Mastering the Landscape of Occupational Health and Safety: Regulations, Best Practices, and Avoiding Pitfalls

ObjectivesWorkers are continuously exposed to occupational hazards and risks. By analyzing recent data on the status of occupational safety and health (OSH) in the Philippines, this study aimed to determine the common occupational injuries and diseases among Filipino workers, and preventive and control measures/activities and occupational safety and health policies and programs implemented across the country.MethodsA review of data on Philippine OSH from the Integrated Survey of Labor and Employment (ISLE) by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) covering data from 2015/2016, 2017/2018, and 2019/2020 was done. The number of occupational injury cases, types of injuries, and types of diseases were assessed as well as the implementation of OSH policies and programs. Descriptive statistics, simple T-test, and Pareto analysis were used to analyze the collated data sets.ResultsThe number of occupational injury and diseases in the Philippines across industries are decreasing. Superficial injuries and open wounds (56.47%), and Workrelated Musculoskeletal Diseases (WMSDs) (61.82%) top the list as the most common injury and disease across industries, respectively. In 2018, OSH programs and preventive and control measures underwent reforms due to the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 11058. For OSH programs, there is an increase in implementation between 2015 and 2019.ConclusionOccupational injury and occupational diseases in the Philippines across industries are declining. In terms of OSH measures and programs, there has been a significant change over the years, especially after the introduction of RA 11058 in 2018. A rise in the implementation of measures and policies was noted. However, there are still gaps that need to be addressed.

Since its first publication in 2007, this pocket-sized handbook has firmly established its place as an essential resource for occupational health (OH) practice. With a wealth of updated information packed in its 920 pages, the much-awaited third edition follows the ever-changing landscape of health as well as the nature of work. The three editors (two of whom are new to this edition) are eminent leaders in the discipline of occupational medicine. The contributors are mainly consultants in occupational medicine, but also professionals in other disciplines related to OH, which reflects the multidisciplinary nature of OH practice. The primary target audience is OH practitioners, including support OH professionals, but the book is also of interest to a much wider readership which includes anyone with involvement in ­workplace health. The structure of the book mirrors previous editions and covers the following areas: occupational hazards; occupational diseases; OH practice; fitness for work; OH law; occupational hygiene; toxicology; epidemiology in OH; environmental medicine; safety science; practical procedures; emergencies in OH. This edition includes new and updated information on many chapters such as fitness for work, work health and disability, ethics, and unsurprisingly respiratory disorders and infection control. The section on chemical hazards now includes the chemical structures of the different substances. The new edition also includes legal, guidance and publication updates with website links, and an informative appendix on informatics in OH. In addition to the succinct text, the book contains tables, diagrams and figures to enhance understanding.

Europe is currently facing novel security threats in many different areas, reinforcing the need for a well prepared and protected health and care workforce to ensure health system resilience and service provision for the population under conditions of a poly-crisis. However, the health and care workforce is weakened by persisting shortages, competency gaps and mismatches, and poor working and mental health conditions. Health and care workers are not prepared for yet another crisis and a systematic strategy is lacking. This policy commentary argues for health and care workforce preparedness and protection as a structural pillar and integral part of an emerging EU health and security landscape, calling for a coherent European Union strategy and highlighting capacities for implementation and co-benefits for democratic societies and economies. Key policy recommendations include: developing a coordinated EU strategy that is capable to protect, prepare and retain health and care workers; closing the competencies gaps to align preparedness for military aggression, cyberattacks, climate change, and new infectious diseases; investing in research and data spaces to strengthen evidence-based information and policy; creating governance structures and building on existing EU programs and budgets to freeing resources for the health and care workforce.