Safety Officers and Practitioners Joint Annual General Assembly

It was agreed last meeting that this coming December 11, 2009 - all the three Safety Organizations here in Northern Mindanao namely: ASPPI, SOPI and OSHNET 10 will have their joint Annual General Membership Assembly plus Election of Officers plus Induction Program plus Christmas Party. It looks like four events rolled into one. Mind you, it has nothing to do with the financial crisis, it's just that we wanted to save time since most attendees are also members of these three Safety Organizations here in this part of the country.

To make it more interesting, there will be learning sessions in between. Tentative topics will be: Basic Industrial Safety Management and the NOSH Medium Term Plans.

This will be held at the newly opened Polymedic Plaza along Kauswagan Highway,Cagayan de Oro City.

Lastly,for all those who want to attend, please contact any of the officers of ASPPI, SOPI, OSHNET 10 and DOLE 10. Prepare Php 100.00 (min) worth of gift and an assessment fee of Php 300.00 will be collected for the food.

Newly Elected Officers of SOPI - Misor - CDO - Bukidnon

The 2010 - 2011 SOPI officers were elected during the Organization's Annual General Assembly held at Pryce Plaza Hotel last November 13, 2009.

Here are the newly elected officers:

President: Dr. Mario B. Sumalinog,DTE,CE,REE,CSP
MJ Consulting Services

Vice President: Dr.Gilbert B. Gille,MD,FPCOM,FPAMS
Cagayan de Oro Medical Center

Secretary: Archt. Ma. Isabel C. Baluca, CSP
Mindanao Silicon Metal Corp.

Treasurer: Ms. Areste A. Jacutin
JB & P Construction

Auditor: Engr. Merlyn G. Bangoy,CE
DPWH

Media Relations Officer: Ms. Fe Bongcawil
RIFRANZ MGM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Mr. Apollo Bacas,MBA
Xavier University

Engr. Nonito G. Castañares, REE, CSP
San Miguel Foods Inc CDO

Engr. Edgardo C. Diano, RME, CSP
Toyota Forklift

Engr. Salvador Y. Rivera, CE, CSP
NPC-Pulangui IV HEP

Engr. Darryl Salud, PME, CSP
NESTLE Phils., Inc.

Engr. Santiago L. Saludes, REE, CSP
Construction

Upcoming Events for the Safety Officers and Members of SOPI

November 13, 2009 will be an important day for all the members of the Safety Organization of the Philippines (SOPI) - Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon Inc. This will be the Annual General Members' Assembly and Election of Officers for 2010 - 2011.

Time flies so fast but so far the target of 100 X 100 has been achieved. So congrats to all my fellow officers for a job well done.

What are the requirements in the election and who are eligible to run for office?

1. All members except the honorary members are eligible to run for office.

2. Only the official representative of the industrial or corporate members is allowed to be nominated and/or elected.

3. Nomination will be on the floor but selection will be done by secret balloting.

It will be held at the Pryce Plaza Hotel, Carmen Cagayan de Oro.

For more informations, please call our SOPI Business Center.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Center in Mindanao

Yesterday was a great day for all Safety Advocates and Practitioners in this part of the country because the 3rd OSH center (after the Manila Central Office and OSH- Cebu) was finally opened yesterday.

It is located at the 3rd floor of the Regional Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE - 10) along Corrales Avenue fronting Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan.

Now, we can expect closer coordination and collaboration when it comes to Health and Safety and/or compliance to OSH standards is concern here in Cagayan de Oro and for the whole of Mindanao.

As president of SOPI, i pledge to fully support this worthwhile endeavor and they can count me in when it comes to safety training, awareness and advocacy.

Returning Home after a Flood

Preparing to return home after evacuating will keep you safer while inspecting and cleaning up the damage to your home. Before traveling, ensure local officials (RDCC or your LGU) have declared that it’s safe to enter your community and that you have the supplies you will need. Follow the suggestions below for returning to, inspecting and cleaning your home.


Items to Take When Returning Home:

* Important phone numbers
* Bottled water and non­perishable foods
* First aid kit
* Cleanser/hand cleaning gel for personal use
* Hygiene products and toilet paper
* Insect repellent and sunscreen
* Long­sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy waterproof boots and work gloves
* Flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries
* Cameras for photos of damage for insurance claims

Flood Safety Tips

DURING A FLOOD WATCH

-Listen to local TV and radio stations for the latest storm information.
-Have a battery operated radio available in case of loss of power so that you can continue to monitor the situation.
-Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
-Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
-If time allows move all valuable items from lower floors to higher ones.
-If you are instructed to do so by local authorities, turn off all utilities at the main switch and close the main gas valve.
-Be prepared to evacuate.


