Law Summary
Current Safety Requirements for Contractors
- The CoSH course ensures that key personnel of construction firms possess fundamental safety and health knowledge.
- However, construction firms typically handle multiple projects simultaneously, necessitating on-site continuous safety oversight.
Need for Safety Practitioners
- Employing a DOLE-accredited safety practitioner to supervise contractor activities on project sites is recognized as a means to significantly improve safety culture and compliance.
- Such practitioners are accredited by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), ensuring professional competency and regulatory alignment.
Resolution Details and Effective Date
- The Board resolved that all Category AAA contractors must employ a DOLE-accredited safety practitioner starting with the contracting fiscal year 2015-2016.
- Category AAA contractors are those identified as the highest category under PCAB classification.
Legal and Procedural Implications
- The employment of a DOLE-accredited safety practitioner is mandated as a pre-requisite for:
- New license applications for Category AAA contractors.
- Renewal of existing Category AAA licenses.
- Upgrading from a lower contractor category to Category AAA.
- Applications for additional classifications within Category AAA.
Enforcement and Governance
- Resolution issued by the PCAB Board, with formal adoption dated January 21, 2014, and official filing on February 13, 2014.
- Signed and attested by Board Chairman, members, and board secretary, affirming institutional authority.
Significance
- Strengthens the regulatory framework emphasizing safety in the construction industry in the Philippines.
- Aims to protect workers and stakeholders by institutionalizing professional safety management within the highest category of contractors.
- Demonstrates inter-agency cooperation among DOLE, DPWH, DTI, DILG, PRC, and PCAB in advancing workplace safety standards in construction.
This resolution marks a critical step in mandating professional safety expertise in construction firms classified under the highest category, ensuring compliance with national safety regulations and promoting a proactive safety culture on project sites.