BUILDING UTILITIES 5 - Health
HEALTH SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION
WHAT IS CONSTRUCTION SAFETY?
Construction safety is a principle that construction
safety managers follow and enforce. It is the result of
proper equipment use, worker safety, regular site
inspections, and risk assessments.
Compliance with regional safety and health regulations
is a critical component of construction safety.
• Construction workers require adequate
protection due to the hazards of their
occupation.
• To ensure their safety, construction workers
should be constantly monitored.
• A construction site can be one of the riskiest
places to work.
In the case of the construction industry, several things
are required to ensure worker safety.
• Construction workers must be oriented,
instructed and trained by the construction
project manager to assure safe handling of
equipment and of disposing waste.
• All employees must have protective equipment
for the eyes, face, feet and all crucial body parts
when exposed to hazardous work procedures.
• On heavy equipment, a safety officer is required
to ensure proper handling.
In the case of the construction industry, several things
are required to ensure worker safety.
• Construction workers must be oriented,
instructed and trained by the construction
project manager to assure safe handling of
equipment and of disposing waste.
• All employees must have protective equipment
for the eyes, face, feet and all crucial body parts
when exposed to hazardous work procedures.
• On heavy equipment, a safety officer is required
to ensure proper handling.
IMPORTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
• While complying with safety and health
regulations is the primary reason for improving
construction safety, there are numerous other
benefits to putting safety first, such as reducing
the number of safety hazards and incidents.
• This is critical because safety hazards and
incidents harm the company's reputation
among industry professionals and regulatory
agencies, and they can be costly.
BENEFITS OF CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
• Prioritizing construction safety has the
advantage of strengthening trust between
workers, construction safety managers, and
company executives.
• This increased trust leads to better
communication throughout the organization,
which leads to fewer misunderstandings and
clashes.
• Improving construction safety can also boost
worker productivity and efficiency.
• When a company provides adequate training
and protection for its employees, they are
better equipped to do their jobs effectively and
safely.
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
• Working in the construction industry can be a
hazardous occupation. According to the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA), fatal injuries in the construction
industry are still far too common, with an
average of 937 deaths per year between 2003
and 2006.
• Construction sites are notorious for being
riddled with hazards. There are numerous
potential hazards present, ranging from tools
and equipment to the materials being worked
on. As a result, everyone involved in
construction, from the workers to the site
manager, must be aware of the risks and know
how to protect themselves (and others).
• Construction sites are complex environments
with a lot of moving parts. Workers are
frequently required to navigate heights, operate
 heavy machinery, and handle a variety of
hazardous materials. As a result, construction
sites are a well-known hotspot for potential
injuries. You could be confronted by one of
these dangerous construction workplace
hazards, especially if you are not cautious
enough.
• It is your responsibility as an employer to
identify all types of hazards on construction
sites. The first step in making your workplace
safe is to conduct a full risk assessment. A
professional safety inspection can help you
identify potential construction site hazards.
Following that, you can take the necessary
precautions to reduce the risks.
• Here are the seven common types of health and
safety hazards in the construction industry:
Type #1: Physical Hazards
Manual handling activities, such as carrying or lifting
heavy objects, are frequently the source of physical
hazards on a construction site. These activities place
undue strain on the body, causing tendons and muscles
to tear. Manual handling without proper construction
safety protocols may result in long-term problems such
as musculoskeletal disorders, which can be permanently
disabling.
It's important to remember that not all physical hazards
on a construction site are visible or touchable. Heat,
electricity, vibration, and sound are all potential hazards.
Many people underestimate the dangers of vibrations
from handheld power tools, which can harm your hands
or fingers. Similarly, construction workers frequently
report an unpleasant ringing in the ears as a result of
constant exposure to loud noises.
Type #2: Height Hazards
People falling and being injured on construction sites
are examples of height hazards. Many workplace
fatalities are caused by the hazards of working at
heights. When dealing with height hazards, you must
consider the height of the fall as well as anything that
could cause additional damage upon impact. A 3-metre
fall on a sand surface, for example, may not result in
serious injuries. A 1-metre fall onto a rocky surface, on
the other hand, could be fatal.
