Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety

Outline:
• What is OHS?
• Why Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is
Important?
• Explain the process of identifying workplace
hazards and conducting risk assessments to
evaluate potential risks.
 Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety

Outline:
• Discuss strategies for preventing accidents and
injuries through hazard elimination.
• Relevant OHS laws, regulations, and standards
that govern workplace safety
• Emphasize the importance of compliance with
OHS requirements to ensure a safe working
environment.
What is OHS?

• Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a practice that deals with the
safety, health, welfare and wellbeing of people when they are
at work. Providing a safe working environment for the staff is a legal
responsibility for companies and OHS requires both the prevention
and treatment of any health issues that staff may experience during
or because of their work.
Why Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is Important?

• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) focuses primarily on protecting

employees in the workplace from accidents, injuries, and exposure to
harmful substances. While accidents can happen at any time, it is still
the employer’s responsibility to ensure that they take steps to reduce
the risk of incidents and maintain a safe working environment.
Prioritizing OHS at your business has several key benefits, including:
• Reduced risk or accidents or injuries by identifying and mitigating hazards
• Improved efficiency and productivity due to fewer employees missing work
from illness or injury
• Improved employee relations and morale (a safer work environment is a less
stressful work environment)
• Reduced costs associated with accidents or injuries (healthcare and
rehabilitative costs, losses in productivity, impact on employees’ well-being)
• Lower insurance premiums resulting from fewer workplace incidents and
workers’ compensation claims
Explain the process of identifying workplace hazards and conducting risk assessments to
evaluate potential risks.

What is a hazard?
• There are many definitions for hazard but the most common
definition when talking about workplace health and safety is “A
hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health
effects on something or someone.”
• The CSA Z1002 Standard "Occupational health and safety - Hazard
identification and elimination and risk assessment and control" uses
the following terms:
Harm – physical injury or damage to health.
Hazard – a potential source of harm to a worker.
What if I am new to the workplace?

If you are new to your workplace, to learn about the hazards and health and
safety of your job, you can:

• ask your supervisor

• ask a member of the health and safety committee or your health and safety representative
• ask about standard operating procedures and precautions for your job
• check product labels and safety data sheets
• pay attention to signs and other warnings in your work
• watch for posters or instructions at the entrance of a chemical storage room to warn of
hazardous products
• ask about operating instructions, safe work procedures, processes, etc.
Workplace Signage
Strategies for preventing accidents and injuries through hazard elimination.

• Know the Hazards

• Create a Safe Work Area
• Use Safe Lifting Techniques
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Regular Communication
• Education and Training
Relevant OHS laws, regulations, and standards that govern workplace safety

• Under Section 3, Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution,

Occupational Health and Safety is a right, hence, it is important that
NDC endeavor for better working conditions for its employees.
Evidenced-based studies revealed that a holistic approach, combining
occupational health and safety with disease prevention, and tackling
the social determination of health within a systems framework
generates a more responsive and concerted action for protecting and
promoting the health of workers.
• This Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the National
Development Company (NDC) is hereby adopted in compliance with
Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2020 of the Civil Service
Commission (CSC), Department of Health (DOH) and Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE) enjoining all government agencies to
comply with the Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health
Standards for the Public Sector.
Here are some key OHS laws, regulations, and standards that govern workplace
safety:

1. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA):

Enacted in the United States, OSHA sets mandatory standards for workplace safety
and health. It requires employers to provide a safe and healthful workplace, free
from recognized hazards that may cause injury or illness to employees.
2. Hazard Communication Standard (HCS):
HCS is a regulation under OSHA that requires employers to communicate
information about hazardous chemicals to their employees. This includes providing
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), proper labeling of containers, and training on safe
handling procedures.
3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):
NIOSH is a federal agency in the United States that conducts research and provides
recommendations for workplace safety and health. Their guidelines and criteria are
widely recognized and used by industries to improve workplace conditions.
4. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):
ANSI is a private, non-profit organization that develops
voluntary consensus standards for various industries, including
workplace safety. ANSI standards provide guidelines for safe work
practices, equipment design, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
5. International Organization for Standardization (ISO):
ISO is an international organization that develops and publishes
standards for a wide range of industries, including workplace safety. ISO
45001 is a globally recognized standard that provides a framework for
organizations to implement an effective occupational health and safety
management system.
Here are some important laws and agencies
related to OHS in the Philippines:
• Republic Act No. 11058 (Philippine Occupational Safety and Health
Standards)
• Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
• Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC)
Emphasize the importance of compliance with OHS requirements to
ensure a safe working environment.

OHS requirements encompass a wide range of aspects, including:

1. Safe Work Environment- Employers must provide a safe and healthy work environment that
minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses. This includes proper ventilation,
adequate lighting, ergonomic workstations, and regular maintenance of equipment.

2. Hazard Identification and Control- Organizations must identify potential hazards in the
workplace and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate risks. This may involve
using personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing safety procedures, and providing
training to employees.

3. Emergency Preparedness- Having a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan in place is

essential for effectively responding to accidents and emergencies. This includes establishing
clear evacuation routes, providing first aid training, and ensuring access to emergency
equipment.
OHS requirements encompass a wide range of aspects, including:

4. Training and Education: Employers must provide employees with

adequate training and education on OHS requirements, including their
rights and responsibilities, safe work practices, and emergency procedures.
5. Regular Inspections: Conducting regular inspections of the workplace
helps identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with OHS
standards. These inspections should be carried out by competent
individuals and documented appropriately.
6. Incident Reporting and Investigation: Organizations should have a
system in place for reporting and investigating accidents, incidents, and
near misses. This helps identify root causes and implement corrective
measures to prevent future occurrences.