DURING A FLOOD

If Indoors:
-Turn on battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
-Get your pre-assembled emergency supplies.
-If told to leave, do so immediately.

If Outdoors:
-Climb to high ground and stay there.
-Avoid walking through any flood waters. If it is moving swiftly, even water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

If In A Car:
-If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way.
-If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.


DURING AN EVACUATION

-If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
-Remember that evacuation will be simpler and safer if you do so when you are advised.
-Have a battery operated radio available to listen to further evacuation instructions.
-Do not try to take short cuts. They may be blocked. Stick to designated evacuation routes.
-Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.

SOURCE: The American Red Cross

Flood Safety Tips

It seems that our country now is a favorite hangout of floods and/or typhoons which causes a lot of damage not only to properties, but also claiming precious lives.

That's why, id like to share this post to all of you hoping that in one way or another, i will able to reach out and share a couple of Flood safety tips i have compiled and/or searched from different sources.

BEFORE A FLOOD

-Find out if you live in a flood-prone area from your local emergency management agency and by finding out the flood history of your area..

-Find out whether your property is above or below flood level.

-Be aware of your community's warning system for flooding.

-If you live in an area that is frequently prone to flooding, stockpile emergency building materials, including plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber nails, hammer and saw, pry bar, shovels, and sandbags.

-Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains.

-Have an evacuation plan and route. Be sure to practice the evacuation procedures before a true emergency occurs. Find out what the community's evacuation plan is from the local emergency management agency. This should contain the safest routes to shelters. Make sure that you have several route planned, in case the first and/or second choices are flooded out.

-Have disaster supplies on hand.
-Flashlights and extra batteries
-Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
-First aid kit and manual
-Emergency food and water
-Non-electric can opener
-Essential medicines
-Cash and credit cards
-Sturdy shoes / boots

Leptospirosis outbreak confirmed

THE Department of Health yesterday reported that there is an outbreak of leptospirosis, a usually rare bacterial infection, in three barangays in Marikina and expects an upsurge of cases of the disease in Metro Manila and the regions of Rizal and the Calabarzon following the flooding brought by tropical storm “Ondoy.”

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the infectious disease is spreading rapidly in Marikina, with Tumana, Concepcion, and Malanday as the epicenter communities.

“It’s an outbreak there because in 2008, Marikina had zero cases.We expect a lot more cases in Rizal (province) and Calabarzon,” he said, citing areas where hospital data is still coming in and where stagnating floodwaters remain in heavily populated communities.

Duque said the DoH will begin distributing free doxycycline antibiotic drugs as a prophylactic, or means of prevention in Marikina.

He noted that the disease has afflicted more people in Metro Manila in the last two weeks than it typically does in an entire year, attributing the “outbreak” to large numbers of people wading in floodwaters carrying the bacteria.

In Metro Manila alone, the DoH has recorded 1,027 leptospirosis patients, with 89 deaths, for a high 8.6 percent mortality rate.

The health chief added that one million people in the Calabarzon region are at risk of exposure to the bacteria, while 700,000 people are vulnerable in Metro Manila.

Leptospirosis is spread through animal urine mixed in with floodwater entering openings in human skin. It usually takes two weeks after infection to manifest flu-like symptoms. If not diagnosed early enough, it can lead to meningitis, liver damage and death. Nearly one in ten afflicted so far has died, an extremely high mortality rate for any disease.

Duque said the best prevention is to stay out of polluted floodwaters. However, he admitted that many people have to walk in floodwater to return to their homes or simply to get from one place to another.

Many places remain under water since typhoon “Ondoy” struck and submerged large parts of Metro Manila and outlying areas.

Safety Tips: All About Leptospirosis!

How is leptospirosis treated?

Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease. Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms. Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a
health care provider.

Can leptospirosis be prevented?

The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine.
Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities.

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Safety Tips: All About Leptospirosis!

Where is leptospirosis found?

Leptospirosis occurs worldwide but is most common in temperate or tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with animals, for example, farmers, sewer workers, veterinarians, fish workers, dairy farmers, or military personnel. It is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports in contaminated areas and has been associated with swimming, wading, and whitewater rafting in contaminated lakes and rivers. The incidence is also increasing among urban children.

Source: Center for Disease and Control Prevention

Safety Tips: All About Leptospirosis!

How long is it between the time of exposure and when people become sick?

