CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND HEALTH above laws, ensuring that

LECTURE 2: INTRODUCTION TO COSH construction sites adhere to

specific safety measures.
Construction Occupational Safety and - These regulations often include
Health (COSH) detailed requirements for hazard
- encompasses laws, regulations, and identification and control,
standards aimed at ensuring the accident reporting, and the
safety and health of workers in the establishment of safety
construction industry in the committees
Philippines

IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE

PHILIPPINE KEY LEGISLATION ● Compliance with COSH regulations
1. Republic Act no. 11058 – is mandatory for all construction
Occupational Safety and Health companies and employers
Standards Act operating in the Philippines.
- Enacted in 2018, this law ● Employers are required to register
mandates the development and their construction sites with DOLE
promulgation of comprehensive and comply with periodic
occupational safety and health inspections to ensure adherence to
standards in various sectors, safety standards.
including construction. ● Failure to comply can result in fines,
- Key provisions include the penalties, or even closure of the
requirement for employers to construction site until necessary
provide a safe working safety measures are implemented.
environment, conduct risk
assessments, and provide
necessary training and personal CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
protective equipment to workers ● Despite legislative efforts,
challenges remain in enforcing
2. Presidential Decree No. 442 – Labor safety standards uniformly across
Code of the Philippines all construction sites.
- This is the primary legislation ● Continuous education and training
governing labor and employment of workers and employers are
practices in the Philippines. crucial to enhancing safety
- It includes provisions related to awareness and compliance.
occupational safety and health ● Ongoing updates and amendments
standards that are applicable to to existing laws and regulations are
all industries, including necessary to address emerging
construction safety concerns in the dynamic
construction industry.
3. Department Order No. 13 Series of
1998 – Guidelines Governing
Occupational Safety and Health in PHILIPPINE LEGISLATION
the Construction Industry ● COSH legislation in the Philippines
- Issued by the Department of plays a vital role in safeguarding the
Labor and Employment (DOLE), well-being of construction workers.
this order provides specific ● Through comprehensive laws and
guidelines and standards for regulations, coupled with effective
safety and health in construction implementation and compliance
workplaces. measures, the aim is to create safer
- It covers areas such as and healthier working environments
scaffolding, electrical safety, use across the construction sector.
of heavy equipment, and
emergency preparedness.
KEY COMPONENTS OF OSH POLICY
4. Other Relevant Regulations 1. Commitment to Safety
- DOLE has issued various ● The organization’s pledge to
regulations and guidelines over maintain a safe and healthy
the years to supplement the work environment.

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 9. Responsibility and Accountability
2. Compliance with Laws and ● Clear definition and
Regulations communication of specific
● Adherence to all applicable OSH roles and
OSH laws and standards responsibilities.
● Ensuring accountability at
3. Risk Assessment and Management all levels of the organization.
● Regular identification and
evaluation of workplace 10. Worker Participation
hazards. ● Encouragement of active
● Implementation of control employee involvement in
measures to mitigate or OSH matters.
eliminate risks. ● Protection of workers' rights
to report hazards and
4. Training and Education suggest improvements
● Continuous OSH training for without fear of retaliation.
employees, covering hazard
recognition, emergency IMPLEMENTING AN OSH POLICY
procedures, and proper use 1. Developing an OSH Policy
of personal protective ● Collaboration with
equipment (PPE). stakeholders to draft a
comprehensive OSH policy
5. Emergency Preparedness aligned with legal
● Development and requirements and
maintenance of emergency organizational goals.
response plans.
● Regular drills to ensure 2. Communicating the OSH Policy
readiness for emergencies ● Dissemination of the policy
such as fires, natural to all employees through
disasters, and medical training sessions and written
incidents. materials.

6. Health and Wellness Programs 3. Establishing and OSH Committee

● Promotion of initiatives ● Formation of an OSH
supporting employee health, committee comprising
such as regular health management and employee
check-ups, fitness programs, representatives to discuss
and mental health resources safety issues and review the
effectiveness of OSH
7. Incident Reporting and programs.
Investigation
● Establishment of a system 4. Conducting Risk Assessments
for reporting and ● Regular identification and
investigating workplace evaluation of potential
incidents. workplace hazards.
● Utilization of findings to ● Implementation of control
prevent recurrence and measures to mitigate risks.
improve safety measures.
5. Providing Training and Resources
8. Continuous Improvement ● Ensuring employees have
● Regular audits, inspections, the necessary knowledge
and reviews to ensure the and resources to work safely.
effectiveness of OSH ● Offering regular training
programs and compliance sessions on various OSH
with standards. topics
● Updating policies based on
feedback and new 6. Monitoring and Reviewing
regulations. ● Conducting regular audits
and inspections to assess

