Construction Occupational

Safety & Health (COSH)

Manual
 COSH
Construction Occupational Safety and Health is a 40-hour
training course prescribed by DOLE-BWC as a mandatory
requirement for people who would want to become a safety
practitioner in a construction setting and compliance with the
basic requirements on construction workplace safety as mandated
by Philippine government.

The course aims to provide certification for individuals who are

involved in construction safety and health through discussions
about the implementation and standard of OSH in construction
industry; risk and hazard analysis; evaluation, control and risk
management.
An Act Strengthening Compliance
With Occupational Safety and Health
Standards and Providing Penalties
for Violations
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH
STANDARDS
Objective:
To familiarize the participant with the BWC-DOLE OSH standards Occupational Safety
and Health Standards.
Promulgated under Article 162, Book IV, P.D. 442 otherwise known as the “Labor Code of
the Philippines”
• First Issue (1978)
• Second Issue (1989)

Scope of OSH Standards

The OSH Standards shall cover all places of employment except land, sea, air
transportation and safety in mines.
Responsibilities of Employers

1. Furnish his workers a place of employment free from hazardous conditions that are causing
or likely to cause death, illness or physical harm to his workers;

2. Use only approved devices and equipment in his workplace;

3. Give complete job instructions to all his workers, especially to those entering the job for
the first time, including relating to the familiarization with their work environment, hazards to
which the workers are exposed to and steps taken in case of emergency; and

4. Comply with the requirements of these Standards.

Responsibilities of Workers

1. Cooperate with the employer in carrying out the provisions of the OSH Standards.

2. Report to his supervisor, hazards found in his workplace.

3. Use safeguards and safety devices.

4. Follow instructions given by the employer in accordance with the standards.

Content of OSH Standards

• General Provisions
• Other Safety Rules
• Registration
• Training of Personnel in OSH
• Health and Safety Committee
• Notification & Keeping of Records of Accidents and/or Occupational Illnesses
• Premises of Establishments
• Occupational Health & Environmental Control
• PPE
• Hazardous Materials
• Gas & Electric Welding and Cutting Operations
• Hazardous Workplaces
• Explosives
• Materials Handling & Storage
• Boiler
• Unfired Pressure Vessels
• Machine Guarding
Enforcing Authority
The OSH Standards are enforced by the fourteen (14) Regional Labor Offices and their District
Offices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in different parts of the country.

Penal Provision
All violations of the provisions of this OSH Standards shall be subject to the applicable penalties
provided for in the Labor Code, P.D. 442 as amended.

Definition of Terms
 Accident: An unplanned, undesired event, not necessarily injurious or damaging, that disrupts
the completion of an activity.
 Hazard: Is any potential or existing condition in the workplace that, by itself or by interacting
with other variables, can result in death, injuries, property damage, and other losses.
 Hazard Control: Hazard control involves developing a program to recognize, evaluate, and
eliminate (or at least reduce) the destructive efforts of hazards arising from human errors and
from conditions in the workplace.
 Loss Control: Is accident prevention, achieved through a complete safety and health control
program.
 Safety: The control of hazards to attain an acceptable level of risk.
 Control: To regulate or restrain.
 Risk: Chance of physical or personal loss.
 Incident: An event that may or may not result to loss.
Immediate Causes of Accidents

1. Unsafe Acts – 80 - 98%

Behaviors which can permit the occurrence of accidents or incidents. Deviation from
standard operating procedures.

Examples:
⚫ Servicing equipment in operation
⚫ Making safety devices inoperative

2. Unsafe Conditions – 2 - 20%

Physical conditions of equipment, materials or work environment that can permit
accidents or incidents to occur.

Examples:
⚫ Inadequate guards or barriers
⚫ Radiation exposures
Loss Control Programs
⚫ Leadership and Administration
⚫ Management Training
⚫ Planned Inspections
⚫ Task Analysis and Procedures
⚫ Accident/Incident Investigation
⚫ Task Observation
⚫ Emergency Preparedness
⚫ Organizational Rules
⚫ Accident/Incident Analysis
⚫ Employee Training
⚫ Personal Protective Equipment
⚫ Health Control
⚫ Program Evaluation System
⚫ Engineering Controls
⚫ Personal Communications
⚫ Group Meetings
⚫ General Promotion
⚫ Hiring and Placement
⚫ Purchasing Controls
⚫ Off-the-Job Safety

Manager’s Area of Responsibility

⚫ Production
⚫ Quality
⚫ Cost
⚫ Accident/Illness

Safety Responsibilities of everyone

Responsibility is having to answer to higher management for activities and results
SAFETY, HEALTH & WELFARE in the
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Objective:
To explain the status of safety, health and welfare among the workers in the various
fields of the construction industry.

Global OSH Statistics: ILO Report (28 April 2003)

⚫ 270 Million Accidents Reported
⚫ 355,000 of which are fatal
⚫ 160 Million work-related illnesses reported
⚫ 2,000,000 workers DIE every year
⚫ More than 100,000 work fatalities occur every month
⚫ More than 5,000 everyday
⚫ 4 accidents every minute

Globally, this phenomenon is still largely unexplored, economically, socially, politically

and morally.

With a highly mobile population of workers and different contractors working on

dangerous construction sites at the same time, CONSTRUCTION continues to be a
major cause of death and disabilities
Factors that Contribute to the Occurrence of Accidents in the Construction Industry:

1. Fall from heights is the predominant causes of accidents

2. Lack of supervision for workers working at heights
3. Workers lack awareness on OSH
4. Workers have limited trainings
5. Due to lack of training, workers a. build improper temporary structures
b. tolerate improperly guarded floors
c. work with unstable/unsecured/ scaffolds
d. use defective equipment

6. Accident reports lack relevant information

7. Proper investigations are hardly conducted

Recommendations
1. Policy Makers and Enforcers

a. Research on KAP
b. Strict enforcement of DO 13
c. Strict implementation of reporting mechanism and revision of report form
d. Continuous development of Construction Safety Training
2. Employers and Construction Companies

a. Compliance to DO 13
b. Provision of adequate trainings and information
c. Supervision on works at heights
d. Provision of adequate access and egress in construction sites
e. Conduct of accident investigation3) Employees and Workers
f. Comply with OSH rules and policies
g. Take initiative in learning OSH
h. Demand for approved type PPE
i. Observe proper hand signals
j. Report any hazard found

Direct Costs of Accidents

1. Emergency Medical Care

2. Equipment Damage or Material Spoilage
3. Compensation Payments
4. Investigations of Legal Authority
5. Insurance Premiums
Indirect Costs of Accidents

1. Injured Worker
⚫ lost productivity on day of injury
⚫ lost productivity due to follow-up care
⚫ lost productivity after returning to work

2. Worker’s Crew
⚫ completing added work
⚫ assisting injured worker
⚫ lost productivity due to inspection

3. Crew Around Accident Site

⚫ watching events and discussing accident

4. Training Replacement Worker

5. Supervisors
⚫ investigating accident
⚫ preparing reports
⚫ time with management, owner or regulatory agencies
Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents in Construction Sites

1) Falls from Heights

• Temporary structures
• Excavation
• Roof
• Moving vehicle and equipment

2) Excavation and Trench Work

• Cave-in
• Falling of persons, materials and equipment
• Asphyxiation

3) Construction Machineries and Equipment

• Power tools
• Woodworking machines
• Heavy machines

4) Cranes and Elevators

• Overloading
• Lifting and carrying of loads
• Erection and dismantling

5) Electrical Accidents
• Electrical Shock and Burns
• Contact with electric lines and underground cables
Basic Safety Concepts
Safety - Freedom from accidents; Freedom from harm, injury and loss. It is the control
of Hazards and Accidents in the workplace.

Accidents - An accident is usually the result of contact of man with a source of energy
above the threshold limit of the body or structure.
An occurrence that interrupts the normal and orderly progress of any activity that
results in physical harm, damage to property, delay in operation

Causes of Accidents are classified as:

1. Unsafe Condition - seen as a physical or chemical property in the material

2. Unsafe Act - a violation of safe procedure

• Act of omission
• Act of commission

Hazard – The potential of an Act or Condition that can lead to an accident

Risk – the chance of physical or personal loss

Basic Safety Concepts
Three Steps to Control Hazards and Accidents (Industrial Hygiene)
1. Identify
2. Evaluate
3. Correct

1. Identify the hazard

Inspection (before)
Investigation (after)

2. Evaluate by means of Occ. Health & Safety Standards, OEL, TLV, PEL, NIOSH,
others

3. Correct the hazard

• Engineering control – eliminate or reduce the hazard through o Initial design
specification
 Substitution
 Isolation (Place)
 Ventilation
 Change the process
Basic Safety Concepts
• Administrative control - control of employees exposure o Scheduled reduced work
hours in contaminated areas
Increased breaks
SOP’s
 Isolation (Time)
Medical Exams
 Workplace monitoring

• Personal protective equipment - Use of a protective barrier to protect the worker

from the hazard

UNSAFE ACT AND UNSAFE CONDITION

Work System
• People
• Environment
• Equipment
• Materials
Basic Safety Concepts
Accident
An occurrence or event that is:
• Unexpected
• Unforeseen
• Unplanned
• Unwanted
- that may or may not caused damaged, injury , fatality , loss or work stoppage

Types of Accident
• Struck against rigid structure, sharp or rough objects
• Struck by falling or flying objects, sliding or moving parts
• Caught in, on or between objects
• Fall on same level
• Fall on different levels
• Electrocution
• Fire
Basic Safety Concepts
Common Reasons for Accidents
Layman’s Version
- ‘Oras na niya’
- ‘Malas niya lang’
- ‘Tanga kasi’
- ‘Kasama sa trabaho’

Note: Not Real Cause --- only excuses

Primary Causes of Accidents

• Unsafe Act
• Unsafe Condition
Basic Safety Concepts
Unsafe Act
The human action that departs from a standard or written job procedure or common
practice, safety rules, regulations or instruction.