Although height hazards are more common in multi-
story buildings, they can occur in a wide range of
workplace settings. Harnesses, guardrails, and safety
belts are examples of fall protection equipment that can
be used to reduce injuries or fatalities. Working at
heights training is also important for educating
employees on the best guidelines and safety protocols.
Type #3: Mechanical Hazards
Machines significantly improve efficiency on
construction sites and in the workplace. They do,
however, come with their own set of risks. Construction
workers are at risk from hot surfaces, sharp edges, and
moving parts. Some of the most common causes of
machine accidents are loose parts, faulty locks, and
failing to keep a safe distance from the equipment.
The majority of mechanical hazards occur at the point of
operation. They can happen when you're cutting,
shaping, crushing, or doing high-pressure construction
work with the equipment. These dangers can result in
physical amputations or other serious injuries. You can
learn about the proper safeguards to prevent machine-
related injuries with construction safety training.
Type #4: Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards cause many deaths and illnesses
among construction workers. This could be because
they are frequently exposed to hazardous chemicals on
any given day. They may be exposed to fuel, lubricants,
sewage water, and mechanical oils on a daily basis.
Other commonly used chemicals, such as lead, mercury,
and flame retardants, may pose a health risk.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a common chemical hazard
in construction. PVC is primarily used in adhesives,
ductwork, and flooring. PVC may begin to degrade into
ethylene dichloride, dioxin, and vinyl chloride during
application. These chemicals can increase the likelihood
of developing cancer. Mercury is also absorbed through
the skin, eyes, and nose. The chemical compound can
be extremely difficult to remove once it has entered the
body.
Type #5: Electrical Hazards
One of the most common construction site hazards is
electrical shock. The harsh environment around loose
cables and electronic equipment makes them extremely
dangerous. In such cases, have personal protective
equipment (PPE) on hand as a last line of defense. A
flesh protection kit, insulating boots, safety glasses, face
shields, and gloves are examples of PPE that protects
against electrical hazards.
Make high-quality electrical testing a priority in
construction projects. You can also improve conditions
by using tools such as receptacle testers, clamp meters,
and voltage detectors, which reduce the volatility of
electrical hazards.
Type #6: Health Hazards
Dermatitis, deafness, musculoskeletal disorders, and
silica-related diseases are some of the occupational
health risks for construction workers. You should also be
on the lookout for asbestos-related diseases, which are
responsible for the majority of construction-related
deaths. Asbestos fibers can be hazardous when they
become airborne. Breathing in these fibers has been
linked to cancer and lung damage.
The most difficult aspect of asbestos is that it can be
difficult to detect. Before beginning construction work,
you must determine whether asbestos is present. If it is,
assess the risk and then take the necessary steps to
control the asbestos levels.
Type #7: Slip and Fall Hazards
Wet floors, trailing cables, uneven floor surfaces, unsafe
ladders, and inappropriate footwear are all slip and fall
hazards. A construction site is a hotbed for these types
of workplace hazards. Always keep an eye out for
changes in floor levels to reduce slips and falls. Keep
work areas clean and walk slowly when carrying loads.
Use a flashlight when necessary and report any lighting
issues immediately.
Other hazards on a construction site:
• Biological hazards include mold and bacteria.
• Ergonomic hazards include repetitive motion
injuries and back injuries.
• Lower back injuries are quite common because
of all the heavy lifting that occurs in
construction. To help prevent back injuries,
make sure that you lift with your legs and not
your back. Use panel lifters instead of carrying
panels on shoulders. Don’t be afraid to ask a
buddy to help carry something heavy.
• To protect workers from these hazards,
construction site managers must implement
health and safety protocols.
SAFETY SIGN AND SYMBOLS
• The Health and safety (safety signs and signals)
regulations 1996 required employers to provide
and maintain safety signs where there is
significant risk to health and safety that has not
been avoided or controlled
• Provided that the use of a sign can help reduce
the risk
What is a safety sign?
• A safety and/or health signs and symbols is
defined as “information or instruction about
health and safety at work on signboard, a
colour, an illuminated sign or acoustic signal, a
verbal communication or hand signal
• In addition to safety signs, you get signboards
which are:
• A sign which provides information or
instructions by a combination of shape, colour
and a symbol or pictogram which is rendered
visible by lighting of sufficient intensity. In
practice, many signboards may be accompanied
by supplementary text.
Why safety sign and symbol used?
