Workers’ Safety Tops LGU-Pilar’s List
By Pilar PIO
Driven by the intent of taking the challenge to respond to the question; Paano maseseguro na ang bawat manggagawa ay makakauwi ng ligtas at buhay sa kanyang pamilya? ( How can we ensure that workers can go home to their family safe and alive) , the Local Government Unit of Pilar coordinated the Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office (DOLE V) Occupational Safety and Health Center(OSHC) to bring the Orientation on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) to the employees in the public sector after it was identified in the action plan during the conduct of Management Review in December 2020 in response to the need for it in LGU Pilar’s quest for quality management system.
The Orientation on Occupational Safety and Health was scheduled in two batches on February 3 and 4, 2021 in Women Center, Pilar. Sorsogon. There were 102 workers who participated in the said activity coming from the low to high risk workplaces. Two from the private sectors were also accommodated who considered it as significant in their business line.
Mr. Mark James Andayog, Unit Head of the OSH Center expressed his appreciation to the Local Government Unit of Pilar for taking the initiative of providing the OSH to the employees.
In a Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2020 of the Civil Service Commission(CSC), Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE) and Department of Health (DOH),which was in effect on May 22, 2020, workers in the public sector are guaranteed protection from hazardous conditions. The JMC issuance of these three agencies is aimed at institutionalizing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in government workplaces to protect government workers from the dangers of injury, sickness, or death and to prevent loss or damage of properties through the adoption of safe and healthy working conditions to ensure the preservation of human lives. [source: Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2020, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards for the Public Sector].
The guidelines mandate agency heads to comply with a long list of reasonable working conditions and workplace standards, policies, programs and support facilities.
Positive reactions as well as appreciation from the participants reached the attention of the Local Chief Executive and so her presence to the activity on the second batch is a manifestation of her commitment to prioritize the workers’ welfare among others. In her message, Mayor Carolyn C. Sy-Reyes assured the employees that the LGU will always look after the well-being of the employees and that includes ensuring their safety and protection at all times. She urged everyone that earning an income for the family is tantamount to working safely to get back to his/her family alive. She concluded her message by encouraging the employees to do his part to ensure that each will have a share in realizing safe, healthy and productive LGU.
Safety isn’t expensive, its priceless. Safety is a must and every person should be educated about the value of life for a safe well-being. LGU-Pilar started it and will make safety to be on top of every endeavor. (Ma. Annie L. Perete)
