Monday, September 29, 2008 48 firms implement occupational safety
FOURTY eight companies out of the total 900,000 commercial establishment nationwide are able to implement occupational safety and health (OSH) programs and activities in their respective workplaces, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) reported.
Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said these companies have achieved safety milestones particularly no lost time accidents or safe man-hours for at least one year.
Roque said compared to 2007 and 2006, the companies implementing occupational safety have been on the upward trend.
In 2006, he said that 28 firms including 16 sub-contractors were recognized by the Dole for its effort to ensure safety in their workplaces. The number of firms and their sub-contractors given safety recognition in 2007 rose to 32 and 39, respectively.
"By complying fully with the law, the 48 firms saved more than P20 million in medical coverage and replacements for workers who might be injured or in worst cases dead if accidents occurred due to violations of OSH standards and regulations," added Roque.
Citing a report of the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC), Roque said the firms prevented more than 900,000 cases of disabling accidents.
Among the firms to be cited for their safe and healthful practices are the Amkor Technology Phils., Bristol-Myers Squibb Phils., Epson Precision Phils., Hipulan Construction, JGC Phils. Inc., Kraft Foods, Phils. Inc., Nestle-Phils., Samsung Electronics Phils., San Miguel Rengo Packaging Corp., TDK-Fujitsu Phils., Unilever Phils., United Laboratories, Team Sual Corp., and Zilog Eelctronics Phils. Inc.
BWC Director Brenda Villafuerte said the safety recognition program started in 2006 not only uplifts the standing of the companies cited for recognition but were also given incentives by their mother units abroad.
Others also received 20 percent rebates from their insurers. A single firm in particular got a US$130 million rebate, Villafuerte said.
"Certainly, implementing safe and healthful practices at the workplace pays off," declared Roque.
The 48 companies will be conferred with their certificates on the upcoming 75th anniversary of Dole on December 8, 2008. (MSN/Sunnex)
