Creating a safe and healthy workforce is crucial for the Philippines as it strives to achieve sustainable economic growth and development. The country has made significant progress in reducing workplace accidents and injuries, but there is still much to be done to ensure that every worker is safe and healthy.

Here are some key steps to creating a safety and health workforce in the Philippines:

1. Establish a National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) System

The first step is to establish a national occupational safety and health system that covers all workers, regardless of their employment status or industry. This system should include regulations, policies, and procedures that promote safety and health in the workplace.

The Philippine government has already taken steps in this direction by passing the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) Law in 2018. The law mandates the creation of a national OSH system and requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their workers.

2. Provide OSH Training and Education

Another important step is to provide OSH training and education to workers, employers, and OSH practitioners. This will help to raise awareness about the importance of safety and health in the workplace, as well as equip workers and employers with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and prevent workplace hazards.

The government can work with industry associations, trade unions, and other stakeholders to develop OSH training programs and ensure that they are accessible to workers and employers throughout the country.

4. Strengthen OSH Enforcement

Effective enforcement of OSH regulations is crucial for creating a safe and healthy workforce. This means that employers who violate OSH standards should be held accountable and face penalties for their actions.

To strengthen OSH enforcement, the Philippine government should increase the number of OSH inspectors and ensure that they are properly trained and equipped to conduct inspections. The government should also provide workers with mechanisms to report OSH violations and ensure that their complaints are taken seriously.

5. Encourage Employer Participation

Employers have a key role to play in creating a safe and healthy workforce. They should be encouraged to take proactive measures to identify and eliminate workplace hazards, such as conducting regular risk assessments and implementing OSH management systems.

The government can incentivize employers to prioritize OSH by offering tax breaks or other benefits for companies that demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety and health. Employers should also be encouraged to participate in OSH training programs and work collaboratively with workers and OSH practitioners to create a safe and healthy workplace.

6. Strengthen Social Protection for Workers

Finally, social protection measures should be strengthened to ensure that workers are not forced to work in hazardous conditions due to economic insecurity. This includes measures such as minimum wage laws, social security programs, and access to affordable healthcare.

The government can work with employers, workers, and civil society organizations to develop social protection programs that support workers’ safety and health while also promoting economic growth and development.

Creating a safe and healthy workforce in the Philippines will require sustained effort and commitment from all stakeholders, including the government, employers, workers, and OSH practitioners. By working together, we can build a brighter future for all Filipinos.