Factors Contributing to Unsafe Acts

• Improper Attitude
• Physical Limitations
• Lack of knowledge or skills

Improper Attitude
• Operating equipment without authority
• Disregard of SOP or Instructions
• Removing Safety Devices
• Using defective equipment
• Using PPEs improperly
• Horseplay
• Willful intent to injure
• Working while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Basic Safety Concepts
Physical Limitations
• Defective eyesight
• Muscular weakness due to fatigue
• Impaired hearing
• Short in height
• Too tall in height
• Slow reactions

Lack of Knowledge or Skill

• Failure to understand instruction
• Unaware of safe practices
• Unconvinced of safe practices
• Unskilled or unpracticed

Unsafe Condition
The physical or chemical property of a material, machine or the environment which could
result in injury to a person, damage or destruction to property or other forms of losses.

Hazards
1. Safety Hazards – something that has a potential for injury
2. Health Hazards – something that has a potential to cause illness
Basic Safety Concepts
Can Accident be Prevented
Unsafe Act Vs Unsafe Condition
98% - preventable
2% - non preventable

Occupational Safety and Health

Occupational Safety and Health is devoted to the recognition and control of those
factors in the workplace , which may cause death , injury , disability , sickness, or great
discomfort and efficiency among workers.

System to Control Unsafe Acts / Unsafe Conditions

1. Engineering Control
• Pre contact
• Elimination / Minimization
• Enclose of the Hazard

2. Administrative Control
Exposure limitations, Safe work practice, signs and signage, training and education

3. Personal Protective Equipment-Last line of defense

Control of Hazardous Materials
Objective
To provide information on identifying hazardous energy source and the control methods to
deal with these.

Hazardous materials are substances in solid, liquid or gaseous forms known to constitute
poison, fire, explosion or health hazard
• Corrosive
• Hot
• Gases
• Fumes
• Vapor
• Mists
• Fibers
• Dust
• Toxic
General Diagram of the Flow of Methods of Control

Objective in the control of hazardous substances

Prevent or minimize exposure of workers to harmful environmental hazards, which could
lead to serious occupational illnesses and diseases and even death.
Control of hazardous materials/ substances comprises various measures which aim to
eliminate or reduce concentration levels of airborne hazardous substances in the
workplace.
Principles of Operational Control
1. Adequate planning and design
2. Discontinuation of the process
3. Substitution of materials used
4. Modification of the process
5. Isolation or Shielding
6. Maintenance of equipment
7. Ventilation
8. PPE’s

Adequate Planning and Design.

Health and Safety aspects should be included in the:
• Design stage of a process
• Selection of process equipment and materials
• Installation of equipment
• Construction of the plant

Discontinuation of the Process - The safest solution in the presence of highly toxic carcinogenic
chemicals.

Substitution of Materials Used

Factors to be considered:
• Technological and economical feasibility
• Availability of substitute materials
• Toxicological and safety aspects
Modification in the Process or Equipment
• Reduce contaminant generation
• Eliminate the formation of undesirable by-products
• Eliminate or minimize physical contact between workers and hazardous substances.

Isolation or Shielding
a) Closed system – used for toxic chemicals
b) Enclosures – total or partial usually combined with local exhaust ventilation
c) Separating walls – if there are operations more hazardous than the others
d) Distance – hazardous operations performed at distant locations
e) Time – hazardous operations performed out of the regular working time

Maintenance of Equipment
A well maintained equipment and a well-regulated process usually:
• Provide trouble-free operations
• Eliminate generation of hazardous contaminants
Ventilation is the process of supplying or removing air by natural or mechanical means to
and from any space.
Purpose
• Ensure condition of thermal comfort
• Renew the air in the workplace, therefore diluting eventual air contaminants to acceptable
levels.
• Prevent hazardous air contaminants from generating into the working environment and
reaching the workers breathing zone.

Types of Industrial Ventilation

General or Dilution Ventilation - aims at the supply and removal of air in the work
environment so that the possible contaminants are diluted to levels considered to be not
harmful to health.
Means of General Ventilation
• Natural Ventilation
• Mechanical Ventilation

Limiting Factors on the Use of General Ventilation

1. Quantity of contaminant must not be high
2. Workers must be far from contaminant source
3. Toxicity of contaminant must be low
4. Direction of clean airflow must remove contaminant from the worker’s
5. Breathing zone
Mechanical Ventilation
• Preferred if significant health hazard exists
• Dilution Ventilation
• Not effective if outside air is contaminated

Pointers on the Use of Industrial Ventilation

• Air exhausted must be replaced by a supply of air
• Short circuiting of air must be prevented
• Lay-out of equipment and process should be considered in relation to the direction of air flow
• Avoid cross drafts of air near local exhaust hoods
• Contaminated air must be discharged outdoors to avoid re-entry
• Provide excess exhaust capacity if there are adjoining spaces

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) aims at the removal of the air contaminants from the point of
dispersion or generation before they contaminate the work environment and reach the breathing
zone of the workers in harmful concentration.

Factors to be considered on the use of LEVS

• Contaminant is relatively toxic
• Employee is in the immediate vicinity of the emission
• Emission rate vary with time
• Emission sources are large and few
• Emission sources tend to be fixed
Principles of Local Exhaust Ventilation
1. Enclose the contaminant
2. Capture contaminant with adequate air velocities
3. Keep contaminant out of the worker’s breathing zone
4. Discharge exhausted air outdoors

Basic Elements of Local Exhaust Ventilation System (LEVS)

• Hoods, Duct work
• Fan and motor
• Air cleaning device
• Exhaust stack

Evaluation of Hoods
• Measurement of face/capture velocity
• Smoke test
• Comparison to standards
• Regular monitoring
Administrative Control
• Reduction of work periods
• Adjusting work schedules
• Employee information and training
• Job Rotation
• Education of supervisors
• Housekeeping and Maintenance
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Dust / Gas Respirators
• Aprons
• Safety Goggles/Spectacles
• Safety Shoes
• Face Shields
• Helmets
• Earplugs /Earmuffs
• Gloves

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Should not be regarded as the first line of defense or as a primary means to control hazards
but rather as a supplement to other types of measures
Types of Respirators
• Air-Purifying
• Air-Supplying
• Self-Contained
Limitations of Respirators
Air Purifying
Mechanical filter
• Does not provide O2
• Does not provide protection against vapor and gases

Chemical cartridge
• Does not provide O2
• Cartridge has carbon, which absorb specific gases and vapors.
• Works until sorbent is used up

Air Supplying- required in confined spaces where O2 is not enough

• Contaminant concentration is greater than cartridge capacity
• Where no cartridge is effective against contaminant

Criteria for Selection of Respirators

• Identification of contaminants
• Maximum possible concentration of contaminants in the work area
• Acceptability in terms of comfort
• Compatibility with the nature of job
• Proper fit to the face of user to prevent leakage
Use of Respirators
• Where temporary control measures are necessary before engineering controls are
installed
• Where engineering controls are not applicable
• Supplement engineering controls in reducing exposure during maintenance and repair
• During emergencies

General Diagram of the Flow of Methods of Control

SOURCE ------ AIR PATH -------- RECEIVER

Control at the source

• Substitution with a less harmful material (water in place of organic solvent)
• Change of process (airless paint spraying)
• Enclosure of process (glove - box)
• Isolation of process (space or time)
• Wet methods (hydro blast)
• Local exhaust ventilation (capture at source)
• Adequate maintenance program
Control at the path
⚫ • Housekeeping (immediate clean up)
⚫ • General exhaust ventilation (roof fans)
⚫ • Dilution ventilation (supplied air)
⚫ • Increase distance between source & receiver (semi-automatic)
⚫ • Continuous monitoring (pre-set alarms)
⚫ • Local exhaust ventilation (capture at source)

Control at the receiver

⚫ • Training and education
⚫ • Rotation of workers (split up dose)
⚫ • Enclosure of worker (air conditioned crane cabs)
⚫ • Personal monitoring devices (dosimeters)
⚫ • Personal protective devices (respirators)
⚫ • Local exhaust ventilation (capture at source)
TOOLBOX MEETING
A 10-15 minute on-the-job safety and health awareness meeting focusing usually on
the current activities of the group to keep everybody informed and alert on work-
related accidents and illnesses and their causes.

