The Occupational Safety and Health Center and the Department of Labor and Employment in reminding private institutions and government organizations to ensure the safety and health of their workers, a government press release said.

OSHC, an attached agency of DOLE, stressed intensified awareness on workers' safety and health, especially in the construction industry or in hazardous occupations, at a Kapihan sa PIA forum recently.

OSHC is mandated to protect Filipino workers against accidents and illnesses in their workplace and promote employees welfare.

Nelia Granadillos, OSHC division chief, presented the OSHC's "Vision 1 Million" that aims to increase the number of OSH advocates in the country to prevent workplace accidents and diseases, the press release said.

“We workers should always stay healthy and safe while at work,” Granadillos said.

She said workplace safety has a framework that starts with prevention, which includes research, technical services, and training.

DOLE comes in for enforcement or inspection of the workplace and updating labor standards.

If accidents happen, compensation or benefits may be claimed from the Employees' Compensation Commission, Granadillos said.

OSHC trains safety officers and safety practitioners, especially in industries considered hazardous in nature.

Representing the construction industry, Absalita Teves said that they are working on keeping their workers safe, considering that construction work is a hazardous occupation.

She said the main duty of the construction safety officers' is to ensure a safer construction site by prioritizing the safety of workers.

DOLE provincial director Maritess Mercado said the agency has been issuing work stoppage orders, or the mandated halt of work of any unit, department or entire operation of an establishment, when non-compliance with occupational safety and health standards poses imminent danger to the health and safety of the employees in the workplace.

OSHC offers various trainings on basic occupational health and safety, construction safety and health, drug-free workplace, and work environment measurements, among others, the press release added.*

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