What is Occupational Health and Safety?

Occupational safety and health (OSH),

or Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), refers
to the discipline focused on protecting the well-
being of workers in the workplace. It
encompasses measures to prevent work-related
injuries, illnesses, and deaths, as well as promote
overall employee health and safety.
The Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) Framework is a foundational
structure that guides how workplaces ensure the safety, health, and well-being of
their workers. It is commonly used in the Philippines and aligned with both national
and international labor standards (like those from DOLE and the ILO)
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO STUDY BASIC OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY?

The primary purpose of Occupational health and safety Programs is to create a safety and healthy
work environment. When companies Implement OHS standards, allows Workers to perform their roles
in A safer and more secure Environment, free from any major Hazard
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OSH)?
Occupational safety and health is a discipline with a Broad scope involving three major fields –
Occupational safety, occupational health and Industrial hygiene.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
Deals with understanding the causes of accidents at work and ways to Prevent unsafe acts and unsafe
conditions in any workplace. Safety at work discusses concepts on good housekeeping, proper materials
handling and storage, machine safety, electrical safety, fire prevention and control, safety inspection,
and accident investigation.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Is a broad concept which explains how the different hazards and risks at work may cause an illness and
emphasizes that health programs are essential in controlling work related and/or occupational diseases

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
Deals with the process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling real or potential workplace
environmental stressors or hazards that can impact the wellbeing of workers and community members.
Objective of the BOSH Framework:

To create a safe and healthy working environment, prevent accidents and occupational illnesses, and
promote workers' overall well-being.

Basic Components of the BOSH Framework:

1.Hazard Identification
Recognizing potential sources of harm in the workplace (e.g., physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic,
psychosocial hazards).

To identify hazards, one should systematically examine the workplace for potential sources of harm, considering
how work is done, equipment used, and substances handled. This involves observing activities, inspecting the
environment, and consulting with workers to understand potential risks. Analyzing incident reports and
investigating accidents can also reveal hidden hazards.
How to Identify Hazard?

a. Workplace Inspections:
Regularly walk through the workplace, observing work processes, equipment, and materials to identify potential hazards.
b. Consider all aspects of work:
This includes routine tasks, non-routine activities like maintenance, and emergency situations.
c. Look for potential hazards:
Consider the physical environment, equipment, materials, and how tasks are performed. Ask yourself what could go wrong and
how someone could be harmed.
d. Engage with workers:
Talk to employees who perform the work to understand their perspectives on potential hazards and how they handle risks.
E. Analyze Incident Reports:
Review past accident and incident reports to identify recurring hazards and understand their root causes.
f. Consult Safety Information:
Refer to manufacturer instructions, safety data sheets, and industry standards for guidance on potential hazards associated
with specific equipment, materials, or substances.
g. Assess Risk:
Once hazards are identified, assess the likelihood of harm and the severity of potential injury to prioritize mitigation efforts.
2. Risk Assessment
Risk identification is the process of recognizing and documenting potential threats and opportunities that
could impact an organization's objectives. It's the first step in the risk management process, helping
organizations proactively address challenges and capitalize on positive outcomes. This process involves
systematically identifying and cataloging potential risks, which can be negative (threats) or positive
(opportunities).

a. Purpose:
To identify, recognize, and describe risks that could either hinder or help an organization achieve its goals.
b. Importance:
It is crucial for effective risk management, as failing to identify a risk can lead to its improper management in
subsequent stages.
c. Methods:
Risk identification can be achieved through various methods, including brainstorming, expert consultations,
historical data analysis, and the use of checklists or risk breakdown structures.
d. Scope:
Risk identification should consider both internal and external factors, including financial, operational, and
environmental risks.

e. Iterative Process:
Risk identification is not a one-time activity, but rather an ongoing process that should be revisited throughout the
project or organizational lifecycle.

