Contractors reminded of safety and health protocols at work sites

Prioritizing safety as a core principle in construction, the city engineering office (CEO) under Engr. Edgar Victorio Olpindo conducts pre-construction meetings with contractors of public projects in the Summer Capital as part of ensuring a safe work environment.

This was disclosed in its report during the regular management committee meeting of local officials, 16 April, led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong at City Hall.      

The CEO said contractors are reminded of their responsibility to follow safety protocols and keep workers safe including adhering to the 5s of good housekeeping which is a disciplined approach to keep the workplace efficient and effective.

These include sorting, clearing up; systematizing, organizing; sweeping, sanitizing, cleaning; standardizing; self-discipline and training.

For projects involving excavations, the CEO emphasized the necessity of erecting barricades to prevent passersby and onlookers from accidentally falling into the excavations as part of general safety and health measures.

The CEO report explained the concept of occupational safety which is understanding the causes of accidents at work and ways to prevent unsafe acts and conditions in any workplace. Also discussed were various guidelines governing occupational safety and health in the construction industry.

The following recommendations and suggestions were given: Constantly remind contractors of the regular inspections by the Department of Labor and Employment and fines imposed on those who do not implement their construction safety and health programs (CSHP); ensure the continued strict implementation of good housekeeping at the site, integrating good housekeeping practices in the program of work reflected in the plan and cost estimates; strengthen the regular conduct of pre-construction meetings and consistent monitoring of the implementation of CSHP on project sites. – Gaby B. Keith