By Alma L. Tingcang
PAGADIAN CITY, February 10 (PIA) - - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) spearheaded the 4-day Construction Safety and Health (CSH) for Site Safety Officers Training held at Mardale Hotel and Convention Center here on February 6-9.
DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon said Fivestar Safety and Health Consultancy (FSHC) based in Cebu City and accredited by the Bureau of Working Conditions with BWC Accreditation No. 1030-082301-0052 conducted the training.
ARD Bonbon said Department Memorandum regarding procedures for evaluation and approval of application for registration as contractor/subcontractor, which was signed by then Regional Director Ponciano M. Ligutom on January 12, 2012 states that no application should be accepted unless the applicant contractor/subcontractor has substantially complied with the necessary requirements. Attendance to the training was one of the requirements that have to be complied before they will be able to renew their business permits.
A registration fee of P25,000 shall be paid to the regional office after the approval of the application for registration.
Before, only P100 was charged for registration fee. However, it was observed that many “fly by night’’ contractors also apply for registration because of the measly amount. In the event that accidents happen in the workplace, they are nowhere to be found and shirk from their responsibilities. No one would be held liable then.
She said contractors/subcontractors will not be allowed to participate in government biddings if they fail to complete the 40-hours training and they would not be able to renew their license.
Reynel M. Bancal and Fidelino Tinapay of FSHC who have different fields of expertise facilitated the training and discussed various topics such as : Hazardous Materials, Tools and Equipment Safety, Personal Protective Equipment, Environmental Safety and Occupation Health Program, Site Premises, Excavation and Trenching, Construction Machinery, Temporary Structures, Demolition, Explosives, Fall Protection and Roles of S & H Site Officer.
DOLE also discussed Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Legislation and its Importance.
During the 4-day training, they conducted actual site inspection and workshop on Accident Investigation (AI), Job Hazard Analysis, and Tool Box Meeting (TBM) .
DOLE asked the participants to promote Safety and Health standards in workplaces at all times. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)