Purpose

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standard Operation Manual describes and implements the policies and procedures governing the administration and operations of Occupational Safety and Health in the university and serves as the basis for major decisions, actions, policies, and principles in terms of Personnel Safety, Personnel Health, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Its objective is to provide the university and the employees with clear guidelines, instructions, and expectations, ensuring a shared understanding of the OSH policies and procedures. This promotes consistency in decision-making and operations, fostering a cohesive work environment. It outlines action-oriented procedures that help improve the effectiveness and communication of the school-business processes as well as reduce errors and improve employee efficiency. Policies and procedures are an essential part of OSHO, they provide a roadmap for day-to-day OSHO operations. It ensures compliance with laws and regulations and streamlines the internal processes in the university and on all regular campuses.

Scope

The university OSH standard operation manual contains the guidelines and protocols on how to implement the different programs based on standards of the three units under the Occupational Safety and Health Office such as (1) Personnel Safety Unit; (2) Personnel Health Unit and lastly; and (3) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department. Further, it presents the list of the different programs of Occupational Safety and Health with objectives and functions of the key players and the roles of the employees as partners in the implementation of OSH programs as well as the organizational structure of the Occupational Safety and Health Office. This university OSH standard operation manual shall apply to all offices in the university and campuses.

Administration and Enforcement

The Occupational Safety and Health Office shall administer and enforce the provisions of the OSHO standards manual of procedures in the university; Every university office with a duly authorized OSHO representative/ Chairperson shall provide access to its premises and records for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of these Standards;

Every university unit/ department/ office or place of employment shall be inspected at least once a year to determine compliance with the provisions of these Standards. Special inspection visits, however, may be authorized by the Executive Committee to investigate accidents, occupational illnesses, or dangerous occurrences, especially those resulting in permanent total disability or death, to conduct surveys of working conditions for the purpose of evaluating and assessing environmental contaminants and physical conditions or to conduct investigations, inspections or follow-up inspections upon request of a university employer and worker of the institution;

The OSHO Project Heads shall determine reasonable periods of compliance with recommendations depending on the gravity of the hazards needing corrections or the period needed to come into compliance with the order.

Policy Statement

It is the policy of Occupational Safety and Health Office to provide a safe and healthful work environment for all permanent, temporary, and contract employees. It is also OSHO policy to provide the same safe and healthful environment for the visitors. OSHO is not only committed to ensuring a safe and healthful work environment for others but is equally committed to the safety and health of its employees. The development, implementation, and evaluation of this manual shall be a cooperative effort between OSHO personnel and management to prevent injuries, illnesses, and death from work-related causes and minimize losses of material resources. The information contained in this manual shall be used to assist employees and supervisors in carrying out their responsibilities of ensuring a safe and healthful working environment. This manual establishes the framework of a continuing process for providing occupational safety and health guidelines and information to all personnel. OSHO’s commitment is to ensure continuous improvement by establishing procedures for annual self-evaluation and follow-up. The safety, health, and well- being of DHVSU employees, contractors, and members of the visiting public are a shared responsibility. Management will provide training and the time necessary for successful implementation of all aspects of this program.