DOLE-OSHC now ISO 9001:2008 certified
“Congratulations to the Occupational Safety and Health Center for being certified under ISO 9001:2008! I know that your preparations for this have been difficult but now that you have established efficient work processes, your tasks will be carried out in an easier manner while ensuring quality service delivery,” said TUV Rheinland Philippines Chief Operating Officer Tristan Arwen Loveres during the awarding ceremony of the OSHC today, January 11, 2015.
After passing the second stage audit conducted in December 2014, the OSHC is now ISO 9001:2008 certified for five major processes: in-house Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) training, information dissemination, occupational safety and health audit, conduct of work environment measurement (excluding laboratory analysis), and biological monitoring for heavy metals. These also include support processes such as human resource, purchasing, billing, repair and maintenance of IT equipment, security, and general services.
TUV Rheinland Philippines COO Tristan Arwen Loveres (left) awards the certificate to OSHC Executive Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III (center) and Engr. Jose Maria S. Batino, OSHC Deputy Executive Director.
“Indeed, obtaining this certification is a challenge but we are happy to have gained a lot from it. The systems we have established in compliance to these standards have been proven effective in service delivery and efficient in helping us achieve the goals of the organization,” said Occupational Safety and Health Center Executive Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III.
The certification of OSHC for the abovementioned processes is valid until 2015. It is part of the DOLE’s efforts to have all of its offices certified. However, the OSHC will undergo an ISO audit yearly to ensure that the standards are being implemented thoroughly and systems are in line with the Center’s quality policy.
The ISO 9001: 2008 is an international standard that requires organizations to have an established quality management system that will facilitate the organization’s delivery of services and enhance customer satisfaction. More than uniformity, it helps companies ensure their achievement of their objectives and provides a system for both corrective and preventive action.
“We had many birth pains in developing and implementing a new but more effective system but it it’s definitely worth it what with better and faster ways of doing things, management, and controls. Our clients – the Filipino workers, can only expect continuous improvement because the ISO does not end with just the certificate,” added Cucueco.
END/DJ Romero
Any question on this release? Please contact Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III, executive director, Occupational Safety and Health Center, North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City with telephone numbers 929-6036 to 39 and e-mail address:oshc_dole@yahoo.com, oshcenter@dole.gov.ph
