Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

ME 423
BASIC OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
REFLECTION PAPER

KARLO RAPHAEL L. VALDEZ

Student

BSME 4D
Course & Section

ENGR. JESMARK A. CARPIO

Professor
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

REFLECTION PAPER: PROMOTING SAFETY AND HEALTH AS AN ENGINEER'S

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY

Engineering is not necessarily a profession of mechanical calculations and creative design; it is a

deeply ethical profession, with real stakes for lives and for societies. As I reflect on the report Promoting
Safety and Health as an Engineer’s Professional and Ethical Responsibility, I think about the considerable
responsibility engineers have to provide for the safety and well-being of individuals, communities and the
environment.

The first objective Protecting Lives is the heart and soul of why engineering safety and health is
so vitally important. As with all innovations, development that produces structures, systems and new
technology have the potential to effect human life. This is a timeless truth about engineering decisions
that every decision is subject to and must necessarily be felt with regard to ethics. It cannot just be
assumed that a project will be functional or profitable, but also that it will be safe for users and those
indirectly affected by it. However, it also emphasizes the importance of minimizing risks, a concept that
should apply from the outset of each of our projects, because risk assessment and mitigation should not be
considered as a formal bureaucratic exercise, but as an essential part of responsible design, by which we
mean thinking ahead, anticipating how things might go wrong and deciding how best to prevent damage
from happening before it does. Yes, compliance with safety regulations and ethical code is a higher nearer
the clearest tolerance our consumers have for good employment and reliable engineering. Ethical
engineers go beyond merely adhering to regulations; they operate with Integrity, maintaining honesty in
safety reports and openness when issues surface. Integrity also involves avoiding shortcuts, even
when facing pressure to lower expenses or achieve deadlines.
It requires bravery and ethical fortitude to voice concerns when a design or plan could endanger lives.

As the emphasis on Sustainability expands its definition of responsibility, so does the focus on
what constitutes responsible engineering. As an engineer, you should consider not only your immediate
safety but also the effects of your engineering decisions on the public health and environment. The ability
to think ahead is needed in a world of climate change, resource scarcity and the growing urbanization.
Engineers must blend technical feasibility with ecological responsibility to ensure their solutions not only
meet today’s needs but those of future generations. Education and advocacy for safety and health is
another powerful reminder is that engineers are not only practitioners but also players in their profession
and society, promoting best practices, mentoring future engineers and raising awareness of safety issues
and issues, increase the profession's relevance to society and generate greater trust in the profession.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the report is the discussion of the consequences of
neglecting safety and health. There are an awful number of tragic accidents in history (bridge collapses,
industrial plant derailments, environmental disasters) which could have been avoided if safety had been
taken into account. They not only cause death and suffering but also destroy the public’s confidence in
engineering and in the institutions that govern it. With this conclusion the spirit of engineering ethics is
expressed very clearly: a commitment. A commitment that goes beyond technical excellence in order to
pursue human dignity, public welfare and sustainable development. By including safety and health
aspects throughout engineering from ideation through project implementation engineers confirm their role
as guardians of society’s trust. With regard to this report, I think we have the important fact that
engineering is not a framed career, it is a long term commitment to values that protect and uplift human
life, and that promoting safety and health is not a matter of choice, it is a cornerstone of what it means to
be a professional engineer.

REFLECTION PAPER: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

Reading the report Occupational Safety: The Importance of Safety in the Workplace really helped
me understand just how important safety is not just for compliance but for the well-being of everyone
working in a workplace. It’s easy to overlook safety when things are going fine, but the reality is it’s
something that needs constant attention and care.
One of the first things that took me by surprise was the definition of occupational safety,
especially the emphasis on preventing hazardous substances before they get to somebody else — and not
just prevent accidents; it’s about creating an environment where people think they are safe going to work
every day, and that can make a big difference in morale and productivity. If people think they’re protected
they’re more likely to be engaged and focused and that’s always a good thing.
Also this report did a great job of clearly defining some of the common workplace hazards that
people encounter like physical hazards, chemicals hazards, electrical hazards, even psychological hazards.
That gave me the reminder that safety isn’t just about wearing a hard hat or following a checklist. It’s
about knowing how you can get hurt and overworked at work in all these different ways, which really
changes how we approach safety as a whole.
I was struck by the three key principles for occupational safety, especially risk assessment, safety
procedures and ongoing training. These aren’t things you should be doing just once, they have to become
part of the culture. Training, this especially hit home because even the best safety systems won’t work if
people don’t know how to use them. It’s unfair to expect employees to work safely if they haven’t been
adequately trained. More importantly, the report also called out that a well-established safety culture "has
real benefits. " Lower injuries, lower costs, higher morale, and higher productivity that’s a win for
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

everyone, you think about safety as something that slows things down or introduces more steps, but, in
the long run, it makes things go faster and more efficiently.

