With the theme “Fostering Workplace Wellness, Shaping Healthy Futures: Celebrating Occupational Medicine Week,” at least 100 attendees from various business organizations, employees, and micro and macro businesses were present during the launch of the
13th “Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan” (GKK) on March 19 in LCC Activity Center, Legazpi City, Albay.
This is relation to the celebration of the 2nd occupational medicine week headed by the Occupational Safety & Health Center (OSHC), along with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol and Albay Medical Society.
The highlight of the celebration is the launch of the 13th GKK, awarded by OSHC and DOLE every two years to recognize exceptional efforts in addressing the health and safety needs of workers.
Participants or nominees for the award can include privately owned and locally registered businesses, government agencies, microenterprises, individuals from the informal sector, and the local government unit (LGU).
According to Zenaida Angara-Campita, regional director of DOLE Bicol, the promotion of the GKK to the provinces has already begun, and their inspectors’ feedback is positive, especially that it is for workplace health and safety compliance.
“Tutulungan po kayo ng DOLE kung paano po mag comply, minsan po di lang nila alam kung paano mag comply [minsan may] kulang lang pala [ang isang business] na policy. We are here to assist you, especially po ‘yong mga micro-entertainment,” Campita said in a speech.
Meanwhile, German Eser Jr., OIC deputy executive director of OSHC, emphasized prioritizing workers’ health over merely preventing work-related injuries.
He shared that ergonomics is a major concern, aiming to study and adjust task design to enhance safety and efficiency for workers.
“Nakita po sa data [from Philippine Statistics Authority], while there were 41,000 cases of work-related injuries, ‘yong mga nabukulan or nadapa, meron din pong 54,000 reported cases of work-related illnesses at nangunguna po dito ‘yong ergonomic issues, 12 percent po niyan ay ‘yong shoulder and neck pain at yung 36 percent ay ‘yong lower back pain,” Eser explained.
Eser also reminded the employees of the DOLE’s administrative order, stating that employees engaged in prolonged sitting or standing should take regular breaks to stand, sit, and, most importantly, rest regularly.
Marilyn Orlina, 58, logistics manager, shared that the event is “relevant” to her as an employee as it is a reminder that safety and health are important. Orlina is thankful that employees’ rules have been observed in their workplace.
“Nakakaranas rin po kami ng overwork kasi minsan ‘di naman po talaga maiwasan iyon, pero nabibigyan naman po kami ng break lalo na po kapag nakakaramdam na ng pagod. May rest naman po kami lagi na one and a half hours,” Orlina explained.
Aside from work-related injuries and illnesses, the event also discussed various work-related diseases that employees can experience, such as hypertension, tuberculosis, occupational kidney diseases, and allergies, which were discussed by different health professionals.
The occupational medicine week is currently in its second year, following Presidential Proclamation No. 1316, in which this program aims to enhance awareness and establish strategies for preventing and managing diseases and injuries associated with the workplace. | Alliah Jane Babila