds
2. Using Scaffolds
3. Removing / Dismantling Scaffolds
Stage 1: Building Scaffolds
1. Persons Involved – wear PPE
2. Site Specific Hazards Identification

Erectors
Classification of Scaffolds
Inspect all scaffold parts before use (cracks, dents, bends, breaks, corrosion & bad welds)
Condition of fittings (distorted, stripped, missing, bent parts)

Condition of scaffold planks (cracks, splits)
Damaged scaffold (tagged, set aside, repaired or replaced)
3. Erection of scaffolds
Supervised by competent person
4. Means of safe Access

 Stairs/ Ladders
 Frame scaffolds
 Platforms are fully planked
5. Fall protection systems and falling object protection
Platform
• No paint on wood platforms

• Use scaffold grade wood
• Fully planked between front upright and guardrail support
• Component pieces used must match and be of the same type
• Erect on stable and level ground
Platform Ends
• Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks, must extend over
its support by at least 6 inches
Proper Scaffold Access
• Provide access when scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of
access
Permitted types of access:
Ladders, such as portable, hook-on, attachable, stairway type, and built-ins
Stair towers
Ramps and walkways
May use building stairs and come out window
Access
• No access by cross braces
• When using ladders, bottom rung no more than 24 inches’ high
• Can use some end frames
• Can access from another scaffold, structure or hoist
Stage 2: Using Scaffolds

Training of personnel in the proper use of the scaffold and hazards associated
Establish and communicate jobsite rules

Put in writing
Taught to all employees

Part of the safety culture
Scaffold Inspection
 Competent person inspects scaffolds for visible defects before
each shift and after any alterations
 Defective parts must be immediately repaired
 Provide Scaffold tags
Stage 3: Removing / Dismantling of Scaffolds
 Must be done by trained personnel
 Proceed in reverse order to its erection
 Workers should wear a safety harness and lanyard tied off to a secured anchor before
attempting to loosen stuck or jammed parts.
 Do not hammer or pry apart the scaffold components.
 Do not throw scaffold components
Portable Ladders
 Used as work platform only when in use of small hand tools and handling of light materials.
 Shall be of sufficient length and be placed such that worker will not stretch
 Damaged ladders shall be removed and tagged “unsafe” or “destroyed”
 Positioned at 1 horizontal to 4 vertical
 With handhold of at least 3 feet
Summary Key Points:
 Scaffolding is a temporary or movable platform used for access and/or working at

considerable heights above the ground
 Scaffoldings are useful in construction but they pose hazards and risks which may result to
accidents
 Classification of scaffoldings: supported and suspended
 Legal basis of scaffolding safety is DOLE DO 128-13
 Every scaffold shall be of good construction and sound materials
 Timber/bamboo scaffold is limited to a height of 6m
 Manufactured and site fabricated/conventional scaffolds exceeding 6m in height shall be
designed and inspected by the structural engineer
 Suspended scaffolds shall be designed by a structural engineer
 Persons involved in scaffoldings should be either competent or scaffold erector (qualified)
 Supported scaffold shall be capable of supporting at least 4 times the maximum intended
load
 Suspended scaffolds shall be capable of supporting at least 6 times the maximum intended
load
 Scaffoldings should be inspected and tagged prior to use
 Remember the safe clearance of a scaffolding used near power lines

 Do not move mobile scaffoldings while a person is on it
Module 10 – Environmental Safety

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.
Industrial Hygiene (IH)–is the science and art devoted to identification, evaluation and
control of environmental factors and stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause
sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers or among
citizens of the community.
Industrial hygiene is strict and rigorous scientific methodology and often requires professional
experience in determining the potential for hazard, exposures or risk in workplace and
environmental studies.
Three Steps to Control Hazards and Accidents:
1. Identify- Involves knowledge and understanding of the several types of workplace

environmental stresses and the effect of these upon the health of the worker.
2. Evaluate- The decision- making process resulting in an opinion as to the degree of health
hazard that exists from chemical or physical agents from industrial exposure.
3. Correct (Control) - Engineering, Administrative and PPE.
➢ Engineering control. Eliminate or reduce the hazard through:
 Initial design specification
 Substitution
 Change the process
 Isolation (Place)
 Ventilation
➢ Administrative control. Control of employee’s exposure
 Increased break
 SOPs
 Training
 Isolation (time)
 Medical Exams
 Workplace monitoring
 Scheduled reduced work hours in contaminated areas or
 Shifting
➢ PPE. Use protective barrier to protect the worker from the hazard.
Module 10-A: Workplace Environment Measurement

1. Discuss Work Environment Measurement (WEM) and its importance in evaluating the hazards
in the workplace and monitoring exposure of workers;
2. Comply w i t h i n d u s t r i a l h y g i e n e – related O S H S p r o v i s i o n s a n d o t h e r issuances,

laws and guidelines; and
3. Explain the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) and its importance in evaluating workers’ exposure.
Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring describes the processes and activities that need to take place to
characterize and monitor the quality of the environment. Environmental monitoring is used in the
preparation of environmental impact assessments, as well as in many circumstances in which human

activities carry a risk of harmful effects on the natural environment. All monitoring strategies
and programs have reasons and justifications which are often designed to establish the current
status of an environment or to establish trends in environmental parameters. In all cases the
results of monitoring will be reviewed, analyzed statistically and published. The design of a
monitoring program must therefore have regard to the final use of the data before monitoring
starts.
Sources of Data
1. Walk-Through Survey- is done to pinpoint the location of the existing health hazard so that
proper corrective actions can be taken and to identify potential health hazards under normal and
abnormal conditions.
2. Chemical Inventory
Ø Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Related OSHS Provisions:

Rule 1070 is OSH standard for occupational health and environment control. It has seven (7)
Rule standards:
1071- General Provisions
1072- TLVs for Airborne Contaminant
1073- TLVs for Airborne Contaminants (Tables)

1074- Physical Agents
1075- Illumination
1076- General Ventilation
1077- Work Environment Measurement
• For further information, please read the Philippines OSH Standards- as amended,
pages 28-33.
Work Environment Measurement
1077.02: Definitions:
Working environment measurement shall mean sampling and analysis carried out in respect of the
atmospheric working environment and other fundamental elements of working environment for the
purpose of determining actual conditions therein.
Rule 1070 refers to the Occupational Health and Environmental Control
(Rule 1077.01 OSHS, DOLE)
The employer shall exert efforts to maintain and control the working environment in comfortable and
healthy conditions for the purpose of promoting and maintaining the health of his workers
Rule 1070 of Occupational Safety and Health Standards
- The WEM shall be performed by the safety and medical personnel who have taken adequate
training and experience in WEM (internal monitoring)
Note: Internal WEM also requires calibrated industrial hygiene equipment

- In the event of inability to perform the WEM, the employer shall commission the Bureau / OSHC /
Regional Office concerned and other institutions accredited or recognized by the Bureau, to perform
the measurement.
Requirements (Rule 1077.03)
- WEM shall include temperature, humidity, pressure, illumination, ventilation, concentration of
substances & noise.

- The employer shall carry out WEM where hazardous work is performed and shall keep a record of such
measurement which shall be made available to the enforcing authority.
- The working environment shall be performed periodically as maybe necessary but not longer than
annually
In the conduct of WEM, DO 160-16 shall be referred to for proper guidance.
Department Order No. 160-16 Guidelines on the Accreditation of Consulting Organizations to
provide Work Environment Measurement (WEM) Services
-
- 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.
- NO person or organization shall be allowed, hired or provide WEM services unless the requirements of
this rule are complied with
Purposes of WEM Work Environment Measurement
- To monitor worker’s exposure to harmful substances;
- To evaluate the effectiveness of environmental control measures adopted to improve the workplace;
and
- To maintain favorable environment conditions.
Types of Work Environment Measurement Monitoring:

- Personal Monitoring – the measurement of a particular employee’s
exposure to airborne contaminants. The measuring device is placed as

close as possible to the contaminant’s entry port to the body. For
example, when monitoring an air contaminant that is toxic, the

measuring device is placed close to the breathing zone of the worker. The data collected closely
approximates the concentration of contaminants to which
the worker is regularly exposed during work hours.
- Area/Environmental Sampling – the measurement of a
contaminant concentration in the workroom. The
measuring device is placed adjacent to the worker’s normal

workstation or at fixed locations in the work area. This kind
of monitoring does not provide a good estimate of worker’s exposure but helps to pinpoint work areas
with high or low exposure levels of contaminants. Area Sampling
- Biological Monitoring involves the measurement of changes in the composition of body fluids, tissue
or expired air to determine the absorption of a potentially hazardous material. Examples are the
measurement of lead and mercury in blood or urine.
Examples of Industrial Hygiene Equipment
Physical Agents
Noise/ sound- sound level
meters, waveband analyzers,
audiometer
Light
Photometer, illumination meter
Heat stress- heat stress monitor
Radiation- radiation survey
meter
Air Movement (Ventilation) -
Anemometer
Chemical Agents-
Gas/ dust/ acids / fumes /

vapors - indicator tubes,
stationary and personal samplers
The measurement data will be compared with existing standards / guidelines:
 Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)

 Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
 Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)
 Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs)
 Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MACs)
What is Threshold Limit Value?
The threshold limit value (TLV) of a chemical substance is believed to be a level to which a worker can
be exposed day after day for a working lifetime without adverse effects.
Categories of TLV
• Time Weighted Average (TLV - TWA) - takes into account variable exposure through a full
shift, 8-hour work day
• Short Term Exposure Level (TLV - STEL) - limit of exposure during a short period, 15 min.
• Ceiling (TLV - C) - absolute maximum level of exposure not to be exceeded
PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURE, OSHS-DOLE
Duration per day, Sound Levels, dB, slow

hours response
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1½ 102
1 105
½ 110
¼ 115
* ceiling value: No exposure in excess of 115 dB is allowed.
ILLUMINATION LEVELS, OSHS DOLE
Area of Operation Minimum Lighting Levels and Task

lux
Cutting cloth 2000 and above
Sewing cloth (200 foot candles)
Finish inspection
Fine assembly
Color grading
Fine Machining
Inspection and assembly 1,000
Clay enamelling and glazing (100-foot candles)
Coil winding and testing
Chipping Grinding
Fine core making
Machine shop bench work
Transcribing handwriting
Accounting
Pattern making
Drafting
Welding 500
Automotive frame assembly (50-foot candles)
Chemical laboratory
Foundry molding
Sorting
Core making
Rubber extrusion and tire making
Punch press Shearing
Stamping Spinning
Woodworking
Medium quality machine and bench work
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH)

Screening Criteria for Heat Stress Exposure (WBGT values in °C)
for 8-hour work day five days per week with conventional breaks
Acclimatized Action Limit (Unacclimatized)
Allocation of Work in a
Very Very
Work/Rest Cycle Light Moderate Heavy Light Moderate Heavy
Heavy Heavy
75-100% 31.0 28.0 -- -- 28.0 25.0 -- --
50-75% 31.0 29.0 27.5 -- 28.5 26.0 24.0 --
25-50% 32.0 30.0 29.0 28.0 29.5 27.0 25.5 24.5
0-25% 32.5 31.5 30.5 30.0 30.0 29.0 28.0 27.0
Notes:
Assumes 8-hour workdays in a 5-day workweek with conventional breaks.
TLVs assume that workers exposed to these conditions are adequately hydrated, are not taking
medication, are wearing lightweight clothing, and are in generally good health.
Examples of workloads:
Rest - sitting (quietly or with moderate arm movements)
Light work - sitting or standing to control machines; performing light hand or arm work (e.g. using a
table saw); occasional walking; driving
Moderate work - walking about with moderate lifting and pushing or pulling; walking at moderate
pace; e.g. scrubbing in a standing position
Heavy work - pick and shovel work, digging, carrying, pushing/pulling heavy loads; walking at fast
pace; e.g. carpenter sawing by hand
Very Heavy - very intense activity at fast to maximum pace; e.g. shoveling wet sand
Adapted from: 2016 TLVs® and BEIs® - Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical
Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati: American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH), 2016, p. 218.
Clothing Type WBGT Correction (°C)

Work clothes (long sleeve shirt and pants) 0
Cloth (woven material) coveralls 0
SMS (Spun bonded - Meltdown - Spun bonded) polypropylene coveralls + 0.5
Polyolefin coveralls +1
Double-layer woven clothing +3
Limited-use vapor-barrier coveralls + 11
Note: These values are not to be used for completely encapsulating suits. Coveralls assume only
modest clothing is underneath, not a second layer of clothing.
For example, an acclimatized worker wearing double-layer woven clothing doing moderate work would
have a corrected exposure level of: 30.0 + 3 = 33ºC, which would lower his or her allowable exposure to
0-25% work (from 25-50% work)
Adopted from: 2016 TLVs® and BEIs®: Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical
Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati, Ohio: American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists, 2016. p. 217
Summary Key Points:
• Environmental monitoring is used in the preparation of environmental impact assessments, as
well as in many circumstances in which human activities carry a risk of harmful effects on the
natural environment.
• Work environmental monitoring is carried out to evaluate occupational hazards resulting from
exposure to the following agents: Physical Agents, Chemical Agents, and Biological Agents.
• It is important to recognize environmental hazards or stresses in the workplace.
• The magnitude or level of hazards can be accurately determined by using industrial hygiene
equipment. Prevention is better than cure so it is necessary to assess and evaluate these
hazards.
Module 10-B: Medical Surveillance

1. Discuss medical surveillance and biological monitoring as strategies in examining health

conditions of workers;
2. Explain the role of these strategies in preventing occupational illnesses; and
3. Describe the different steps in conducting medical surveillance.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
General Idea: The monitoring of a person for the purpose of identifying changes in health status due
to occupational exposure to various hazards present in the workplace. Medical Surveillance provides
the systematic monitoring of health events to prevent, detect and control occupational hazards and
their associated diseases.
It identifies cases for:

- Early detection of job-related health problems
- Determine their causes
- Analyze Trends and Patterns in the Workforce to Guide Prevention Efforts
- Supplement Environmental Monitoring to Confirm the Effectiveness of Controls

- Meet Regulatory Requirements
Specific Idea: Medical surveillance encompasses the whole stay of the employee in the workplace
from the time that the employee is accepted until the time the employee resigns or retires from work.
It is important as worker populations are not homogenous. Certain members will be particularly
vulnerable or at greater risk than others. (Individual susceptibility).
Hazard level within safe or acceptable limits do not guarantee that workers will not be affected.
Conceptual Framework:
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH MONITORING:
Per R u l e 1 9 6 7 . 0 2 (2), shall b e p r o v i d e d t o a l l e m p l o y e e s of a c o m p a n y

through: Pre- employment, Periodic Examination, Special Examination, T r a n s f e r Examination
and Separation Examination.

All these examinations shall be FREE OF CHARGE per Rule 1967 (2.b).
Pre-employment provides the baseline while Periodic Examination provides a continuous information
of the health status of the workers. Special examinations are provided to those employees who by
nature of their work need are exposed to highly hazardous materials while Transfer examination
determines the health status of the worker who will either be moved to another work station or
will be given a work assignment that whose hazard will affect the health of the said employee.
Separation examination provides both the employer and employee surveillance on the health status
of the worker who are either resigning or retiring in order to make sure that the worker is fit prior
ending the engagement in the workplace.
Pre-employment shall consist of the following:

- Medical history
- Physical examination
Annual medical examination is part of the Periodic Medical Examination.

- Medical history and P.E.
- Blood levels of chemicals or their metabolites
Special Examination depends on situations like:
• Workers new to a hazardous job

• Workers returning after injury or illness
• Workers with concurrent condition or illness which can be adversely affected by workplace
hazards
• Workers exposed to very hazardous substances or work processes

It may also be examinations like:
- X-ray of affected body part
- CT-scan of affected body part
- Other appropriate laboratory examinations

Transfer examination is requested for:
- Base line health status prior transfer
- Comorbidity cases
Results of examination will determine the decision for any transfer.

Separation examination consist of:
- Medical history and P.E.
- Blood levels of chemicals or their metabolites
Done prior the resigning or retiring from employment.
Steps in Surveillance of Occupational Hazards

1. Hazard and exposure assessment
2. Identification of adverse health outcomes for each hazard
3. Selection of medical screening tests

4. Interpretation of data and recommendation
5. Communication of results
6. Documentation/recordkeeping
7. Evaluation of control measures.

1. Hazard and exposure assessment:
• Process involved
• Exposure and type of substances

• Intensity
• Frequency
• Duration
• Number of population
2. Identification of adverse health outcomes for each hazard.
Recognition of Occupational Health (OH) Hazards

A. Classification of OH Hazards
• Chemical
• Physical
• Biological
• Ergonomics
• Special Consideration
 Confined space
 Indoor air quality
B. Methods of Recognizing OH Hazards

A. Classification of OH Hazards
Chemical Hazards
These arise from excessive airborne concentration of...

• Gases
• Solvents/ Vapors
• Mist
• Dusts/ Particulates
• Heavy Metals/ Fumes

Physical Hazards
• Extreme Temperature
• Radiation
• Extreme Air Pressure
• Inadequate Illumination
• Vibration
• Excessive Noise
Biological Hazards
These include.
• Bacteria, viruses, insects, molds, fungi, parasites.