3. Risk Control - identifying, assessing, and controlling potential threats to an organization or individual.

How to Control Risk?

a. Identify Risks: This step involves brainstorming and listing potential risks across various areas, such as
operational, financial, strategic, and compliance-related risks.
b. Analyze Risks: Once risks are identified, they need to be analyzed to understand their potential impact
and the likelihood of them occurring. This helps in prioritizing which risks need immediate attention.
 c. Develop Mitigation Strategies: After analyzing risks, strategies are developed to either avoid, reduce,
transfer, or accept the identified risks. These strategies can include implementing new controls, transferring
the risk to an insurance company, or accepting the risk if the potential impact is deemed acceptable.
d. Implement Mitigation Strategies: The chosen strategies are then put into action. This may involve updating
processes, implementing new technologies, or creating contingency plans.
e. Monitor and Review: Finally, it's crucial to continuously monitor the effectiveness of the implemented
mitigation strategies and review the overall risk management process. This ensures that the strategies remain
relevant and effective as the environment changes.

4. Emergency Preparedness and Response

Emergency preparedness and response involves proactive measures to prepare for, mitigate, and
respond to various emergencies.

a. Planning and Preparation

b. Response
c. Recovery
d. Collaboration and Communication
1. Planning and Preparation:
•Risk Assessment:
•Identify potential hazards and assess their potential impact on your community or organization.
•Develop an Emergency Plan:
•Create a comprehensive plan that outlines procedures for different types of emergencies, including evacuation
routes, communication protocols, and designated roles.
•Form an Emergency Response Team:
•Establish a team with designated roles and responsibilities for coordinating emergency response efforts.
•Gather Resources:
•Assemble emergency kits with essential supplies like first-aid, food, water, and communication devices.
•Training and Exercises:
•Conduct regular training sessions and drills to familiarize individuals with the emergency plan and practice their
roles.
2. Response:
•Activation: Implement the emergency plan when an event occurs.
•Communication: Establish clear and reliable communication channels to disseminate information to relevant
parties.
•Evacuation: If necessary, safely evacuate individuals from the affected area.
•Search and Rescue: Coordinate search and rescue efforts for individuals who may be trapped or injured.
•Incident Stabilization: Take steps to contain the emergency, such as extinguishing fires or securing hazardous
materials.
•Medical Response: Provide first aid and medical assistance to those injured.

3. Recovery:
•Restoration of Services:
•Focus on restoring essential services like power, water, and communication.
•Damage Assessment:
•Assess the extent of damage and identify areas that require immediate attention.
•Rebuilding:
•Implement long-term recovery efforts to help individuals and communities rebuild and resume normal
operations.
4. Collaboration and Communication:
•Coordination with Agencies: Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, including fire departments,
law enforcement, and emergency management organizations.
•Community Engagement: Involve the community in the preparedness and response process.
•Public Information: Provide regular updates and information to the public about the situation and ongoing
efforts, according to the Rural Health Information Hub.

5. Training and Education

Ensuring that employees and employers are informed about workplace hazards and safe work practices.

Types of BOSH Training:

•BOSH Training for Safety Officer 1 (SO1):

•This is an 8-hour orientation program designed to introduce basic concepts of occupational safety and
health. It equips individuals with the foundation to implement their company's safety programs.
•BOSH Training for Safety Officer 2 (SO2):
•This is a more comprehensive 40-hour training course that provides in-depth knowledge and skills for aspiring
Safety Officers. It covers topics like hazard identification, risk assessment, safety inspection, and accident
investigation, enabling participants to become accredited Safety Officers Level 2 (SO2).
•Construction Safety and Health Training for SO2:
•This is a 40-hour mandatory training program specifically for safety officers in the construction industry.
6. Legal Compliance
Adhering to occupational safety and health laws, such as the Philippine OSH Law (RA 11058)
and DOLE Department Order No. 198-18.

Republic Act No. 11058, also known as the Philippine Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Law, is a law that strengthens compliance with occupational safety and health standards in all
workplaces in the Philippines, aiming to protect workers from work-related injuries, illnesses,
and deaths. It mandates employers to establish OSH programs, provide safe working
conditions, and ensure workers are informed about workplace hazards.

DOLE Department Order No. 198-18 is the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of
Republic Act No. 11058, also known as the Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety
and Health (OSH) Standards Act. It outlines the duties of employers and workers in ensuring a
safe and healthy work environment, and it establishes penalties for violations of OSH
standards.
7. Worker Participation
Involving employees in safety planning, reporting hazards, and improving safety culture.

It is actively engaging employees in identifying hazards, developing safety procedures, and

contributing to a positive safety culture.