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 compliance with OSH 6. Provide Necessary Safety
standards. Equipment
● Reviewing and updating ● Supply employees with the
OSH policies and necessary PPE and ensure it
procedures as necessary. is properly maintained.
● Soliciting feedback from ● Ensure that equipment and
employees to identify areas tools are safe to use and
for improvement. regularly inspected

RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS 7. Establish Reporting and

1. Provide a Safe Work Environment Investigation Procedures
● Ensure that the workplace is ● Implement a system for
free from recognized reporting workplace
hazards that could cause incidents, accidents, and
injury or illness. near misses.
● Implement safety measures ● Conduct thorough
and controls to mitigate investigations of reported
risks. incidents and use findings
to prevent future
2. Compliance with OSH Laws and occurrences.
Regulations
● Adhere to all applicable 8. Promote Health and Wellness
local, national, and ● Implement programs that
international OSH support the physical and
standards and laws. mental health of employees,
● Keep up-to-date with such as wellness programs,
changes in OSH legislation stress management
and ensure ongoing workshops, and health
compliance. screenings

3. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments 9. Maintain Documentation

● Identify potential hazards in ● Keep detailed records of risk
the workplace through assessments, training
regular risk assessments. sessions, incident reports,
● Implement appropriate and safety inspections.
measures to control or ● Ensure documentation is
eliminate identified risks accessible and up-to-date.

4. Training and Education 10. Foster a Culture of Safety

● Provide training programs ● Promote a workplace culture
for employees on safety where safety is a priority and
practices, emergency employees are encouraged
procedures, and the proper to participate in safety
use of personal protective initiatives.
equipment (PPE). ● Lead by example and
● Ensure that training is demonstrate a commitment
ongoing and updated to safety at all
regularly. organizational levels

5. Emergency Preparedness RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYEES

● Develop and maintain 1. Follow Safety Procedures
emergency response plans ● Adhere to all safety rules,
for situations such as fires, procedures, and instructions
natural disasters, and provided by the employer.
medical emergencies. ● Use equipment and tools
● Conduct regular drills and according to training and
training sessions to ensure safety guidelines.
employees are prepared for
emergencies.

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 2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment 9. Communicate with Supervisors
(PPE) ● Keep open lines of
● Use the required PPE as communication with
instructed and ensure it is supervisors regarding safety
properly maintained. concerns and suggestions
● Report any issues with PPE for improvement.
to supervisors. ● Participate in safety
meetings and provide
3. Report Hazards and Incidents feedback when requested.
● Immediately report any
workplace hazards, unsafe 10. Follow Company Policies
conditions, or incidents to ● Adhere to all company
supervisors. policies, including those
● Participate in incident related to OSH.
investigations if required ● Respect the safety roles and
responsibilities assigned to
4. Participate in Training: them and act accordingly
● Attend all required OSH
training sessions and apply
the knowledge gained to
daily tasks.
● Seek clarification on safety
procedures if unsure.

5. Maintain a Safe Work Area

● Keep work areas clean and
free from hazards.
● Follow proper procedures
for handling and storing
materials.

6. Engage in Emergency Preparedness

● Familiarize themselves with
the emergency response
plans and participate in
drills and exercises.
● Know the locations of
emergency exits, fire
extinguishers, and first aid
kits.

7. Promote Safety Among Peers

● Encourage colleagues to
follow safety procedures and
report unsafe behaviors.
● Support a culture of safety
by being proactive about
workplace safety

8. Take Care of Personal Health

● Manage personal health
and wellness to maintain
fitness for work.
● Seek medical attention for
work-related injuries or
illnesses and follow
prescribed treatments.