The report did not shy away from discussing the many challenges involved in implementing good
safety practices. Things like resistance to change, lack of budget, and gaps in training are real issues. Not
all organizations have equal resources and sometimes a commitment to safety just becomes expedient and
convenience, in which case leadership support and strong commitment to safety are key. I also
appreciated the section about the legal and regulatory side of occupational safety. It’s a good reminder
that safety isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a legal requirement in many cases. But beyond that, it’s just the right
thing to do. No one should have to choose between doing their job and staying safe.

In the end, this report reinforced for me that occupational safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s
not just about avoiding accidents hence, it's about creating a respectful, supportive environment where
people can do their best work without fear of getting hurt. Whether you’re a manager or a new hire, we all
play a part in making that happen. It’s something we should take seriously, every day.

REFLECTION PAPER: INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

Before, I never truly understood the importance of protecting people in the workplace. Not from
obvious hazards and unwelcome events, but from those that are simply not noticed. Industrial hygiene is
very much about identifying and dealing with hazards that could affect the health and safety of workers,
and it plays a major role in making workplaces feel more comfortable, safer and productive.
One thing that really caught my attention was how diverse there are different reasons to consider
industrial hygiene. The one that really stands out is the protection of workers’ health and safety but there
are other reasons as well: keeping employees safe helps a company avoid any legal problems and lessens
the potential cost of injuries or illnesses. If people feel secure at work, they’re more likely to stay with the
company and do their best work. That’s going to boost morale and the company’s reputation if safety is
an important aspect in the industry.
I also thought it was really interesting to find out about the different types of hazards workers
might experience. It isn’t just chemicals or heavy machinery that you put in your work, they are things
like poor lighting and loud noise, bad posture and even stress, which over time can have significant
adverse health consequences, and some of those might be hard to find or develop and you really do need
somebody monitoring it or at least caring for it. That’s really the job of industrial hygiene anyway: to
monitor things before they happen.
Industrial hygiene, or pre-emptive actions you must take to minimize potential hazards, is
basically knowing what is likely to happen, anticipating it, recognizing it and evaluating it, controlling it
and confirming it. It makes sense when you are going through the steps of industrial hygiene and
anticipating things might happen, recognizing things might happen, assessing it, controlling it and
confirming it. And it makes for the smartest, most organized way to keep people safe is not waiting for
something to go wrong first.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

What truly struck me after thinking about this question as a whole was that the responsibility for
industrial hygiene is not just on the hands of the safety officer/inspectors hence, it's on the shoulders of
everyone. Whether you're a manager or a worker, whether you're a first-timer or you have years of
experience, knowing these risks, and how to deal with them, can make a huge difference.

REFLECTION PAPER: CONTROL MEASURES FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

(OSH) HAZARDS

I gained a deeper insight into how complex and vitally important it is to maintain a safe working
environment. Occupational safety and health is not about wearing protective equipment or placing
warning signs; it is about the systematic and strategic design of an occupational safety and health system
to prevent injury or illness before it occurs. From the findings of this report it seems clear that controlling
workplace hazards requires thorough planning, continuous monitoring and involvement of all relevant
parties.
One of the most thoughtful items in this report was the explanation of the Hierarchy of Controls.
Prior to this paper I had been thinking of safety in terms of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
(for example gloves or helmets). But through this process, I was able to appreciate that PPE is not the first
line of defense. In fact, the hazards should already be eliminated or substituted with another before using
PPE. It really struck me how important the latter point was that it’s so much better to eliminate a hazard
than deal with one in some way. Engineering and administrative controls also have their parts; they can
help change processes or change workplace practice in a way that is safer. The Hierarchy is also a tool for
organizations to map out a logical route to achieve safety goals.
Additionally, the report also stressed that “workers should be involved in hazard identification
and control” because, as I read the report, “workers are directly exposed to the hazards so their input is
critical to identify real world risks and to find realistic solutions.” This goes back to a larger theme of
creating a strong safety culture in an environment where communication is valued, trust is valued and
collaboration is valued. Without participation even the most well designed safety plans may not work in
practice.
Another thing I very much liked was how the control measures were implemented and step-by-
step where they were implemented. You identify hazards, select the right controls, train workers, track
worker performance, and make an ongoing improvement. All these steps are needed to make sure you
have an effective safety system. I think one of the things that really struck me was how important training
and education were. Even the best controls won’t protect workers if they aren’t trained to use them.
Safety training should be conducted in-field, job-specific and constantly updated instead of just having a
one-time training session during onboarding.
I was also very impressed with how much emphasis was put on monitoring and evaluation; so
often safety programs are set up and then forgotten, but the report made it clear that safety is an ongoing
process – it needs regular audits, investigations into incidents and feedback from workers in order to be
effective. By continually finding out what is working well and what is not, organizations can adjust their
strategies and avoid the risks they face.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