• May show and help to explain the hazards
quickly.
• Can be understood by both readers and non-
readers
• May be multilingual and usually translate
directly into all language’s
There are four categories for signboards:
• Prohibition Sign:
• This is a sign that prohibits behavior or actions
that are likely to increase the chance of danger.
For example, no smoking.
• Prohibition signs are circular with a black
pictogram on a white background with a red
diagonal line through the middle and around
the outside.
• Warning Sign:
• A warning sign draws your attention to a
potential hazard or danger. For example,
warning about a hazardous substance.
 • These signs are triangular with a black
pictogram on a yellow background with black
edging
SPECIAL CARE
• Mandatory Sign:
• This sign encourages certain behaviors. For
example, wearing personal protection
equipment. For example, wearing personal
protection equipment.
• Mandatory signs are usually circular with a blue
background with a white pictogram.
• Safe Conditions Sign:
• These signs provide information of emergency
exits, first aid and rescue facilities.
• These signs are usually square or rectangular
with a green background and white text.
• Special care needs to be taken if an employee’s
vision is impaired.
• This is because they may struggle to see the
signs.
• In addition, if the sign uses audio aids, make
sure they are loud so those with hearing
problems can identify them.
• Take into account that employee’s PPE could
obstruct their vision or hearing.
• Bright and unobstructed signs are most
effective.

MEANING SHAPE & COLOUR SYMBOLS – are put inside the safety
shape. These are used in all EEC
Countries.
PROHIBITION You must not. RED means STOP. No admittance
Do not do. No smoking
Stop. No dirty clothes
MANDATORY You must do. BLUE means OBEY. Keep clear
Carry out the action Head protection must be worn
given by the sign. Wear gloves
WARNING Caution. YELLOW means risk of Danger high voltage
Risk of danger. DANGER. Danger mind your head
Hazard ahead. Danger forklifts in operation
SAFE CONDITION The safe way. GREEN means GO. First aid station
Where to go in an Emergency phone
emergency. Emergency exit

MULTI-PURPOSE SIGNS
To be used when the hazard requires more than one of
the 4 types to convey the safety message.

SUPPLEMENTARY TEST
If the safety sign needs additional information, it may be
added in words.

FIRE EQUIPMENT SIGNS

For indicating the location of fire fighting equipment and
how they should be used.

WORKS TRAFFIC SIGNS

Are the same design as public road signs.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF WORKERS
• Read and comply with all safety regulations and
procedures
• Follow reasonable instructions the employer
gives on health and safety
• Ask questions whenever one is unsure about
the procedure to follow
• Use the correct tools and equipment for the job;
keep it in good condition
• Do not use alcohol or drug while at work
• Announce any hazards they identify
immediately to management
• Report any arrangement intended to protect
health which is not effective ( not just ignore the
problem and carry on working unsafe condition)
Important Safety Signs & Symbols And Their
Meanings
• Safety Symbols are labels portraying graphics
set forth by the International Standards
Organization (ISO) which are recognized
internationally. This helps ensure the dangers
present are understood by an increasingly multi-
lingual workforce. The shapes and colours of the
safety symbols distinguish the hazard type or
hazard instruction.
Green Architecture
Introduction
• Green architecture, or green design, is an
approach to building that minimizes harmful
effects on human health and the environment.
• The "green" architect or designer attempts to
safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-
friendly building materials and construction
practices (Roy,2008).
Green Architecture and Green Design
Green architecture defines an understanding of
environment-friendly architecture under all
classifications, and contains some universal consent
(Burcu, 2015), It may have many of these characteristics:
• Ventilation systems designed for efficient
heating and cooling
• Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
• Water-saving plumbing fixtures
• Landscapes planned to maximize passive solar
energy
• Minimal harm to the natural habitat
• Alternate power sources such as solar power or
wind power
• Non-synthetic, non-toxic materials
• Locally-obtained woods and stone
• Responsibly-harvested woods
• Adaptive reuse of older buildings
• Use of recycled architectural salvage
• Efficient use of space
While most green buildings do not have all of these
features, the highest goal of green architecture is to be
fully sustainable.
COMMON SAFETY FEATURES OF COMMERCIAL
BUILDINGS
• For the occupants of commercial buildings to be
safe, specific health and safety features must be
installed. Some of these features are classified
as fire safety, physical security, and building
occupant health.