• Exposure as a result of the work being performed is the worker in the hospital whose job
requires contact with various communicable diseases.
• Exposure in the working environment can result from unsanitary conditions in rest rooms,
eating area and locker room.
Ergonomics Hazards
These include...
• Improperly designed tools or work areas
• Improper lifting or reaching

• Poor visual conditions
• Repeated motion in awkward position
Psychosocial Hazards
• The harmful p h y s i c a l & emotional responses caused by an imbalance
b e t w e e n perceived demands & perceived resources & abilities of individuals to cope with those
demands. (ILO, 1986)
• Substance abuse
• Alcohol intoxication
• Adverse Health Effect
Brain and Nerves- Headache, sadness, difficulty of sleeping, mental disorders to include anxiety
panic and depression.
Heart- faster heartbeat, palpitations, r i s e in blood pressure heart attack.
Stomach- nausea, vomiting, a c h e , heartburn, decrease appetite.
Reproductive organs- i r r e g u l a r o r p a i n f u l p e r i o d s , r e d u c e d s e x u a l d e s i r e ,
impotence,
Other- acne, skin problems, weakened immune system.
Low productivity
B. Methods of Recognition of Occupational Health Stresses/ Hazards
• Walk-through survey/ ocular inspection

• Reviewing process involved
• Knowing the raw materials used, products and by- products
• Gathering of worker’s complaints

• SDS
What is SDS?
Safety Data Sheet

-A summary of the important health, safety and toxicological information on the chemical or the
mixture ingredients.
What is GHS?
• Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Of Classification and labeling of chemicals is an international
standard for classifying chemicals and communicating its hazards.
For establishing a comprehensive national chemical safety program, and a comprehensive approach
defining and classifying hazards and communicating information on labels and safety data sheets
(SDS).
• Benefits:
• Enhance the protection of humans and environment
• Facilitate international trade in chemicals
• Reduce the need for testing and evaluation of chemicals

• Assist countries a n d i n t e r n a t i on a l o r ga n i z at i o n s t o e n s ur e t h e s o u n d management of
chemicals
• GHS has two (2) key elements:
1. Hazard classification
• Physical hazards
• Health hazards
• Environmental hazards
2. Hazard communication
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) - 16- sections
• Labels
The Sixteen (16) Sections of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Sections 1-11 and 16 are required, sections 12-15 may be included but are not required.
• Section 1—Identification: Product identifier, manufacturer or distributor name,
address, phone number, emergency phone number, recommended use, and restrictions on
use.
• Section 2—Hazard(s) identification: All hazards regarding the chemical and required
label elements.
• Section 3—Composition/Information on ingredients: Information on chemical

ingredients and trade secret claims.
• Section 4—First-aid measures: Required first a i d t r e a t m e n t for exposure to

a chemical and the symptoms (immediate or delayed) of exposure.
• Section 5—Fire-fighting measures: The techniques and equipment recommended for
extinguishing a fire involving the chemical and hazards that may be created during
combustion.
• Section 6—Accidental r elea se measures: Steps to take in the event of a spill or
release involving the chemical. Includes: emergency procedures, protective equipment
and proper methods of containment and cleanup.
• Section 7—handling and s t o r a g e : Precautions for s a f e h a n d l i n g and
s t o r a g e , including incompatibilities.
• Section 8—Exposure c o n t r o l s /Personal protection: OSHA’s permissible
exp os ure limits (PELs), threshold limit values (TLVs), appropriate engineering controls,
and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Section 9—Physical and chemical properties: The chemical’s characteristics.
• Section 10—Stability and r e a c t i v i t y : Chemical stability and p o s s i b l e
hazardous reactions.
• Section 11—Toxicological information: Routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or
absorption contact), symptoms, acute and chronic effects, and numerical measures of toxicity.
• Section 12—Ecological information: How the chemical might affect the environment
and the duration of the effect.
• Section 13—Disposal considerations—describes safe handling of wastes and
methods of disposal, including the disposal of any contaminated packaging.
• Section 1 4 —Transportation information—includes packing, m a r k i n g , a n d l a b e l i n g
requirements for hazardous chemical shipments.
• Section 15—Regulatory information—indicates regulations that apply to chemical.
• Section 16—other information—includes date of preparation or last revision.
3. Selection of medical screening tests
Hazard Health Risk Test
Noise Noise-induced hearing loss Audiometry

Toluene Nervous system Neuro examination Liver
profile Biological monitoring
Liver (urinary toluene)
Silica Silicosis (lung disease) Chest X-ray

Pulmonary function tests (PFT)
Asbestos Asbestosis (lung disease) Chest X-ray

Pulmonary function tests (PFT)
Lead Anemia, nephropathy Neuro examination

Biological monitoring (Lead
in blood)
Biological Monitoring - Selected Substances

(adopted from ACGIH, 2018)
Assay
Substance material Parameter Sampling Time
Benzene Urine S-Phenyl End of shift

mercapturic acid/g
creatinine or
t,t-Muconic acid/g creatinine
Hexane Urine 2,5-Hexanedione End of shift at end

of workweek
Lead and Blood Lead Not critical
compounds
(except alkyl
lead
Mercury, Urine Mercury Prior to shift
compounds)
elemental
Toluene Urine o-cresol/g creatinine End of shift
Urine Toluene End of shift
Biological Monitoring - Selected Substances

(adopted from ACGIH, 2018)
Assay
Substance material Parameter Sampling Time
Acetone Urine acetone/L urine End of shift
Styrene Urine mandelic acid End of shift
Xylene Urine methylhippuric End of shift

acids/g
creatinine
Trichloroethylene Urine TCA/L urine By the end of
the last shift of
a workweek/
shift period
Cadmium and Blood Cd/g creatinine compounds Not critical

its inorganic
Biological Monitoring
Biological monitoring was defined in a 1980 seminar, jointly sponsored by the European Economic
Community (EEC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Occupational
Safety and Health Association (OSHA) in Luxembourg as “the measurement and assessment of agents
or their metabolites either in tissues, secreta, excreta, expired air or any combination of these to
evaluate exposure and health risk compared to an appropriate reference”. Monitoring is a repetitive,
regular and preventive activity designed to lead, if necessary, to corrective actions; it should not be
confused with diagnostic procedures.
Biological monitoring is one of the three important tools in the prevention of diseases due to toxic
agents in the general or occupational environment, the other two being environmental monitoring and
health surveillance.
The sequence in the possible development of such disease may be schematically represented as
follows: source-exposed chemical agent — internal dose — biochemical or cellular effect (reversible) —
health effects — disease. The relationships among environmental, biological, and exposure monitoring,
and health surveillance, are shown in the figure below.
When a toxic substance (an industrial chemical, for example) is present in the environment, it
contaminates air, water, food, or surfaces in contact with the skin; the amount of toxic agent in these
media is evaluated via environmental monitoring.
As a result of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, a certain internal dose of the toxic
agent (the net amount of a pollutant absorbed in or passed through the organism over a specific time
interval) is effectively delivered to the body, and becomes detectable in body fluids. As a result of its
interaction with a receptor in the critical organ (the organ which, under specific conditions of
exposure, exhibits the first or the most important adverse effect), biochemical and cellular events
occur. Both the internal dose and the elicited biochemical and cellular effects may be measured
through biological monitoring.
Health surveillance was defined at the above-mentioned 1980 EEC/NIOSH/OSHA seminar as “the
periodic medico-physiological examination of exposed workers with the objective of protecting health
and preventing disease”.
Biological monitoring and health surveillance are parts of a continuum that can range from the
measurement of agents or their metabolites in the body via evaluation of biochemical and cellular
effects, to the detection of signs of early reversible impairment of the critical organ. The detection of
established disease is outside the scope of these evaluations.
Biological monitoring of exposure is based on the determination of indicators of internal dose by
measuring:
• the amount of the chemical, to which the worker is exposed, in blood or urine (rarely in milk,
saliva, or fat)
• the amount of one or more metabolites of the chemical involved in the same body fluids
• the concentration of volatile organic compounds (solvents) in alveolar air
• the biologically effective dose of compounds which have formed adducts to DNA or
other large molecules and which thus have a potential genotoxic effect.
4. Interpretation of data and recommendation
1. Medical Surveillance Result - creation of OSH programs and policies
2. Maintaining a healthy workforce - monitoring of results of program

3. Control measures in place? - audit of policies and programs
4. Impact of the control measures? - effectivity of the measure
5. Evaluation ,Revision and Improvement - management review
5. Communication of results
• Preventive Strategies
• Nutrition Month
• Mental health programs

• BMI maintenance activity
• PEP talks- Mental Health, Hypertension etc.
• Maintain DATA Privacy Act

• Examples of Health Promotion Programs are: Managing STI/HIV/AIDS in the workplace
• Tuberculosis management program
• Responsible parenthood Blood Supply Program Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Obesity and weight reduction
• Smoking cessation
• Physical fitness, exercise and sports programs
• Work-Life Balance programs
• General nutrition
6. Documentation/recordkeeping
• AMR -APE,
• Record logbook (CLINIC VISITS-illnesses/complains)
• WEM
• Record of activities for the whole year
• Policies and procedures
7. Control Measures
1. Engineering control
2. Administrative control
3. Personal Protective Equipment
Engineering Control
Elimination: process of removing the hazard from the workplace. It is the most effective way to
control a risk because the hazard is no longer present. It is the preferred way to control a hazard
and should be used whenever possible.
• Isolation
• Modification of the Process/ Equipment
• Wet Methods
• Industrial Ventilation
Substitution: Second most effective hazard control, involves replacing something that
produces a hazard (similar to elimination) with something that does not produce a hazard
• Replacing lead-based paint with titanium white
Administrative Control
• Reduction of work periods

• Adjusting work schedules
• Employee information and training
• Job Rotation
• Education of Supervisors
• Housekeeping and Maintenance
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Dust/ Gas Respirators
• Safety Goggles/ Spectacles

• Face Shields
• Earplugs/Earmuffs
• Aprons
• Safety Shoes
• Helmets
• Gloves
Evaluation
Medical Surveillance programs must be reviewed, presented to the Management and updated.
The program must be evaluated based on its efficiency in the utilization of the organization’s
resources. Record kept properly will help provide a sound evaluation of the programs. This will
help in providing the needed resources. Resources include human resources and specialized
skills, technology, time and financial resources
Checking of Preventive Action:

• Medical recordkeeping
• Test results, interpretation, record of notifications, AMR

• Exposure evaluations
• WEM, Biological monitoring
Internal Factors:
• Resulting environmental modifications
• Control measures implemented
External Factors
• Requirements, procedures, and interpretation of findings for health surveillance as specified
by national legislation (e.g. TLVs)
• Audit requirements from customers and other stakeholders.

Health Interventions in the Workplace
The workplace is an important setting for health protection, health promotion and disease
prevention programs. On average, workers working full-time spend more than one-third of their
day, five days per week at the workplace.
While employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and hazard-free workplace, they also
have abundant opportunities to promote individual health and foster a healthy work environment
for all their employees.
The use of effective workplace programs and policies can reduce health risks and improve the
quality of life for the workers.
Maintaining a healthier workforce can lower direct costs such as insurance premiums and
worker’s compensation c l a i m s . It will also positively impact many indirect costs such as
absenteeism and worker productivity.
To improve the health of their employees, businesses can create a wellness culture that is
employee-centered; provides supportive environments where safety is ensured and health can
emerge; and provides access and opportunities for their employers to engage in a variety of
workplace health programs.
What are Workplace Health Programs?

Workplace health programs refer to a coordinated and comprehensive set of strategies which
include programs, policies, benefits, environmental supports, and links to the surrounding
community designed to meet the health and safety needs of all employees.
Examples of workplace health program components and strategies include:

• Health education classes
• Access to community or company-owned fitness facilities
• Company policies that promote healthy behaviors such as a tobacco-free workplace

policy
• Employee health insurance coverage for appropriate preventive screenings
• A healthy work environment c r e a t e d through actions such as making healthy foods
available and accessible through vending machines or cafeterias

• A work environment free of recognized health and safety threats with a means to identify
and address new problems as they arise
Impact of Workplace Health Programs

Workplace health programs can lead to change at both the individual (i.e., employee) and the
organization levels.
For individuals, workplace health programs have the potential to impact an employee’s health,
such as their health behaviors; health risks for disease; and current health status.
For organizations, workplace health programs have the potential to impact areas such as health care
costs, absenteeism, productivity, recruitment/retention, culture and employee morale.
Employers, workers, their families and communities all benefit from the prevention of disease
and injury and from sustained health.
Summary Key Points:

• Industrial Hygiene (IH)–is the science and art devoted to recognition, evaluation and control of
environmental factors and stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause sickness,
impaired health and well- being, or significant discomfort among workers or among citizens of
the community.
• Steps to control the Hazard Are Identify, evaluate, and correct.

o Inspection is done before an accident or an incident occurs. Investigation is after an
incident or an accident.
o Medical Surveillance is an important aspect of the Evaluation of Risk and Hazards as the
because:
o It stresses the prevention of illness of occupational health
• When illness arises from a particular exposure, medical surveillance is necessary.
• There are various health effects for every health hazards present in the workplace.
• Safety Officers and Occupational Health team can classify the risk of the health hazards before
implementing appropriate control measures to address them.

• Medical surveillance has to be followed by preventive action and evaluation of the effectiveness
of intervention in order to provide a better management support.
• Biological monitoring (bio monitoring) in occupational safety and health is the detection
of substances (biomarkers) in biological samples of workers, compared reference values.
Module 11 – Covid-19 Prevention Measures

1. Discuss medical surveillance and biological monitoring as strategies in examining health
conditions of workers;
2. Explain the role of these strategies in preventing occupational illnesses; and
3. Describe the different steps in conducting medical surveillance.
On March 8, 2020, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, recognizing that COVID-19 constitutes a threat to
national security and prompting a whole-of-government approach in addressing the outbreak,
declared a State of Public Health emergency throughout the entire Philippines through
Proclamation No. 922.
On March 16, 2020, to prevent the sharp rise of COVID-19 cases in the country, the President placed
the entire of Luzon under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until April 14, 2020.
On April 7, 2020, upon the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging
Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), the President extended the implementation of the ECQ until April 30,
2020.
On April 23, 2020, the IATF recommended that guidelines be issued by the different government
agencies to provide policy directions for the public and stakeholders in complying with Government
regulations following the modification of ECQ.
Refer to DOLE DTI Guidelines on the Prevention and Control of Coved 19 (See annexes)
II. OBJECTIVE
The guidelines are issued to assist private institutions that are allowed to operate during the Enhanced
Community Quarantine (ECQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in developing the minimum
health protocols and standards in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
III. COVERAGE
The Guidelines shall apply to all workplaces, employers and workers in the private sector.
IV. WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
The following safety and health standards shall be implemented in all workplaces aligned with the
objectives of the minimum health standards of the Department of Health:
A. Increase physical and mental resilience
1. Emphasize to all workers the everyday actions to stay healthy such as:
a. Eat nutritious and well-cooked food;

b. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages;
c. Increase the body’s resistance by having adequate rest and at least eight (8) hours of sleep; and
d. Exercise regularly;
2. Enjoin companies to provide free medicines and vitamins; and

3. Provide referral for workers needing counselling or presenting with mental health concerns
B. Reducing transmission of COVID-19
1. Prior to entrance in buildings or workplaces

a. All employers and workers shall:
i. Wear face masks at all times and remove the same only when eating/drinking. Employers shall
provide the appropriate face masks for workers. Should cloth masks be used, the washable type
shall be worn but additional filter material such as tissue papers inside the masks may be added;
ii. Accomplish daily the health symptoms questionnaire and submit to the guard or designated
safety officer prior to entry;

iii. Have their temperature checked and recorded in the health symptoms questionnaire. (Refer to
annex)
For any personnel with temperature > 37.50C, even after a 5minute rest, or if their response in the
questionnaire needs further evaluation by the clinic staff, the person shall be isolated in an area
identified by the company and not allowed to enter the premises. The isolation area should be well
ventilated and must be disinfected frequently. Clinic staff assigned to assess the workers held in
the isolation area shall be provided the appropriate medical grade PPEs by the establishment
which shall include but not limited to, face masks, goggles/face shields, and/or gloves; and
iv. Spray alcohol/sanitizers to both hands; and provide disinfectant foot baths at the entrance if
practicable.
b. Equipment or vehicle entering the hub operational area must go through a disinfection process; and
c. If there will be a long queue outside the office or store premises, roving officers should instill physical
distancing of one meter.
2. inside the workplace

a. All work areas and frequently handled objects such as door knobs and handles, shall be cleaned and
disinfected regularly, at least once every two (2) hours;
b. All washrooms and toilets shall have sufficient clean water and soap, workers are
Encouraged to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth;
c. Sanitizers shall be made available in corridors, conference areas, elevators, stairways and areas where
workers pass;
d. Workers, whether in office workstations or in operations area, shall always practice physical
distancing meaning at the minimum one (1) meter radius space (side, back and front) between workers;
e. Eating in communal areas is discouraged. It is best to eat in individual work area and all wastes shall
be disposed properly. If eating in individual work areas is not possible, the employer shall ensure that
physical distancing is maintained in dining areas with one worker per table and 1-meter distance per
worker. It is discouraged that workers engage in conversation with masks off during meal times. Tables
and chairs shall be cleaned or disinfected after every use of the area, and before as well as at the end of
the work day; and

f. Canteens and kitchens should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
C. Minimize contact rate
1. Alternative work arrangements, such as working-hour shifts, work from home (WFH), where feasible
and on rotation basis;

2. Prolonged face-to-face interaction between workers and with clients are discouraged and masks
shall be worn at all times and not removed. Meetings needing physical presence shall be kept to a
minimum number of participants and with short duration. Videoconferencing shall be utilized for
lengthy discussions among workers;

3. Office tables should be arranged in order to maintain proper physical distancing. Barriers may be
provided between tables;

4. Workstation layout should be designed to allow for unidirectional movement in aisles, corridors or
walkways;
5. To maintain physical distancing, number of people inside an enclosed space such as a room, store
or hall shall be limited. Elevator use should consider physical distancing and limit the number of
persons in order to observe the 1-meter physical distancing;

6. Use of stairs should be encouraged subject to physical distancing requirements. If more than 2
stairways are accessible, one stairway may be used exclusively for going up and another for going
down;
7. Online system shall be highly encouraged to be utilized for clients needing assistance from offices
including the use of videoconferencing; and
8. Roving officers shall always ensure physical distancing and observance of minimum health
protocols.
D. On Reducing the risk of infection from COVID-19
1. In the event that a worker is suspected as having COVID-19:
a. The worker shall immediately proceed to the isolation area designated in the workplace and never
remove his/her mask;
b. Clinic personnel attending to the workers should wear appropriate PPEs and if needed should
require the transport of the affected worker to the nearest hospital.