Benefits of a TBM
• It addresses actual safety and health concerns on the job or in the site
• It provides good opportunity for supervisors to know the mental and physical
conditions of workers
• It also provides good opportunity for management to communicate its commitment to
safety.
• It contributes to the training and education of workers
• It prevents the recurrence of previous accidents
• It is a proven technique in inculcating safe work habit
• An opportunity to share their concerns
Requirements for TBM
➢ Management Support
➢ Careful Preparation
• Significance
• Topic
• Leader

➢ Meeting Proceeding
• Introduction
• Draw participant’s opinion
• Summary

Management Support
They must be informed on the benefits of TBM
Their physical participation is critical
Planning Before Executing a job ensures good results

Planning for Toolbox Meeting

1. When should the meeting be held?
2. Who will be required to attend the meetings?
3. What topics will be discussed at the meetings?
4. What kind of records will be kept of the meeting?
Schedule
• When: Everyday before the start of work
• Where:Preferably at the specific site of the activity
• Who:All workers in the site must attend their specific TBM

Who conducts the TBM?

Usually the supervisor, foreman or leadman (the project manager, safety
officer, nurse may serve as guests)

Records
• Advance notes containing concerns by the presiding personnel
• A small pocket note pad is enough to take down notes and review later on
• An attendance sheet may be done
How to Conduct TBM
1. Gather / Prepare workers
• Start with light notes
• May air light personnel matters
• Encourage a good working shift /day/week ahead of your group

2. Define the job

• Present the task assigned to the group
• Define the task and target set by higher ups
• Check on the physical and mental preparedness of the workers.

3. Review Procedure / responsibility

• Review procedures to be applied, tools / equipment needed and
materials to be used.

4. State precautions
• Remind of the hazards that may be encountered
• Remind worker’s of the condition of their PPE and tools

5. Specify safety issues

6. Remind on other related safety checks in preparation for their assigned tasks
Reduce
• Injuries and Damage
• Rejects and reworks
• Defects and Delays
• Mistakes and Waste
• Human Misery

Improve
• Safety
• Quality
• Production
• Cost Control
• Human Relation

“The more we talk about Safety….. the less we talk about

Accidents
CONSTRUCTION SITE PREMISES
General Provision of the OSHS

Protection to every workingman against the dangers of injury , sickness or death through
safe and healthful working conditions, thereby assuring the conservation of valuable
manpower resources and the prevention of loss or damage to lives and properties

3Ds of Construction
1. Difficult
2. Dirty
3. Dangerous
Housekeeping in Construction Site
Signs of Poor Housekeeping

1. Cluttered and poorly arranged areas

2. Untidy or dangerous storage of materials
3. Presence of items no longer needed or in excess
4. Dusty , dirty floors and work surfaces
5. Tools and equipment left in work areas
6. No waste bins and containers
7. Presence of spill and leaks

Disadvantage of poor housekeeping

• Low Morale
• Low Productivity
• Fire

What is Good Housekeeping?

Good housekeeping means there is a clean and orderly place for everything and
everything is in place.
5s of Good Housekeeping

Seiri (Sort / Eliminate)

Seiton (Systematize / Organize)
Seiketsu (Sanitize / Standardize)
Shitsuke (Self-discipline / Training)

Controls

• Clean work area

• Keep floors , aisles and stairs free from
obstruction
• Properly stack and store materials , tools,
and equipment
• Provide proper and adequate waste bins
Ruel 1060.01

Premises of establishments
Building premises shall have adequate fire , emergency or danger sign and safety
instructions of standard colors and sizes visible at all times.

D.O. 13 Section 9
Construction Safety Signage
Construction Safety Signage must be provided to warn the workers and the public
of hazards existing in the workplace. Signage shall be posted in prominent positions
at strategic locations and , as far as practicable , be in the language
understandable to most of the workers employed.
Section 9.1
The Signage should include but are not limited to:

a. Mandatory requirements on the usage or personal protective equipment prior to

entry to the project site
b. Areas where there are potential risks of falling objects
c. Areas where there are potential risks of falling
d. Areas where explosives and flammable substances are used and stored.
e. Areas where there are tipping or slipping hazards
f. Approaches to working areas where danger from toxic or irritant airborne
contaminants / substances may exist which should indicate the name of the
contaminant / substances involve and the type of respiratory equipment to be worn.
g. All places where contact with or proximity to electrical / facility equipment can
cause danger.
h. All places where workers may come into contact with dangerous moving parts of
machineries or equipment.
i. Location of fire alarms and firefighting equipment
j. Instruction on the usage of specific construction equipment
k. Periodic updating of man-hour lost.
Standard Color of signs for Safety Instructions and Warning in Building Premises

Red – Fire Protection and Danger 33

• Call attention to fire protection equipment apparatus and facilities
- Fire extinguishers
- Sprinkler piping
• To identify danger , stop signals (red light on barricades at temporary obstruction)

Yellow – Caution
• To designate caution and for marking physical hazards such as striking against,
stumbling, falling and tripping.
• Construction equipment such as bull-dozers , tractors
• Handrails , guardrails or top and bottom threads of stairways where caution is needed

Green – designating safety

• Location of first aid equipment
• Location of safety devices
• Safety bulletin boards and safety scoreboards
Safe Place of Work
Safe access to and egress from the site and the individual places of work on the site
are fundamental of a good health and safety environment. This clearly requires that all
ladders, scaffolds stairways and passenger hoist are safe to use. It further requires
hoist are safe to use. It further requires that all excavation are fenced.

Access and Egress

Access and egress means the rate or means of entry or exit to a work place. It includes
footpaths, corridors, doorways, ladders, steps etc.
The workplace floors and traffic routes which may provide a means of access and
egress should be suitably constructed, kept free from obstruction and to be well
maintained.

Safe access and egress is a basic safety measures for any establishments.
The following aspects must always consider.
• Routes into /out of the premises
• Lighting
• Vehicle movements
• Floor surfaces, taking into account slip and trip hazards
• Areas where falls can occur from edges into pits, excavations etc. and from access
steps, stairs and the like.
Emergency Exits
➢ Atleast 2 ways Out
• Clear and Unobstructed
• Well-illuminated

Electricity kills and injures people

Electrical accidents are caused by a combination of three factors:
➢ Unsafe equipment and/or installation
- contact with energized conductors

➢ Unsafe work practices

- work near overhead power lines

➢ Workplaces made unsafe by the environment

- fires started by poor electrical installations and electrical appliance

Important Terminologies
▪ Current (amperes) – is the amount of electrical flow in a conductor
▪ Voltage (Volts) – is the force which causes electrons to flow in a conductor
▪ Resistance (ohms) – is the opposition of a material to the flow of electricity
Types of Voltages
▪ High Voltage – 660 volts or more
▪ Low Voltage – less than 660 volts

More Frequent Accident Happen at Low Voltage Area

▪ Most employee work and move around in this area
▪ Not all workers have the proper training and experience
▪ It is treated as less dangerous

What is an electrical Hazard?

An electrical hazard is any potential threat to health and or property caused by
inadvertent contract with or release of, electrical energy.

• Defective or no insulation
• Undersized electrical accessories
• Electrical sparks and arcs
• Flying particles / dust
Hazard Damaged Cords
➢ Cords can be damaged by:
• Aging
• Door or window edges
• Staples or fastenings
• Abrasion from adjacent materials
• Activity in the area

Hazard – Overhead Power Lines

➢ Usually not insulated
➢ Examples of equipment that can contact power lines:
• Crane
• Ladder
• Scaffold
• Backhoe
• Raised dump truck bed

Effects of Electrical Hazards

• Electrical shock
• Electrocution
• Burns
• Fires
• Explosions
Electrical Shock
An electrical shock is received when electrical current passes through the body.

How shocks occur?

Electrical shock normally occurs in one of three ways

Individual
1. Must come in contact with both wires of the electric circuit
2. Must come in contact with one wire of an energized circuit and the ground
3. Must come in contact with a metal part that accidentally becomes energized and the
ground

Current and the Human Body

How does current enter the body?

