The OSH Training Framework

The main goal of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is to prevent the occurrence of accidents and illnesses in the workplace. Factors contributing to these accidents and illnesses are health and safety hazards which can be addressed with the guidance of OSH Laws and Standards as well as OSH Fundamentals.

Figure 1. presents that accidents and illnesses are 98 percent preventable (Heinrich, n.d.), potential workplace accidents/illnesses can be avoided through Hazard Identification (Job Hazard Analysis, Safety Inspection, Work Environment Measurement (WEM), Medical screening & surveillance), Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—collectively referred to as HIRADC.

If accidents/illnesses do happen (with 2 percent chance), there are means to effectively manage and mitigate its impact. This OSH Course covers topics such as Workplace Emergency Preparedness, Employee Compensation and Accident Investigation and Reporting.

In institutionalizing safe workplace practices and conditions, the abovementioned strategies can be designed into a formal plan of action to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses—the OSH Program. Following the safety and health principles and guidelines found in the program, there will be a significant improvement in the company’s compliance with laws and regulations and reduction of costs, including significant reductions in workers’ compensation premiums.

General Objective

The comprehensive 40-hour course on Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) provides participants a clear and concise explanation of the various responsibilities of a Safety Officer with regards to the OSH Standards and the OSH Law. Participants are able to gain significant learning on the concepts and principle on safety and health to improve their competence to perform as Safety Officers. The program is aimed at equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills in keeping the workplace healthful and safe.

Specific Objectives

At the end of this orientation, participants are able to:

• Discuss the importance of OSH
• Explain the salient features of the OSH law
• Enumerate the causes of accidents
• Identify hazards, assess risks and recommend control measures
• Conduct the mandatory OSH orientation for workers
• Perform the role of a safety officer