The time between a person's exposure to a contaminated source and becoming sick is 2 days to 4 weeks. Illness usually begins abruptly with fever and other symptoms. Leptospirosis may occur in two phases; after the first phase, with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or diarrhea, the patient may recover for a time but become ill again. If a second phase occurs, it is more severe; the person may have kidney or liver failure or meningitis. This phase is also called Weil's disease.

The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Without treatment, recovery may take several months.

Source: Center for Disease and Control Prevention

Safety Tips: All About Leptospirosis!

How do people get leptospirosis?

Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Many different kinds of animals carry the bacterium; they may become sick but sometimes have no symptoms. Leptospira organisms have been found in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin. The disease is not known to be spread from person to person.

P.S. It is in the news today about a number of patients brought to the hospital and found to be positive with the above disease.

Be aware and be safe.

Source: Center for Disease and Control Prevention

Safety Tips: What is Leptospirosis?

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress. In rare cases death occurs.

Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample.

Source: Center for Disease and Control Prevention

Safety Tips for flooded Cars

Have a qualified technician do the following:

1. Inspect all mechanical components, including the engine, transmission, axles, brakes and fuel system for fuel contamination.
2. Flush and replace all fluids, oils and lubricants, and replace oil filters and gaskets for components exposed to water.
3. Conduct a thorough cleaning of brake parts and repacking of bearings, particularly for rear-end drive vehicles. In front wheeled vehicles, the bearings are sealed.
4. Inspect all wiring and electrical components exposed to water. Some electrical and computerized components might be damaged due to water exposure and some metal or electronic /electrical components may begin to corrode.
5. After all these thorough inspection, check also the interior of your vehicle like the carpets, and other components. It may need cleaning if not replacement also.

Damage Control and Safety Tips for Flooded Cars

Damage Control if you car went for a swim during the flood

Here's another set of tips when your car or vehicle was submerged in floodwater.

1. First and foremost, do not attempt to start your vehicle until thorough inspection and cleaning have been conducted.
2. Disconnect battery terminals, starting with the negative terminal.
3. Take immediate steps to dry the vehicle as much as possible to reduce the time its components are exposed to water.
4. If possible, record the highest level of water exposure on the flooded vehicle. This will somehow aid the qualified technician in the evaluation process as well as taking the necessary steps to correct any damage.
5. Contact your car dealer to arrange for inspection of the flooded vehicle.
6. Also, contact your insurance company and promptly report the exposure of your vehicle to water and flood. Make sure that when you contact them, all necessary information shall be ready such as name, address, car make, plate number and whether the policy covers “acts of God”.

FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE SAFETY TIPS MIGHT SAVE YOUR CAR FROM FURTHER DAMAGE.

AGAIN, SAFETY FIRST.

Electrical Safety Tips after the Flood

Safety Tips after a flood

This is one article i read in the newspaper on my way home from Manila.

After a flood hits your home, be very cautious before you power up and turn on your appliances.

Check if your house is the only one without power or if it’s the whole neighborhood. If you’re the only one without power, you need to check your home electrical system.

Ask a competent licensed electrician to do this for you.

Please remember these helpful reminders:

1. Make sure the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is turned off.
2. Unplug all equipment and appliances. Turn off switches of permanently connected equipment. Unscrew all light bulbs if possible.
3. Remove mud and dirt from the service equipment or main circuit breaker/fuse ad it’s enclosure, using protective gear or equipment such as rubber gloves, rubber soled shoes and well insulated pliers.
4. As a safety precaution, always assume that the wire is hot, live or energized whenever working.
5. Allow convenience outlets, switches, electrical wires, sockets, connectors, breakers and other devices to dry completely. Drying may take days, depending on how wet the system is and on external temperature.
6. When all electrical are dry and clean, proper testing must be done to ensure the integrity of the system.
7. Appliances must be completely dry and serviced or checked by a licensed electrician or service agent. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances.
8. Be observant and watchful after powering up your house to detect any abnormalities.
9. Finally, if your electric meter was submerged in water, please report it to the local Electric service provider.


ALWAYS REMEMBER… SAFETY FIRST BECAUSE ELECTRICITY KILLS.

Why do managers make a commitment to safety?

Reason No. 3 They want to fulfill the legal imperative.

This is the least effective strategy. The primary goal for managers is to fulfill the obligation to comply with OSHA rules. Managers want to stay out of trouble, so they do only what has to be done to meet minimum requirements. Safety is not a priority or value, but thought of as a bother more than anything else: just the cost of doing business. Safety strategies are typically reactive because safety is not a problem unless there is an accident. OSHA may be considered the "bad guy" because management doesn't understand how OSHA can offer consultation services as well as enforcement activities.