Company protocols for transport for suspect COVID-19 cases and for PCR testing, should be in place
including providing for ambulance conduction. Hospitals will report to the DOH for COVID-19 suspect;
and
c. Decontamination of workplace
I. Workplace shall be decontaminated with appropriate disinfectant (e.g. chlorine bleaching
solution and 1:100 phenol based disinfectant);
ii. After decontamination of the work area, work can resume after 24 hours; and
iii. Workers present in the work area with the suspect COVID-19 worker shall go on 14 days’ home
quarantine with specific instructions from the clinic staff on monitoring of symptoms and possible
next steps. If suspect COVID-19 worker has negative result, co-workers may be allowed to report
back to work.
2. In the event that a worker is sick or has fever but is not suspected to have COVID-19 (ex., urinary
infection, wound infection or any diseases not related to lungs or respiratory tract) the employer must
advise the worker to take prudent measures to limit the spread of communicable diseases, as follows:
I. Stay at home and keep away from work or crowds;

ii. Take adequate rest and take plenty of fluids;
iii. Practice personal hygiene to prevent spread of disease; and
iv. Seek appropriate medical care if there is persistent fever, when difficulty of
breathing has started, or when he/she becomes weak.
V. DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS
Employers shall:
1. Provide the necessary company policies for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in consultation
with workers. Advocacy and IEC programs should be taken from DOH, WHO and reliable sources of
information on COVID-19;
2. Provide resources and materials needed to keep the workers healthy and the workplace safe, e.g.,
masks, soap, sanitizer, disinfectant, PPEs, including COVID-19 testing kits, etc.;
3. Designate the safety officer to monitor COVID-19 prevention and control measures such as physical
distancing, wearing of masks, regular disinfection, compliance to thermal scanning and accomplishing
health symptoms questionnaire;
4. Enhance health insurance provision for workers;
5. Where feasible, provide shuttle services and/or decent accommodation on near-site location to
lessen travel and people movement;

6. Enjoin the hiring from the local community; and
7. Put up a COVID-19 Hotline and Call Center for employees to report if symptomatic, and daily
monitoring scheme of our “suspect” employee condition.
Workers shall:
1. Comply with all workplace measures in place for the prevention and control of COVID-19, such as,
frequent hand washing, wearing of masks, observe physical distancing always, etc.;
2. Observe proper respiratory etiquette;
3. Coughing and sneezing into tissue or into shirt sleeve if tissue is not available.
4. Disposing used tissues properly; and
5. Disinfecting hands immediately through proper washing with soap and water or alcohol-based
sanitizer immediately after a cough or sneeze.
VI. WORKPLACE WITH IMMINENT DANGER SITUATIONS
In workplaces where workers are evidently at risk of infection as in health-care and other frontline
services, the employer shall comply with the DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0178: Interim
Guidelines on Health Care Provider Networks during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 11 April 2020.
Workers in said workplaces must take extra precautionary measures which include strict hygiene and
the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers shall ensure that PPE (e.g. respirators such
as N95, gowns, gloves) is properly worn by the workers while at work and disposed of accordingly after
use.
VII. COVID-19 TESTING

Employers may test workers for COVID-19. Testing kits used and procured shall be the responsibility of
the employer. DOH Protocols shall be followed for the testing of workers and interpretation of results
in accordance with DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0180: Revised Interim Guidelines on
Expanded Testing for COVID-19, 16 April 2020 and DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0014:
Guidelines in Securing a License to Operate a COVID-19 Testing Laboratory in the Philippines, 07 April
2020. Company policy on COVID-19 testing shall be formulated and agreed upon by employers and
workers in conformity with the DOH protocols.
Workers with a negative test shall continue to work. They should be given appropriate advice and
instructions once they develop any health complaints or symptoms. The company OSH personnel shall
continue to monitor all workers.
VIII. MOST AT RISK WORKERS1 AND VULNERABLE GROUPS

1 (> 60 Y.O, or, of any age with co-morbidities or pre-existing illness, i.e., hypertension, diabetes,
cancer, or with immunocompromised health status; or with high risk pregnancy).

Emergency Communication
An emergency communication flow chart must be provided in order for the whole organization to be
followed in event of COVID 19 Emergency in the Workplace.
 COMMUNCATION MEDIUMS It is Recognizes that HSE objectives can be achieved with effective
communication. Therefore, it is mandatory to educate, raise HSE awareness, motivate and stimulate
participation. These may include all or some of the following:
I.HSE Training
II.Bulletins and posters.

III.Sign boards and banners
IV.HSE handbook and Materials written in English or Appropriate language.
V.HSE alerts
VI.HSE awareness campaigns.

VII.Toolbox talks/JSA/ Risk Assessment discussions.
VIII.Daily, Weekly and Monthly Meetings
IX.Submission of reports.
Risk Assessments
In order for the company to sustain the acceptable level of risk a comprehensive risk assessment shall
be implemented. It will start by identifying the hazard (COVID 19). Who might be harmed and how
large the impact it will be in terms of manpower, cost both visible and hidden costs. A Risk Assessment
Matrix and Risk assessment form
(see below attachment) shall be used
REFERRENCE DOCUMENTS
 DOLE Labor Advisory # 04-20 Guidelines on 2019 Corona Virus 2019 NCOV Prevention and
Control in the Workplace
 OSHA 3990 GUIDANCE ON PREPARING WORKPLACE ON COVID 19
 CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION FACT SHEET
 DOH COVID 19 ADVISORIES
 IATF – EID JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO.1 SERIES OF 2020
 OSH STANDARDS 2019 RULE 1070
 ILO In the face of a pandemic: Ensuring Safety and Health at Work
 DTI & DOLE GUIDELINES ON COVID 19 WORKPLACE PREVENTION
 DPWH DO 39 SERIES OF 2020 CONSTRUCTION SAFETY GUIDELINES OF ALL DPWH
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
 JAO – DOH 2020 -001
Module 12 – Occupational Health

1. Explain the basic concept of occupational health
2. Identify health effects of common hazards in construction work
3. Recommend appropriate health interventions to prevent and control occupational or work-related
health problems
Occupational Health defines as the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical,
mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations. People at work can be exposed to risks to
their health and may contract a range of occupational diseases and conditions. Some people may
die as a result of a contact; others may be permanently incapacitated, etc.
AIMS of Occupational Health:
1. Promotion & maintenance of the physical, mental and social well-being of workers;
2. Prevention of illness;
3. Protection of workers from ‘risks’ at work;
4. Placement and maintenance of workers in an occupational environment appropriate to his
capacity
Physical Hazards
1. Noise- An unwanted sound; Noise can block, distort, change or interfere with the meaning of a
message in both human and electronic communication.
Three Characteristics of Sound:

v Frequency- is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time; measured in
Hertz cycles per second.
v Loudness- Intensity of the sound; measured in Decibel (dB)
v Duration- Continuous, intermittent, burst, waxing/ waning
Adverse Health Effects of Noise:
Ø Acute Effects:
 Acoustic Trauma (explosion, Gunshot); acoustic trauma refers to permanent cochlear
damage from a one-time exposure to excessive sound pressure.
 Temporary Threshold Shift (Disco)
 Poor Communication
Ø Chronic or Long Term Effects:
 Permanent Threshold Shift (Noise Induced Hearing Loss); Noise-induced

hearing loss (NIHL) is an increasingly prevalent disorder that results from exposure
to high-intensity sound, especially over a long period of time.
Ø Control of Noise
1. Engineering methods
o Purchase new equipment
o Preventive maintenance
o Isolation/damping
2. Administrative Control
o Job rotation / breaks
3. PPE
o Ear plugs / ear muffs
2. Heat Stress- (Hyperthermia) occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat
than it can dissipate.
 High Temperature
 High Humidity
 Poor Ventilation
 Multiple Heat Source
Mechanisms of heat removal
 Conduction
 Convection
 Radiation
 Evaporation
Acute Health Effects of Heat
 Prickly Heat- is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes
 Heat Fatigue-bad mood, water loss
 Heat Cramps- muscle spasm (water + salt)
 Heat Exhaustion- fatigue, dehydration, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting (water+ salts +
electrolytes)
 Heat Stroke- overheating, seizure, coma (failure of thermoregulatory system); a temperature

of greater than 40.6 °C (105.1 °F) due to environmental heat exposure
Control of Heat Problems
1. Engineering control
 Ventilation
 Water sources (fountains/showers)
2. Administrative control
 Job rotation/breaks
3. PPE
 Cotton clothes, multiple changes
3. Cold Stress- (Hypothermia) is a condition in which core temperature drops
below that required for normal metabolism and body functions which is defined as
35.0 °C (95.0 °F).
Acute Health Effects of Cold
• Hypothermia
• Frostbite- is the medical condition where localized damage is caused

to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold.
• Trench Foot- is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of
the feet to damp, unsanitary and cold conditions.
Chronic Health Effects of Cold
Bradycardia- ("heart slowness"), as applied to adult medicine, is defined as a resting heart rate of
under 60 beats per minute, though it is seldom symptomatic until the rate drops below 50
beat/min.
• Skin Scaling- due to dryness of the skin.
• Callous Formation
Control Methods for Cold Problems
1. Engineering Control
• Isolation / enclosure / insulation
2. Administrative Control
• Shift work, rest periods
• Warm food and drinks / medical exams
3. PPE
• Thermal clothing / electric blanket
• Gloves / cap / jacket
4. Vibration- refers to mechanical oscillations about an equilibrium point. The oscillations may be
periodic such as the motion of a pendulum or random such as the movement of a tire on a gravel
road; continuous low frequency oscillation that is more likely felt than heard; affects the body
through direct contact.
Health Effects of Vibration
• Inflammation of wrist, elbows, shoulders
• Carpal Tunnel syndrome- median neuropathy at the wrist is a medical condition in

which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist, leading to paresthesias, numbness
and muscle weakness in the hand. Night symptoms and waking up at night is a
characteristic of established carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Tenosynovitis- is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath (called the synovium) that
surrounds a tendon. Symptoms of tenosynovitis include pain, swelling and difficulty
moving the particular joint where the inflammation occurs.
• Fatigue- is a major safety concern in many fields, but especially in transportation,

because fatigue can result in disastrous accidents. Fatigue is considered an internal
precondition for unsafe acts because it negatively affects the human operator's internal
state.
Prevention & Treatment for Vibration Problems
1. Engineering
• Tool re-design
• Isolation
2. Administrative
• shifting
3. PPE
• gloves, dampers
5. Illumination- is the deliberate application of light to achieve some aesthetic or practical effect.
Lighting includes use of both artificial light sources such as lamps and natural illumination of
interiors from daylight.
Daylighting (through windows, skylights, etc.) is often used as the main source of light during
daytime in buildings given its low cost.
The importance of Illumination or Lighting
• 1915.92(a) of OSH Standards - all means of access and walkways leading to working areas as well
as the working areas themselves shall be adequately illuminated.
• A minimum of 50 lux – passageway, corridor, warehouse
• A minimum of 100 lux – engine and boiler rooms; toilets and washrooms
• A minimum of 200 lux – canning and preserving; planing of lumber
• A minimum of 300 lux – medium inspection; office deskwork with intermittent reading and
writing for filing and mail sorting
• A minimum of 500 lux – fine inspection, fine woodworking, accounting, drafting,
stenographic work.
• A minimum of 1000 lux – extra fine assembling; jewelry and watch mfg.; proofreading in
printing plants
Acute effects of low illumination
• Eye Strain- is an ophthalmological condition that manifests itself through nonspecific
symptoms such as fatigue, pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, headache and
occasional double vision. Symptoms often occur after reading, computer work, or other
close activities that involve tedious visual tasks.
• Dizziness, Headache, Neck Pains, Teary Eyes
Control Methods for Illumination concerns
• Improve illumination by adding:
o artificial light sources
o natural light sources
• Reduce by:
o Isolation or enclosure
o Administrative
o Eye examination
6. Pressure- Pressure is an effect which occurs when a force is applied on a surface.
Pressure is the amount of force acting on a unit area; is the atmospheric force that is constantly
applied on the body, as a result of normal changes in altitude or artificially induced conditions;
Pressure changes cause body stress.

Work in compressed air, for example in pressurized caissons and diving bells, and in diving
operations, may expose people to the risk of decompression sickness.
Acute Effects of Pressure:
Fatigue Dizziness Depressed Reduced Oxygen
Incoordination Headaches Sensorium Lowered Temperature
Apprehension Disorientation Narcosis Paresthesias
Excitability Tremors Pulmonary Edema Death
Control methods for Pressure
• Pre-employment screening
• Training (Pre-event)
• Scheduled work duration
• Exercise (During event)
• Medical monitoring
• Medications
• Pressure vessels / chamber
• Rehabilitation (Post-event)
• Pressurized suits
Chemical Hazards
Chemical Hazard is the danger caused by chemicals to the environment and people.
A chemical hazard arises from contamination with harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.
The Routes of Entry of Chemicals
• Skin Absorption- Skin acts as a protective barrier.
Health Effects
• Local irritation
• Generalized Reaction (sensitization or allergic reaction)

• Absorption is increased with high temperature and
perspiration
• Eye Contamination-enters thru contamination of the eye.
Health Effects
• Irritation
• Blindness
• Swelling
Ingestion- enters thru mouth; accidental swallowing from eating in contaminated area; smoking
on the job with contaminated fingers and hands; ingestion of inhaled materials
Health Effects
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
Inhalation- most important route of chemical exposure; concentration in the air; duration of
exposure; amount of air inhaled.
Health Effects
• Lack of oxygen
• Difficult to breathe
Injection
Organs in that body that may be affected by chemicals:
• Skin
• Lungs
• CNS
• Kidney
• Liver
• Blood
• Heart
General Health effects
• Disorientation
• Euphoria
• Light headedness
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Paralysis, convulsion, death
Control of Chemical Hazards
1. Engineering
• Initial selection / substitution
• Chemical hood
• Redesign the process

2. Administrative
• APE / SOP / shiftwork / housekeeping
• SDS review
• Environmental monitoring
3. PPE
Biological Hazards
Also known as biohazards, refer to biological substances that pose a
threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of humans. This can
include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin
(from a biological source) that can impact human health; these are
the factors that cause infectious and contagious diseases. These are
common problems among health care workers and laboratory
personnel handling biologic specimens.
Some Biologic Hazards that can are Contiguous or can lead to Death
• Tuberculosis- Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the
body. It is spread through the air, when people who have the disease cough, sneeze, or spit.
Most infections in human’s result in an asymptomatic, latent infection, and about one in ten
latent infections eventually progresses to active disease, which, if left untreated, kills more
than 50% of its victims.
• AIDS- This condition progressively reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and
leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. HIV is transmitted

through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid
containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk.
• Hepatitis A,B,C,E- implies inflammation of the liver characterized by the presence of
inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than six
months and chronic when it persists longer. A group of viruses known as the hepatitis
viruses cause most cases of hepatitis worldwide, but it can also be due to toxins (notably
alcohol, certain medications and plants), other infections and autoimmune diseases.
• URTI- Upper respiratory tract infections, (URI or URTI), are the illnesses caused by an
acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract: nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx.
• Sore Eyes- painful and uncomfortable, usually as a result of an injury, infection, or too
much exercise.
• Sexually Transmitted Disease- is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission
between humans or animals by means of human sexual behavior, including vaginal

intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex.
• Other Communicable or Skin Diseases
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Elimination of the source of contamination is fundamental to the prevention and control of
biological hazards. Engineering controls such as improvement of ventilation, partial isolation of the
contamination source, installation of negative pressure and separate ventilation and air- conditioning
system (e.g. in medical wards for infectious diseases) and the use of ultraviolet lamps can help contain
the spread of contaminants.
If the contact with biological hazards cannot be prevented, the employees must use personal
protective equipment and adhere strictly to the practice of personal hygiene.

The personal protective equipment includes masks, gloves, protective clothing, eye shields, face
shields and shoe covers.
Using the appropriate respiratory protective equipment is important for the securing an adequate
protection from biological hazards. Common protective equipment includes:
• Surgical masks – Surgical mask generally consists of three layers of non-woven fabrics. It
provides a barrier protection against large respiratory droplets;
• N95 or higher level respirators – This type of respirator filters out particulates and liquid
droplets in small particle size, therefore providing protection from inhaling aerosols and
microorganisms that are airborne.
Ergonomic Hazards
It is a technique that brings together several disciplines to solve

problems at work.
Job
• the task needed to achieve a result
• governed by guidelines designed to prevent muscle overload
• requires learning, training and skill
Workstation
• place of deployment
• where duties are carried out
• where equipment is located
• machines are the tools
• 8 hours are spent
• most accidents happen

Tool
• integral part of the man-machine system
• powerful, fast, tireless
• enables man to accomplish his job with reduced effort
Man
• Integral part of the man-machine-system.
• intelligent, adaptive and versatile
• the basis of existence - survival
Workplace Design
Fit the workplace to the worker; not the worker to the workplace
Tool Design
Fit the tool to the worker; not the worker to the tool
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its
movements and its cognitive abilities.
The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics as follows:
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of
interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies
theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall
system performance.
Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity. It is relevant in the
design of such things as safe furniture and easy-to-use interfaces to machines and equipment.
Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop
over time and can lead to long-term disability.
Five aspects of ergonomics
There are five aspects of ergonomics: safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance, and
aesthetics. Based on these aspects of ergonomics, examples are given of how products or systems
could benefit from redesign based on ergonomic principles.
1. Safety - Medicine bottles: The print on them could be larger so that a sick person who
may have bad vision (due to sinuses, etc.) can more easily see the dosages and label.
Ergonomics could design the print style, color and size for optimal viewing.
2. Comfort - Alarm clock display: Some displays are harshly bright, drawing one’s eye to the
light when surroundings are dark. Ergonomic principles could re-design this based on
contrast principles.
3. Ease of use - Street Signs: In a strange area, many times it is difficult to spot street signs.
This could be addressed with the principles of visual detection in ergonomics.
4. Productivity/performance - HD TV: The sound on HD TV is much lower than regular TV.
So when you switch from HD to regular, the volume increases dramatically. Ergonomics
recognizes that this difference in decibel level creates a difference in loudness and hurts
human ears and this could be solved by evening out the decibel levels.
5. Aesthetics - Signs in the workplace: Signage should be made consistent throughout the
workplace to not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also so that information is easily
accessible
Risk Factors on Ergonomics
1. Position
a. Wrist straight, shoulders relaxed
b. Back and neck as close to their natural alignment as possible
c. Elbows near the side, bent at a 90º angle to reach the work
d. Keep materials close to the body when carrying
e. Don’t twist, bend, reach
2. Force
a. Use as little effort as allowable
b. Push a cart, don’t pull
c. Seek assistance from others
d. Don’t exceed 25kgs when lifting
3. Frequency
a. Reduce the repetitions of movements in activities
b. Rest Breaks
ERGONOMIC CONTROL
There are many ways to reduce ergonomic risk factors and help fit the workplace to the worker.
Solutions can be grouped into three main categories: eliminate the hazard, improve work policies and
procedures, and provide personal protective equipment. Often the best solution involves a combination
of approaches.
Eliminate the Hazard
The most effective way to control ergonomic hazards is to eliminate the risk factors altogether.
Sometimes you can change the tools, equipment, job design, or work area to remove the hazard
completely. This is called using “engineering controls.”

