Workplace Safety and Accidents in the Philippines

Safety Training and Workplace Accidents

• The manufacturing industry in the Philippines had the highest rate of work-related injuries resulting in lost workdays in both 2003 and 2007.
• Private education saw a significant increase in work-related injuries resulting in lost workdays between 2003 and 2007.
• The mining and quarrying industry and hotels and restaurants also saw notable increases in work-related injuries between 2003 and 2007.
• Other community, social, and personal service businesses and financial intermediation activities saw major decreases in work-related injuries between 2003 and 2007.

Workplace Safety Challenges in the Philippines

• Limited OSH Information and Education: The informal sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the Filipino workforce, often lacks access to OSH education and information.
• Inadequate Number of Trained OSH Personnel: Although there's been an increase in OSH awareness, the demand for trained OSH personnel is outpacing the available supply.
• Absence of Strict Penalties: Lack of strong penalties for violating OSH standards contributes to weak enforcement.
• Fragmented OSH Administration: The lack of a central authority to coordinate OSH efforts creates fragmentation and inefficiency.
• Public Apathy on OSH Concerns: Many Filipinos do not prioritize OSH concerns.
• Low Priority on OSH by Management and Labor: Management prioritizes profit and labor prioritizes wages and benefits, leading to a lack of focus on OSH.

5S System for Workplace Organization and Efficiency

• Seiri (Sorting): Identifying and removing unnecessary items from the workplace.
• Seiton (Set in Order): Arranging necessary items in an organized manner for easy access.
• Seiso (Shine): Keeping the workplace clean and free of dirt and debris.
• Seiketsu (Standardize): Establishing and maintaining standardized procedures for workplace organization and cleanliness.
• Shitsuke (Sustain): Maintaining the 5S system through continuous improvement and discipline.

Employee Facilities and Workplace Housekeeping

• Employee facilities, such as lockers, washrooms, and showers should be adequate, clean, and well-maintained.
• Separate eating areas should be provided for employees.
• Smoking, eating, or drinking should be prohibited in areas where toxic materials are handled.
• Floors should be kept clean and free of spills, debris, and hazards like loose or damaged flooring.
• Walls should be light colored to reflect light, and contrasting colors should be used to indicate potential hazards or obstructions.
• Light fixtures should be clean and maintained to ensure adequate illumination.

Workplace Safety Practices

• Aisles and Stairways: Should be wide enough for safe pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
• Storage and Material Handling: Secure loose or light materials stored on roofs or open floors, keep materials away from openings and edges, and safely remove or bend protruding nails.
• Flammable and Explosive Materials: These materials should be stored separately from other materials, in appropriate containers, and properly labeled.
• Ventilation and Fire Prevention: Storage areas should be well-ventilated and areas where flammable materials are stored should have explosion-proof electrical fixtures and switches. Grounding straps should be used to prevent static electricity buildup.
• Fire Extinguishers: Appropriate fire extinguishers should be provided and kept clear and accessible.

Housekeeping Inspection Checklist

• Floors and Other Areas: Check if floors are clean and free of waste, if signs are posted for wet floors, and if floors are in good condition.