• The following is a list of some of the most
common health and safety features found in
commercial buildings.
FIRE SAFETY FEATURES
• A commercial building must have the following
fire safety features that comply with the
National Fire Code of the Philippines.
• They must also comply with local state
regulations and building codes.
FIRE DOORS
• Fire doors are required in commercial buildings
to prevent the spread of fire, heat, and smoke
throughout the structure. They also allow
people to move quickly from one area of the
building to another or outside.
• These doors must have specific fire-resistant
characteristics that are rated and certified by
authorities after an inspection. In newer
buildings, they may be functional while also
blending in with the building's design.
SMOKE DETECTORS AND FIRE ALARMS
• All commercial buildings must have smoke
detectors and a fire alarm system that alerts
occupants in the event of a fire. The system may
also be linked to the local fire department. A
licensed technician must test it at least once a
year to ensure proper operation.
• More advanced smoke detectors are linked to a
camera system throughout the building.
Building authorities can use these cameras to
quickly confirm the location of smoke and fire
detection.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND SPRINKLERS
• All commercial buildings must be equipped with
an overhead sprinkler system capable of
extinguishing small fires and assisting in the
control of larger fires. The sprinkler system must
be maintained and tested on a regular basis.
• Based on the area and number of occupants,
each floor requires a specific number of fire
extinguishers. Fire extinguishers should be
checked on a regular basis as well.
EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND EXIT SIGNS
• All commercial buildings must have emergency
lighting in the event of a power outage. If the
emergency lighting is bright enough, people
should be able to safely evacuate the building. It
 should be noted that emergency lighting and
exit signage are not the same thing.
• Exit signs are required by law in all commercial
buildings to assist people in finding their way
out in the event of an emergency. Exit signs
must also be illuminated in the event of a power
outage so that people can see them.
SECURITY FEATURES
• One of the best practices for commercial
buildings is to install a security system to protect
people and property within the building from
malicious intruders, theft, vandalism, and other
physical harm.
ACCESS CONTROL
• Access control systems are used to manage who
has access to which parts of a building. This is
usually accomplished by using electronic key
cards or biometrics such as fingerprint scanners.
• The system can be configured so that only
authorized personnel can enter certain areas at
certain times. This improves security and safety
by preventing unauthorized access to areas
containing sensitive information or dangerous
materials.
CCTV SURVEILLANCE
• A CCTV surveillance system must be installed in
a commercial building to help deter crime and
improve security. Security personnel should
keep an eye on the system at all times. If a
crime occurs, the CCTV footage can be used as
evidence.
• The CCTV surveillance system is integrated with
the fire protection system in more advanced
buildings. As a result, it may also link to the fire
department's connection to the fire alarm
system. This allows authorities to better monitor
events in the event of an intrusion.
INTRUSION DETECTION
• An intrusion detection system is used to detect
and report any unauthorized entry into the
building. The system can be set up to trigger an
alarm or alert security personnel in the event of
an intrusion.
• The system can also be linked to the CCTV
surveillance system so that security personnel
can more easily identify the intruder and take
appropriate action.
HEALTH SAFETY FEATURES IN COMMERCIAL
BUILDINGS
THE FOLLOWING FEATURES ENABLE A COMMERCIAL
BUILDING TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF
ITS OCCUPANTS
Air Quality
• The air quality in a commercial building must be
monitored to ensure that it is safe for
occupants. Air quality sensors can be used to
detect pollutants and contaminants in the air.
• The sensors can be linked to a central control
system that can automatically adjust the
ventilation to maintain acceptable levels of air
quality.
Water Quality
• The water quality in a commercial building must
be monitored to ensure that the occupants are
safe. Impurities in water can be detected using
water quality sensors.
• The sensors can be linked to a central control
system, which can adjust the water treatment
process automatically to maintain acceptable
levels of water quality.
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY CONTROL
• To ensure occupant comfort, the temperature
and humidity in a commercial building must be
controlled. Temperature and humidity sensors
can be used to detect temperature and
humidity changes.
• The sensors can be linked to a central control
system, which can automatically adjust the
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
to keep the desired temperature and humidity
levels.
SOUNDPROOFING
• Soundproofing is often used in commercial
buildings to ensure the comfort of occupants.