This is self explanatory - which means that what we are striving here is merely to comply.

Why do managers make a commitment to safety?

Reason No. 2 To fulfill the fiscal imperative.

This strategy can be quite effective. Managers who are motivated to invest in safety understand the financial benefits derived from effective application of safety programs. The primary reason for "doing safety" shifts to maximizing profits. The goal is to fulfill the obligation to stakeholders to operate the business in a fiscally prudent manner. These managers will do whatever needs to be done proactively or reactively to save on direct and indirect costs of accidents. Management may display a commitment beyond minimum legal requirements if they see a financial advantage. Safety is most likely a high priority. However, commitment to safety may be subject to rapid change when the going gets tough.

Why do managers make a commitment to safety?

Employers put time and money into employee safety for one or more basic reasons:

Reason No. 1. To fulfill the social imperative.

This strategy is the most effective in the long term. These managers have come to the realization that long-term corporate survival depends on more than maximizing short-term profits. They will value and tap into the incredible creative potential of each employee, from janitor to president. These managers will appreciate the inherent value of each employee, not just as a worker, but as a corporate "family" member. They also value the roles each of their employees fulfills away from work as mothers, fathers, coaches, helpers, etc. Safety is perceived as a core corporate value that does not change when the going gets tough. When managers value safety at this level, they naturally employ the next two strategies.

This is the ideal safety culture because commitment to safety is beyond legal compliance.

Role of Employers and Managers in Safety

Getting Top Management Commitment

It is essential to the success of your company's safety and health program that top management demonstrates not only an interest, but a long term serious commitment to protect every employee from injury and illness on the job. But, if you think you don't have that level of commitment, how do you get it? Real commitment doesn't just appear out of thin air. What is the secret?

Management commitment to safety will occur to the extent each manager clearly understands the positive benefits derived from their effort. Understanding the benefits will create a strong desire to improve the company's safety culture. Managers will invest serious time and money into effective safety management by developing programs, policies, written plans and procedures. They will also display leadership through effective accountability and recognition of behaviors and results.

Before an effective and sustainable safety program be implemented in the company - first and most important aspect is to get the full support of the top management. Support means more than lip service, it's leadership in action... not leadership inaction.

How to reduce cost of accidents?

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the chance of accidents and ill health happening in your business.

Step 1. Find out what could cause harm.

Step 2. Identify who might be harmed - including your employees, visitors or members of the public.

Step 3. Decide what you should do to prevent anything happening to them.

Step 4. Take action in a planned way, recording what you have done.

Step 5. Check if these actions are still working from time to time.

As previously posted, you can cut down on your costs be preventing accidents and ill health in the workplace. Saving on the accident costs of these accidents is an investment in the future of your business.

Emphasizing Workplace Safety and Health

Why should we emphasize workplace safety and health?

Simple, it keeps people safe and healthful, and it decreases the long-term costs of doing business. But make sure your company is emphasizing accident prevention rather than loss control. Accident prevention is a proactive approach while loss control tends to be much more reactive.

In safety and health, you can pay now or pay later. It's smart to pay for safety and health before an accident occurs. For every proactive peso spent preventing workplace accidents, many more are saved in direct/indirect accident costs.

For every reactive peso spent on the direct costs of a worker's injury or illness, much more is spent to cover the indirect and unknown costs associated with the injury or illness. Read more on direct, indirect and unknown accident costs on my upcoming entries.

Lastly, tell your friends about this Cagayan de Oro Safety and Health network and you can also give your inputs and comments.

Cost of Accident to the company

The following is the cost to the company when an accident happens in the workplace:

1. Wages for the injured worker over the period.

2. Loss of production or remedial work required.

3. Overtime wages to cover lost production.

4. Wages for replacement worker.

5. Legal expenses.

6. Fines and court costs

7. Increase in Employees' Compensation Claims.

What are example of uninsured costs?

1. Lost time

2. Extra wages, overtime payments

3. Sick Pay

4. Production delays

5. Loss of contracts and legal costs

6. Damage to products, buildings or equipment

7. Investigation time

8. Loss of business or

9. Loss of business reputation

The cost of accidents and ill health only have real meaning when related to your business. You should compare them to your overall operating costs, or annual sales needed to cover them. Only then you can judge how significant they are.

The Real Cost of Accidents and Ill Health at Work

The cost of an accident is not simply the cost of medication and/or hospitalization of the injured worker. Taking action to improve health and safety standards, as well as required by law, is also good for your business.

