OSHC assesses 40 companies in Valenzuela
“Since we joined Task Force Valenzuela we have already assessed 40 companies and we will continue to join forces with the DOLE and the Bureau of Fire protection in checking the compliance of the companies in Valenzuela to ensure the safety and health of workers,” said Occupational Safety and Health (OSHC) Executive Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, MD, CESO III.
Engineers from the OSHC – Alex Sacabon, Lawrence Blas, Christian Jaguit, Dennis Aquino and Raymark Fernando are part of the Task Force Valenzuela along with representatives from the DOLE-NCR, Bureau of Working Conditions. Representatives from the Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition and NAPC-Formal Labor Sector will join as observes and they may raise questions and issues during the conduct of the assessments.
Akin to the Safety Patrol which first operated in 2012, the Task Force Valenzuela conducts unannounced inspections in the almost 1,700 establishments in Valenzuela City. The assessment covers compliance with the requirements of building occupancy and business permits, DOLE Department Order 18-A on subcontracting, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
“We are advocating compliance to the core OSH standards such as the registration of establishments at the DOLE Regional Office (Rule 1020), employment of a sufficient number of trained safety officers (Rule 1030), establishment of a functioning safety and health committee (Rule 1040), proper reporting and record keeping of accidents and illnesses (Rule 1050), employment of occupational health personnel and provision of occupational health services (Rule 1060), and provision of sufficient and appropriate personal protective equipment (Rule 1080). We want companies to understand that compliance to the standards must be taken seriously,” added Cucueco.
Aside from the assessment, OSHC will also be conducting a Basic Occupational Safety and Health Training specifically for establishments in the Valenzuela area on July 27-31, 2015 at the OSHC main office in Quezon City.
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