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CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND HEALTH assessments and
LECTURE 3: RISK ASSESSMENT AND control measures.
REPORTING
3. Reporting in Construction Safety
● Incident Reporting:
RISK ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING ■ Procedures for
1. Hazard Identification reporting accidents,
● Types of Hazards injuries, and
■ Physical Hazards: near-misses.
Slips, trips, falls, ■ Importance of timely
machinery and accurate
accidents. reporting.
■ Chemical Hazards: ● Regulatory Reporting
Exposure to Requirements
hazardous ■ Compliance with
substances like regulations such as
asbestos, solvents, RIDDOR (Reporting of
and dust. Injuries, Diseases
■ Biological Hazards: and Dangerous
Exposure to Occurrences
bacteria, viruses, Regulations) in the
and other UK.
pathogens. ● Internal Reporting Systems
■ Ergonomic Hazards: ■ Use of internal
Repetitive systems to track and
movements, poor manage safety
posture, and manual incidents and
handling. corrective actions.
● Methods of Identification
■ Site inspections.
■ Job safety analysis. COSH HAZARD CHECKLIST (QUALITATIVE)
1. Physical Hazards
■ Employee reporting.
● Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards:
2. Risk Assessment Process ■ Wet or oily surfaces.
● Step 1: Hazard Identification: ■ Uneven ground or
■ Identify potential flooring.
hazards on the ■ Poorly lit areas.
construction site. ■ Unsecured cables
● Step 2: Risk Evaluation: and hoses.
■ Assess the severity ● Machinery and Equipment
and likelihood of Hazards:
each identified ■ Unguarded
hazard. machinery.
● Step 3: Control Measures: ■ Faulty or poorly
■ Implement measures maintained
to eliminate or equipment.
reduce risks. ■ Improper use of
■ Examples: Guardrails, tools and machinery.
safety nets, PPE ● Working at Height:
(personal protective ■ Inadequate fall
equipment). protection.
● Step 4: Recording Findings: ■ Unstable ladders or
■ Document identified scaffolding.
hazards, risk ■ Lack of guardrails or
assessments, and safety nets.
control measures.
● Step 5: Review and Update:
■ Regularly review and
update risk

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 2. Chemical Hazards ● Vibration:
● Hazardous Substances: ■ Use of vibrating
■ Exposure to solvents, tools and machinery.
adhesives, paints, ■ Long-term exposure
and sealants. to whole-body
■ Inhalation of dust, vibration.
fumes, and vapors. ● Temperature Extremes:
■ Chemical spills and ■ Exposure to extreme
leaks. heat or cold.
● Asbestos: ■ Inadequate
■ Disturbance of protection against
asbestos-containing weather conditions.
materials.
■ Improper handling 6. Fire and Explosion Hazards
or removal of ● Flammable Materials:
asbestos. ■ Improper storage or
● Lead: handling of
■ Exposure during flammable liquids
demolition or and gases.
renovation activities. ■ Presence of
■ Inhalation or combustible dust.
ingestion of lead ● Electrical Hazards:
dust or fumes ■ Faulty or damaged
wiring and electrical
3. Biological Hazards equipment.
● Exposure to Harmful ■ Overloaded circuits
Biological Agents: and power sources
■ Contact with
contaminated water 7. Psychological Hazards
or soil. ● Work-Related Stress:
■ Presence of rodents, ■ High workload and
insects, or other tight deadlines.
pests. ■ Poor communication
■ Contact with human and management
waste or sewage. practices.
■ Lack of support and
4. Ergonomic Hazards resources.
● Manual Handling: ● Violence and Harassment:
■ Lifting, carrying, or ■ Threats or actual
moving heavy violence from
objects. colleagues or the
■ Repetitive motions public.
and overexertion. ■ Bullying, harassment,
■ Awkward postures and discrimination.
during tasks.
● Workstation Design: 8. Other Hazards
■ Poorly designed or ● Confined Spaces:–
arranged ■ Inadequate
workstations. ventilation.
■ Lack of adjustable ■ Presence of
seating or work hazardous gases or
surfaces. lack of oxygen.
● Radiation:
5. Environmental Hazards ■ Exposure to ionizing
● Noise: radiation from X-rays
■ Prolonged exposure or other sources.
to high noise levels. ■ Non-ionizing
■ Inadequate hearing radiation from UV
protection.

