Law Summary
Rule 1031: General Provisions
- The Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) or authorized institutions shall conduct ongoing training programs.
- Training programs shall incorporate the latest trends, practices, and technology in OSH.
- Training programs developed in consultation with OSH Council (OSHC) and technical societies.
Rule 1032: Definitions
- Safety Officer: Employee trained and assigned to implement OSH programs; synonymous with "Safety Man".
- Occupational Safety and Health Personnel: Includes physicians, nurses, dentists, chemists, engineers, safety officers, first-aiders, and other employer-engaged persons.
- Practitioner in Occupational Safety and Health: Qualified, accredited individuals practicing within specific OSH scope.
- OSH Consultant: Accredited individuals or groups providing advisory services across at least two specialization fields.
- Trainer: Facilitator of OSH training sessions.
- Training Organization: Accredited institution conducting OSH-related trainings.
- Hazardous Establishment: Workplace exposing employees to risks of injury, illness, or harm.
- Highly Hazardous Establishment: Workplaces involving activities with significant risks, potentially affecting workers and surrounding communities.
Rule 1033: Training and Personnel Complement
- Safety Officers must complete Bureau-prescribed training before appointment.
- Full-time Safety Officers must be accredited as Safety Practitioners or Consultants.
- Minimum number of Safety Officers depends on workplace hazard classification and workforce size.
- Duties of Safety Officers detailed in Rule 1040; part-time Officers must dedicate minimum 6 hours weekly.
- Employer may contract accredited Consultant instead of hiring full-time Safety Officer but training of supervisors remains mandatory.
Rule 1034: Accreditation
- Secretary may accredit qualified personnel and organizations upon Bureau Director's recommendation.
Requirements for Accreditation:
- Practitioners: Basic OSH training, professional licensure, relevant experience, and educational qualifications.
- Consultants: Prior accreditation, advanced OSH training, broad experience, and additional training hours.
- Consulting Organizations: Minimum two accredited consultants, proper business registration, and organizational profile.
- Training Organizations: Follow Bureau-approved curriculum, have qualified trainers, provide adequate facilities, and submit business credentials.
Issuance and Validity:
- Accreditation certificate valid for 3 years; requires completion of application and payment of fees.
Duties of Accredited Personnel and Organizations:
- Practitioners: Develop, implement, promote OSH programs; advise employers; conduct quarterly assessments; prepare annual reports; assist inspections.
- Consultants: Advise employers; conduct quarterly safety appraisals; assist safety inspections; advise on regulatory compliance.
- Training Organizations: Develop and evaluate training; conduct continuous programs; submit training activity reports to the Bureau.
Renewal of Accreditation:
- Practitioners and consultants must submit updated documents, training certificates, performance reports, and pay fees every 3 years.
- Organizations must submit updated profiles, training calendars, accomplishment reports, resumes, correspondence, and fees.
Suspension and Cancellation:
- Suspension due to inactivity, failure to renew, or non-compliance.
- Cancellation for criminal conviction, ethics violations, or repeated suspensions.
- Reactivation possible through appeal.
Rule 1035: Audit System
- The Bureau will conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with Rule 1034 requirements.
Rule 1036: Practice Prohibition
- Only accredited persons/organizations may practice OSH professionally.
- Foreign nationals may be accredited upon complying with Philippine laws and requirements.
Annex A: Major Fields of Specialization
- Practitioners and Consultants specialize in areas including occupational health (physicians, nurses, dentists), hygiene, and safety across numerous industries (e.g., manufacturing, construction, transport).
- Consultant specializations span occupational medicine, bio-statistics, toxicology, ergonomics, chemical analysis, fire and electrical safety, and accident investigation among others.
This comprehensive framework governs the qualifications, accreditation, duties, and regulatory compliance of occupational safety and health personnel and organizations in the Philippines, ensuring a competency-based approach aligned with current industry practices and legal standards.