DoLE promotes safety of workers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) will prioritize the prevention of work hazards and promote workers’ safety and health in seven industries which are seen to drive economic and employment growth in the country in 2011.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that this year, the Occupational Health and Safety Center (OHSC), a DoLE attached agency, will develop occupational, safety and health (OSH) code of practice in agribusiness, business process outsourcing (BPOs), creative industries, infrastructure, manufacturing and logistics, mining, and tourism, medical, travel, and retirement industries.

She said these industries have been identified as economic drivers and key employment generators (KEGS) under the DoLE’s Project JobsFit.

“The OSH code of practice will guide these industries in the prevention of work hazards and ensure the health and safety of their workers,” she added.

The Labor chief emphasized that ensuring workers’ health and safety will, in turn, ensure productivity and growth and enhance the capability of the KEGs to generate more jobs.

As part of the thrusts and plans of the DoLE for 2011, the OHSC, in cooperation with DoLE regional offices, will focus on identifying safety and health issues involving workers and their workplaces in the identified priority industries.

The office of the OHSC will work hand in hand with the Occupational Safety and Health Networks (OSHNETs) nationwide in gathering OSH data in the regions; increasing the number of safety and health programs and advocates; and creating a mechanism for reporting work-related injuries and illnesses.

Baldoz said the DoLE’s OSH program for the KEGs is in line with the department reform program of advancing social protection and public health under the 22-point labor and employment agenda of President Aquino. –Mina Diaz, Daily Tribune