Jenebert P. Opinion
Trade-Industry Development Specialist / Promotions Officer
Philippine Accreditation Bureau

One of the factors contributing to the rapid economic growth and industrial progress in any economy is the well-being of its workforce. An occupational health and safety management system (OH&SMS) is important for all workers, including those in the Philippines and the wider Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Region.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), OH&SMS is “a systems approach to managing occupational safety and health.”[1] ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use outlines the criteria for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It helps organizations ensure safe workplaces, prevent injuries and illnesses, and enhance OH&S performance. It is relevant for any entity aiming to establish, implement, and sustain an OH&SMS to improve safety, address risks, seize opportunities, and rectify nonconformities.[2]

The OH&SMS scheme presents a comprehensive approach designed to establish safe and healthy working environments. Encompassing policies, practices, and protocols, it serves as a shield against occupational hazards, reduces risks, and promotes overall employee well-being.

In 2022, the ILO estimated that over 2.3 million workers worldwide die each year from work-related accidents and diseases, and that 4% of the global GDP is lost due to work accidents and diseases. Furthermore, a recent project by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU OSHA) found that the burden of work injuries and diseases is 3.9% of global GDP and 3.3% of European GDP.[3] This data underscores the economic imperative of prioritizing occupational health and safety.

In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), champions the cause of work safety and health.[4] The OSHC is envisioned as the national authority for research and training on matters pertaining to safety and health at work.[5]

The Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), as the national accreditation body, launched the accreditation scheme for certification bodies (CBs) providing OH&SMS certification based on ISO 45001:2018 on 24 April 2023.

Through the launch of this scheme, PAB will contribute to ensuring the availability of competent CBs for OH&SMS based on the requirements of the standard. It will provide information to potential applicants and users of the standard, conduct awareness campaigns and share information with the public to inform them about the benefits of understanding the OH&SMS.[6]

Currently, more than 10 CBs offer OH&SMS certification in the Philippines. However, the majority of these CBs are only accredited by PAB for other schemes like quality management systems and environmental management systems. Based on the 2021 survey conducted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), there are over 400 issued OH&SMS certificates to organizations in the Philippines. The ISO survey also showed that a significant number of these certificates are issued in high-risk sectors such as mining and quarrying; concrete; cement; lime plaster; construction; basic metals; fabricated metal products; transport, storage and communication; power generation (electricity supply); chemicals; chemical products and fibres; health and social work; and engineering services.[7]

Occupational health is a collaborative duty that transcends geographical and industrial boundaries, including the Philippines. The OH&SMS framework functions as a roadmap, guiding employees toward workplaces that are both safe and conducive to well-being. By ensuring that each worker is knowledgeable and empowered, member countries of ASEAN, including the Philippines, can collectively cultivate a culture of safety. This environment will enable their workforce to thrive and contribute to the continuous advancement of the region.

[1] https://www.ilo.org/safework/areasofwork/occupational-safety-and-health-management-systems/lang–en/index.htm

[2] https://www.iso.org/standard/63787.html

[3] https://montenegro.un.org/en/212671-presentation-expert-reports-field-occupational-safety-and-health

[4] https://oshc.dole.gov.ph/about-us/

[5] https://oshc.dole.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/OSHC_Mandates_and_Functions.pdf

[6] Department of Trade and Industry Department Order Number 23-45, Series of 2023.

[7] As cited in the proposal of the Management System Accreditation Division to launch the scheme on OHSMS (2022). PDF file.