CE315 ELECTIVE (COSH) Engr. Srbjxn

 light, microwaves, 6. Emergency Procedures:
etc. ● Emergency Plans: Develop
and communicate
emergency procedures
COSH SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK related to the task.
A safe system of work (SSOW) is a ● First Aid: Ensure availability
formal procedure which results from a of first aid and trained
systematic examination of a task to identify personnel.
all the hazards. It defines safe methods to
ensure that hazards are eliminated or risks Implementing a Safe System of Work
minimized. 1. Planning:
● Pre-Task Planning: Conduct a
Components of a Safe System of Work pre-task briefing to discuss
1. Task Analysis: hazards and control
● Define the Task: Clearly measures.
outline the work to be ● Permits to Work: Use permits
performed. to work for high-risk
● Identify Hazards: Determine activities, ensuring all safety
potential hazards measures are in place.
associated with the task.
2. Communication:
2. Risk Assessment: ● Clear Instructions:
● Evaluate Risks: Assess the Communicate procedures
severity and likelihood of clearly to all workers
each hazard. involved.
● Control Measures: Identify ● Signage and Notices: Use
and implement measures to signs and notices to
eliminate or reduce risks. highlight hazards and safety
requirements.
3. Safe Work Procedures:
● Step-by-Step Instructions: 3. Documentation:
Provide detailed instructions ● Written Procedures:
on how to perform the task Document all safe work
safely. procedures and make them
● Use of Equipment: Specify accessible.
the correct use of tools and ● Records of Training and
machinery. Competence: Maintain
● Personal Protective records of training sessions
Equipment (PPE): Indicate and competence
required PPE and ensure its assessments.
proper use.
4. Review and Improvement:
4. Training and Competence: ● Incident Analysis: Review
● Training Programs: Ensure incidents and near-misses to
workers are trained in the identify areas for
safe systems of work. improvement.
● Competence Assessment: ● Regular Audits: Conduct
Regularly assess workers' regular audits of SSOW and
competence to perform update them as necessary.
tasks safely.
Examples of Safe Systems of Work in
5. Supervision and Monitoring: Construction
● Supervision: Ensure 1. Working at Height:
adequate supervision is ● Use of Scaffolding: Ensure
provided during task scaffolding is erected and
execution. inspected by competent
● Monitoring and Review: persons.
Continuously monitor work
practices and review SSOW
for effectiveness.

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 ● Fall Protection: Use ● Consider all types of
guardrails, safety nets, and hazards: physical, chemical,
personal fall arrest systems. biological, ergonomic, and
2. Manual Handling: environmental.
● Mechanical Aids: Use lifting
equipment to reduce 4. Assessing Risks:
manual handling risks. ● Evaluate the severity and
● Proper Techniques: Train likelihood of each identified
workers in proper lifting hazard.
techniques to prevent ● Determine which hazards
injuries. require immediate attention
3. Hazardous Substances: and which can be controlled
● Substitution: Replace through routine measures.
hazardous substances with
less harmful alternatives. 5. Developing Control Measures:
● Containment and ● Propose measures to
Ventilation: Use containment eliminate or minimize risks.
and proper ventilation to ● Hierarchy of controls:
control exposure. Elimination, substitution,
4. Confined Spaces: engineering controls,
● Permit System: Implement a administrative controls, and
permit system to control PPE.
entry and work in confined
spaces. 6. Implementing Safe Procedures:
● Atmospheric Monitoring: ● Develop and document safe
Continuously monitor the work procedures based on
atmosphere for hazardous the identified hazards and
gases control measures.
● Ensure these procedures are
communicated to all workers
COSH JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA) involved in the task.
Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a
systematic process used to identify and 7. Reviewing and Monitoring:
evaluate hazards associated with specific ● Regularly review the JSA to
tasks in the workplace. It aims to develop ensure it remains relevant
safe procedures and mitigate risks to and effective.
ensure worker safety and health. ● Monitor compliance with the
safe work procedures and
Steps in Conducting a Job Safety Analysis make adjustments as
1. Selecting the Job: necessary
● Choose jobs with high injury
rates, complex tasks, or Example of a Job Safety Analysis
those with significant Step 1: Transporting Shingles to the Roof
hazards. ● Hazards:
● Prioritize jobs where safety ○ Manual handling injuries
improvements can have the (e.g., strains, sprains)
most impact. ○ Falls from height
● Control Measures:
2. Breaking Down the Job: ○ Use mechanical aids (e.g.,
● Divide the job into individual hoist, conveyor)
steps or tasks. ○ Ensure proper lifting
● Ensure each step is clearly techniques and training
defined and easy to ○ Use fall protection
understand. equipment (e.g., harness,
guardrails)
3. Identifying Hazards:
● For each step, identify Step 2: Removing Old Shingles
potential hazards that could ● Hazards:
cause injury or harm. ○ Exposure to sharp objects

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 ○ Dust inhalation MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND VEHICLES
● Control Measures: HAZARDS AND CONTROL MEASURES
○ Wear cut-resistant gloves The movement of people and
and appropriate PPE vehicles within a construction site presents
○ Use dust suppression significant hazards that need to be
methods (e.g., wetting managed effectively to ensure safety and
surfaces) prevent accidents.

