MH Articles

In the Philippines, construction is one of the most accident-prone industries. Heavy machinery, elevated work areas, and hazardous materials, amongst other things, make the risks high. No matter your role in the industry, understanding construction safety and its proper implementation is essential.

Here are some tips to keep any Philippine construction site safe:

 

Tip #1: Develop and Submit a Construction Safety and Health Program (CSHP)

For most medium to large construction projects, ensure you have an approved Construction and Safety Health Program (CSHP). It is a DOLE-required document that outlines all safety procedures, emergency plans, and responsibilities within the project. Without this vital document, you risk having work halted, penalties, and/or worse, avoidable injuries.

 

Tip #2: Conduct Mandatory Safety Orientations and Toolbox Meetings

Provide a mandatory safety orientation for all employees who will enter the construction site. Orientations should cover a wide variety from PPE use, hazard awareness, emergency procedures, and the aforementioned CSHP. Apart from the orientation, hold daily toolbox meetings, briefing workers on the specific day’s tasks and potential hazards.

Tip #3: Wear the Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper personal protective equipment is mandatory for any construction site. Commonly required PPE for construction sites in the Philippines include:

·        Hard hat – Protects against falling objects

·        Safety goggles – Shield eyes from dust and flying debris

·        Reflective vest – Increases visibility

·        Gloves – Prevent cuts, burns, and splinters

·        Steel-toe boots – Protect feet from impact injuries

·        Safety harness – Required for work at heights of 2 meters or more

PPE usage should be enforced by all safety officers, alongside checking the equipment’s viability and maintenance. Construction safety signage should warn workers without PPE not to enter hazardous worksites.

Check out our wide assortment of personal protective equipment here.

 

Tip #4: Install Proper Standardized Construction Signages

Laws such as DOLE Department Order No. 13, Series of 1998 require dangerous worksites to have safety signs.

Place signs at key areas such as entry points, scaffolding, excavation areas, and electrical panels.

Commonly used signs include:

·        “Caution: Falling Objects”

·        “Danger: High Voltage”

·        “No PPE, No Entry”

·        “Fire Exit”

The signs should be large, legible, and weather-resistant/proof and follow safety color codes (red for danger, yellow for caution, green for safety). Have multiple signs in different areas to remind workers to stay vigilant.

 

Tip #5: Assign a Full-Time Safety Officer

According to DOLE requirements, projects with more than 50 workers need to have a full-time safety officer. They must be trained in occupational safety and health (OSH) and should oversee inspections, accident reporting, and CSHP compliance. They are your primary force in preventing accidents.

Hiring a safety officer for projects with fewer than 50 people is still the better option, even if not required. It is a small investment to avoid costly worksite accidents and injuries.

 

Tip #6: Report Unsafe Conditions Immediately

Workers should be taught and encouraged to notify the proper authorities about any unsafe practices or conditions in their projects. Anything from a broken scaffold, loose wiring, or invalid PPE. Vigilant reporting prevents accidents.

 

Tip #7: Keep First Aid Kits and Fire Extinguishers Accessible

In case of injury or accident, all construction sites should have easy access to first aid kits and fire extinguishers. These should be kept in abundance, maintained regularly, and placed in or near work areas. At least one certified first aid individual should be on-site at all times.

Summary

Learning what construction site safety is and how to implement construction site health and safety can not only save money but also lives. Here’s a quick summary of what you learned:

·        Tip #1: Develop and Submit a Construction Safety and Health Program (CSHP)

·        Tip #2: Conduct Mandatory Safety Orientations and Toolbox Meetings

·        Tip #3: Wear the Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

·        Tip #4: Install Proper Standardized Construction Signages

·        Tip #5: Assign a Full-Time Safety Officer

·        Tip #6: Report Unsafe Conditions Immediately

·        Tip #7: Keep First Aid Kits and Fire Extinguishers Accessible

 

We hope this guide has taught you the importance of having a safe working environment and ways to help you achieve it. A safe workplace is the best workplace.

 

Check out our wide assortment of personal protective equipment here.

 

For inquiries and orders you may visit or contact us:

Address: RW Building, Sergio Osmeña Street Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental 9000

Contact No. : +63 956 037 2805