• Typical points of entry are the hands and feet as they come in contact with electric
current.
- Moisture beneath a ring or watch will decrease the skin’s resistance and allow current
to flow.
• Sometimes, through the head and shoulders.
Shock Severity
An electrical shock can result in anything from a slight tingling sensation to immediate
cardiac arrest. The severity depends on the following:

• Path of current through the body

• Amount of current flowing through the body (amps)
• Duration the body remains in the circuit

Effects of Electric Current

At 0.4ma – No sensation
At 1.8 ma – a slight tingling sensation
More than 3 ma – painful shock
At 5 – 16 ma - safe “let-go” current but can cause secondary accident
More than 16ma – muscle contraction “no let go” danger (involuntary grip)
At 30ma to 50ma – lung paralysis – usually temporary
More than 50ma – Possible ventricular fibrillation
At 100 ma or more – certain ventricular fibrillation could be fatal.
Human Skin and Resistance
Dry skin of human body
Current = Volts /Ohms = 220 /100,000 = 2.2mA (0.0022A)
- Barely perceptible level of current
Wet skin of the human body
Current = Volts /Ohms = 220 / 1,000 = 220mA (0.22A)
-Sufficient current to cause ventricular fibrillation

Protection against Hazards of Electricity

• Maintain proper insulation of electric circuit interrupts (GFCI)
• Use of double insulated devices
• Maintain adequate grounding of circuit and equipment
• Properly install guarding
• Provision of the right size uses and circuit breakers
• Use of adequate and approved type of personal protective equipment
• Use of Lockout /Tagout in maintaining electrical equipment

Control – Use of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

• Protects operator from electric shock
• Detects difference in current going into the equipment and the current returning
from it
• If the ground fault detected, GFCI shuts off electricity in 1/40th of a second
What is grounding and what does it offer?
“Grounding” a tool or electrical system means intentionally creating a low
resistance path that connects to the earth. This prevents the buildup of voltages
that could cause an electrical accident. 37

Grounding is normally a secondary protective measure to protect against electrical

shock. It does not guarantee that you won’t get a sock or be injured or killed by an
electrical current. It will however, substantially reduce the risk.
Barrier Guards
Guarding involves locating or enclosing electrical equipment to make sure people
don’t accidently come into contact with its live parts. Effective guarding insures
that is accessible only to authorized people qualified to work on it.

Safe distance from High Tension Wire

Voltage Requirements
The distance you must be from power lines depends upon the voltage of those
lines. The higher the voltage, or electric potential of the lines , the farther you
should be from them when working.
Safe practice requires that you work at least 10feet away from power lines
50,000volts or less. For Higher voltages, you are required to stay farther away.
Preventing Electrical Hazards – PPE
• Proper foot protection (not tennis shoes)
• Rubber insulating gloves , hoods, sleeves , matting and blankets
• Hard hat (insulated – nonconductive)

Lockouts and Tagouts

• Apply locks to power source after de energizing
• Tag deactivated controls
• Tag de-energized equipment and circuits at all points where they can be
energized
• Tags must identify equipment or circuits being worked on
Fire
Fire is a rapid , persistent chemical reaction that release both heat
and light
Classes of Fire
DO 13: Section 16
Workers’ Welfare Facilities

• Adequate supply of drinking water

• Adequate sanitary and washing facilities

• Suitable living accommodation

• Separate sanitary washing and sleeping facilities for men and women workers.

The construction project owner or his duly authorized representative shall provide
competent emergency health personnel within the worksite duly complemented by
adequate medical supplies, equipment and facilities, based on the total number of
workers:
• Clinic
An emergency clinic is required when the total number or workers exceeds two
hundred (200) but not more than three hundred (300). 43

In excess of 300 workers, there should be an infirmary or emergency hospital with one
(1) bed capacity.

In addition, there should be one (1) bed capacity for every additional on hundred
employees (100) in excess of three hundred (300).

When the employer provides a treatment room, he shall still need to provide for the
workers’ emergency access to the nearest medical /dental clinic located within twenty
five (25) minutes of travel. Such access shall include the necessary transportation
facilities. In such situations, there shall be a written contract with the medical / dental
clinic to attend such workplace emergencies.
FIRST AID
Objective
To give initial aid when and where it is needed in order to save victims, prevent
complications, and reduce debilitating injuries.

1. To alleviate suffering.
2. To prevent added or further injury or danger.
3. To prolong life.

First Aid – is an immediate care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly
taken ill. It includes self-help and home care when medical assistance begins.
Roles of First Aider
1. Bridge that fills the gap between the victim and the physician.
2. It is not intended to complete with or to take the place of the services of the
physician.
3. It ends when medical assistance begins.

Emergency Action Principles

1. Survey the scene.
2. Do a Primary Survey of the Victim.
3. Active Medical Assistance or Transfer Facility.
4. Do a Secondary Survey of the Victim.

Survey the Scene: Is the scene safe?

⚫ What happened?
⚫ How many people are injured?
⚫ Are there bystanders who can help?
⚫ If you are a trained first aider, identify yourself as one.
Primary Survey of the Victim

A – Airway
⚫ Do the head tilt/chin lift maneuver.
⚫ Is the victim conscious or unconscious?

B – Breathing
⚫ Do the LLF (Listen, Look and Feel)
⚫ Is the victim breathing?
⚫ It is shallow or deep?
Is he cyanotic?

C – Circulation
⚫ Check the carotid pulse.
⚫ Is the victim’s heart beating?
⚫ Assess the pulse, Is he severely bleeding?
Activate Medical Assistance or Transfer Facility. Information to be relayed:
•⚫ What happened?
•⚫ Number of persons injured.
•⚫ Extend of injury and First Aid given.
•⚫ The telephone number from where you are calling.
•⚫ Persons who activate medical assistance must drop the phone last.

Do a Secondary Survey of the Victim

•⚫ Interview the victim
•⚫ Check vital signs
•⚫ Do the head-to-toe examination
Golden Rules of Emergency Care
What to do:
1. Obtain consent, whenever possible.
2. Think the worst.
3. Call or send for HELP.
4. Identify yourself to the victim.
5. Provide comfort and emotional support.
6. Respect victim’s modesty and physician privacy.
7. Care for the most serious injuries first.
8. Assist the victim with his or her prescribed medication.
9. Keep onlookers away from the injured person.
10. Loosen all tight clothing.

Additional Precautions:
1. Do not harm by trying to arouse an unconscious victim by administering
fluids/alcoholic drink
2. Do not let victim see his own injury.
3. Do not leave the victim except to get HELP.
4. Do not assume that the victim’s obvious injuries are the only ones.
5. Do not deny a victim’s physical or emotional coping limitations.
6. Do not make unrealistic promises.
7. Do not trust the judgment of a confused victim.
8. Do not require the victim to make the decision.
Characteristics of a Good First Aider:

1. Observant – should notice all signs

2. Resourceful – should make the best use of things at hand.
3. Gentle – should not cause pain
4. Tactful – should not alarm the victim
5. Sympathetic – should be comforting

Respiratory Arrest – breathing stops, pulse and circulation may continue for
sometimes.

Cardiac Arrest – circulation stops, the pulse disappears and breathing stops at the
same time or soon thereafter.

Clinical Death
0-4 minutes brain damage not likely
4-6 minutes damage probable
Biological death
Wounds – a break in the continuity of the tissue

First Aid for closed wounds

I – Ice application – to slow bleeding

C – Compression – manual compression over the wound to stop bleeding

E – elevation – elevate the injured part to reduce the bleeding

S – Splinting – immobilizing the soft tissue to with a splint to stop the bleeding

First Aid for open wounds

D – direct pressure – pressure is directly applied over the wound (except if it is the
eye)

E – elevation raise the body part above the level of the victims heart – just be sure
there is no fracture

P – Pressure point bleeding control – pressure on the supplying artery.

FIRE SAFETY
Objective
This topic aims to inform the employee in the hazards of fire and how to prevent it
from causing accidents and destruction.

FIRE – the result of the chemical combination of a combustible material (fuel) with
oxygen in the presence of enough heat
Characteristics and Behavior of Fire
It is virtually impossible to predict exactly when a fire will occur and, upon its
inception, the extent of its destructive potential. However, through scientific
knowledge of ignition, the combustibility of solids, liquids, and gases, and the products
of combustion, effective ways to control the dangers of fire and explosion can be
determined.

Ordinary fire (one that can be extinguished by ordinary extinguishing agents) results
from combustion of fuel, heat and oxygen. When a substance that will burn is heated
to a certain critical temperature called its “ignition temperature”, it will ignite and
continue to burn as long as there is fuel, the proper temperature, and a supply of
oxygen.

For many years, the three-sided figure of the fire triangle has adequately been used to
explain and describe the combustion and extinguishing theory. If anyone of the three
elements is removed, a fire cannot exist. A new theory has developed to explain
combustion and extinguishments further. This is the transition from the plain
geometric triangular figure, which we recognize as the fire triangle, to a four-sided
geometric figure, a tetrahedron, which resembles a pyramid.
Basic Chemistry of Fire

1. Fuel or Combustible material – a material, which contains chemical elements that

will react with oxygen, and under proper conditions, produce fire.

2. Oxygen – we need 16% oxygen to sustain fire.

3. Sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the fuel surface to a point where
chemical union of the fuel and oxygen occurs.

4. Chemical Chain Reaction – vapors of gases, which are distilled during burning
process of a material, are carried into the flame.