Last but not least I was very inspired by the section on continual improvement. It got me thinking
about safety in the workplace not as an end goal to be achieved but as something that you constantly
strive to improve on in order to continually improve on it. It reminded me that safety isn’t just about
avoiding accidents it’s also about creating a safer and more respectable workplace for employees.
In conclusion, I would like to say that this report helped me understand that controlling
occupational safety and health hazards is a complex and ongoing process, not just an act of compliance; it
is a culture in which safety is a shared responsibility and as of great concern is our top priority. In my life
as a student just entering the workforce this knowledge is not only helpful but also essential. I see the role
of safety professionals in a new light and appreciate the systems and efforts that are required to keep
workers safe.

REFLECTION PAPER: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Reading the report on Occupational Health provided me with a better realization of how crucial it
is to ensure not just bodily safety but general health and wellbeing on the job. Although I knew already
that safety regulations were in place to avoid accidents, I had not thought so much about the wider context
of occupational health—how it assists in the provision of a working environment in which individuals can
flourish on both a mental and physical level.
One of the most important lessons from the report was the definition and significance of
occupational health. It's not merely a matter of preventing accidents; it's about creating systems and
cultures that safeguard workers from harm and promote their long-term health. I was impressed by the
notion that healthier workers are more productive and effective. That link between health, productivity,
and morale isn't just good sense—it's something that's documented clearly, and it needs to be a priority in
every workplace.
The part of the workshop addressing common workplace dangers was particularly enlightening. I
had generally assumed that workplace dangers would be largely physical in nature—slippery floors,
heavy equipment, etc. Discovering chemical, biological, and ergonomic dangers opened my eyes to the
variety of these threats. Even a poorly configured desk arrangement or being around commonly used
cleaning solutions can lead to serious health issues in the long run. Being aware of these subtle dangers
really hammered home the value of continuous evaluation and preventive measures.
The report's emphasis on risk and hazard assessment made me remember that health and safety
aren't fixed entities—they need to be constantly worked on. I liked how the hierarchy of controls was
linked with this process. It is reasonable that eliminating a hazard altogether is preferable to only
shielding individuals from it. The step-by-step process of analyzing and controlling risks demonstrates
that occupational health isn't a response measure—it's preventive.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

One section that I thought was useful was on best practices and preventive measures. Regular
safety inspections, giving out PPE, wellness programs, and open communication might sound basic, but
they can do a lot. The concept of workplace health being not only the employer's job, but that everyone
needs to be involved in it, resonated with me. A culture of safety is only possible when employees feel
listened to and protected. Rules and regulations also come into play concerning occupational health. I
now comprehend more how such rules and regulatory bodies as the OSHA and ILO guide in having set
standards that act to secure worker protection at their workplaces. It's also under such regulations and
rules that this matter of occupational health becomes no option, rather it's by right and even an obligation.
You should understand Your Rights As an Employee.
Lastly, I was most convinced by the report's emphasis on the advantages of occupational health
programs. It's obvious that spending money on employee health results in lower absenteeism, decreased
healthcare expenditures, and better employee retention. But aside from the statistics, what really counts is
that individuals feel appreciated and secure in the workplace. That kind of environment creates trust,
loyalty, and a healthier overall organization.
In summary, this report opened my eyes to how important occupational health is. It's not merely a
matter of staying out of harm's way—it's creating workplaces that value and look after the people who
work there. When I go into the workforce, I will take this with me and hope to be part of a generation that
keeps health, safety, and well-being at the forefront of every career.

REFECTION PAPER: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Since having read the report Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensuring Safety in the
Workplace, I’ve come to appreciate just how important it is to keep workers safe in a wide range of
industries. It might seem like something very basic or even obvious, but PPE plays an immensely
important role in the larger picture of occupational safety and health.
I wonder where the report starts, at what point PPE is defined as "equipment worn to limit the risk
of a serious workplace injury or illness. " Such things as helmets, gloves, goggles and even entire body
suits. I noticed that the point is how PPE protects the worker from potentially hazardous substances, tools
and the environment; without adequate PPE, there could very well be a small fumble that can lead to a
catastrophic injury. I learned how different types of PPE work and how personal protective equipment
needs to fit in with the safety hazards you are putting workers up against. For example, someone working
on very noisy machinery needs hearing protection while working with chemicals may be required to wear
special gloves and respiratory gear. PPE should not be fitted to every job; it must be designed and tailored
to fit in with the specific hazards of that specific job. In this section I learned how important risk
assessment plays a role in how an organization assigns the appropriate safety devices to its workers.
One part of the report that I found particularly interesting was the hierarchy of controls section.
I’ve always assumed that PPE was the method that would ensure the final protection of people, property,
and the environment. So when I read the report, I realized that it’s actually the only mechanism for
control after elimination or substitution, engineering, or administrative control. That was a change in my
thinking that PPE is critical, but that certainly shouldn’t be the only or first way to mitigate risks.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

