In a move aimed at enhancing workplace safety across the manufacturing sector, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB) recently conducted an enlightening online orientation on Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) on September 18, 2023. The event, hosted via the Zoom platform, brought together more than 200 participants from diverse sectors of the manufacturing industry.

The manufacturing industry is a vital component of the Philippine economy, employing millions of workers. Ensuring their safety is paramount, and that’s precisely where the DTI-PAB steps in.

The focus of the orientation was to shed light on the Overview of OHSMS based on ISO 45001:2018, a globally recognized standard for occupational health and safety management systems. The objective was to equip professionals and stakeholders in the manufacturing industry with the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure the safety and well-being of their workforce.

The event featured two distinguished speakers who provided invaluable insights into the realm of OHSMS and its importance in the manufacturing industry. Ms. Ma. Juanita P. Carpio, Chief of the DTI-PAB Management System Accreditation Division, delivered a compelling presentation on the benefits of accredited certification.

Ms. Carpio highlighted how achieving accredited certification in OHSMS can significantly benefit manufacturing organizations. She emphasized that accreditation adds credibility and ensures that the management system is impartial, competent, and capable of delivering reliable results. Ms. Carpio also stressed that accredited certification can help organizations gain a competitive edge in the market and enhance their reputation.

Engr. Abyguel M. Melgarejo, a representative from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), was also invited to provide critical insights. Engr. Melgarejo presented DOLE Department Order 198-18, which serves as the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11058, also known as the “Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.” She discussed the importance of this legislation in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in the manufacturing industry.

Engr. Melgarejo also touched upon other DOLE issuances related to Occupational Health and Safety, emphasizing their role in providing guidance and setting standards for OHSMS in various workplaces. Her presentation was met with enthusiasm, as it helped participants understand the legal framework that underpins workplace safety in the Philippines.

The online orientation attracted a diverse audience, including professionals from the food products, rubber and plastic products, fabricated metals, electrical equipment, and non-metallic mineral products sectors, among others. The participants actively engaged in discussions and asked pertinent questions, reflecting their commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety in their respective industries.

The DTI-PAB’s initiative to organize this online orientation underscores its dedication to fostering a culture of safety and excellence within the manufacturing industry. By equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to implement OHSMS effectively and achieve accredited certification, DTI-PAB aims to contribute to a safer, healthier, and more productive workforce in the Philippines.

The success of this event serves as a testament to the commitment of both the DTI-PAB and the manufacturing industry to prioritize the well-being of their employees and promote a culture of safety that is in line with international standards and regulations. To learn more about the Philippine Accreditation Bureau and to participate in its upcoming publicly available activities, please visit www.dti.gov.ph/pab. You can also contact its Promotion and Documentation Division at pab@dti.gov.ph or call them at 0917-802-0047.

Release Date: 21 September 2023.