Methods of Heat Transfer

1. Conduction – direct conduct of heat from one body to another.

2. Convection – the circulating medium of heat transfer, occurs upward.

3. Radiation – when energy travels through space or material in waves

Products of Combustion
When a fuel burns, it undergoes chemical changes and there are four products of
combustion:

1. Fire Gases – refers to the vaporized products of combustion.

2. Flame – is the visible luminous body of a burning gas, which becomes hotter and less
luminous when it is mixed with increased amounts of oxygen.

3. Heat – is a form of energy, which is measured in degrees of temperature to signify its

intensity. It is responsible for the spread of fire.

4. Smoke – is a visible product of incomplete combustion.

Phases of Burning
1. Incipient Phase or Beginning Phase

2. Flame Producing Phase or Free-Burning Phase

3. Smoldering Phase
Fire Extinguishing Method
Under the theory of the fire triangle, there are three methods of fire suppression. With
the introduction of the tetrahedron concept, a fourth suppression method, stop the chain
reaction, has to be considered. The method of stopping rapid chemical chain reaction
(burning) depends upon the size and the type of fuel involved.
1. Isolation – by eliminating the combustible material

2. Smothering – by cutting of the oxygen supply

3. Quenching – by cooling to a point below the ignition temperature

4. Inhibition – by inhibiting the rapid oxidation of the fuel

Classification of Fires and Extinguishing Methods

Class A Fires – Fires involving ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth,
paper, rubber and many plastics.
Class A Extinguishment – water is used in cooling or quenching effect to reduce the
temperature of the burning material below its ignition temperature.
Class B Fires – Fires involving flammable liquids, greases and gases
Class B Extinguishment – The smothering or blanketing effect of oxygen exclusion is
most effective. Other extinguishing methods include removal of fuel and temperature
reduction.

Class C Fires – Fires involving energized electrical equipment.

Class C Extinguishment – This fire can sometimes be controlled by non- conducting
extinguishing agent. The safest procedure is always to attempt to de-energized high
voltage circuits and treat as Class A or B fire depending upon the fuel involved.

Class D Fires – Fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium,

zirconium, sodium and potassium.
Class D Extinguishment – The extremely high temperature of some burning metals
makes water and other common extinguishing agents ineffective. There is no agent
available that will effectively control fires in all combustible metals. Special
extinguishing agents are available for control of fire in each of the metals and are
marked specifically for that metal.
Fire Extinguisher
Most fires are relatively small when they start, they can be easily handled with portable
fire extinguishers. Therefore, industrial firefighters should be familiar with the types and
location of fire extinguisher distributed throughout the plant. Brigade members should
know: how fire extinguisher work, how they are used, and how they are maintained.

Proper Used of Fire Extinguisher

•⚫ Determine the class of fire and use appropriate type of fire extinguisher
•⚫ Check the content/pressure
•⚫ Pull safety pin
•⚫ Extend discharged horn toward the base of fire
•⚫ Approach the fire with the win at your back
•⚫ Apply with back and forth horizontal sweeping motion
•⚫ Direct the stream at base of fire except burning liquid on open top container
Requirements for Fire Extinguishers
•⚫ Be kept fully charge and in their designated places
•⚫ Be located along normal paths of travel
•⚫ Not be obstructed or obscured from view
•⚫ Not be mounted higher than 5 ft. or 1.5 m. to the top of the extinguisher if they
weigh 40 lbs. Or 80 kg. Or less.
•⚫ Be inspected by management or a designated employee at least monthly to
make sure that they are in their designated places, they have not tampered with or
actuated and they do not have corrosion or other impairments.
•⚫ Be examined at least yearly and/or re-charged or repaired to ensure operability
and safety. A tag must be attached to show the maintenance or re-charged date
and signature or initials of the person performing the service.
•⚫ Be hydrostatically tested.
•⚫ Be selected on the basis of type of hazard, degree of hazard, and area to be
protected.
•⚫ Be placed so that the maximum travel, distances, unless there are extremely
hazardous conditions do not exceed 75 ft. or 23 m. for Class A Extinguisher or 50 ft.
for Class B Extinguisher.
Fire Hose – is a flexible material use to convey water under pressure from the source
of water to the scene of fire.

Types of Fire Hose

1. Woven-jacket, rubber lined – Consist of a lining or tubing made of natural or
synthetic rubber covered by a woven jacket of cotton and synthetic fibers.

2. Wrapped or Braded in Plies – Consist of a rubber tube reinforced by a wrapped or

braded fabric and an outer rubber called “booster hose” and is used in ¾ “and 1”
sizes by fire departments.

3. Unlined Hose – Consist of a fabric tube, usually made of linen, when the fabric
becomes wet, the tread swell and make the tube watertight, this type of hose is use
at indoor standpipe locations where it can be kept dry when not in use.
Ladders
Fire service ladders are similar to any other ladders in shape, design and purpose, but the
way in which they are use requires them to be constructed under rigid specifications. Their
use under adverse conditions further requires them to provide a margin of safety not
usually expected of commercial ladders.

Types of Ladders
1. Straight Ladder – also called wall ladder, made in one section only.

2. Extension Ladder – generally made of 2 or 3 sections.

• Fly Ladder - Upper section
• Bed Ladder- Lowest section

3. Roof Ladder – a straight ladder with a pair of hooks mounted at the top to secure it

4. Collapsible Ladder – useful for inside work, can be easily carried up stairways.

5. Aerial Ladder – operated by hydraulic power that is mounted upon a specially built
chassis.

6. Tower Ladder – Combines some features of both aerial ladder and elevating ladder.
Rescue
Rescue Operation is the careful removal of victim from the unsafe place of safety.

Five Questions to Remember:

1. Is there anybody inside?

2. If so, are they in danger?

3. How could they be reached?

4. What must be done to affect the rescue?

5. Is additional help necessary?

Search and Rescue Procedures
•⚫ Always wear protective apparatus when performing search and rescue in fire
building.
•⚫ By observing exterior of building, locate more than one means of egress.
•⚫ Once you enter the building, visibility will be poor at best. If you cannot see your
feet, do not remain standing, search on hand and feet.
•⚫ Completely search one room before moving to the next room.
•⚫ Start your search on an outside wall. This will allow you to ventilate by opening
windows as soon as possible. Ventilate only if it will not cause spread of fire.
•⚫ Move all furniture, searching behind and under.
•⚫ Search all closets and cupboard including shower stalls.
•⚫ Occasionally, pause during search and listen for cries of help or other such signs
or signals.
•⚫ Move up and down stairs on your hands and knees, keeping heads up whether
ascending or descending.
•⚫ After searching a room, leave a sign or signs indicating that room had been
searched. Chairs turned over, mattress rolled, folded or sideways on bed, closet doors
open. But close entry door to room to prevent the spread of fire.
•⚫ Always look for extension of fire and report any extension to Commanding officer.
Ventilation is to remove smoke gases and heated air allowing pure air to circulate
through the involved building. It plays an important part in the attack, control and
extinguishments of building fires. Firefighters cannot work inside a building until
smoke, gases and heated air had been reduced

Objective:
• To relieve the structure of accumulated heat and gases thereby making entry
possible

• To draw heat, smoke and gases up to the selected channel, thereby preventing the
spread of fire.

• To safely remove accumulated heat, smoke and gases thereby preventing back draft.

And the best way to prevent a fire is to

HAVE NO FIRE AT ALL.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Objective: To describe the different hazards and explain their effect on workers.

Occupational Health – it is the promotion & maintenance of the highest degree of physical,
mental & social well-being of workers in all occupations.
People at work can be exposed to risks to their health and may contract a range of
occupational disease and conditions. Some people may die as a result of a contact, other
may be permanently incapacitated, etc.

AIMS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

1. Promotion and maintenance of the physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers;
2. Prevention of illness
3. Protection of workers from risks at work
4. Placement and maintenance of workers in an occupational environment appropriate to his
capacity
The Necessary Health Personnel in the Workplace

➢ First Aider
The one who gives immediate and temporary treatment in case of sudden injury or illness and
refer the injured to the physician or dentist if necessary. The first aider must maintain the medical
and dental services and facilities.

➢ Nurse
Provide nursing care to the illness and injured. Performs health examinations which are within the
scope of nursing profession and refer the same to the physician if more intensive examination is
needed. He/ she maintains health records and submit annual medical report and gives suggestions
to improve conditions that affects the workers’ health.

➢ Physician
Organize , administer and maintain an occupational health services program. Conducts studies on
occupational health. Prevents disease or injury in the workplace and conserve the health of the
workers. Provides medical and surgical care. Maintains and analyze records of all medical cases.
Continually monitors the work environment for possible health hazards. Acts as an adviser to
management and labor health hazards. He / She reports directly to the top management.

➢ Dentist
The duties of the dentist employed on the workplace shall be in accordance with the Standards
prescribed by the Bureau of Dental Health Services and Department of Health.
RULE 1050 – Notification and Keeping of Accident and/or Occupational Illness
➢ All accident or fitness results in death or permanent total disability, the employer, in
addition to the written report shall initially notify the Regional Labor Office or duly authorized
representative within twenty four (24) hours after occurrence using the fastest available
means of communication.