Soundproofing material that absorbs noise can
 be used to reduce the amount of noise that is
transmitted through walls, ceilings, and floors.
• The material can also be used to reduce the
amount of noise that is produced by mechanical
equipment such as HVAC systems. Green walls,
which are vertical plantings that absorb noise,
can also be used to reduce the amount of noise
in a building.
ENSURING SAFETY IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
• To ensure the safety of its occupants, a
commercial building must have a number of
features in place. Fire protection systems,
Physical protection systems, and Health
protection systems are examples of these
features. With these in place, a commercial
building can provide its occupants with a safe
and comfortable environment.
5 ESSENTIAL SAFETY FEATURES OF COMMERCIAL
BUILDINGS
1. Fire Safety Features
• Fire hydrants should be readily accessible, and
staff should be trained in using them if the need
arises.
2. Earthquake Safety Features
• If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, an
earthquake preparedness kit is a must. It’s a
good idea in places that don’t commonly get
earthquakes as well, as you never know what
could happen.
• A disaster preparedness kit should include:
• Water and food
• A battery-powered radio
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Masks
• Wrenches and pliers
• Supplies should last at least 3 days.
Electrical Safety Features
• Making sure there is no live wire exposed is an
obvious electrical safety measure, but there are
many additional steps you should be taking to
protect your employees. Electrical panels should
always have lockable doors, and doors should
be locked when not in use.
• Electrical systems in your commercial building
should also be regularly inspected. Develop a
comprehensive electrical safety guide for your
business and employees to ensure they are
aware of the unique hazards in their workplace.
Entryway and Parking Lot Safety Features
• If the concrete on your property is uneven,
cracked, or crumbling, employees and
customers entering the building may trip and
fall. As your company is liable for any injuries
obtained on the property, it is essential to
protect yourself by fixing any damage.
Employee Harassment Support
• While not specifically a feature of the building
itself, one of the most important safety
protocols to implement within your commercial
property is anti-discrimination policies. Creating
a positive environment for employees where
they feel safe bringing up issues and safety
concerns is integral to the growth of your
company.
HOW THE ADVENT OF SMART TECHNOLOGY IS
ENHANCING HOME SECURITY AND MAINTENANCE
As the world becomes more digitized, more and more
devices become "smart," particularly in the home
security and maintenance industry, where products such
as smart thermostats and smoke detectors are
becoming common place.
While these devices provide numerous benefits to
consumers, they also present new challenges for
businesses seeking to stay ahead of the competition. In
this rapidly changing landscape, it’s more important
than ever for businesses to keep up with the latest
trends in smart technology.
INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Smart technology advancements provide more
options for homeowners looking to improve
their home security and energy efficiency. Smart
thermostats, for example, enable homeowners
to program their heating and cooling systems to
run only when necessary, resulting in significant
utility bill savings.
 • Furthermore, many smart thermostats can be
controlled remotely, making it simple to adjust
the temperature even when you're not at home.
3 Reasons To Use a Smart Thermostat
1 – Energy Savings
Smart thermostats allow you to set schedules and zones
so that you only use the amount of heating and cooling
you need only when you need it.
Smart door locks add another layer of security by
allowing only authorized individuals to enter.
Furthermore, many smart locks now include built-in
As home automation technology advances, it is clear that
cameras, allowing homeowners to see who is attempting
to enter their homes even when they are not present.
Smart locks, in addition to increased security, provide the
convenience of hands-free operation, as they can be
opened with a simple voice command.
• Security systems come equipped with advanced
features like motion sensors and two-way audio
that can make it easier to deter intruders and
stay safe in the event of an emergency.
IMPROVED HOME SECURITY
• There's no denying that smart technology has
altered our way of life. The introduction of new
technology has had an impact on nearly every
aspect of our lives, from how we communicate
with our loved ones to how we manage our
finances.
• Smart technology is now changing the way we
keep our homes safe and secure. It's now easier
than ever to keep an eye on your property while
you're away,
• With features such as remote monitoring and
automatic notifications, you can be confident
that your home is in good hands even when you
are not present.
• Security systems come equipped with advanced
features like motion sensors and two-way audio
that can make it easier to deter intruders and
stay safe in the event of an emergency.
