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.