➢ The employer shall maintain and keep an accident or illness record which shall be open at
all times for inspection to authorized personnel.
RULE 1960 – Occupational Health Service
General Provisions
(1) Every employer shall establish in his place of employment occupational health services in
accordance with the regulation and guidelines provided for under this rule.
(2) The employer, the workers, and their representatives, where they exist shall cooperate and
participate in the implementation of the organizational and other measures relating to occupational
health services.
Emergency Hospital
✓ An employer may not establish an emergency hospital or dental clinic in his workplace as
required in these regulations where there is a hospital or dental clinic which is located not
more than five (5) kilometers away from the workplace, if situated in any urban area, or which
can be reached in twenty-five (25) minutes of travel, if situated in a rural area, and the
employer has facilities readily available for transporting workers to the hospital or clinic in
case of emergency. For purposes of this Rule, the employer shall enter into a written contract
with the hospital or dental clinic for the use of such clinic/hospital in the treatment of
workers in case of emergency. However, this shall not excuse the employer from maintaining
in his place of employment an emergency treatment room for his workers.

Physician /Dentist shall be subject to call at any time in other shift during emergencies
Health Programs
The Physician engaged by the employer, in addition to providing medical services in cases of
emergency, must also perform the following
• Conduct pre-employment medical examination, free of charge, for the proper selection of
worker
• Conduct free of charge annual physical examination of the workers
• Collaborate with safety and technical personnel in the selection and placement of workers,
including investigation of work-related accidents due to exposure to health hazards
• Develop and implement a comprehensive health program for the employees
DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
---- Department Order No. 53-03 – “Guidelines for the Implementation of Drug Free
Workplace Policies and Programs for the Private Sector” ande R.A. 9165 , Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Coverage
These guidelines shall apply to all establishment in the private sector, including their contractor
and concessionaires.

Formulation of Drug free Workplace Policies and programs

1. It shall be mandatory for all private establishment employing ten (10) or more workers to
formulate and implement drug abuse prevention and control program in the workplace.
2. The workplace policies and programs shall be prepared jointly by management and labor
representative
3. In organized establishment, the workplace policies and programs shall be included as part of
the collective Bargaining Agreements.
4. Assistance in the formulation and implementation of Drug Free Workplace Policies and
Programs maybe sought from the Tripartite Task Force.

Components of Drug Free Workplace Policies and programs

1. Advocacy , Education and training
2. Drug Testing program for officers and employees
3. Treatment , Rehabilitation and referral
Roles, Right and Responsibilities of Employer and Employees
1. The employer shall ensure that the policies and programs on the prevention and control of
dangerous drug, including drug testing, shall be disseminated to all officer and employees. The
employer shall obtain a written acknowledgement from the employees that the policy has been
read and understood by them.
2. The employer shall maintain the confidentiality of all information relating to drug test
3. Labor union, federation, workers organization and association are enjoined to take an active
role in educating and training their members on drug abuse prevention and control.
4. All officer and employees shall enjoy the right to due process, absence of which will render
the referral procedure ineffective .

TOBACCO
Dangerous Effect of Tobacco
Research found that tobacco is the only product that kill half of its customers. Tobacco
threatens us all. Tobacco exacerbates poverty, reduces economic productivity, contributes to
poor household food choices and pollutes indoor air...

Safety and health control on Tobacco Use

Tobacco package warnings is a powerful and popular tool for saving life. Three billion five
hundred million which is almost half of the global population lives in a countries where graphic
health warnings are used to reduce tobacco use.
• Graphic warning are use more than any other proven tobacco control measures
• Health warnings provide needed information about the dangers of tobacco
SITE SAFETY INSPECTION
Objective: To instruct the participant on identifying unsafe acts & conditions in the
workplace before these turn into accidents or work-related illness.

Safety and health inspection is a central part of most safety, health and environmental
protection programs. They provide a reliable way for identifying and eliminating conditions
that could contribute to accident, illness or environmental damage.

Hazardous conditions cause injury, illness, property damage and environmental stress.
These must be identified!
Comprehensive Inspections are time consuming. So divide hazards into different
categories and focus inspection individually …
CHECKLISTS
Creating Checklists:
•⚫ Write down every potential hazard within the category that you know exists in your
work area
•⚫ Check the written sources you have available to add any hazards that you did not
think of
•⚫ Examine the work area itself to see if you overlooked any conditions that need to be
checked, and note the locations of the hazards already listed.
•⚫ Have employees review your list to make sure you have included all the hazards and
identified the locations of each one

Written records:
•⚫ Previous inspection reports
•⚫ JHA
•⚫ Maintenance records
•⚫ MSDS
•⚫ Accident investigation reports
•⚫ Work environment monitoring
Scheduling
1. Determine how much time is required for each type of inspection
2. Inspect as often as possible.
3. Make sure each inspection is thorough
4. If conditions don’t improve, or if hazards occur between inspections, increase the frequency
5. If no hazardous conditions are found, do not decrease the frequency of inspections.
6. Stick to the schedule

Involving Employees
•⚫ Increases total manpower
•⚫ Increases the chance that the hazards are corrected quickly
•⚫ Increases the amount of attention to SHE conditions in the area

A sketch or layout allows you to distinguish between

•⚫ similar pieces of equipment
•⚫ similar safety devices
•⚫ other checklist items
•⚫ Conducting the Inspection
•⚫ Stay on the task
•⚫ Take notes
•⚫ Complete and specific remarks make your inspection efforts useful in the future as a health
and safety resource
Recommending Corrective Actions
•⚫ Aimed toward reducing or eliminating the hazard
•⚫ Priority-based

Patterned as:
•⚫ What to do (Action Plan)
•⚫ Who is responsible (Accountability)
•⚫ When is it due (Target Date)
•⚫ What to expect (Output)

Communicating Inspection Results

•⚫ Discuss them at safety meetings
•⚫ Post the completed checklists
•⚫ Post maintenance requests

Hazard Recognition
⚫ Physical hazards - Those that affect the quality of the general work environment.
⚫ Ergonomic hazards - Those that affect the worker and his output.
⚫ Biological hazards- those that cause infectious disease.
⚫ Mechanical Hazards- Those associated with the operation of machinery.
⚫ Electrical hazards - Those associated with electric circuits and components.
⚫ Chemical hazards- Those related to the storage, transfer, production or use of
chemicals.
Biophysical hazards
•⚫ Noise
•⚫ Light
•⚫ Temperature extremes
•⚫ Radiation
•⚫ Housekeeping

Mechanical hazards
•⚫ Points of operation
•⚫ Power transmission
•⚫ In-running Nip points
•⚫ Shear points
•⚫ Other moving parts

Electrical hazards
•⚫ Wiring
•⚫ Grounding / Bonding
•⚫ Power Panels
•⚫ Outlets / Switches

Chemical hazards
•⚫ Fire and Explosion
•⚫ A wide variety of chemicals can burn under the right conditions (Hydrogen, acetylene,
propane)
Gases
• Inspection should concentrate on any condition that could lead to a leak or other
unintentional release of those gases in the air.

Liquids
• Depending on their flash points, can create ignitable vapors even at normal work area
temperature

Solids
• Many solid materials, even those that you would not ordinarily consider combustible,
can burn or explode as fine dust or powders.

Reactive - this group of chemicals has the ability to ignite or explode spontaneously
when:
•⚫ mixed with other substances
•⚫ exposed to high temperature
•⚫ extreme pressure
•⚫ mechanical shock

Environmental contamination. Areas of concern are:

•⚫ storage
•⚫ use
•⚫ disposal
What Items should be on the inspection checklist?