ENHANCED HOME MAINTENANCE
• There has been a significant shift in how people
interact with their homes in recent years. Smart
2 – Remote Control
You can control the temperature to have the right
thermostat with the touch of a button on an app. even
you are out of your own houses
3 – Easier Programming
Programmable thermostats detects the activity within
the home so that it can adjust the heating or cooling
accordingly.
smart devices will be the future of home security and
maintenance.
technology now allows you to control almost
every aspect of your home from your
smartphone.
• Everything from turning on the lights to
adjusting the thermostat is covered. It makes
life easier by improving home security and
maintenance.
• You can now, for example, set timers for your
lights to make it appear as if someone is home
even when you are not.
MANAGING ALL YOUR HOME DEVICES FROM ONE
PLACE
• Here are a few examples of how smart
technology is improving home security and
maintenance:
• To begin, smart technology can assist you in
monitoring your home environment. You can
install sensors to monitor temperature,
humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and so on.
• The data can be used to adjust your air
conditioner or furnace settings to maintain a
comfortable level of indoor air quality.
• You can also be notified if any unusual changes
in your home environment point to a potentially
dangerous situation.
• Second, smart technology can provide you with
increased control over your home security
 system. You can receive alerts when someone
enters your home and even view live footage of
what is going on inside your home from afar. It
enables you to quickly determine whether there
is an intruder and take appropriate action to
ensure your family's safety.
• Finally, cutting-edge technology can help you
manage all of your home devices from a single
location.
TOP 11 CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY EXAMPLES:
1. Artificial Intelligence
2. 3D Multi-Sensor Transmitters
3. Robotics
4. IoT, 5G And Edge Computing
5. Quantum Teleportation
6. Homomorphic Encryption
7. Nanotechnology
8. Solar Fuel
9. Atmospheric Energy
10. Blockchain
11. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
• Overall, it is clear that smart technology
improves home security and maintenance
significantly. Smart technology makes it easier
to identify potential hazards and take action to
ensure the safety of your family by allowing
homeowners to monitor their homes.
Furthermore, smart technology improves the
efficiency of home systems by allowing all
devices to be managed from a single location.
RA 11058
KEY POINTS OF RA 11058 "AN ACT STRENGTHENING
COMPLIANCE WITH OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
HEALTH STANDARDS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATIONS THEREOF" AND ITS IRR (D.O. 198-18)
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS
• Wilful failure or refusal to comply with OSH
Standards or compliance orders shall be
penalized with not more than P100, 000 daily
until full compliance; reckoned from the date of
issuance of Notice of Results or Compliance
Order.
• Repeated violation of the same prohibited act
shall be penalized of the corresponding fine plus
50% for every instance of repeat violation
• When the violation exposes the worker to
death, serious injury or serious illness, the
imposable penalty shall be P100,000
ENFORCEMENT/EFFECTIVITY
• Enforcement is through the DOLE-Regional
Offices having jurisdiction over the workplace
D.O. 183-17 shall govern the procedure in the
implementation of DOLE D.O. 198-18 OSH Law
IRR,DOLE D.O. 198-18 effectivity:25 January
2019
• Use the correct tools and equipment for the job;
keep it in good condition
• Do not use alcohol or drug while at work
• Announce any hazards they identify
immediately to management
• Report any arrangement intended to protect
health which is not effective (not just ignore the
problem and carry on working unsafe condition)
COVERAGE
• All private establishments where work is being
undertaken including establishments located
inside special economic zones and other
investment promotion agencies (e.g. Philippine
Economic Zone [PEZA], Clark Development
Corporation (CDC])
• Utilities engaged in air, sea and land
transportation
• Exemption – Public Sector (national government
agencies, government-owned and controlled
corporations with original charters, government
financial institutions, state universities and
colleges and local government units)
DUTIES AND RIGHTS
• Employer's Duties: provide a safe and healthy
workplace through the following, among others:
• Capacity building of all workers including
mandatory trainings;
• Provision of information on OSH;
• Use of devices/equipment with approved
industry standards;
• Compliance with all the requirements of the
OSH Standards:
 • Provide appropriate DOLE tested and approved
PPES FREE of charge to the workers. Workers'
Rights:
• To know the different types of hazards in the
workplace;
• Be provided with training, education and
orientation;
• To refuse unsafe work without threat or reprisal
from the employer in cases of imminent danger.
