Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

This study looked into the state of occupational health and safety in the country. Specifically, the objectives were 1) to show the current condition of workers, both local and migrant, in terms of their workplace condition and hazard exposures; and 2) to present occupational diseases and illnesses in various industries and occupational groupings in the Philippines. The methodology consisted of comprehensive analysis of records and statistics on occupational safety and health, and related variables from various institutions. Data were gathered from reviews of literatures, related research studies, and documentary research at the Occupational Safety and Health Center. Analysis of data was done through a critical appraisal of the current status of occupational and health safety in the Philippines in terms of occupational diseases, injuries, and accidents, and existing occupational health and safety policies. The study showed occupational hazards and health and safety conditions in various industries, occupational settings, and job groupings such as in the industrial sector, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fishing, and cement manufacturing. It also looked into small scale and informal industries such as tanning, laundry shops, pyrotechnique manufacturing and the like. Special segments of the labour force including the women workers, child laborers and migrant workers were also covered. In all these sectors and industries, the study showed attendant occupational diseases and injuries arising from occupational hazards. The study tried to show more complete data on occupational health and safety in the Philippines considering that there is insufficient collection of OHS data by concerned government agencies.

Biography

Lu is a Research Professor at the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila; and has published 15 ISI journals related to Occupational and Environmental Health. She is also a University Scientist, and has authored two books on the subject matter.