Accidents, unexpected and unwanted at all times, happen in the workplace. The non-use of appropriate PPE or personal protective equipment is one factor that can lead to these.
PPE is an equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from chemical, physical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. The sugar farm is teeming with workplace hazards. The DOLE Order No.0149 issued on February, 2017 indicates that all work in sugar farms are hazardous.
SIFI, in partnership with Planters Associations, teamed up to spread the importance and benefits of using appropriate PPE. Experts from the Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE, PHILSURIN, and LEADS Agricultural Product Corp shared basic to specific information and practical experiences on how PPE can help protect workers from various health risks. Leaders and Officers of 10 PAs joined the PPE orientation, last June 27, 2018, organized by SIFI under its RSS or Responsible Sourcing from Smallholders Program. Sugar farmer-members of these PAs range from 400 to 1600. PAs committed to join in the information dissemination and initial PPE procurement and distribution to members. These are significant initial steps toward accident-free sugar farms.