These are some examples of engineering controls:
• Redesign workstations and work areas to eliminate reaching, bending, or other
awkward postures.
• Provide adjustable tables and chairs that can be used by workers with a range of sizes and
shapes, and that allow neutral postures.
• Provide carts for transporting material and mechanical hoists to eliminate lifting.
• Use tools that fit the hand, have no sharp edges, and eliminate awkward hand and wrist
positions.
• Change where materials are stored to minimize reaching.
• Design containers with handles or cutouts for easy gripping.

• Improving the workplace is the heart of ergonomics: changing the work to fit the worker. The
design should accommodate the wide range of people assigned to the task.
Improve Work Policies and Procedures
The next most effective solution is to develop work policies, procedures, and practices that change
how the job is done. This is called using “administrative controls.”
These are some examples of administrative controls:

• Rotate workers among different tasks to rest the various muscle groups of the body, reduce
repetition, and ease mental demands.
• Improve work scheduling to minimize excessive overtime or shift work which can cause
fatigue.
• Increase staffing to reduce individual workloads.
• Provide sufficient breaks, since adequate recovery time can reduce fatigue.
• Assign more staff to lifts of heavy objects.
• Encourage proper body mechanics and use of safe lifting techniques
• Require all loads to be labeled with their weight.
• Store heavy objects at waist height.
• Follow good housekeeping practices. Keep floors free of slipping or tripping hazards. Maintain
power tools properly to reduce vibration. Keep cutting and drilling tools sharp to reduce the force
required.
• Provide workers with training on safe working postures, lifting techniques, ergonomics policies and
procedures, and the safe use of lifting and carrying devices.

Training is a critical element of nearly any solution and provides an important opportunity for worker
participation. However, it is not a substitute for reducing risk factors and should be used in
combination with engineering and administrative controls.
Provide Personal Protective Equipment
While more permanent solutions are being found and implemented, or if you are unable to redesign
the job or equipment to eliminate risks, personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used.
PPE that can help address ergonomic problems includes:
• Knee pads for kneeling tasks.
• Shoulder pads to cushion loads carried on the shoulder.
• Gloves to protect against cold, vibration, or rough surfaces.
Establish a Comprehensive Ergonomics Program
Employers s h o u l d e s t a b l i s h a n e r g o n o m i c s p r o g r a m t o m i n i m i z e m u s c u l o s k e l e t a l
disorders. Elements of a good program include:
• Management commitment
• Worker involvement
• An organizational structure to get the work done, such as an ergonomics team or committee
• Training and education of workers and supervisors
• Job evaluation to identify risk factors

• Hazard prevention and reduction or elimination of risk factors
• Early detection and treatment of ergonomic injuries, and medical management of injury
cases
• A system for workers and supervisors to report ergonomic problems, symptoms, and injuries
without reprisal
• Ongoing evaluation of the ergonomics program.
Sample of Correct Positioning in Using the

Computer
Summary Key Points
• Occupational Health defines as the promotion

and maintenance of the highest degree of
physical, mental and social well-being of

workers in all occupations.
• Occupational Health Hazards are classified on
the Physical, Chemical, Biological and
Ergonomic hazards.
• Noise is an unwanted sound.
• The characteristics of sound are: Frequency,
loudness, duration.
• Heat Stress (Hyperthermia) occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can
dissipate.
• Cold Stress or Hypothermia is a condition in which core temperature drops below that required
for normal metabolism and body functions which is defined as 35.0 °C (95 °F).
• Vibration is a continuous low frequency oscillation that is more likely felt than heard.
• Illumination is the deliberate application of light to achieve some aesthetic or practical effect.
• Pressure is an effect which occurs when a force is applied on a surface.
• Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker.
Module 13 – Personal Protective Equipment


1. To know the functions of PPE, the different types and their limitations.
2. To know the components to prepare a PPE Program to serve as a guide in managing PPE’s.
3. Discuss the Legislations related to Personal Protective Equipment.
If a hazard is identified in a workplace, every effort should be made to eliminate it so that all
employees are not harmed in anyway. One way of reducing or controlling hazard is to isolate the
process, which is engineering control. The second is to control the hazard by administrative control,
like increased breaks, shifting, so on. If the two controls of hazards cannot be done, the use of
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is necessary.
PPE usage is considered the last resort. PPE can provide added protection to the employee but will
not eliminate the hazard.
Limitations of PPE
• Only protects the person wearing the equipment not others nearby
• Relies on people wearing the equipment at all times
• Must be used properly
• Must be replaced when it no longer offers the correct level of protection. This is required
when respiratory protection is used.
Benefits of PPE
• It gives immediate protection to allow a job to continue while engineering controls are put
in place
• In an emergency it can be the only practicable way of effecting rescue or shutting down
plant in hazardous atmospheres
• It can be used to carry out work in confined spaces where alternatives are impracticable. But
it should never be used to allow people to work in dangerous atmospheres, which are, for
example, enriched with oxygen or explosive.
Control Options selected should:
• Reduce individual exposure to an acceptable level
• Be acceptable to the potentially exposed workforce
• Be practicable in terms of engineering concepts
PPE Program is composed of the following elements:
1. Selection
• To b e d o n e b y a s u i t a b l y t r a i n e d p e r s o n w i t h a d e q u a t e 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 have an impact on an employee’s 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.
• PPE should be issued on a personal basis to individual employees. Apart from

hygiene considerations, employees are then more willing to accept responsibility for
the care and maintenance of the equipment.
• A system requiring employees to sign for certain types of equipment is

recommended and can provide another check on the use of correct equipment.
6. Proper Use
• PPE is effective if worn properly for the appropriate task
• Use of PPE by Supervisor encourages employees & enforces PPE program equipment
that can provide complete protection, but which is not properly used, may provide
no protection at all
• Employees should be prevented from taking used PPE for domestic purposes
7. Maintenance (Cleaning and Storage)
• Depending on type of equipment used, procedures need to be established for its
cleaning and maintenance when necessary
• Exempted here are single use (disposable) items
• Occasionally, during use, PPE may become contaminated with toxic materials.
Provision should be made to prevent contamination with other areas of the
workplace or employees engaged in cleaning or maintenance activities.
• Respirators can be placed in suitably labeled containers until sent for cleaning.
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.
• Employees who are fully aware of the hazards and the need for protection will be
more ready to accept such difficulties and use the equipment provided
• Supervisors should be alert to any changes in the requirements of the job and any
limitations placed on the employee by the. PPE, ensuring that appropriate feedback is
given to the Safety Advisers, Occupational Health Personnel or Hygienist
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 as required
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
• It must be remembered that PPE is the last line of defense, hence, its effectiveness
may be crucial to the health of the workers

Controlling Hazards
To develop an effective PPE program, the supervisor should:
• Be familiar with required standards and requirements of government regulations

• Be able to identify hazards
• Be familiar with the safety equipment on the market to protect specific hazards
• Know the company procedures for maintaining the equipment
• Develop an effective method for convincing employees to dress safety and wear the proper
protective equipment
• Review all material safety data sheets (MSDS) that require personal protective equipment
for protection against hazardous chemicals and materials
• Consider establishing an industrial hygiene evaluation procedure to determine whether PPE
is needed to meet MSDS requirement.
PPE and their Classifications
1. Head Protection
2. Face Protection
 Helmets
 Shields and Goggles
 Hoods
3. Eye Protection
 Contact Lenses
 Goggles
4. Ear Protection
 Earplug
 Muff Devices
5. Respiratory Protection
 Air Purifying Device
 Mechanical Filter Respirator
 Chemical Cartridge Respirators
 Gas Masks
 Hose Masks
 Air Supplied Respirators
 Abrasive Blasting Helmets

 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
6. Arms, Hands, Fingers
 Heat Resistant Gloves- used to protect against burns and

discomfort when the hands are exposed to sustained
conductive heat.
 Metal Mesh Gloves- used by those who work constantly with

knives to protect against cuts and blows from sharp pr rough
object.
 Rubber Gloves- Worn by electricians
 Rubber, Neoprene and Vinyl Gloves- are used when handling
chemicals and corrosive.
 Leather Gloves- are able to resist sparks, moderate heat, chips

and rough objects.
 Chrome Tamed Cowhide Leather Gloves- used in foundries
and steel mills.
 Cotton Fabric Gloves- are suitable for protection against dirt,
silvers, chafing or abrasion.

 Heated Gloves- are designed for use in cold environments
such as deep freezers and can be part of a heated-clothing
system
7. Feet, Legs
 Metal Free shoes, boots and other footwear- are available for use where there are specific
electrical hazards or fire explosion hazards
 Congress or gaiter-type shoes- are used to protect people from splashes of molten metal or
from welding sparks.
 Reinforced or inner soles of flexible metal- are built into shoes worn in areas where there are
hazards from protruding nails and when the likelihood of contact with energized electrical
equipment is remote, as in the construction industry
 For wet work- leather shoes with wood soles or wood soled sandals are effective Safety
Shoes with Metatarsal Guards
 Leg Protection- Encircle the leg from ankle to knee and have a flap at the bottom to protect
the instep and the entire leg.
2 Types of Head Protection
Hard hat
Provides protection from impact and penetration caused by objects hitting the head, and from
limited electrical shock or burns.
Bump Cap
Provides protection from minor bumps, bruises and lacerations in work settings where hard hat
protection is not required.
How Hard Hat Protect You
Shell - resists and deflects blows to the head

Suspension - acts as a shock absorber
Non-Conducting Material - serve as an insulator against electrical shocks
Major parts of a HARD HAT SHELL
- provides a barrier between the head and the blow
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
- a strap assembly that acts as a shock absorber against the force of a
blow (normally one inch)
BRIM OR VISOR
- protects the face from blows, splashes, spills, dirt, rain or the sun
Hard Hat Shell
1. Class E (Electrical)
-tested at 20,000 volts
2. Class G (General)
-tested at 2,200 volts
3. Class C (Conductive)
-no protection from electrical conductors

Hard Hat Suspension
4-point suspension 6-point suspension
Types of Eye & Face Protection
1. SPECTACLES
• Intended to shield the wearer’s eyes from a variety of hazards.
2. GOGGLES
• Intended to fit the face immediately surrounding the eyes.
• Aside from impact/flying particles, it also protects the worker from
liquid droplets, gases & vapors.
3. FACE SHIELD
• Face shield is used when the entire face area needs protection.
Worn over goggles for extra protection.
Types of Hearing Protectors:
1. Earplugs
a. Foam Type (Disposable)
b. Formable (Reusable)
c. Semi-Aural
2. Earmuffs
a. Head Band
b. Neck band
c. Hard Hat Mounted
Two Types of Respirators
For Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere

Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) - Provides fresh air from a remote source to the breathing area.
For Contaminated Air
Air Purifying Respirator (APR) - Removes contaminates before reaching breathing zone,
either trap particulates or neutralize or absorb gases and vapors
I. Disposable Type
A. Foam Type
B. Polypropylene
I. Cartridge Type
A. Quarter Mask
B. Half Mask
C. Full Face Mask
Summary Key Points:
• PPE usage is considered the last resort.
• PPE can provide added protection to the employee but will not eliminate the hazard.
• Limitations of PPE: Only protects the person wearing the equipment not others nearby. Relies
on people wearing the equipment at all times. Must be used properly. Must be replaced when it
no longer offers the correct level of protection. This is required when respiratory protection is
used.
Module 14 – Demolition Safety

1. List the hazards related to demolition activities
2. To cite control methods to be free from its dangers.

3. Know the regulatory requirements during demolition activities
DEMOLITION
Complete or partial dismantling of a building or structure by pre-planned and controlled

methods or procedures.
“SAFE DEMOLITION REQUIRES ADEQUATE PLANNING” Why Plan?
• Identify the Hazards
• Meet Legislative Requirements

• Ensure Appropriate Equipment
• Ensure Safe Disposal of Materials
• Determine Appropriate Methods of Demolition
• Determine Cost of Demolition
Demolition Technique
Sequential
gradual reduction of height in reverse order to its construction

Induced
key structural members are weakened or removed, causing the whole part of the structure to
collapse
Method of Demolition
Manual – use of hand held tools
Mechanical – use of heavy equipment, wires and chain, power shear, etc.
Explosives – use of explosives

Work Plan
• Technique and Method of Demolition
• Sequence of Work Operation
• Estimate of Time of Completion
• Equipment to be Used
• Proposed Access and Egress
• Public Protection
• Bracing and Shoring
• Disconnection of Services
• Methods of Handing/ Disposal of Demolished Materials
• PPE Requirements
• Demolition Personnel and Supervisor
Hazards Associated with Demolition
• Being Hit/Trapped/Crushed by Objects
• Manual Handling
• Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods
• Noise and Vibration
• Electric Shock
• Fires and Explosions
• Equipment
Falls
Ø Falling through fragile roofing material

Ø Falling through openings
Ø Falling from open edges
Ø Falling out of elevating work platforms

Ø Failure of equipment
Being Hit/Trapped/Crushed by Objects
Ø Falling debris (from service ducts and lift shafts)
Ø Accidental/uncontrolled collapse of a structure

Ø Use of equipment (crane lifting loads)
Ø Failure of structural members (load bearing steelwork)
Manual Handling
Ø Using equipment
Ø Operating equipment
Ø Manual demolition
Ø Lifting material
Ø Clearing up
Ø Loading trucks/bins
Hazardous Substances
• Lead
lead based paint, tanks containing lead based petrol
• Asbestos
sprayed coatings, insulation materials, fire resistant walls/partitions, cement sheets, flooring
materials
• PCBs
stones, bricks and concrete aggregates
Dangerous Goods
 Flammable liquids/ vapors and sludge from industrial process and confined space
Noise and Vibration
• Equipment
• Falling debris
• Explosives
Electric Shocks
 Live wires from structures
Fires and Explosions

• Flammable materials
• Welding or cutting
• Leaks of explosives gases from accidental damage of pipes
• Arson especially when the site is unattended
Equipment
 Electrocution
 Plant failure
 Dropping material
 Equipment striking persons
 Noise and vibration
 Flying particles
 Dust and other airborne hazards
 Falling objects onto operators
 Structural collapse of floors
 Welding and cutting hazards
 Falls
Isolation
• Install screens on equipment to protect from dust and noise
• Install barriers and fences
• Mark off hazardous areas
Personal Protective Equipment
• Safety Helmets
• Harnesses and Lanyards
• Boots
• Gloves
• Respirators
• Hearing Protectors
Module 15 – Routine Site Safety Inspection
1. Discuss the high-value of giving attention to occupational safety, health and
environment issues and concerns;
2. Identify safety and health hazards in an actual workplace situation;
3. Discuss the concept of Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control;
4. Determine p r e v e n t i o n o r c o n t r o l m e a s u r e s a p p r o p r i a t e t o t h e h a z a r d s
identified.
SAFETY INSPECTION
An inspection is, most generally, an organized
examination or formal evaluation exercise. It involves the

measurements, tests, and gauges applied to certain
characteristics in regard to an object or activity. A
safety inspection is defined as a monitoring function
conducted to locate existing and potential hazards that

may cause accidents in the workplace.
Safety inspection should be part of every phase of
production and a regular element of the standard

operating procedure. When a safety inspection has
become part of a supervisor’s routine, the safety
responsibilities o f each department will then be

integrated to improve the whole company.
It is recommended that formal inspection must be done at
least once a month, using a checklist. However, in some
areas, frequent safety inspections should be done.
Objectives and Purposes
 To maintain a safe work environment through

hazards recognition and removal
 To ensure that people are following proper safety

procedures while working
 To determine w h i c h o perat io ns meet or
exceed a c c e p t a b l e s a f e t y and government standards
 To maintain product quality and operational profitability
A safety Inspection Program should answer the following questions:

 What items need to be inspected?
 What aspects of each item need to be examined?
 What conditions need to be inspected?
 How often must items be inspected?
 Who will conduct the inspection?
Types of inspections
Ø Continuous or On- Going Inspections
 This process is done by supervisors, employees and maintenance personnel as part of

their job responsibilities. This sometimes called informal because it does not have a
schedule, plan or a checklist.
Ø Planned inspection at intervals
 These inspections can be the foundation of a strong loss control program. This process is
what most people call as “real” safety and health inspection. It is deliberate, thorough and
systematic by design.
Three Types of Planned Inspection Intervals
 Periodic i n s p e c t i o n - i n c l u d e s t h o s e i n s p e c t i o n s s c h e d u l e d a t
r e g u l a r intervals. It can be made weekly, monthly, semi- annually or at other
intervals.
 Intermittent Inspection- is those made at regular intervals and they are performed
unannounced.
 General I n s p e c t i o n s - are p l a n n e d a n d c o v e r s p l a c e s n o t i n s p e c t e d
periodically.
Checklists
A checklist is a type of informational job aid used to reduce failure by compensating for potential limits
of human memory and attention. It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a
task. A basic example is the "to do list." A more advanced checklist would be a schedule, which lays out
tasks to be done according to time of day or other factors.
How to create checklists
1. Enumerate every potential hazard within the category that you know exists in our work area
2. Check the written source 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 needed to be checked,
and note the specific location of the hazards already listed.
4. Have your employees review your list to make sure you have included all the hazards and
identified the locations of each one.
Chemical Hazard
Mechanical Hazard
Ergonomics
Hazard
Checklists should have the following items:
 Hazardous locations, work processes, and machineries
 Grounds
 Loading and Shipping Platforms
 Outside Structures
 Floors
 Stairways
 Housekeeping
 Others- fire hazards, poor electrical installations,

damaged chains, etc.
Samples of written records:

 Previous inspection reports
 JHA
 Maintenance of records
 SDS
 Accident investigation reports
 Work environment monitoring
Tips for Scheduling Inspection
 Determine how much time is required for each type of inspection
 Inspect as often as possible
 Make sure each inspection is thorough so it will not be a waste of time
 If no hazardous conditions are found, do not decrease the frequency of inspections
 Stick to the schedule
Safety Observation Plan
There are several factors necessary for effective safety observation. These are:
 Know what to look for.
 Practice observing.
 Keep an open mind.
 Do not be satisfied with general impressions
 Guard against habit and familiarity
 Record observations systematically
 Prepare a checklist.
Communicating the results
It is important to discuss the result of the inspections with the employees. If poor work practices
and bad habits have developed, employees must be advised of the observations immediately
and explain the correct ways on how the work is to be done. Many supervisors forget to mention
the positive a c t i o n s a n d practices t h a t take pla ce i n their department . It is important

t o encourage people to follow good work practices.
WORKSHOP – HIRAC
Summary Key Points:
 A safety inspection is defined as a monitoring function conducted to locate existing and
potential hazards that may cause accidents in the workplace.