1. Environmental factors (illumination, dust, fumes, gases, mists, vapors, noise, vibration,
heat, radiation sources)
2. Hazardous supplies and materials (explosives, flammables, acids, caustics, toxic or
nuclear materials or by-products)
3. Power source equipment (steam and gas engines, electrical motors)
4. Electrical equipment (switches, fuses, breakers, outlets, cables, extension and fixture
cords, grounds, connectors, connections) and tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers,
power tools)
5. Personal protective equipment (hard hats, safety glasses, safety shoes, respirators,
hearing protection, gloves, etc.)
6. personal service and first aid facilities (drinking fountains, wash basins, soap dispensers,
safety showers, eyewash fountains, first aid supplies, stretchers)
7. fire protection and emergency response equipment (alarms, water tanks, sprinklers,
standpipes, extinguishers, hydrants, hoses, self-contained breathing apparatus, toxic
cleanup, automatic valves, holes, phones, radios)
8. walkways and roadways (ramps, docks, sidewalks, walkways, aisles, vehicle ways, escape
routes)
9. elevators, electric stairways, and man lifts (controls, wire ropes, safety devices)
10. working surfaces (ladders, scaffolds, catwalks, plat-forms)

11. material handling equipment (cranes, trollies, conveyors, hoists, forklifts, chains,
ropes, slings)

12. transportation equipment (automobiles, railroad cars, trucks, front-end loaders,

helicopter, motorized carts and buggies)

13. warning and signaling devices (sirens, crossing and blinker lights, warning signs, exit
signs)

14. containers (scrap bins, disposal receptacles, carboys, barrels, drums, gas cylinders,
solvent cans)

15. storage facilities and area both indoor and outdoor (bins, racks, lockers, cabinets,
shelves, tanks, closets)

16. structural openings (windows, doors, stairways, sumps, shafts, pits, floor openings)

17. building and structures (floors, roofs, walls, fencing)

18. miscellaneous – any items that do not fit in preceding categories

ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Objective: To teach the participant to conduct investigations systematically
Accidents are the result of:
•⚫ Hazardous Acts
•⚫ Hazardous Conditions

Investigations are conducted to:

•⚫ Prevent recurrence
•⚫ Comply with policies and regulatory requirements
•⚫ Improve Supervisor’s Management Approach
•⚫ Maintain employee awareness - HSE
Prevention is the reason for conducting an Accident Investigation unless the unsafe
acts/conditions are:
•⚫ Identified,
•⚫ Eliminated or
⚫ Controlled
All accidents must be investigated:
•⚫ LTI
•⚫ Non-LTI
•⚫ Property Damage
•⚫ Near Misses

Near-Miss is an accident that:

•⚫ Did not happen
•⚫ Could happen … it is still investigated

Accident Investigations are usually considered a Supervisors responsibility.

Advantages of Supervisors over other investigators:
•⚫ More familiar with the people involved
•⚫ Better understanding of the operations and equipment
•⚫ Personal interest in Investigations
Team Effort: all employees should understand:
⚫ What to report
⚫ How to report

Managing the Accident Scene

Two Priorities:
• Care & Treatment of the Injured
• Elimination or control of Remaining Hazard

Care & Treatment of Injured

Supervisors can increase their ability to respond to medical emergencies by:
• Training in First Aid
• Drills under normal and abnormal conditions
• Liaison with hospitals

Controlling Remaining Hazards

If a hazardous environment or toxic materials exist:
• Notify necessary personnel
• Provide PPE to potentially exposed
• Refer to MSDS
Isolate the site
• To protect people from further injury
• To preserve evidence and valuable clues

Investigate immediately because:

• Operations are disrupted
• Memories fade
• Employees are at risk

Conducting the Investigation

• Gather information
• Analyze the facts
• Make recommendations

Gathering Information (Preliminary Facts)

• NOI, POI, DOI, TOI
• personnel involved
• property damage
• environmental harm
Sources of Information
• Witnesses
• Physical evidence at the scene
• Existing records

Witnesses
• Victim and onlookers
• Those who heard what happened
• Saw area prior to incident
• Others with info about involved individuals, equipment or circumstances

A Healthy tip in asking Questions: when you ask questions, pretend you are blind, and you
want a description which you can picture in your imagination.

Physical Evidence: provides information about an accident that witnesses may overlook
or take for granted.

Sketches: to record important details at the accident site for later study Include
everything that could be important:
• Floor plan from overhead view
• Location of involved man, machine, tool
• Size/location of transient evidences (spills, dust, footprints, skid marks)
Photographs capture
• detail
• color differences
• complex shapes difficult to recall

When taking Photographs, follow some tips

• General area / Detailed shots
• Show scale on small objects
• Indicate reference point
• Better to take too many than too few
• Examining :Materials, Machines, Environment

Machines & Equipment

• Physical condition
• Position of switches/levers
• Reading of gauges
• Safeguards: it’s the best way to ensure that recommendations are carried out
Documenting an Accident Investigation
Report forms require four basic types of information
• general information
• a summary
• an analysis
• recommendations

Reports should be
• Clear
• Detailed
• Neat
• Legible

Reminder
• Look beyond the direct causes of the accident.
• Find out what can be done to eliminate the underlying reason for the hazardous
behaviors and conditions that lead to the mishap.

Management Approach
• Training
• Inspections
• Job Hazard Analysis
• Safety Meetings
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
Objective:
To teach the participant how to analyze jobs in the workplace and spot possible
sources of accidents in these different tasks.
Accidents can occur when:
• Work is performed incorrectly
• Workers use hazardous materials
• Work under hazardous conditions

The process of determining the hazards associated with a job is often referred to as a
JHA or a Job Hazard Analysis.
For proper ESH management, all jobs should include a JHA. JHA involves
• Identify basic steps of a job
• Determine associated hazards
• Make recommendations to control the hazards

Uses of a JHA
• Create / improve SOP’s
• Guide in observing employee performance
• Accident investigation
• Safety inspection

Prioritizing JHA’s
• High Frequency of Accidents
• Increase occurrence of Near-Misses
• History of Serious Accidents / Fatalities
• Potential for Serious Harm
• New Jobs
• Changes in Procedures or Standards

JHA Team
• Supervisor
• Employee most familiar with the job
• Other employees who perform the job
• Experts or specialists (maintenance personnel, occupational hygienists, ergonomists or
engineers)
Employee Training
• Ensuring that each job step is performed safely & efficiently
• To point out particular job steps / hazards that require special precautions.
• Refresher training (infrequent jobs)
• Increase awareness on hazards

Employee Observations
• Guide in employee performance observations
• Allows supervisors to focus on especially hazardous steps
• Ensures employee is performing steps according to SOP

Inspections
• when developing inspection checklists, supervisors can use JHA’s to help identify
hazardous conditions that may need to be included.

Accident Investigations
• To determine if the job was being performed incorrectly
• To tell if a hazard was overlooked in the initial analysis.

JHA is a simple step to safety

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
No matter how committed an industrial company may be in terms of occupational
health and safety program implementation, the probability of an emergency may arise
at the least expected scenario. Should this happen, do we know what to do? Are we
aware of our very own emergency procedure?

Objectives:
This session will provide an avenue for all workers to be calm in emergencies
because they know what to do. This will also help them to make decisions and take
appropriate steps to keep a victim alive and keep injuries becoming worse until
medical help arrives.
Emergency is a sudden, unexpected event demanding an immediate action.
You may have the right word meaning from the dictionary, but it doesn’t tell you how
to get out of it. Eventually, fear will overcome..
…this incident will determine your actions
…actions that will determine the difference between life and death.

Pro-active safety
When a group of people becomes pro-active, it starts with a basic assumption that
they can work in the workplace without accidents they believe they have the ability
and capacity to work without suffering accidental damage to themselves or to the
materials with which they work.

Reactive safety
• When worker experienced an event that resulted to injuries or damage to materials,
this is the only time that he will consider safety as a consequence only after the
injuries or damage to properties occurred.
Accident results from the two root causes: hazardous act and hazardous condition
• hazardous act – unaware, unable, unmotivated.
• hazardous condition – unidentified, uncorrected

General Procedures In Response To Different Types Of Emergencies.

FIRST AID – is the immediate care given to a victim who has been injured or
suddenly taken ill.

Role of first aider:

• Serves as the bridge that fills the gap between the victim and the physician.
• He is not to compete with nor take the place of the physician.
• He will assist the physician when he arrives.

Objectives in giving first aid:

• To alleviate suffering of the victim.
• To prevent added injury to the victim and to prevent further harm.
• To prolong the life of the victim. ▪ Survey the scene.
▪ Do the primary survey of the victim.
▪ Activate medical assistance or transfer facility.
▪ Do the secondary survey of the victim.
Earthquake - what to do?
• Act quickly! Protect your body from falling debris by getting under a sturdy desk, table or
doorway
• Keep away from glass windows and free standing furniture.
• When outside, stay away from tall buildings, move to an open field.
• At the end of initial shock, evacuate building when given clearance by the Chief Marshal
• Go to the assembly area assigned near your position.

Fire Emergency – if you discover a fire:

• Activate fire alarm (break glass)
• Call for help, dial your hot line number
• Try to extinguish fire if knowledgeable to do so.
• Do not take any personal risks.
• Follow instructions of evacuation team guide.
• Proceed to the assembly area.

How to operate the fire extinguisher:

• Break seal / remove pin
• Release hose / nozzle from holder
• Test for good operation by squeezing lever briefly before approaching the fire
• Extinguish the fire to within 6-8 feet and aim at the base of the fire
• Sweep the nozzle back and forth until is completely extinguished
Evacuation
• On hearing the alarm signal, gather vital personal effects and go for the nearest exit near
you.
• Go to the assembly area at the open field assigned near your present location
• If you are away from normal work floor, obey instructions from that floor.
• Do not attempt to return to your own floor
• Security will take any other action.

Bomb threat
• If a bomb or suspicious object is discovered – do not touch it, clear the area
• Notify security office
• Prevent other personnel from going into the area
• Security will take any other action required

If you received a call…

• Attract the attention of another staff member to ring your local hotline
• Record details of threat as per procedure given: do not hang up your phone
• Try to record exact words; keep the caller TALKING (try to obtain as much information
as possible)
• Security will take further action required
Questions to ask…
• When is the bomb going to explode?
• Where is it right now?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause the bomb to explode?
• Who place the bomb?
• Why?
• Where are you?
• What is your name?

