The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses, large and small, in the Calabarzon region to put serious emphasis on ensuring that their workers are safe.
Or so the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) hopes as it opened nominations for the 13th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) in the region.
The annual award aims to recognize establishments and individuals who have shown commendable efforts in promoting workplace safety policies.
DOLE CALABARZON Regional Director Roy Buenafe said the GKK aims to cultivate a culture of compliance with Occupational Safety and Health policies in workplaces by recognizing institutions and individuals who have successfully implemented workplace safety and health policies and programs.
Through the program, Buenafe added that the DOLE hopes to “inject a culture of compliance” with businesses and industrial hubs in the Calabarzon region.
“We at the Department of Labor and Employment and the Occupational Safety and Health Center have always offered our services to help the industries comply with workplace safety standards. At the end of the day, this will benefit the workers because they are confident that they are safe and comfortable in their workplace,” he said.
Meanwhile, OSHC OIC- Deputy Executive Director Connie Sto. Tomas stated that the OHSC will prioritize providing technical assistance to micro and small industries over the next five years to address occupational health and safety concerns in communities.
“We have encountered challenges in technologies like telecommuting and [the] work-from-home setup. Let’s not forget the challenges encountered by small businesses and micro industries. That’s why the DOLE is focusing on micro and small industries in providing technical assistance, training, and visits to establishments,” she said. “After the pandemic, this is the time to focus on the occupational health concerns of our workers, and of course, the emerging diseases.”
GKK Regional Winners will receive cash prizes ranging from P30,000 for the industry sector, government institutions, micro-enterprises, and the informal sector. The category is also open for individuals who can receive up to P20,000.
Meanwhile, Special Awardees will receive P10,000 for industries, government agencies, and micro enterprises. Individual winners will also receive the same amount.
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