 Safety inspection should be part of every phase of production and a regular element of
the standard operating procedure.
 A checklist is a type of informational job aid used to reduce f a i l u r e b y c o m p e n s a t i n g
f o r p o t e n t i a l l i m i t s o f h u m a n memory and attention.
 It is important to encourage people to follow good work practices.
 It is important to discuss the result of the inspections with the employees
Module 16 – Job Hazard Analysis

1. Recognize Health and Safety Hazards;

2. Identify Contributing Factors (Hazards);
3. Assess Hazards;
4. Control Hazards; and
5. Conduct a JHA.
Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
Job hazard analysis is one of the safety management tools that can be used to define and control the
hazards associated with a certain process, job or procedure. Job Hazard Analysis is a term used
interchangeably with Job Safety Analysis and Risk Assessment. The purpose of a JHA is to ensure that
the risk of each step of a task is reduced to ALARP (As Low as Reasonably Practicable).
Some type of risk analysis should be performed before every job. Some tasks are routine and the
hazards and controls well understood. For routine tasks consider using a Standard Operating
Procedure, a set of standing orders that control the known hazards. For tasks that are complex,
unusual, difficult, require the interaction of many people or systems or involve new tools or methods, a
JHA should be performed.
JHA should be created by the work group performing the task. Sometimes it is expedient to review a
JHA that has been prepared when the same task has been performed before but the work group must
take special care to review all of the steps thoroughly to ensure that they are controlling all of the
hazards for this job this time. The JHA is usually completed on a form.
Uses of JHA:
 Create/ Improve SOP’s
 Guide in observing employee performance
 Accident investigation
 Safety inspection
Establishing priorities are based on the following criteria:
 High frequency of accidents or near- misses
 History of serious accidents or fatalities
 Potential for serious harm
 New jobs
 Changes in procedures and standards
Selecting a JHA team:
 Involving others in the process reduces the possibility or overlooking an individual job step or
potential hazard
 It increases the likelihood of identifying the most appropriate measures of eliminating or
controlling the hazards.

An effective JHA team usually includes:
 The supervisor
 The employee most familiar with how the job is done and its related hazards
 Other employees who perform the job
 Experts or specialist when necessary, such as safety officer, maintenance personnel, occupational
hygienist, ergonomists, or design engineers.
SAMPLE OF JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

Step Hazard Control
(1) Prepare Surface Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Wear thick gloves
Using Electric Wire Use vibrating tool no more than
Brush 20 minutes at a time and for no
more than 2 hours a shift
Paint dust possibly containing lead Wear a P3 organic vapor mask when
disturbing old paint. Wear disposable
coveralls. Wash hands thoroughly before

eating or smoking. Thorough
Slips trips and falls Route all electrical cables sensibly to keep
housekeeping.
walkways and stairs free of hazards.
Sunburn Wear broad brim and SPF 40+ sun block.
(2) Paint Handrails Damage to adjacent surfaces from Use drop sheets
thinners and paint

Exposure to fumes from thinners If poorly ventilated, use P3 organic vapor
mask
Paint in eyes Wear safety goggles when working above
shoulder height, safety glasses at other

times
Fire Keep containers of thinners and
flammable solvents closed properly and
stored in a cool place away from sources
of sparks
(3) Housekeeping Slip and trip hazards Remove waste to bin, tools to store,
ensure barriers and signs are in place to
denote wet paint.

JHA Procedure
 List/ enumerate basic job steps necessary to perform the job from start to finish
 Identify every existing or potential hazards associated with each job step.
 Develop recommendations for ways to eliminate, or control each hazard
Note: it is best to complete JHA forms one column at a time.
1. Identifying Basic Job Steps
The purpose of JHA is to identify hazards associated with a job and to make recommendations for
ways to eliminate or control these hazards. Describing job steps in terms of what they are supposed
to accomplish provides maximum opportunity to explore alternative ways of performing the job in
a safer, healthier manner.
Most common errors:
 Describing the job in too much detail
 Describing the job in too little detail

Solution:
 List as steps only those tasks that would be described to someone being trained to
perform the job.

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. To make sure that each step is examined thoroughly, consider the
following:
 Hazard guide:
 The physical actions required for that specific step
 The materials used
 The equipment’s used
 The conditions under which the step is normally performed
3. Recommending Corrective Measures:

 Should be developed at the job site whenever possible
 Should be developed in sequence, beginning with the first hazard
 Must be specific
Uses of a Job Hazard Analysis
1. Develop / improve SOP’s - To constantly improve / develop written procedures to perform the
job in the safest & healthiest way possible.
2. Employee Training
 Ensuring that each job step is performed safely & efficiently
 To point out particular job steps / hazards that requires special precautions.
 Refresher training (infrequent jobs)
 Increase awareness on hazards

3. Employee Observations
 Guide in employee performance observations
 Allows supervisors to focus on especially hazardous steps
 Ensures employee is performing steps according to SOP
4. Inspections - When developing inspection checklists, supervisors can use JHA’s to help
identify hazardous conditions that may need to be included.
5. Accident Investigations
 To determine if the job was being performed incorrectly
 To tell if a hazard was overlooked in the initial analysis
Summary Key Points:
 Job hazard analysis (JHA) is one of the safety management tools that can be
 used to define and control the hazards associated with a certain process, job or
procedure.
 Should be created by the work group performing the task. Sometimes it is expedient to
review a JHA that has been prepared when the same task has been performed before but
the work group must take special care to review all of the steps thoroughly to ensure that
they are controlling all of the hazards for this job this time.
 JHA increases the likelihood of identifying the most appropriate measures of

eliminating or controlling the hazards.
 To make sure that each step is examined thoroughly, consider the following: Physical actions,
materials and equipment used, and the working conditions.
 Uses of a Job Hazard Analysis: Develop/ Implement
 SOP’s, Employee Training, Employee Observations, Inspections, and Accident Investigations
Module 17 – Accident Investigation and Reporting

1. Discuss the importance of accident investigation;
2. Enumerate the types of accidents to be reported;
3. Explain the basic procedure in the conduct of accident investigation;
4. Know how to document an accident investigation;

5. Accomplish the Work Accident/Illness Report (WAIR) and Annual Accident/ Illness
Exposure Data Reports (AEDR) based on cases given; and

6. Compute sample Severity Rate (SR) and Frequency Rate (FR).
Accident Causation Review
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.
 The worker has the right of refusal to work without threat or reprisal from the employer if, as
determined by DOLE, an imminent danger situation exists.
 As a preventive measure, the safety officer may, following his/her own determination and
without fear of reprisal, implement a work stoppage or suspend operations in cases of imminent
danger.
 The employer or safety officer cannot require the workers to return to work where there is a
continuing imminent danger.
Dangerous Reportable Occurrences
 Any bone fracture that’s been diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner
 Arm, hand, finger, thumb, leg, foot or toe amputation
 Reduction or loss of sight in one or both eyes
 Crushing of the head or torso that results in brain or internal organ damage
 Burns or scalds that cover more than 10% of the body, or causes serious damage to the
individual’s eyes, respiratory system or any other vital organs
 Any type of scalping that results in hospital treatment
 Head injuries or asphyxia that causes loss of consciousness
 Injuries incurred while working in an enclosed space that result in: hypothermia or heat-induced
illness, or resuscitation or hospital admittance for more than 24 hours.
Accident Investigation (http://www.pswct.org/6-steps-to-a-basic-accident-investigation and https://i-
sight.com/resources/workplace-accident-investigations-the-definitive-guide)
Accident investigation is a necessary and effective technique for preventing recurring or future
accidents. Thorough accident investigation can point out the problem areas within the organization.
Investigations are conducted to prevent recurrence, comply with policies and regulatory
requirements, improve supervisor’s management approach, and maintain employee awareness-

HSE. Accident investigation must be fact-finding not faultfinding. This means that investigation itself
should be concerned only with facts. All accidents are incidents and should be investigated. The
supervisor is the person who most often investigates accident and makes out reports. Supervisors are
more familiar with the people involved; they have better understanding of the operations and
equipment, and have personal interest in investigations. LTI, NON-LTI, Property Damage, Near
Misses that did not happened and could happen need to be investigated.
Accident Investigations are done to…
 prevent recurrence
 comply with policies and regulatory requirements
 improve supervisor’s management approach
 maintain employee awareness
Accident Investigations should immediately be investigated because…
 Operations are disrupted

 Memories fade
 Employees are at risk

 May be considered in the supervisor’s performance review
 Required by the law in some cases
 Upper management uses them to judge the quality of the investigation work
 They are often used in the system for managing the follow-up of the remedial action
Method of Investigation
Secure the Accident Site. It is essential to secure the accident site for the duration of the investigation.
In some cases, it may be necessary to barricade or isolate the accident area to warn people about the
accident. Nothing should be removed from the site to preserve the evidence and not contaminate other
passersby.
Step One: Gathering Information (Preliminary Facts)
Sources of information:
 Witnesses
 Physical Evidences
 Existing records
Collect facts/ Data Gathering. Start the investigation as soon as the accident has taken place to
preserve evidences like chemicals that are easy to evaporate and to prevent physical and chemical
changes. Time is of the essence during investigation.
Look for…
 Nature, Place, Date, Time
 Personnel involved
 Property damages
 Environmental harm
Existing Records
 Employee records
 Equipment records
 Job or task records

 Previous accident investigation reports.
a. Collect physical evidence and store them. Preserving this evidence in the accident scene makes
the investigative process much less frustrating.
b. Take photographs to record the actual condition of the accident site. The camera is a useful
tool for studying the accident site to prevent recurrence.

c. Make sketches and drawings. Objects involved in the accident must be identified and
measured to show the proper perspective. Measurements are vital to accident investigations.
Identify the Witnesses. Witnesses are important source of information. Ask them to identify and
document the names of the persons involved, the time of accident so that all information is recorded.
Witnesses should be interviewed one at a time and ASAP. For their memories fade and minimize the
possibility for the witness to subconsciously adjust, edit, or alter the story.
Whenever possible, interviews should be conducted inside the accident site. If there is more than
one witness, they should be interviewed one at a time and away from other witnesses to imitate the
thoughts of other witnesses.
Some witnesses could be the…
 Victim
 Onlookers
 Those who heard what happened
 Saw the area prior to the accident
 Others with info about involved individuals, equipment or circumstances.
Step Two: Analyze the Facts
After the evidences have been collected, witnesses have been interviewed, photographs have been
taking, and it is now time to analyze the facts that have been gathered.
 Why-Why Analysis
 Cause and Effect Diagram
 Fault Tree. Make a fault tree diagram to show where the accident taken place, the persons
involved, the kind of accident that happened and the persons in charge of that place.
Step Three: Recommending Corrective Actions

 Engineering Control. Note what engineering control should be done to prevent the recurrence
of possible similar accidents.

 Administrative Control. If the employee did some unsafe acts or did the job wrong, make sure
to have reorientation to check his knowledge about the job his doing.
 PPE. If PPE is needed, the employer should provide a PPE to protect people from hazards.
Kinds of Reports and Records Used
Accident reports are essential to an efficient and successful safety programs. It has necessary
information to control the conditions and acts that contribute to accidents. Keeping records also helps
the supervisor or the top management evaluate if the employee has been violating safety rules again
and again.
1. The First Aid Report. The first aider or nurse fills out the first aid report for each new case.
Copies of the report are sent to the safety departments or where the management may wish.
2. Supervisor’s Accident Report. Supervisors should make a detailed report about each accident,
even near misses and small accidents. Accident investigation report should be completed as soon as
possible.
3. Monthly Accident Statistics Report. The monthly accident statistics reports allow the
tabulation of cumulative totals and the computation of frequency and severity rates. With it the
management can determine if the goals on safety are attainable or not.
NOTE: Refer to UPDATEDDOLE/BWC/OSH/IP-6, otherwise known as the “Employees Work
Accident/ Illness Report” form on you OSH Standards.

FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY RATES TO MEASUURE COMPANY SAFETY PERFORMANCE
Summary Key Points
 Accident investigation is a necessary and effective technique for preventing recurring or future
accidents.
 The supervisor is the person who most often investigates accident and makes out reports.
 The sources of information are the witnesses, the physical evidences and the existing records.
 Witnesses are important source of information.

 Analyze the facts: Why-Why, Cause & Effect, Fault tree
 Recommend Corrective Action: engineering, Admin, PPE.
 Safety Performance is measured by Frequency Rate and Severity Rate
Module 18 – Role of Safety Officers

• Module Objective
1. Enumerate the roles of safety officers in OSH implementation.
Department Order No. 198 series of 2018, the IRR of Republic Act 11058 or “An Act
Strengthening the Compliance to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing
Penalties Thereof” was signed last December 6, 2018 and published last January 9, 2019. Making it
effective last January 25, 2019. Non- compliance to any provisions of the OSH Standards, like the
absence of Safety Officers, non-submission of required reports may constitute a maximum
penalty of PhP100,000.00 per day.
As per Rule 1047 of OSHS:

 Advises employers, supervisors and workers on
matters of safety for their guidance
 Investigates accidents as part of the Safety Committee
 Coordinates safety training programs for

employees and employers
 Make safety inspections of the plant as part of the Safety Committee
 Maintains or helps maintain an accident record system
 Acts as Secretary of the Safety Committee
 Provides assistance to government
i n s p e c t o r s i n t h e conduct of safety and
health inspection
Module 19 – Communicating OSH (Tool Box Meeting)

1. Explain the roles of safety officers in the conduct of OSH trainings and Tool Box Meetings;
2. Enumerate and discuss the stages of the training cycle;
3. Discuss basic presentation and facilitating skills.
Safety Meetings / Tool Box
Daily safety briefings by supervisors to all workers that help foster good safety and health culture.
Useful way to keep health and safety forefront in the minds of workers and make them aware of the
current risk and hazards.
Toolbox Meetings / Talks 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.
Toolbox talks should focus on a single topic and be held regularly for greatest impact.
Safety Officers as OSH Trainers
Training
• Is a learning intervention;
• Improves match between job requirements and individual’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes;
• After training, the individual is able to apply learning immediately
Examples: BOSH, COSH, PCO Training etc.
The Goal of Training: Learning

Aims for a favorable change in perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors in a positive direction of an
individual, group or organization.

• Learning - Improved Performance
Some Tips for Communication Safety in the workplace
Safety propaganda is the process of getting a range of messages across to

people and may take a number of forms; here are some examples:
 Safety Posters.
Safety posters are used to reinforce messages to employees, for example,
how to wear proper PPE on the workplace, the correct usage of eye
protection, head protection, correct manual handling, different chemical symbols and the smoking and
non-smoking sites.
 Safety Videos.
There are many excellent videos available to reinforce safety in the workplace. A good way of making
the message of the video retentive in their minds is to have them in the cafeteria while they are having
a break, or in any place that they can see it all the time. Safety videos can also be a part of a scheduled
training activity.
 Information, Instruction and Training.

Giving information implies the imparting of factual knowledge by one person to another, a supervisor
to an employee for example. ‘Instruction’ involves orienting the people what they should and should
not do. It may include supervision to tell whether they understood the message or not. Training is a
systematic development of attitude, knowledge and skill patterns requires by an individual to perform
adequately a given task or job. It is an ongoing process throughout a person’s career.
Effective Listening
 A good listener shows interest in every subject. He focuses on the
content not on the delivery, rational not emotional and concentrates to the
message.
A bad listener is dry to uninteresting subjects, puts off by poor delivery and concludes before delivery
in\s completed, reacts to emotional words, has fake attention/concentration and takes several less
important notes.
Listening can be classified in three ways:
On-the job Listenin

- Listening to the boss, people who report to us; other supervisors and all others at work.
1. Social Listening
- Listening we do off-the-job, outside the family circle, to friends, neighbors, etc.
2. Family Listening
- Listening to our spouses, children, parents and other family members.
Five Keys to Improve Listening
 Stop Talking. In two-way communication, when you are the listeners, stop talking so that you
can listen to all that is being said.
 Empathize. Learn how to relate to other people’s feelings and you will get better
understanding of what he/she feels. Understanding is the secret to successful communication.
 Maintain Eye Contact. This serves a dual purpose. First, it helps you to concentrate on what is
being said; second, it shows the speaker that you are listening.
 Share Responsibility for Communication. The “receiver” is just as responsible as the “sender”
for good communication.