For the record, the report also pointed out that safety awareness is not just important for
complying with laws and it’s also essential to create a culture of safety. It’s important to know that your
employer offers protection equipment and will expect you to use it correctly because they care about how
you feel and believe in your safety. On the other hand, if safety awareness is neglected or neglected, you
can end up with injury, illness, or even death.
Finally, the importance of training and compliance was emphasized by the report. It’s not
enough to simply hand out PPE, therefore, employees must be taught how to wear, use, and care for it
correctly. Training ensures that workers understand why PPE is necessary and what could happen if it’s
not used properly. Compliance also involves creating accountability so that safety isn’t seen as optional,
but as an expected part of the job.
In conclusion, this report helped me understand that PPE is not just gear but it’s a critical
component of a workplace’s commitment to safety. It reflects thoughtful planning, respect for workers,
and a proactive approach to risk management. As I move forward in my studies and career, I’ll carry this
knowledge with me and always consider how PPE and other safety practices contribute to a healthier and
more secure work environment.

RELFLECTION PAPER: FIRE PROTECTION

Since reading this report on fire protection, I have come to realize the importance of being well
prepared for one of the most lethal and unpredictable threats in any environment is fire. Fire protection is
much more than just dealing with flames: it is the whole system of prevention, detection and response
which saves lives and protects property.
The report set out a clear definition of what is called fire protection, the study and practice of
reducing the destructive consequences of fire. I have now found out how broad the field really is, both in
terms of its technical aspects from understanding what causes fires to designing systems that can detect
and suppress them but also in terms of a need for knowledge, planning and readiness to act. One of the
things I took away from the report was the importance of the Fire Protection System. These systems are
there to prevent and detect fires before they start, so that their impact on the environment can be
minimized. I hadn’t really thought of fire safety as a system before, rather like a fire extinguisher on a
wall or an alarm device. But in reality, many types of sprinklers, fire alarms, detectors and other fire
protection devices can be put together to help protect people.
The objectives of fire protection were simple but very powerful. The first one is to save lives, and
protect property (of course that's probably no surprise), but the second one (minimizing service
interruption) really made me realize how devastating a fire can be even if no one is hurt. It can shut down
operations, tear down infrastructure, and take years to recover from. Fire protection isn't just about getting
rid of an emergency but it's also about long-term safety and continuity. I also learned about the Fire
Triangle which explains that there have to be 3 elements (heat, fuel and oxygen) to start a fire. The simple
formula really helped me understand how fire suppression works - if you take off or reduce one of these
elements you can put out the fire. Simple concept but damn useful for understanding how a fire behaves
and how it can be controlled.
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
AND TECHNOLOGY

The section on the usual causes of fire was actually pretty important to read. Electrical fires, unattended
equipment, flammable materials and human error are all hazards that can crop up any day and cause a
huge incident. It definitely made me realize how important prevention is that fires usually do not just
happen but they're often an outcome of something that could have been prevented had there been enough
precaution.
The report also touched on fire classifications, which I was not very familiar with prior to that.
Understanding the difference between Class A, B, C, D, and K fires and how each needs a different
approach to extinguish is essential for effective response. Applying the wrong approach, such as water to
an electrical fire, could potentially make the situation worse. That is why training and education are so
crucial. Fire protection systems and methods, such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, and alarm systems, are
crucial components of a building's design. I also gained knowledge on fire suppression systems, which are
more active systems, such as foam systems or gas-suppression, that are used to rapidly limit the spread of
fire. These are particularly important in sites such as data centers or industrial plants.
The other significant aspect of the report was fire safety planning and drills. They are frequently
forgotten, but it can save lives in an actual emergency if one has a good plan and practices it. Panic is
minimized when individuals are aware of what to do and where to go, and evacuations are more efficient.
It made me realize that preparation was as vital as the machinery itself.
Last, the report concluded with common sense instructions on what to do if a fire occurs is to
remain calm, alert others, use extinguishers when safe, and get out fast. Although it sounds like it should
be common sense, during a time of crisis, one might forget. With this knowledge and training responses
through drills, individuals are able to respond promptly and appropriately.
In summary, this report has shown me that fire protection is more than a fire extinguisher or a
smoke detector but rather, it's an entire system that encompasses planning, prevention, detection,
suppression, and education. Fires are quick, hazardous, and unpredictable, but with the proper knowledge
and systems in place, their effects can be greatly minimized. As I move forward in my career and life, I’ll
carry this awareness with me and always take fire safety seriously, not just for my own protection, but for
everyone around me.