Step 3: Installing New Shingles Hazards Associated with Movement of

● Hazards: People and Vehicles
○ Slips, trips, and falls 1. Collisions and Striking Hazards:
○ Use of power tools ● Vehicles striking
● Control Measures: pedestrians.
○ Keep the work area clean ● Collisions between vehicles.
and organized ● Equipment or materials
○ Ensure proper footwear with falling from vehicles.
good grip
2. Traffic Flow Issues:
○ Inspect tools before use and
provide training on safe ● Congested areas leading to
operation accidents.
● Inadequate separation
Benefits of Job Safety Analysis between vehicle and
1. Enhanced Safety: pedestrian routes.
● Proactively identifies and
mitigates hazards before 3. Reversing Vehicles:
they result in incidents. ● Limited visibility for drivers.
● Promotes a safer work ● Increased risk of hitting
environment and reduces workers or other vehicles.
the likelihood of injuries.
4. Speeding:
2. Improved Compliance: ● Vehicles moving at unsafe
● Ensures compliance with speeds in work zones.
occupational safety and ● Reduced reaction time for
health regulations. drivers and pedestrians.
● Demonstrates commitment
to safety to regulatory 5. Poor Site Layout:
authorities. ● Confusing or poorly marked
traffic routes.
3. Worker Engagement: ● Lack of clear signage and
● Involves workers in the safety signals.
process, fostering a culture
of safety awareness. 6. Environmental Conditions:
● Encourages communication ● Poor lighting leading to
and feedback on safety visibility issues.
issues. ● Adverse weather conditions
affecting vehicle control and
4. Operational Efficiency: pedestrian safety.
● Identifies inefficiencies and
potential hazards in work Control Measures for Movement of People
processes. and Vehicles
● Improves overall workflow 1. Site Layout and Planning:
and productivity by ● Designate separate routes
minimizing disruptions from for vehicles and pedestrians.
accidents. ● Plan and mark clear, logical
traffic routes with
appropriate signage.
● Ensure adequate space for
vehicle movement and
maneuvering.

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 ● Ensure vehicles and
2. Traffic Management: equipment are regularly
● Implement a traffic inspected and maintained.
management plan detailing ● Provide adequate lighting in
vehicle and pedestrian all areas, especially during
routes. low light conditions or night
● Use barriers, bollards, and work.
fencing to separate
pedestrian walkways from 8. Emergency Preparedness:
vehicle areas. ● Develop and communicate
● Implement one-way systems emergency procedures for
where possible to reduce the traffic incidents.
risk of collisions. ● Ensure the availability of
first aid and emergency
3. Speed Control: response personnel.
● Enforce speed limits within ● Conduct regular drills to
the site. ensure readiness in case of
● Use speed bumps, signage, an accident involving vehicle
and road markings to movement.
control vehicle speeds.
Example of Traffic Management Plan
4. Reversing and Visibility: 1. Site Layout:
● Minimize reversing by ● Designated Vehicle Routes:
planning routes and Clearly marked paths for
providing turning areas. vehicles with appropriate
● Use reversing alarms, signage.
cameras, and mirrors on ● Pedestrian Walkways: Fenced
vehicles. and marked walkways
● Provide banksmen (spotters) separate from vehicle routes.
to guide vehicle movements,
especially during reversing. 2. Traffic Control Measures:
● Speed Limits: Enforced
5. Signage and Communication: speed limit of 10 mph within
● Use clear, visible signs to the site.
direct traffic and inform of ● Reversing Protocol: Use of
hazards. banksmen for all reversing
● Ensure all workers are aware vehicles.
of the site traffic rules and
the importance of adhering 3. Training and Communication:
to them. ● Driver Training: All drivers to
undergo site-specific
6. Training and Awareness: training on traffic
● Provide training for drivers management.
on safe vehicle operation ● Pedestrian Awareness:
within the site. Regular briefings for workers
● Educate workers on on safe pedestrian practices
pedestrian safety and the
importance of using
designated walkways.
● Conduct regular toolbox
talks and safety briefings
focusing on traffic safety.

7. Maintenance and Housekeeping:

● Keep traffic routes clear of
obstructions and
well-maintained.

CE315 ELECTIVE (COSH) Engr. Srbjxn