 Clarify. When listening, if you do not understand any part of the message, be sure to ask
questions until the meaning is clear.
Summary Key Points:

 The company’s OSH program should be communicated in all levels of the
organization and all stakeholders (employers, workers, subcontractors, service
providers, clients
 Good communication is important in the effective implementation of a company’s
OSH program.
 The conduct of OSH trainings and facilitation of OSH meetings are among the roles
of the safety officer
Module 20 - Emergency Preparedness

1. Define what is emergency (natural/man-made) and disaster;
2. Identify the elements of an effective Emergency Preparedness Program;
3. Enumerate basic preparations for common emergencies; and
4. Discuss the concept on Fire Brigade Organization.

An emergency poses an immediate risk of significant harm to health, life, property or the environment.
Preparing for emergencies is an important part of your workplace health and safety program and is a
legal requirement as per our OSH Standards.
No matter how committed an industrial company or community in terms of safety program
implementation, the probability of an emergency may arise at the least expected scenario....do we know
what to do? are we aware of our very own emergency procedure?
REGULATORY REQUIREMENT – DO 198 18 CHAPTER III SECTION 4 PARAGRAPH A SUBPART 5.
DUTIES AND RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS, WORKERS AND OTHER PERSONS
DEFINITION OF TERMS
• EMERGENCY- a sudden, unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action. a potential life-
threatening situation.
• DISASTER- a sudden, calamitous event bringing great damage, loss or destruction
• RESCUE- the removal of human being from a place of danger and convey them to the place of safety.
• EVACUATION- the removal of personnel, materials and equipment from a place of danger to a safe
zone/area
• EXTRICATION- the removal of the victim from difficult situation or position; or the removal of a patient
from a wrecked car or other place of entrapment
2 TYPES OF EMERGENCY
• MAN-MADE EMERGENCY- events caused by man’s negligence in handling his technology
• NATURAL EMERGENCY- events that are caused by the forces of nature.
MAN-MADE EMERGENCY
• Vehicular accidents
• Fire
• Hazardous materials
• Public demonstrations
NATURAL EMERGENCY
• Drought • Thunderstorm
• Flood • Earthquakes
• Hurricane • Volcanic eruption

• Tornado
DOES YOUR COMPANY OR YOU AS INDIVIDUAL WHEN THIS EMERGENCIES STRUCK?
Common types of emergencies
 fires or explosions
 medical emergencies
 severe weather
 earthquakes
 major power failures
 hazardous material spills
Why prepare for emergencies?
 Keep employees and responders free from harm
 Manage life-threatening situations
 Minimize damage to the environment, equipment, machinery, tools, etc.
 Minimize downtime
4 elements of an emergency management program
 Prevention: policies and procedures to minimize the occurrence of emergencies
 Preparation: activities and procedures to make sure your organization is ready to effectively
respond
 Response: the action to be taken when an emergency occurs
 Recovery: practices to resume to normal business operations
6 key steps to emergency planning
1. Establish the planning team: representatives from all departments and levels, with support from
senior management, is most effective
2. Assess the risks and company capabilities
3. Develop the emergency response plan
4. Implement the plan: obtain equipment, communicate, and train
5. Test the plan: hold drills or simulation exercises
6. Improve the plan continuously
What's in a written emergency response plan?
 Scope and outline potential emergencies
 Alarms and other methods of initiating a response
 Site-specific response procedures
 Command structure, roles and responsibilities
 Shutting down of power
 Evacuation and assembly procedures
 Communication systems and protocols
 Emergency contact lists
 Resource lists
As a worker, it is important that you know how to respond

WORKERS ORIENTATION
 Identify common types of emergencies
 Respond if you encounter a situation
 Respond when an emergency alarm is activated
 Ask your employer for more information and training
 Evacuation Procedures
 Use of Fire Extinguishers
 Summoning and Reporting First Aid
 Emergency Phone Numbers
 Purpose of the Plan
Who is in Charge
 During an emergency
 During an evacuation
 First Aid
 Emergency Coordinator
 Emergency Supervisor
 Emergency Warden
 Designated Receptionist
 First Aid Attendants

 Communications
 Alarms
 Emergency Evacuation Area
Summary Key Points:
 There are different types of emergencies that may happen.
 Every workplace must have different types of basic preparations for emergency situations.
 Companies must develop their own Emergency Preparedness Plan
 The management and each worker must know what to do in cases of emergencies or disasters
through information dissemination, training and drills
 Fire drills should be conducted at least twice a year.
Module 21 – Employees’ Compensation Commission

• Module Objective
Upon c o m p l e t i o n o f t h e m o d u l e , p a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l b e a b l e t o d i s c u s s t h e
employee’s compensation programs, entitlement and benefits.
Employees Compensation Program
Given the government’s concern for the welfare of Filipino workers, the Employees Compensation Program (ECP) was
implemented to provide public and private sector employees and their dependents with income and other benefits in
the event of work connected injury, sickness, disability or death. It assures workers of total protection through the
provision of a comprehensive package of benefits encompassing preventive occupational safety and health aspects,
curative or medical and compensatory grant, and rehabilitation of occupational disabled workers. Tasked to
implement the ECP, the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) was created in November 1, 1974 by virtue of
PD 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines. However, it only became fully operational with the issuance of PD 626,
which took effect on January 1, 1975. Most of the information contained in this report was taken from the primer on
Employees Compensation Program prepared by the Employees Compensation Commission.
Mandate
There are three agencies involved in the implementation of the Employees Compensation Program. (ECP). These are
the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC); the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social
Security System (SSS). The ECC as implementer of the Employees Compensation Program is mandated to: provide
meaningful and appropriate compensation to workers, review and decide on appeal all employees’ compensation
claims disapproved by the Systems (GSIS and SSS), and initiate policies and programs toward adequate occupational
health and safety and accident prevention in the working environment. The GSIS (for government sector workers)
and the SSS (for private sector workers) are tasked to evaluate all employees’ compensation (EC) claims filed within a
given period and pay the corresponding EC benefits, collect EC premiums remitted by employers, and manage the
State Insurance Fund.
Coverage
Every employee in the government and private sector who is not over 60 years old is covered by the Employees
Compensation Program. However, an employee who is more than 60 years old is also covered, if he/she has been
continuously paying contributions to the system and has not been compulsorily retired. All employees in the public
and private sectors, including those in government owned or controlled corporations and local government units,
members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, elective officials who are receiving regular salaries are covered
starting on the first day of their employment. Also covered are Filipino seamen compulsorily covered under the SSS.
Land based contract workers are only subject to coverage under the ECP if their employer, natural or judicial is
engaged in any trade, industry or business undertakings in the Philippines. The benefits under the program may be
enjoyed simultaneously with the benefits under the Social Security Program.
Compensable Diseases
1. Cancer of the epithelial lining of the bladder. (Papilloma of the bladder).
2. Cancer, epithellomatous or ulceration of the skin or of the corneal surface of the eye due to tar, pitch, bitumen,
mineral oil or paraffin, or any compound product or residue of any of these substances.
3. Cataract produced by exposure to the glare of, or rays from molten glass or molten or red hot metal.
4. Deafness
5. Decompression sickness
a. Caissons disease
b. Aeroembolism
6. Dermatitis due to irritants and sensitizers
7. Infections
a. Anthrax
b. Brucellosis
c. Glanders
d. Rabies
e. Tuberculosis
f. Tularemia
g. Weill’s disease
h. Q. Fever or equine encephalomyelitis
i. Mite dermatitis
8. Ionizing radiation disease, inflammation, ulceration or malignant disease of skin or subcutaneous tissues of the
bones or leukemia, or anemia of the aplastic type due to x-rays, ionizing particle, radium or other radioactive
substances.
a. Acute radiation syndrome
b. Chronic radiation syndrome

c. Glass Blower’s cataract
9. Poisoning and its sequelae caused by:
a. Ammonia
b. Arsenic or its toxic compound
c. Benzene or its toxic homologues, nitro and amino toxic derivatives of benzene or its homologue
d. Beryllium or its toxic compounds
e. Brass, zinc or nickel

f. Carbon dioxide
g. Carbon bisulfide
h. Carbon monoxide
i. Chlorine
j. Chrome or its toxic compounds
k. Dinitrophenol or its homologue
l. Halogen derivatives of hydrocarbon of the aliphatic series
m. Lead or its toxic compounds

n. Manganese or its toxic compounds
o. Mercury or its toxic compounds
p. Nitrous fumes
q. Phosgene
r. Phosphorus or its toxic compounds
s. Sulfur dioxide
10. Pneumoconiosis. (As amended by B.R. No. 12-09-18, s. 2012, approved on 27 September 2012)
Pneumoconioses caused by fibrogenic mineral dust such as but not limited to Silicosis, Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis
and Asbestosis.
i. Silicosis- talc in talc processors, soapstone mining-milling, polishing, cosmetic industry; silica in mining,
quarrying, foundries, sandblasting, construction work, work involving grinding, drilling or breaking of silica-
containing rocks, ceramics and glass manufacture

ii. Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis - exposure to coal dust such as in mining
iii. Asbestosis (please refer to #30, Asbestos-related Diseases) All of the following conditions:
a. The employee must have been exposed for a prolonged/ sufficient duration to dust in the workplace, as duly
certified by the employer or by a competent medical practitioner/institution acceptable to the System;
b. Clinical diagnosis consistent with signs and symptoms of pneumoconiosis and impairment of lung function
supported by diagnostic proof such as chest X-ray or computer tomography (CT) scan and lung function test,
ultrasound, histological findings;

c. With a reasonable latency period following exposure to the mineral dust and the development of the disease
11. Diseases caused by abnormalities in temperature and humidity.
a. Heat stroke/cramps/exhaustion
b. Chilblain/frostbite/freezing
c. Immersion foot/general hypothermia
12. Vascular disturbance in the upper extremities due to continuous vibration from pneumatic tools or power drills,
riveting machines or hammers.
13. Viral Hepatitis*

14. Poisoning by cadmium*
15. Leukemia and lymphoma*
16. Cancer of stomach and other lymphatic and blood forming vessels; nasal cavity and sinuses.
17. Cancer of the lungs, liver and brain*

18. CARDIO-VASCULAR DISEASES. Any of the following conditions (As amended by B.R. No. 11-05-13, s. 2011,
approved on 26 May 2011)
a. If the heart disease was known to have been present during employment, there must be proof that an acute
exacerbation was clearly precipitated by the unusual strain by reasons of the nature of his work.
b. The strain of work that brings about acute attack must be of sufficient severity and must be followed within
24 hours by the clinical signs of a cardiac insult to constitute causal relationship.
c. If a person who was apparently asymptomatic before being subjected to strain at work showed signs and
symptoms of cardiac impairment during the performance of his work and such symptoms and signs persisted, it is
reasonable to claim a causal relationship subject to the following conditions:

i. If a person is a known hypertensive, it must be proven that this hypertension was controlled and that he was
compliant with treatment.
ii. If a person is not known to be hypertensive during his employment, his previous health examination must
show normal results in all of the following, but not limited to: blood pressure, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram
(ECG)/treadmill exam, CBC and urinalysis.
iii. A history of substance abuse must be totally ruled out.
19. CEREBRO – VASCULAR ACCIDENTS. Any of the following conditions (As amended by B.R. No. 11-05-13, s. 2011,
approved on 26 May 2011)

a. There must be proof that the stroke must have developed as a result of the stressful nature of work and
pressures inherent in an occupation.
b. The strain of work that brings about an acute stroke must be of sufficient in severity and must be followed
within 24 hours by the clinical signs of an acute onset of neurological deficit to constitute causal relationship.
c. If a person who was apparently asymptomatic before being subjected to strain at work showed signs and
symptoms of an acute onset of neurologic deficit during the performance of his work, and such symptoms and signs
persisted, it is reasonable to claim a causal relationship.
d. There was a history, which should be proven, of unusual and extraordinary mental strain or event, or trauma
to or hyperextension of the neck. There must be a direct connection between the insult in the course of the
employment and the worker’s collapse.
e. If the neck trauma or exertion then and there caused either a brain infarction or brain hemorrhage as
documented by neuro-imaging studies, the injury may be considered as arising from work.
f. If a person is a known hypertensive, it must be proven that his hypertension is controlled and that he was
compliant with treatment.
g. A history of substance abuse must be totally ruled-out
20. MALARIA AND SCHISTOSOMIASIS. All of the following conditions

a. Through the knowledge of the respective incubation periods of the different types of the diseases, the
physician determining the causal relationship between the employment and the illness or malaria or schistosomiasis
should be able to tell whether the disease of the afflicted employee manifested itself while he/she was so employed.
b. Compensability should be based on the principle of greater risk of acquiring the disease in the place of work
than in the place of usual residence of the afflicted worker.
c. The place of work of employment has to be verified as a malarial or schistosomal work area.
21. PNEUMONIA. Any of the following: (As amended by B.R. No. 12-09-18, s. 2012, approved on 27 September 2012)
a. There must be a direct connection between the offending agent or event and the worker based on
epidemiologic criteria and occupational risk (e.g. health care workers exposed to outbreaks such as SARS, bird
handlers exposed to Cryptococcus);
b. Pneumonia as a complication of a primary work-connected illness or injury (e.g. as a complication of injury
to the chest wall with or without rib fracture that was sustained at work);
c. Pneumonia as a complication of chemical inhalation exposure such as among welders exposed to iron
fumes;
d. Clinical diagnosis consistent with the signs and symptoms of pneumonia supported by diagnostic proof such
as chest x-ray and/ or microbiological studies (e.g. blood cultures).
22. HERNIA. ** All of the following conditions

a. The hernia should be of recent origin.
b. Its appearance was accompanied by pain, discoloration and evidence of a tearing of the tissues.
c. The disease was immediately preceded by undue or severe strain arising out of and in the course of
employment.
d. A protrusion of mass should appear in the area immediately following the alleged strain.
23. OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA (OA)** All of the following conditions (As amended by B.R. No. 12-09-18, s. 2012,
approved on 27 September 2012)
a. There was no past medical/ clinical history of asthma before employment.;

b. Clinical diagnosis consistent with signs and symptoms of Occupational Asthma and supported by diagnostic
proof such as obstructive ventilator pattern with significant bronchodilator response on spirometry (FEV1), peak flow
meter response and/ or nonspecific bronchial hyperresposiveness (methacholine challenge test);
c. Workplace exposure to agent/s reported to give rise to Occupational Asthma as certified by the employer or
by a competent medical practitioner/ institution acceptable to the System.
24. OSTEOARTHRITIS. Any occupation involving:
a. joint strain from carrying heavy loads, or unduly heavy physical labor, as among laborers and mechanics;
b. minor or major injuries to the joint;

c. excessive use or constant strenuous usage of a particular joint, as among sportsmen, particularly those who
have engaged in the more active sports activities;
d. extreme temperature changes (humidity, heat and cold exposures); and
e. faulty work posture or use of vibratory tools.

25. VIRAL ENCEPHALITIS. *** Any occupation involving:
a. contact with an infected person, as in areas of poor sanitation, with high density of schoolchildren, who are
the most frequent virus spreaders;
b. rural exposure, primarily in picnics, camping activities, fishing or hunting in, or adjacent to, woods or
subtropical vegetation, or as among agricultural or forest workers; and
c. contact with other sources of infection, such as birds and animals, as among veterinarians and abattoir
workers.
26. PEPTIC ULCER. *** Any occupation involving prolonged emotional, or physical stress, as among professional
people, transport workers and the like.
27. TUBERCULOSIS (PULMONARY AND EXTRAPULMONARY). *******(As amended by B.R. No. 11-11-29, s. 2011,
approved on 28 November 2011) Any occupation involving close and frequent contact with a source/s of tuberculosis
infection by reason of employment. Occupations involving, but not limited to, high risk occupational groups and
working conditions that are more susceptible to tuberculosis infection:
a. In the medical treatment or nursing of person/s suffering from tuberculosis;
b. As pathologist, post-mortem worker and medical laboratory workers e.g. medical technologies,
smearers/laboratory technicians where the occupation involves working with materials which are sources of
tuberculosis infection;
c. Other health facility staff in direct and frequent contact/handling of active PTB cases or infected materials
e.g. dentists, dental/radiology technicians, respirator therapists, physiotherapist, housekeeping staff, social workers,
clinic staff/secretaries;
d. Staff of correctional facilities/jails in direct contact with inmates especially in overcrowded and poorly
ventilated prisons;
e. Workers involved in collection/handling/transportation/disposal of biological wastes;
f. Workers who have been clinically diagnosed with Silicosis or those chronically exposed to silica in the course
of their work;
g. Workers in workplaces characterized as overcrowded, poorly ventilated and enclosed where there are
documented cases of active TB.
28. VIRAL HEPATITIS.*** In addition to working conditions already listed under P.D. 626, as amended, any occupation
involving: exposure to a source of infection through ingestion of water, milk, or other foods contaminated with
hepatitis virus; Provided that the physician determining the causal relationship between the employment and the
illness should be able to indicate whether the disease of the afflicted worker manifested itself while he/she was so
employed, knowing the incubation period thereof.

29. ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION. ****(As amended by B.R. No. 11-05-13, s. 2011, approved on 26 May 2011)
Hypertension classified as primary or essential is considered compensable if it causes impairment of function of body
organs like kidneys, heart, eyes and brain, resulting in any kind of disability; subject to the submission of any of the
following:
 chest X-ray report  MRI

 ECG report  MRA
 blood chemistry report  2-D echo
 funduscopy report  Kidney ultrasound, and
 Ophthalmological evaluation  BP monitoring report.

 C-T scan
30. ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES (ARD) (As amended by B.R. No. 12-09-18, s. 2012, approved on 27 September
2012)
a. Asbestosis
b. Benign Asbestos-related Pleural Disease
c. Asbestos-related Malignancy:
i. Lung Cancer
ii. Mesothelioma
All of the following conditions:
a. The employee must have been exposed for a prolonged/ sufficient duration to dust in the workplace, as duly
certified by the employer or by a competent medical practitioner/ institution acceptable to the System;
b. Clinical diagnosis consistent with the signs and symptoms oARD and supported by any appropriate
diagnostic tests such as x-ray or computer tomography (CT) scan and lung function test or positron emission
tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biomarkers, histological findings;
c. Latency period of 10 years or more unless proven otherwise;
d. Except for lung cancer and mesothelioma, ARD must be accompanied with impaired lung function for
compensation.
31. HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS
a. Bagassosis
b. Farmer’s Lung Disease

c. Bird Fancier’s Disease (Psittacosis)
d. Others as listed in the guidelines
a. The employee must have been exposed for a prolonged/ sufficient duration to an offending agent or antigen
known to cause the disease in the work place, as duly certified to by the employer or by a competent medical
practitioner/ institution acceptable to the System;
b. Clinical diagnosis consistent with signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and impairment of
lung function supported by diagnostic tests such as X-ray or computer tomography (CT) scan, lung function test,
bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis, and/or other appropriate immunologic and histological tests.”
32. BYSSINOSIS (cotton dust).
a. The employee must have been exposed for a prolonged/ sufficient duration to cotton dust in the work place,
as certified by the employer or by a competent medical practitioner/ institution acceptable to the System;
b. Clinical diagnosis consistent with signs and symptoms of Byssinosis and impairment of lung function
supported by diagnostic proof such as lung function test, skin test or other appropriate immunologic tests.”
c. 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
The Compensability of Injuries
Seven instances where injury can be compensable:
1.Happened at 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
Excepting Circumstances
1. Intoxication
2. Notorious negligence
3. Willful intent to injure oneself or another
Types of Benefits a Claimant May Receive
The compensation which a claimant may receive for a work connected injury, sickness, disability or death are the
following:
Cash income benefit - Given to an employee or his/her dependents to replace the loss of income due to absences
(non-reporting for work) caused by work-related injury or sickness. The type of injuries or sickness entitled to cash
income benefits are temporary total disability, permanent total disability and permanent partial disability.
Medical and related services - provided to the afflicted member beginning on the first day of injury or sickness
during the period of his or her disability.
Rehabilitation services - consists of medical, surgical and hospital treatment for permanent disability.
Death benefit – a lifetime monthly pension provided to the primary beneficiaries of the deceased plus 10.0 percent
of such benefit for each of five dependent children below 21 years of age.
Funeral benefit - benefit paid to any person who shouldered the burial expenses of the deceased member or
permanent total disability pensioner.
Employees Compensation Claims in the Government Sector
Membership under the Government Service Insurance System totaled to 1.47 million in 2002. Of this number, more
than five percent or 84,032 workers filed claims for work related injuries and sickness amounting to P762.8 million in
2002. It was noted, however, that the number of claimants has dropped in 2002 from 94,225 in 1998. Total benefits
paid have been increasing from P669.4 million in 1998
except in 2000, when it dropped to P728.8 million from P748.0 million in 1999. Death and medical services were the
common benefit claims, accumulating the bulk of payments in 2002 with P518.9 million and P139.7 million,
respectively. Some 36,000 pensioners were benefiting from the employees’ compensation program in the government
sector in 2002, down from the 46,500 in 1998.
Employees Compensation Claims in the Private Sector
Private sector membership under the Employees Compensation Program went up to 20.45 million in 2002 from 18.5
million in 1998. However, active paying members only numbered between 6.30 to 6.99 million in 1998 – 2001. A
total of P466.9 million contributions were collected in 1998 for employees’ compensation program. This decreased to
P375.6 million the following year, a collection drops of 19.5 percent. Since then, the collection has improved to
P485.5 million in 2002.
The cost of benefits paid gradually upped from P904.3 million in 1998 to P1.3 billion in 2002. In 2002, disbursements
were mostly for death and disability benefits at P867.1 million and P186.7 million, respectively. Around 85,000
claimants were benefited in 2002. The previous years noted a fluctuating number of claims, inspite of the increasing
amount of benefits paid. The SSS paid monthly pensions to almost 19,000 disabled workers in 2002.
Summary Key Points:
o The ECP is enjoyed only by those with Employee-Employer relationship
o ECP coverage/entitlement to benefits begin on the first day of employment
o ECP benefits are in addition to SSS and PhilHealth benefits
o The ECP benefits are welcome but it is better to be safe than injured or ill because of
work
Module 22-A: OSH Legislations

1. Explain the government OSH regulations and other responses to existing and
potential OSH hazards;
2. Discuss the various strategies for OSH Administration in the Philippines; and
3. Identify the different OSH reportorial requirements and areas
for compliance to the OSH Standards.

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Labor and Employment
VISION & MISSION

 Attainment of full, decent and productive employment for every Filipino worker.
 Promote gainful employment opportunities, develop human resources, protect workers and
promote their welfare and maintain industrial peace.
Eleven (11) Attached Agencies
 Employees Compensation Commission
 Institute for Labor Studies
 Maritime Training Council

 National Conciliation and Mediation Board
 National Labor Relations Commission
 National Maritime Polytechnic
 National Wages and Productivity Commission

 Occupational Safety and Health Center
 Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
6 BUREAUS
1. Labor and Employment Statistics
2. Labor Relations
3. Local Employment
4. Rural Workers
5. Women and Young Workers

6. Working Conditions
What are the Occupational Safety and Health Standards?
OSH Standards are mandatory rules and standards set and enforced to eliminate or reduce
occupational safety and health hazards in the workplace.
Occupational health and safety is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the safety,
health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. The goal of all occupational health
and safety programs is to foster a safe work environment. As a secondary effect,

it may also protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, suppliers,
nearby communities, and other members of the public who are impacted by the
workplace environment. It may involve interactions among many subject areas,

including occupational medicine, occupational (or industrial) hygiene, public
health, safety engineering, chemistry, health physics, ergonomics, toxicology,
epidemiology, environmental health, industrial relations, public policy, industrial sociology, medical
sociology, social law, labor law and occupational health psychology.
The OSH Standards are mandatory rules on occupational safety and health promulgated
pursuant to Article 162, Book IV of the Labor Code of the Philippines, P.D. 442.
BOOK FOUR
HEALTH, SAFETY AND SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS
Title I
MEDICAL, DENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
Chapter II
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Art. 162. Safety and health standards. The Secretary of Labor and Employment shall, by appropriate
orders, set and enforce mandatory occupational safety and health standards to eliminate or reduce
occupational safety and health hazards in all workplaces and institute new, and update existing,
programs to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in all places of employment.
Art. 163. Research. It shall be the responsibility of the Department of Labor and Employment to conduct
continuing studies and research to develop innovative methods, techniques and approaches for dealing
with occupational safety and health problems; to discover latent diseases by establishing causal
connections between diseases and work in environmental conditions; and to develop medical criteria
which will assure insofar as practicable that no employee will suffer impairment or diminution in health,
functional capacity, or life expectancy as a result of his work and working conditions.
• What does safety and health in the workplace mean?
Safety refers to the physical or environmental conditions of work which comply with prescribed
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards and which allow the workers to perform the job
without or within acceptable exposure limit to hazards. Occupational safety also refers to practices
related to production and work process.

Health means a sound state of the body and mind of the workers that enables the worker or employee
to perform the job normally.
• What is the purpose of OSH Standards?

OSH Standards aim to provide at least the minimum acceptable degree of protection that must be
afforded to every worker in relation to the working conditions and dangers of injury, sickness or death
that may arise by reason of the worker's occupation. The provision of OSH Standards by the State is an
exercise of police power, with the intention of promoting the welfare and well-being of the workers.
• What are covered by the General OSH Standards?
All establishments, workplaces and other undertakings are covered, including agricultural
enterprises whether operating for profit or not, except:

 Residential places exclusively devoted to dwelling purposes.
 Mines which is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
• What does right to safe and healthful conditions of work mean?
It means that the worker shall be assured of effective protection against the danger of injury, sickness or
death through safe and healthful working conditions.
• What is the minimum standard on safety and health in the workplace?
The OSH Standards provide that every company shall keep and maintain its workplace free from
work hazards that are likely to cause physical harm to the workers or damage to property. Thus,
the worker is entitled to be provided by the employer with:

 Appropriate seats, lighting and ventilation;
 Adequate passageways, exits and firefighting equipment;
 Separate facilities for men and women;
 Appropriate safety devices like protective gears, masks, helmets, safety boots, coats or first-aid
kits;
 Medicines, medical supplies or first-aid kits;
 Free medical and dental services and facilities.
• What other safety requirements should employers provide their employees?
Employers must provide their employees with the following instruments and/or working stations:
 Appropriate protective equipment and clothing such as overall head coverings, goggles, gloves
aprons and respirators;
 A properly designed exhaust system and waste disposal, local exhaust or general ventilation to
keep toxic fumes or gases, away from workers' breathing zone;

 Adequate number of fire extinguishers in the workplace;
 Designated safe smoking and welding areas far from combustible, flammable or explosive
materials, containers filled with explosives or flammable substances, and containers that have held
explosives or flammable materials;
• What safety measures must be observed within the premises of eestablishments?

Establishments must observe the following safety measures:
 Building premises shall have adequate fire, emergency or danger signs and safety instructions of
standard colors and sizes visible at all times;
 Other visible signs that may be needed to direct the driver of motorized vehicle such as STOP,
YIELD, and DO NOT ENTER, properly positioned within the compound of the establishment shall be
used to increase safety especially during the night;
 Handicapped employees shall be restricted only to designated workplaces. As far as practicable
and feasible they shall be provided with facilities for safe and convenient movement within the
establishment;
 Good housekeeping shall be maintained at all times through cleanliness of building, yards,
machines, equipment, regular waste disposal, and orderly arrangement of process operations,
storage and filing materials;
 Adequate dressing rooms, locker rooms, comfort rooms and lavatories separate for male and
female workers shall be provided.
•Who enforces OSH Standards?

The Secretary of Labor and Employment, through the Regional Director or his other authorized
representative, enforces the OSH Standards in the exercise of visitoriall and enforcement powers.
•What is visitorial power?
Visitorial power refers to the authority to conduct inspections or investigations in the premises of an
employer at any time of the day or night whenever work is being undertaken. This is necessary to
determine violations or to enforce the rights of workers under the Labor Code. Under this power, the
employer may be required to submit reports and other documents to determine any violation.
• What is enforcement power?
Enforcement power refers to the authority of the Secretary or the Regional Director to order an erring
employer, after due notice and hearing, to comply with labor standards and issue a writ of execution in
case of non-compliance. If the violation poses grave and imminent danger to the health and safety of
workers, suspension or cessation of the operations may be effected within 24 hours from the issuance
of the order.
•How are these Standards enforced
These standards are enforced through the inspectorate system. Thus, every employer shall provide to
the Secretary or to his/her duly authorized representative access to its premises or records at any time
of the day or night whenever there is work to determine and effect compliance.
Every establishment or workplace shall be inspected at least once a year. However, special inspection
visits may be authorized by the Regional Office to investigate work-related accidents, occupational
illness or dangerous occurrences, conduct surveys, follow-up inspection recommendations, or to
conduct investigations or inspections upon request of an employer, worker or labor union in the
establishment.
•If a worker or representative of workers or any concerned person believes that such a violation
of the OSH Standards exists which threatens with physical harm or poses imminent danger to
life, what shall he do to correct the danger?
The said worker or workers’ representative shall request the RO for an inspection of their area by giving
full particulars or details regarding such violation or danger.
• What does the Regional Office do in such a case?
The Regional Office evaluates the report and conducts a special inspection or investigation immediately
in the subject establishment. The complainant is notified in writing of the outcome of such
investigation.
What are the duties and responsibilities of the employers and the employees in relation to
enforcement and compliance with OSH Standards in the workplace?
Rule 1005: DUTIES OF EMPLOYER
• Furnish his workers a place of employment free from hazardous conditions.
• Comply with the requirements of the Standards.
• Give complete job safety instruction to all his workers
• Use only approved devices and equipment in his workplace.
DUTIES OF THE EMPLOYERS
 Adopt administrative policies on safety in accordance with the provisions of the Standards;
 Report to the Regional Director or his/her duly authorized representative the policies adopted
and the safety organization established;

 Submit reports to the Regional Director or his/her duly authorized representative once in every
three months on the safety performance, safety committee meetings and its recommendations and
measures taken to implement the recommendation;
 Act on recommended safety measures;
 Provide access to appropriate authorities.
Rule 1005: DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES

 Cooperate with the employer in carrying out the provisions of the Standards.
 Report any work hazard to his/her supervisor
 Follow all instructions by the employer in compliance with the OSHS provisions
 Make proper use of all safeguards and safety devices.
DUTIES OF THE EMPLOYEES
 Follow safety policies;
 Report unsafe conditions and practices to the Supervisor;
 Serve as member of the Health and Safety Committee;
 Cooperate with Health and Safety Committee;
 Assist government agencies in the conduct of safety and health inspection.
WORKERS RIGHTS
Section 5. Workers’ Right to know

- The right to safety and health at work shall be guaranteed. All workers shall be appropriately
informed by the employer about all types of hazards in the workplace, and be provided access
to training, education, and orientation on chemical safety, electrical safety, mechanical safety,
ergonomics, and other hazards and risks.
- All workers, including new hires, shall be provided training and information for all types of
hazards in the workplace in a language and dialect that workers can understand. Training and
information materials used shall be made readily available and accessible to workers.
- A re-orientation on safety and health for workers in high risk establishments must be conducted
regularly, not less than once a quarter, and to be conducted immediately following any changes
in the operations and production process.
Section 6. Workers’ Right to refuse Unsafe Work

- The worker has the right of refusal to work without threat or reprisal from the employer if, as
determined by DOLE, an imminent danger situation exists. As a preventive measure, the safety
officer may, following his/her own determination and without fear of reprisal, implement a work
stoppage or suspend operations in cases of imminent danger. The employer, safety officer or
worker shall immediately notify the DOLE that an imminent danger situation exists in the
workplace.
- The employer or safety officer cannot require the workers to return to work where there is a
continuing imminent danger. A worker may also refuse to work until the lifting of the Work
Stoppage Order (WSO) after implementing the appropriate corrective measures.
- Workers affected by the existence of an imminent danger situation may be temporarily assigned
to other areas within the workplace provided there is no impending issue with safety and heal
General Provisions (Rule 1010)
DUTIES OF OTHER PERSONS

 Any person including builders or contractors, who visits, builds, innovates or installs devices in
establishments or workplaces shall comply with the provision of OSHS rules and all regulations issued
by the employer in compliance with the Standards and other issuances of the Secretary.
Rule 1020 - Registration
 Every employer shall register his/her business with the Regional Labor Office or authorized
representative to provide the DOLE with information as guide in its enforcement activities.
 Free of charge
 Valid for lifetime, except when there is change in name, location, ownership; opening after
previous closing
Rule 1030 - Training and Accreditation of Personnel in OSH
The BWC either directly or through accredited organizations, shall conduct continuing training
programs to increase the supply and competence of personnel qualified to carry out the provision of
this Standards.
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. 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;
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.
Medium risk establishment – a workplace where there is moderate exposure to safety and health
hazards and with probability of an accident, injury or illness
Low risk establishment – a workplace where there is low level of danger or exposure to safety and
health hazards or with low probability to result in accident, harm or illness
Rule 1030 - Training and Accreditation of Personnel in OSH
 All Safety Officers must complete the Bureau prescribed Training Course
Note: The employment of a full-time safety officer may not be required if the employer enters into a
written contract with a qualified consultant or consulting organization whose duties and
responsibilities shall be the duties of a safety practitioner as stated in this Rule. The employment of a
consultant, however, will not excuse the employer from the required training of his supervisors or technical
personnel.
RULE 1040 - Health and Safety Committee
•What is a Safety and Health Committee?

A Safety and Health Committee is a group of employees or workers and management that plans and
makes policies in all matters pertaining to safety and health in the workplace. All establishments are
required to have a Safety and Health Committee.
•When shall an establishment organize a Safety and Health Committee?

In every workplace, a Safety and Health Committee shall be organized within sixty days after the
Standards take effect, and for new establishments, within one month from the date business starts
operating. In both cases the Safety and Health Committee shall reorganize every January of the
following year
•What are the types and composition of a Safety and Health Committee?
The types and composition of the Safety and Health Committee shall be organized according to the
number of employees or workers in a workplace.
•What are the duties of the Safety and Health Committee?
Safety and Health Committee shall:
 Plan and develop accident prevention programs in the workplace;
 Inspect workplace to detect unsafe conditions;
 Review reports of inspection, results of accident investigations and implementation of accident
prevention program;
 Conduct safety meetings at least once a month;
 Submit reports to the manager/owner on its meetings and activities;
 Provide necessary assistance to government inspecting authorities in the proper conduct of
activities relating to enforcement of the provisions of the Standards;
 Train workers in safe work habits and procedures;
 Develop and maintain a disaster contingency plan and organize such emergency service units as
may be necessary to handle disaster situations pursuant to the Emergency Preparedness Manual
for Establishments of the Office of Civil Defense.
Duties of Employer
1. Establishes and adopts in writing administrative policies on safety and health
2. Reports to the enforcing authority the policies adopted and required report requirements.
3. Acts on recommended measures of health and safety committee and in case of non-adoption,
informs the committee of the reason
 What are the duties of the Safety Officer?
As per Rule 1047 of OSHS:

 Advises employers, supervisors and workers on matters of safety for their guidance
 Investigates accidents as part of the Safety Committee
 Coordinates safety training programs for employees and employers
 Make safety inspections of the plant as part of the Safety Committee

 Maintains or helps maintain an accident record system
 Acts as Secretary of the Safety Committee
 Provides assistance to government
 inspectors in the conduct of safety and health inspection
RULE 1050 - Notification & Keeping of Accident and/or Occupational Illnesses

• Notification - All work accidents or occupational illnesses, resulting in disabling
conditions or dangerous occurrences shall be reported by the employer to the Regional

Labor Office
• If Major work accidents results in death or permanent total disability, employer shall
initially notify the Regional Labor Office within 24 hours.