Do not hang up the phone

Security
• Most Senior Security Officer on-duty shall respond when an emergency arising from fire,
earthquake and explosions occurs upon notice given by the Chief Marshal
• The compound shall be cordoned to prevent unauthorized person’s entry
• Security Officers shall supervise crowd control to prevent employees and looters around
the affected area.
• Follow the safe and orderly evacuations of employees to the assembly area.
DUTIES OF SAFETY OFFICER
A safety officer ensures that workers are following established policies and safety
regulations. A construction safety officer may take on additional roles and
responsibilities, but their primary job is helping to create safer construction sites. Safety
officers work closely with the Occupational Safety and Health Standard.

Policy and Regulation Maintenance

Safety officers develop, implement and enforce policies that reduce the risk of
accidents. The safety officer determines what policies are needed and how to enforce
them. The safety officer is responsible for keeping policies up to date, meeting the
latest standards and establishing new ones from time to time as more and newer risks
are discovered.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Safety Officer

1. Conduct Safety Audit and inspections and Perform full time and continuous safety
coverage / monitoring of the work site.
2. Promote the value and appropriate behavior of safety
3. Report to and assist his site supervisor / manager in the overall implementation
approved company Safety Plan
4. Coordinate for safety, health, security & environmental issues with the client
counterpart in the field that affect day-to-day operation.
5. Be familiar with the company established emergency procedures.
6. Carry out site surveys to see that only safe work methods are in operation, that
health & safety requirements are being observed, and welfare facilities are adequate
and properly maintained.
7. Determine the cause of any incident including near misses and recommend means of
preventing their recurrence.
8. Keep up-to-date with recommended codes of practice and safety literatures.
Circulate information to each level of employees.
9. Assist site safety manager in training employees of selected disciplines.
10. Supervise / monitor daily toolbox meetings or pre-job instruction meetings of
foremen / supervisors.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Safety Officer

11. Foster within the company an understanding that injury prevention and damage
control are an integral part of business and operational efficiency.
12. Stop employees whenever unsafe acts or conditions are noted.
13. Monitor and ensure compliance of field workforce with the Permit To Work
System.
14. Conduct Accident Investigation and Analysis
15. Perform Risk Assessment / Job Safety Analysis / Job Hazard Analysis
(JSA/JHA)
16. Conduct of emergency drills and simulations
17. Submit safety related reports to the management and government regulatory
bodies
18. Advise site management through his immediate superior, on the following
• Attainable means to improve working conditions, existing work methods and
practices.
• Ways to prevent fires, injury, damage to equipment & facilities.
• Contractual concerns affecting safety, health & welfare of employees.
• Provision and use of special protective clothing and equipment for specific tasks
19. Set a personal example
Safety Officer Required Inspection
• Daily Site Inspection – Utilized “Daily Safety Observation Report” and Safety Non-
conformance forms
• Spot inspection of employees’ tools, PPE and other equipment.
• Daily brief check of all working platform, barriers/ barricades and safety signboards.
• Random check of all mobile and stationary machineries at the work site.
• Daily check for the provision of egress and ingress all around the work site.
• Daily quick check of fire protection equipment.
• Monthly inspections of tools and equipment (facilitate inspections by competent
designated person); Safety Officers shall inspect the ff:
- Fire Extinguisher
- Full Body Harness,
- Safety Instruments / gadgets
- Emergency Apparatus, SCBA,
- eye wash, etc.
• Daily check of housekeeping condition at the site, including welfare facilities.
• Safety Officers shall participate in controlling employees during knock off time /
break time and lunch time.
• Actively control traffic flow at the worksite.
Site Safety Inspection
The safety officer is in charge of inspecting site conditions to determine if hazards are
present and to establish procedures and policies to overcome those hazardous
situations. The safety officer looks for broken equipment, defective tools, and other
potential hazards, focusing on worker safety. The safety officer determines what type of
personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed and makes sure that workers know how
to operate and use tools and equipment.

Accident Investigation
The safety officer's main responsibility is to diminish or eliminate work-related accidents.
However, if an accident occurs, the safety officer will conduct a safety investigation to
determine root causes, what procedures may have gone wrong, and to gather the
evidence necessary to identify the cause of the accident. Based on investigation results,
the safety officer will document findings and recommendations that should be followed to
prevent the accident from happening again. Some of the most common incidents avoided
at the workplace by safety offices are related to:

Usage of faulty equipment and electrical cord extensions

• Reduction of fatality during trenching and excavating
• Reduction of accidents and increase protection of workers when using formwork
• Safety procedures enhance when working on roofs and elevated surfaces
Construction Safety Officer Training

A construction safety officer needs to be proactive, staying a step ahead of

the group on safety and environmental hazards. In doing so, the officer trains
all employees and identifies special requirements for employees. The safety
officer provides training to employees on safety topics required by the
Occupational Safety and Health Standard .These include fire prevention plans,
machine guarding and hazardous materials handling.
EMPLOYEE SAFETY TRAINING
Safety Training Coverage
• Safety Orientation and Initial Training for New Employees
• Performance Improvement for Existing Personnel
• Methods/Technique Updating and sustaining the Performance Improvement Program.

Safety Orientation and Initial Training for New Employees

Safety orientation should be given to all newly - hired employees regardless of previous
experience. This familiarization training shall include, but not limited to the following subjects:
• Proper conduct and Attitude Towards Safety
• Emergency Procedures
• Accidents Reporting
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Health and Sanitation
RE – ENTRY PROGRAM
Objectives: to introduce the BOSH participant into his role in the safety committee.
Participants to the BOSH training are now tasked to apply what they learned. Our plan for
their re-entry to the Safety & Health Committee is outlined as follows:
I. Review
On their own, after completing the BOSH training, participants are enjoined to review
their notes, manuals, workshop exercises and experiences.
II. Application
On return to company, they make a verbal or written report to their supervisor signifying
their intention to apply the contents of the BOSH training. The simplest way to
immediately use the material is by specific task, so as not to get overwhelmed by the
project.
• Inspection
• Investigation
Inspection
If the new member intends to conduct his application by inspection, he may opt to be
teamed up with another member, or conduct inspection alone.
Workplace inspection is by far the best way to begin. It involves 3 steps:
▪ Identification of hazards
▪ Evaluation of hazards
▪ Control of hazards

Identification the hazards:

Unsafe Act
▪ Act of Omission (Negligence)
▪ Act of Commission ( Committed an act which is against safety protocol)

Unsafe Condition
▪ Physical
▪ Chemical
▪ Biological
▪ Ergonomic
▪ Mechanical
▪ Electrical
Evaluate the hazard: Indicate why you identified the act/condition to be unsafe by:
▪ Comparing against
▪ Company standards

Control the hazard through any or a combination of three methods

▪ Engineering control
▪ Administrative control
▪ Personal Protective Equipment

Making an inspection report is carried out by an action plan directed toward the
control of the hazard. A report is made that includes:
▪ Problem
▪ Action plan
▪ Accountability
▪ Target date
▪ Output
Investigation
If the new member intends to conduct his application by investigation, he may opt to be
teamed up with another member or conduct investigation alone. Results and processes
may be compared later.
Steps to follow are:
▪ Gather information
▪ Analyze the facts
▪ Make recommendation

Gathering information is initiated through

• Witness interview – follows the different techniques to elicit information and details of
the events that transpired
• Physical evidence – done initially by sketching or taking pictures of the accident scene
for reference. Should other materials be present that can contribute to explaining the
accident, they must be logged and examined carefully
• Review of written records – referring to previous accident reports, maintenance
records, and other data in the company’s file.
Analysis of the data, as discussed in the BOSH is by
• Change analysis
• Fault tree method
• Fish-bone analysis
• Process safety review
• Job safety analysis

Making recommendations is carried out by an action plan directed toward the

primary and secondary causes of the accident. A report is made that includes:
• Problem
• Action plan
• Accountability
• Target date
• Output
III. Implementation
1) Study / review
• Once the reports (inspection) have been made, they are submitted to the Safety Manager
or counterpart for analysis. Feasibility is determined & the new member may be asked for a
simple explanation for his report.
• The action plan is then put into effect in an experimental area, or may be applied directly
to the act / condition in question
• After the target date is met, results of the implementation are noted and discussed

IV. Evaluation
• Scoring / ranking of the expected results is done to quantify / qualify the data.
• Discussion of the results may be made by direct comparison.
• Other forms may require more intricate analysis like that of determination of p-values in
standard deviation
• Depending on the outcome and the nearness/farness (proximity/distance) from the
expected output, modifications can be made to tailor fit the action plan.
• A final report is made to document the results and the action plan is applied to the
greater part of the company’s workplace.

V. Repeat process
• Next step is to increase / broaden the scope of responsibility of the new member.
THE END