Here are some facts and statistics:

1. In transport company studied, the cost of accidents were equivalent to one-third of its annual profits.

2. Work related ill-health can cost over two times more than accident causing injury.

3. The smaller your business, the bigger the impact will be if you have a serious accident. It could put you out of business.

4. Accidents and ill health caused by work cost time and money.

5. Uninsured costs cannot be claimed. And a poor health and safety record may mean increased premiums or refusal of future insurance cover.

And on top of the financial costs of such accidents, there is also the stress of having to deal with them.

Remember, you can cut down on your costs by preventing accidents and ill health in the workplace. Saving on the costs of these accidents is an investment in the future of your business.

P.S. Watch out for future topics such as: cost of accidents to the company, the uninsured costs and the incident cost calculator.

Legal Basis of Safety and Safety Management

Good day fellow Health and Safety advocates here in Cagayan de Oro City or in any part here

in Mindanao Philippines. Here is another entry of some Safety and Health topics as promised

during the last day of our Construction Safety and BOSH training held in Cagayan de Oro last

week.



So first things first...

WHY SAFETY? WHAT ARE THE LEGAL BASIS OF SAFETY IN THE PHILIPPINES?


According to the Occupation Safety and Health (OSH) standard, every employer has a legal

obligation to furnish employment (work) and a place of employment (workplace) free from

known hazards that could cause serious injury or death. This entry is designed to give you

some ideas to help meet that obligation and apply effective management principles to the

function of workplace safety. The ultimate goal is to help you understand these principles

so that it affects your thinking, beliefs, decision and finally your actions to improve your

company's safety management system and leadership culture.

Maybe, you've remembered the cost of an accident: the Direct and Indirect Cost. Look below

at what effective safety and health management can offer.




SAFETY IS SMART BUSINESS!


If you want to reduce the costs and risks associated with workplace injuries, illnesses, and

fatalities, you should place as much emphasis on safety and health in your workplace as you

do other management issues such as production, sales, transportation and quality control.

The old phrase, "Safety First," may sound nice, but in reality, safety is less effective if

it's thought to be a priority. In a highly competitive environment priorities can change

rapidly. To survive, a company must both produce and be safe. Turn safety into a core value

that never changes. Change "safety first" into "Safety only."



"Safety Only" emphasizes the idea that its fine to produce as hard and fast as you can, as

long as you can do it safely. High productivity is desired, but if a safety hazard or

practice is discovered that might cause serious physical harm or death, it should be

corrected immediately, even if that means shutting down production. That's commitment to

safety!



Please post your comments and if you have some topics on Safety and Health to share here,

please do not hesitate to email and contact me. You may also want to share this very new

site to all your friends who are interested in advancing a career in Safety whether here in

Cagayan de Oro City, in Mindanao, here in the Philippines or even abroad.

Cagayan de Oro City Safety & Health Network

Safety program impacts construction injuries
Phoenix Business Journal

A federal construction safety program introduced by the Clinton Administration in 1998 has had a dramatic effect on fatality and injury rates.

That’s the conclusion of a 10-year analysis conducted by the Associated General Contractors.

National construction fatality rates plummeted 47 percent and recordable safety incidents dropped 38 percent in the decade since the “collaborative safety approach” was initiated, according to an AGC news release distributed Tuesday.

“The collaborative safety approach represented a significant shift in federal safety oversight when it was first introduced by the Clinton Administration,” the release said.

“The approach creates incentives for companies to find and fix safety problems before incidents occur while maintaining strong penalties for companies that let safety problems lag until someone is hurt,” the release continued.

The analysis noted that fatalities and injuries dropped during a time frame when construction hit a fevered pit in Phoenix and around the nation.

The trend may continue, but most likely due to dramatic declines in construction employment, according to a different release from AGC economist Ken Simonson.

His latest report said construction employment fell again in July in 34 states and in the nation’s capital. Since July 2008, construction fell to some degree in every state except Louisiana, North Dakota and Mississippi.


Comment:

There is also an equivalent Safety, Health programs available not just in Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao but in the Philippines as a whole. There is in fact a Government Agency in-charge for the Safety and Health of the workers. One of the relevant orders is the Department Order no. 13 which was approved in 1998. Department Order (or DO 13) is the GUIDELINES GOVERNING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. So fellow Safety advocates, trainors or consultants here in Cagayan de Oro City or here in Mindanao, Philippines or to any person interested in Safety and Health - please feel free to visit this site and we will build a network of Safety and Health advocates and lets make a difference by spreading Safety and Health in Cagayan de Oro City, in Mindanao or the Philippine as a whole.