• 1054: Keeping of Records - The employer shall maintain and keep an accident or illness record which
shall be open at all times for inspection to authorized personnel.
• Provides the safety officer means for an objective evaluation of the program
• Helps identify high injury rates

• Provides information on accident causes which contributes to high injury rates.
• WAIR is already updated for the COVID 19 report compatibility see attached photo below and all
downloadable at DOLE BWC website.
Rule 1070 - Occupational Health and Environmental Control
 The employer shall exert efforts to maintain and control the working environment in
comfortable and healthy conditions for the purpose of promoting and maintaining the health of his
workers.
 The employer shall carry out WEM where hazardous work is performed and shall keep a record
of such measurement which shall be made available to the enforcing authority.
 WEM shall include temperature, humidity, pressure, illumination, ventilation, concentration of

substances & noise.
 The WEM shall be performed periodically as may be necessary but not longer than annually.
Rule 1080 - Personal Protective Equipment and Devices

• 1081.04 - No person shall be subjected or exposed to a hazardous environmental condition without
protection.
• 1081.01 - Every employer shall at his own expense furnish his workers with protective equipment and
barriers whenever necessary.
RULE 1960 - Occupational Health Services
Every employer is required to provide in his workplace medical and dental services, emergency medicines
and dental facilities.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PERSONNEL
Refers to the qualified first aider, nurse, dentist or physician, whose services have been engaged by the
employer in order to provide occupational health services in the establishment.

 Emergency Hospital – An employer need not put up an emergency hospital or dental clinic if
there is a hospital or dental clinic which is not more than five (5) kilometers away in urban areas and 25
minutes travel in rural areas provided contracts are entered into with the said hospital or dental clinic
and that the employer provides transportation facilities.

Physician/Dentist shall be subject to call at any time in other shifts during emergencies.
Health Program – The physician engaged by the employer, in addition to providing medical services in
cases of emergency, must also perform the following:
 Conduct pre-employment medical examination, free of charge, for the proper selection of
workers
 Conduct free of charge annual physical examination of the workers
 Collaborate with safety and technical personnel in the selection and placement of workers,
including investigation of work related accidents due to exposure to health hazards
 Develop and implement a comprehensive health program for the employees
 The number of health personnel, which may be classified as full time (FT) or part-time (PT),
equipment and facilities, and the amount of supplies shall be proportionate to the total number
of workers and the risk or hazard involved in the workplace, the ideal ratio of which shall be as
follows:
Every employer covered by this Rules shall provide his/her workers medical services and facilities and
shall not be an excuse by employer from maintaining in his/her workplace a first aid treatment room or
clinic for workers which shall be as follows:
PROHIBITED ACTS AND ITS CORRESPONDING PENALTIES
Any willful failure or refusal of an employer, contractor or subcontractor to comply with the following
OSH standards below or with a compliance order issued by the Secretary of Labor and Employment or
his/her authorized representative shall be penalized of the administrative fines as follows computed on
a per day basis until full compliance:
OTHER SAFETY-RELATED REQUIREMENTS
• Chapter VII, Industrial Hygiene of PD 856 - Sanitation Code of the Philippines
• D.O. No. 53-03, IRR of RA 9165, Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
• R.A. 8504, The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998
• D.O. No. 73-05, Guidelines for the Implementation of Policy and Program on Tuberculosis Prevention
and Control in the Workplace

• RA 7877, “Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.”
• DOLE Department Advisory No. 5, series of 2010, guidelines on workplace policy and program on
Hepatitis B
Failure or refusal to comply with OSH standards or compliance order shall be deemed willful when done
voluntarily, deliberately and intentionally.

An employer, contractor or subcontractor who is found to have repeatedly violated the same prohibited
act shall be penalized of the corresponding fine plus an additional fine equivalent to fifty percent (50%)
thereof for every instance of repeat violation.
If any of the following acts is present and there is non-compliance, the penalty of one hundred
thousand pesos (₱100,000.00) administrative fine shall be imposed separate and in addition to the daily
administrative fine imposed above:
Repeated obstruction, delay or refusal to provide the Sec Labor or any of its authorized representatives
access to the covered workplace or refusal to allow access to relevant records and documents necessary
in determining compliance with OSH standards;
Misrepresentation in relation to adherence to OSH; or
Making retaliatory measures such as termination of employment, refusal to pay, reducing wages and
benefits or in any manner discriminates against any worker who has given information relative to the
inspection being conducted.
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)

The penalties shall be computed on a per day basis until full compliance reckoned from the date of the
notice of violation or service of the compliance order to the employer without prejudice to the filing of
a criminal or civil case in the regular courts, as the case may be.
Fines collected pursuant to this Rules shall be utilized for the operation of OSH initiatives incentivizing
qualified employers and workers in recognition of their efforts towards ensuring compliance with OSH.
The RD shall, after due notice and hearing, impose the appropriate administrative fines taking into
consideration the damage or injury caused and risk involved including the severity and frequency of the
OSH violations and size of the establishment.
Registration of establishment to DOLE P 20,000.00

Provision of Job Safety instruction or orientation prior to work P 20,000.00
Provision of worker’s training (first aid, Mandatory Workers Training,
P 25,000.00
Mandatory OSH Training for Safety Officers and Health Personnel)
Provision of safety signage and devices P 30,000.00
Provision of medical supplies, equipment and facilities P 30,000.00
Submission of reportorial requirements as prescribed by OSH
P 30,000.00
Standards
Provision of Safety Officer and/or OH Personnel P 40,000.00
Provision of certified personnel or professionals required by the OSH
P 40,000.00
Standards
Establishment of a Safety and Health Committee P 40,000.00
Formulation and implementation of a Comprehensive Safety and
P 40,000.00
Health Program (CSHP)
Provision of information on hazard and risk (absence of chemical
safety data sheet, no written SOP in materials handling, lifting, etc.,
P 40,000.00
no permitting system for confined spaces/hot works, no lock-out/tag-
out system, etc.)
Provision of sanitary and welfare facilities P 40,000.00
Use of approved or certified devices and equipment for the task P 50,000.00
Provision of PPE or changing of provided PPE to workers P 50,000.00
Compliance with DOLE issued WSO P 50,000.00
Compliance to other OSH Standards P 40,000.00
RA 11058 - DO 198 18
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11058 ENTITLED “AN ACT
STRENGTHENING COMPLIANCE WITH
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
STANDARDS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR

VIOLATIONS THEREOF”
COVERAGE
 It shall apply to all establishments, projects and sites and all other places where work is being
undertaken in all branches of economic activity, including:
 Establishments located inside special economic zones and other investment promotion agencies
(e.g., Philippine Economic Zone Authority [PEZA], Clark Development Corporation [CDC]);
 Utilities engaged in air, sea, and land transportation;

 Industries such as mining, fishing, construction, agriculture, and maritime;
 Contractors and subcontractors including those engaged in the projects of the public sector.
 NOTE: The Rules does not apply to the public sector such as national government agencies,
government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters, government financial institutions,
state universities and colleges and local government units
Republic Act 11058 – an Act Strengthening Compliance on Occupational Safety and Health
OTHER SAFETY-RELATED REQUIREMENTS
• Chapter VII, Industrial Hygiene of PD 856 - Sanitation Code of the Philippines
• Department Order No. 53-03, IRR of RA 9165, Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
• R.A. 8504, The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998
•Department Order No. 73-05, Guidelines for the Implementation of Policy and Program on
Tuberculosis Prevention and Control in the Workplace
• RA 7877, “Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.”

•DOLE Department Advisory No. 5, series of 2010, guidelines on workplace policy and program on
Hepatitis B
• Department Order No. 202 s 2019 or the IRR of Telecommuting Law
• Department Order No. 208 s 2020 or the IRR of Mental Health Law
• Department Order No. 56-03 series of 2003 or Rationalizing the Implementation of Family Welfare
Program (FWP) in DOLE
• Republic Act No. 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009
• Department Order No. 131-B series of 2016 or Revised Rules on Labor Laws Compliance System
• Republic Act 8750 series of 1999 or Seat Belt Act
• Republic Act 10586 series of 2012 or Anti-drunk and anti-drugged Driving Act
• Republic Act 10913 series of 2016 or Anti-Distractive Driving Act
• Department Order No. 174 series of 2017 or Regulations Governing Constructing and
Subcontracting Arrangements (amending DO No. 18-A)
• Department Order No. 178 series of 2017 or Safety and Health measures for Workers who by the
Nature of their Work, have to Stand at Work
• Department Order No. 184 series of 2017 or Safety and Health measures for Workers who by the
Nature of their Work, have to Spend Long Hours Sitting
Summary Key Points:
 Monitoring of compliance and effectiveness of the OSH Programs can be done through the
conduct of safety and inspections/assessments, conduct of Work Environment Measurement
and Annual Medical Check-up
 Enforcement is one response but not the only response.
Module 22-B: OSH Programming

1. Identify the elements of the DOLE prescribed OSH program;

2. Explain the roles, commitment and participation of various levels of the organization in
implementing the OSH program; and
3. Review how to fill out the DOLE reportorial requirements correctly

What is an OSH Program?
• It is a plan or outline of activities prepared to promote safety awareness among management and
workers in order to prevent, minimize or eliminate accidents or illnesses in the workplace.
Types of OSH Program

1. Occupational Safety Program / Safety Program
2. Occupational Health Program / Health Program
Key Elements of OSH Programs
• Key elements of the Safety Program

– Accident prevention
– Safety promotion
• Key element of the Health Program
– Health protection and maintenance

– Health awareness and promotion
What is OSH Programming?
• It is the method employed by management to assign responsibility for accident prevention,
safety and health promotion, health protection, and maintenance, and thereby ensure active
performances under that responsibility.
OSH Program Responsibility

• Management role is very crucial since only top management has the authority to implement the
program.
• Top management can make a program effective, through the support of a company policy.
• An effective program provides a company with a working environment in which operations are
conducted economically, efficiently and safely.

Basic Elements of a Successful OSH Program
1. Management Leadership
2. Assignment of responsibility
3. Maintenance of safe working conditions

4. Establishment of safety trainings
5. Accident record system
6. Medical and First aid system
7. Acceptance of personal responsibilities
1. Management Leadership (assumption of responsibility, declaration of policy)
• Management has to make a written statement of its attitude toward safety and health in
the workplace.
• This can be set forth in a policy which must be brief and clearly defines management
attitude towards safety and health of workers.
Defined Management attitude towards OSH
• Enforcing of safety and health practices and conditions
• Compliance with company policies

• Following safety and health instructions
• Obtaining good preventive maintenance of equipment or selection of proper equipment
when purchasing.
• Regular monitoring of workers’ health through annual physical exams, special

examinations, periodic conduct of WEM.
A company SH policy should basically state that …

• The safety and health of employees, the public and the company operations are
paramount.
• Safety and health will take precedence over expediency or shortcuts.
• Every attempt will be made to reduce the possibility of accident and illnesses occurrence.
• The company intends to comply with all OSH laws, standards and ordinances.
2. Assignment of responsibility
• When safety and health policy has been set, the management delegates the everyday task of
carrying out said policy to the safety manager, company doctor, supervisors, and foreman
and/or health and safety committee.
– The establishment of a safety and health committee is another excellent means of
developing, implementing and maintaining safety and health prevention measures in
the company.
3. Maintenance of safe and healthful working conditions
• Revise operational methods to eliminate risks/hazards
• Apply mechanical guarding

• Isolate hazardous operations or storage
• Use PPEs
• Adequate and proper ventilation, lighting
• Proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment

• Sanitation / housekeeping
• Fire control measures
• Substitute hazardous materials with less hazardous
Appraise plant’s safety and health conditions through:

• Regular routine inspection
• Special inspection
• Follow-ups to see if recommendations for safety and health maintenance are met or are
being carried out.
4. Establishment of safety and health trainings

Training courses should be both for supervisors and workers.
• For new workers – to orient and or familiarize newly hired personnel

• On-the-job training – for those already in the service for some time
• Refresher – to reacquaint or refresh memories
• Supervisory training
• Participation in safety and health activities
5. Accident Record System
• Includes accident analysis, reports on injuries, and measurement results

• Provides means for an objective evaluation of the safety program.
• Identify high-injury rate areas, departments.
• Provide information on the causes of accidents contributory to high injury rates.
6. Medical and First Aid System
The medical department of a company is tasked with the following activities:
 Conducts pre-employment physical exams for proper physical check-up and proper
placement of workers.
 Conducts periodic Physical Exams of workers
 Recommends workers exposed to harmful toxic substances for special examinations.
 Arrange surveys of new operations or processes to know what exposures are detrimental
to safety and health of workers.
 Establishes a system for assigning injured workers on the kind of job they can handle
despite of their condition.
 Provisions for emergency situations
7. Acceptance of personal responsibility of workers
• Observe safe and health practices and procedures
• Have regard at all times for the safety and health of fellow workers
• Report any unsafe condition that may call his attention
• Suggest, recommend, contribute ideas for the improvement of working conditions

• Participate actively whenever appointed with responsibility
Factors which promote interest in safety and health
• Fear of Personal injury
• Fear of economic loss

• Desire for reward
• Desire for leadership
• Desire to excel and be outstanding
• Protection of others
• Creating a favorable impression
How to promote safety and health in the workplace?
• Examples by management
• Examples by supervision
• Education and training
Methods of promoting safety and health at work
• Regular meetings
• Use of posters, bulletin boards, publications
• Contests
– Injury rate
– Interdepartmental / intergroup
– Interplant / intradepartmental
– Personalized contests (safety slogans, poster, housekeeping)
How to start a Safety and Health Program?
1. Management initiative and leadership

2. Setting up the staff
3. Outlining policy and general methods of procedure
4. Studying plant’s safety and health history / status
5. Detailed study of accident / illnesses statistics

6. Involvement of the different departments
7. Preparation of the health and safety program
OSH program implementation and evaluation:

Phase I - Management Commitment & Involvement
Phase 2 - Establish a Baseline
Phase 3 - Set Goals

Phase 4 - Implement Strategies
Phase 5 - Review and Adjust
“A successful and practical safety program requires teamwork, enthusiasm, interest and
cooperation. To make it succeed, there must be a real desire on the part of all concerned.”
References:
1. Occupational Safety and Health Standard 1978

2. International Labor Organization Annual Report
3. PSA – BLES report 2017
4. RA 11058 and DO 198
5. DO 13
6. National Building Code of the Philippines
7. Philippine Electrical Code
8. Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers
9. Sanitation Code of the Philippines

10. DENR DAO orders
11. Fire Code of the Philippines

12. Department of Health Guidelines
13. DTI-DOLE JAO order
14. DOLE Department orders

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CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

INTRODUCTION: COSH Framework

 Course Overview, Requirements and Objectives

o To learn the basic principles of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS)

 House rules - for Webinars

2. Only the enrolled participants shall be on the webinar platform

10. Assignments/homework shall be done accordingly to avoid the delay of distribution of

 House rules - for Classroom Type of Training

1. Be on time at the beginning of the day and every breaks.

2. Come prepared with workbook and completed homework if any

3. Be kind, polite, and courteous to others.

4. Be respectful to classmates, speakers, and property.

5. Engage with the discussion and group activities.

6. Obey Housekeeping Rules

7. If need to go for personal comfort – no need to ask permission.

Course Outline / Learning Road Map:

Module 1 – Importance of Safety and Health

Upon completion of the module, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the current Philippine OSH situation

2. Describe the OSH situation in their own workplaces

W hat is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)?

OSH Situationer (Global and Local)

is a possibility of under-reporting of both occupational injuries and diseases due to weakness in

informal sector pose risks and hazards.

Office for the Philippines (CO-Manila) | https://www.ilo.org/manila/areasofwork/safety-and-health-at-

COSTS OF ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES:

The effect of accident to a worker entails a lot of losses in terms of:

Ø Disability- (temporary or permanent) Pain and suffering

Ø Loss of income; loss of earning capacity

Ø Change in social life

Ø Investigation of the incident

Ø Cleaning up of incident site

Ø Repair/ replacement of damaged materials/ equipment

Ø Training of new/ replacement employees

Ø Poor employee morale leading to low production

Ø Marketing efforts to project image

Summary Key Points:

Module 2 – Unsafe act & Unsafe Condition (Basic causes of workplace

Upon completion of the module, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the two immediate causes of accidents

a. Unsafe Act VS Unsafe Condition

4. Practice identifying unsafe acts and unsafe condition in the workplace

General Concepts on OSH

Accident Causation Theories

Heinrich’s Domino Theory

undesirable traits in people. More precisely, this includes the

nature and nurture aspects of someone’s background. Genetics,

examples of characteristics o f nature and nurture that can

negatively influence individuals and lead to the next stage of

was written. A modernized version of this theory would likely

use the term “inherited behavior,” similar to how alcoholism

example of this stage.

act) that occasionally cause accidents.

relationships between stages in terms of causality. An accident occurring is not a sufficient

dealing with accidents to minimize injury and loss.

a framework for accident/incident investigation.

Risk- Chance of physical or personal loss.

➢ Unsafe acts. A violation of safe procedure

➢ Unsafe Conditions. Seen as a physical or chemical property in the material