“Safety in the Workplace: A Basic Human Right”

Top photos show Mr. Andres Saldaña of OSHA giving a briefing on workers’ rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge handing over a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Saldaña. Above photo captures a light moment after the program with Legal Officer Alvar Rosales (seated, left) and two participants who were requesting some legal advice, as well as DCG Romulo Victor Israel Jr. and ATN Officer Ceasar Balarbar (standing). Photos courtesy of Mr. Cornelio Santiago of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago.

06 September 2017 CHICAGO – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, last August 31, resumed its observance of the Labor Rights Week in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with a presentation highlighting the right of workers to a safe workplace as a basic human right.

Mr. Andres Saldaña, MPH, CSP, who currently serves as Regional Health and Safety Manager at OSHA Region V Office in Chicago, explained this primary aspect of the agency’s function. He, however, clarified that OSHA is also mandated to help employers achieve compliance while providing training, outreach and education services.

Stations were likewise set up for Mr. Saldaña of OSHA and the Consulate General’s Legal and Assistance-to-Nationals Officers for distribution of informational materials and individual consultations.

The Alliance Agreement which OSHA with the Philippine Consulate General entered on a regional level enabled both agencies conduct outreach activities since 2014.

More recently, the two agencies initiated a translation project to make important OSHA materials available in Filipino.

For more information, visit www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph; www.chicagopcg.com or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago. END