By Jazmin Cinco
ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 02, (PIA) - - The observance of the “2012 World Day for Safety and Health at Work” is focused on the promotion of occupational safety and health (OSH) in a “green” economy.
The celebration is a concrete example of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) showing environmental concern by planting 360 propagules (mangroves) at the Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City last April 28, 2012.
The Mangrove planting was initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment-9 (DOLE9) in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Network-9 (OSHNET9), DOLE9-Regional Coordinating Committee (DOLE9-RCC) members represented by the contingents from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB); DOLE-9 Intermediaries Council represented by the chairpersons of ZamPen Federation of Family Welfare Committees (ZFFWC), ZamPen Union Officers’ Club (ZUOC) and the Association of Zamboanga City’s Recruitment Agencies (AZCRA). The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) represented by Mr. Renato H. Callorina, the City Tourism Office (CTO); a correspondent/reporter from Zamboanga Today, Philippine Naval Forces (PNF) , Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) also actively participated in this noble cause.
DOLE-9 Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano in his opening message, stressed that the celebration is encouraged to shift the world’s perspective into a greener and more sustainable economy.
“We in the Department are mandated to implement the “ Green Our DOLE” program. However, even if certain jobs are considered to be “green”, and the technologies used may protect the environment but may not be safe at all.
There is still a need to integrate risk assessment and management measures in the life cycle analysis of all green jobs.” he emphasized.
“A true green job must integrate safety and health into its design, procurement, operations, maintenance, sourcing and recycling policies, certification systems and occupational safety and health quality standards” he added.
Director Cano stated further the Department Order No. 44-03, series of 2003 with concerns to safeguard the health and welfare of the Filipino worker, the DOLE enjoins all offices under its jurisdiction, workers’ organizations, trade unions, employers’ organizations, establishments, safety and health practitioners and professional organizations to commemorate April 28 every year as the “World Day for Safety and Health at Work”, pursuant to the mandate of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
The observance of this event has two main objectives: 1) to
promote, enhance, and instill national awareness and appreciation on the
importance of occupational safety and health; and 2) to elicit the cooperation
and support of the workers, employers, professional groups and especially the
general public in upgrading the quality of life in the workplace.
During the activity, Engr. Eduardo R. Rivero, Jr., President of
the OSHNET-9 also briefed and shared the significance of commemorating this
yearly event, to about 250 million work accidents that occur annually, while
160 million are estimated to suffer from work-related illnesses. Furthermore,
about 1.2 million die due to such accidents and illnesses resulting to a 4%
economic loss in the total world Gross National Profit. “The key, therefore,
towards preventing occupational deaths, diseases, and other negative effects of
globalization is a strong safety and health culture in all workplaces.” he
emphasized.
To make the event more meaningful, a Covenant Signing after the
mangrove planting took place for the utmost
promotion of the “clean and green earth” for its protection as a Sacred Trust,
to take action to reverse global warming to climate Smart, and to be united as
one in facing a shared challenge in a global effort to change history by
changing behavior as a Commitment to the Celebration of World Day for Safety
and Health – Green Economy. (JPA/JC/DOLE
9/PIA9)