Affected workers may be temporarily assigned
to other work areas;
• To report accidents and dangerous occurrences
to DOLE- ROs and other government agencies in
the most convenient way: Workers shall be free
from retaliation for reporting any accident;
WORKPLACE CLASSIFICATION BASED ON RISKS
• Based on the level of risks brought about by the
nature of activities/business processes in the
establishment; determined by the company
safety officer.
• Low Risk Workplace refers to those with less
exposure to safety and health hazards, having
low level of danger, with no or less probability
to cause an accident, harm, injury or illness
• Medium Risk Workplace refers to those having
moderate exposure to safety and health hazards
and with probability of an accident, injury or
illness if no preventive or control measures are
in place
• High Risk Workplace refers to those wherein
presence of hazards affects not only workers but
persons outside establishment; with high level
of exposure to safety and health hazards;
probability of major accident is likely to occur
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OSH)
PROGRAMS
• Covered workplaces through the Health and
Safety Committee (HSC), shall develop and
implement a suitable OSH Program following
the DOLE-prescribed format.
• OSH Program shall be submitted and considered
approved upon stamped-received by concerned
DOLE-Regional Office or Field Office. Pre-
approved program shall be validated during
inspection and may be modified by DOLE as
necessary, based on existing laws, rules and
regulations.
• The HSC shall review and evaluate the OSH
Program at least once a year or as necessary. A
revised copy of the program shall be submitted
to DOLE.
• A suitable Construction Safety and Health
Program (CHSP) specific for each construction
project shall be submitted to concerned DOLE-
Regional Office or Field Office for its approval
prior to start of the project.
• The total cost of implementing OSH Programs
shall be an integral part of the company's
operations cost.
OSH PERSONNEL COMPLEMENT
• All covered workplaces shall have qualified OSH
personnel:
• First Aider
• Safety Officer
• Nurses
• [Number and type of OSH personnel are based
on the number of employees and the correct
determination by the Safety Officer of his/her
workplace classification] *Refer to Table of OSH
Personnel on Sec. 14 & Sec. 15 of D.O. 198-18
SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
• All OSH personnel shall undergo the prescribed
mandatory trainings from DOLE-accredited
Safety Training Organizations or its recognized
training institutions.
• All workers shall undergo the mandatory 8- hour
OSH seminar as prescribed by DOLE. This
training may be conducted by the company
safety officer in a staggered manner.
• Workers performing critical occupations shall
undergo the mandatory competency
assessment and certification by TESDA.
• Workers' OSH seminars and
trainings/orientations required by the employer
or by other regulations in the performance of
their task shall be undertaken at no cost to the
worker and considered as compensable working
time.
WORKERS' WELFARE FACILITIES
• All workers shall have FREE access and use of
the following welfare facilities:
• Adequate supply of safe drinking water
• Adequate sanitary and washing facilities
 • Suitable living accommodation as may be
applicable such as in construction, shipping,
fishing and night workers
• Separate sanitary, washing and sleeping
quarters for all genders, as may be
applicable
• Lactation Station
• Ramps, railings and the like
• Medical Facilities (treatment room/clinic)
• Other workers' welfare facilities as may be
prescribed by the OSH Standards and other
issuances
JOINT AND SOLIDARY LIABILITY
• The employer, project owner, contractor or
subcontractor and any person who manages,
controls or supervises the work being
undertaken shall be jointly and solidarity liable
for compliance with the Occupational Safety
and Health Standards and corresponding
penalties for violations.
INCENTIVES
• Incentives may be given to qualified employers
and workers in recognition of their efforts in
ensuring compliance with the OSH standards .
• Incentives shall be given in the form of training,
additional protective equipment, technical
guidance, recognition awards and the like.
INTER-GOVERNMENT COORDINATION AND
COOPERATION
• A Joint Coordinating Committee shall be
established to effectively implement the Law
and its IRR.
• The Committee shall develop mechanisms for
harmonizing each Agency's
mandates/policies/guidelines related to OSH,
with reference to the Law.
• DOLE to collaboratively work with DENR, DOE,
DOTR, DA, DPWH, DTI, DILG-LGUS, DOH, DICT,
PEZA and other government agencies.