Risk Severity Framework: Categories and Impacts-Ensuring Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Data Privacy in the Philippine Government: An ISO 45001 Perspective

 

Ensuring Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Data Privacy in the Philippine Government: An ISO 45001 Perspective

The Philippine government operates within a complex environment where the well-being of employees and the protection of sensitive data are paramount. Guided by occupational health and safety laws such as the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) under DOLE, and the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), government agencies strive to align their operations with international standards. ISO 45001:2018 provides a structured framework for enhancing workplace safety, while also considering the implications of data privacy. Together, these frameworks drive the development of a risk-aware and compliant public sector.

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The Risk Severity Framework in OHS Management

In the context of the Philippine government, a systematic approach to evaluating risks is critical to safeguarding employees. The Risk Severity Framework categorizes potential hazards and evaluates their impact, ensuring that government agencies proactively address OHS challenges.

Risk Categories and Severity Levels

1. Workplace Injuries: These range from minor incidents, such as cuts, to severe outcomes like fatalities or permanent disabilities. Agencies must ensure workplace safety protocols are in place to minimize these risks.

2. Occupational Illnesses: Prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions can lead to chronic illnesses or fatalities. Preventive measures, such as regular health monitoring and protective equipment, are essential.

3. Hazardous Materials Handling: Proper training and stringent handling procedures mitigate risks associated with hazardous substances, reducing exposure to health and environmental threats.

4. Ergonomic Risks: Poorly designed workstations can lead to chronic pain or long-term disabilities. By adopting ergonomic solutions, government offices can improve employee well-being and productivity.

5. Fire Hazards: From minor smoke to catastrophic fires, the impact varies significantly. Fire safety drills and functional fire suppression systems are critical for mitigating this risk.

6. Psychosocial Hazards: Stress, often overlooked, can lead to severe mental health issues and resignations. Supportive policies promoting mental health and work-life balance are vital.

7. Use of Heavy Machinery: Proper training and regular maintenance are crucial to prevent injuries and machine failures.

8. Environmental Noise Exposure: Government workers in field operations may face risks of hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high noise levels.

9. Travel and Fieldwork Safety: With frequent travel and fieldwork, risks like road accidents must be addressed through comprehensive travel safety policies.

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Implementation and Monitoring

Role of Technical Professionals

In the Philippine government, licensed professionals and auditors play a pivotal role in assessing risks. Their expertise ensures risk evaluations are based on accurate data, taking into account both internal resources and external obligations. For example, during disaster risk reduction efforts, assessments align with RA 10121 mandates.

Executive Oversight

Final approval by senior management integrates OHS frameworks into the agency’s strategic goals. Leadership commitment fosters a culture of safety and compliance, empowering employees at all levels to prioritize health and safety.

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Data Privacy and OHS: A Dual Responsibility

The intersection of data privacy and OHS is a growing concern in government agencies. With the implementation of ISO 45001:2018, the safeguarding of personal health data collected for OHS purposes becomes crucial. Compliance with the Data Privacy Act ensures that sensitive information is protected, reinforcing public trust.

Risk Severity Framework: Categories and Impacts

A structured approach to evaluating risk is essential for effective OHS management. Below is a risk severity impact table tailored to various categories:

Risk Category	Severity Level 1 - Insignificant	Severity Level 2 - Minor	Severity Level 3 - Moderate	Severity Level 4 - Major	Severity Level 5 - Severe
Workplace Injuries	No injury or minor cuts/scratches	Minor injuries (first aid)	Moderate injuries (medical care)	Major injuries (hospitalization)	Fatalities or permanent disabilities
Occupational Illness	No illness or minor symptoms	Mild symptoms (temporary)	Chronic symptoms, short-term disability	Long-term disability, ongoing care	Fatalities due to illness
Hazardous Materials Handling	No exposure, no impact	Low-level exposure, no lasting effect	Moderate exposure, minor health issues	Significant exposure, long-term risks	Death, permanent health issues
Ergonomic Risks	No discomfort	Mild discomfort, minor fatigue	Moderate discomfort, temporary pain	Chronic pain, reduced mobility	Disability, permanent injury
Fire	No fire or minor hazard (e.g., smoke)	Small fire, easily controlled	Moderate fire, significant property damage	Large fire, major damage, possible injury	Major fire, fatalities, catastrophic damage
Psychosocial Hazards	No impact or minor stress	Short-term stress (manageable)	Moderate stress, productivity loss	High stress, burnout	Severe stress, long-term health issues, resignation
Use of Heavy Machinery	No machinery used	Low-risk operation, no injury	Moderate risk, minor injuries possible	High-risk operation, major injuries	Fatalities, catastrophic machine failure
Exposure to Noise/Environment	No exposure or very low noise level	Mild exposure, no lasting impact	Moderate exposure, temporary hearing loss	Significant exposure, hearing loss	Permanent hearing loss, health degradation
Travel & Fieldwork Safety	Safe travel, no incidents	Minor disruptions, no injuries	Moderate risk, minor injuries possible	Major incident, hospitalization	Fatalities, serious accidents

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Implementation and Monitoring

Role of Technical Professionals

Licensed risk professionals and auditors play a critical role in identifying and quantifying risks. Their expertise ensures that risk appetite and tolerance are grounded in accurate, data-driven evaluations. These professionals assess internal factors like resource availability and external considerations such as legal requirements and environmental risks.

Executive Oversight

The final approval of risk management frameworks by senior management ensures alignment with organizational goals. This step is crucial for embedding risk management into the agency’s strategic planning and operational procedures, fostering a proactive safety culture.

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Conclusion

The adoption of ISO 45001:2018 within the Philippine government not only strengthens occupational health and safety but also integrates essential data privacy practices. By applying the Risk Severity Framework and fostering collaboration between technical professionals and leadership, agencies can achieve a safer, more resilient workplace. These efforts ensure sustainable operations and the well-being of public servants, contributing to the overall efficiency and trustworthiness of government services.

References: 

Department of Labor and Employment. (n.d.). Occupational safety and health standards. Retrieved from https://www.dole.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines. (2012). Data privacy act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). Official Gazette. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk management. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_management

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk assessment. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_assessment

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Health belief model. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_belief_model

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk matrix. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_matrix

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk appetite. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_appetite

ISO 45001:2018 Perspective and Risk Assessment Process in the Philippine Government Setting

ISO 45001:2018 Perspective and Risk Assessment Process in the Philippine Government Setting

Introduction

In the context of the Philippine government, aligning Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) frameworks with ISO 45001:2018 is essential for fostering safe and resilient workplaces. This approach not only ensures compliance with local regulations such as the Department of Labor and Employment’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) but also supports the objectives of RA 10121, emphasizing disaster risk reduction and management.

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Risk Appetite and Tolerance in Government Risk Management

Defining Risk Appetite

Risk appetite represents the level of risk an organization is prepared to accept to achieve its goals. For government agencies, this involves balancing ambitious policy initiatives with regulatory compliance and resource constraints. Determining risk appetite requires input from technical professionals and is subject to approval by senior management, ensuring alignment with public service mandates and resource capabilities.

Risk Tolerance

While risk appetite sets a strategic direction, risk tolerance focuses on operational limits. It defines the extent of risk an organization can endure in specific activities, taking into account existing controls. This helps government agencies navigate risks pragmatically while maintaining public trust and accountability.

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Risk Severity Framework

A structured severity framework aids in evaluating the potential impact of risks:

Severity Level	Descriptor	Financial Loss	Injury Level	Loss of Lives	Man-Hours Lost
1	Insignificant	<₱10,000	No injury	None	<1 hour
2	Minor	₱10,000 - ₱50,000	First aid injury	None	1-8 hours
3	Moderate	₱50,000 - ₱100,000	Medical attention	None	1-3 days
4	Major	₱100,000 - ₱500,000	Severe injury requiring hospitalization	Possible (1)	1-4 weeks
5	Severe	>₱500,000	Fatality or permanent disability	1 or more	>1 month

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Implementation and Monitoring

Professional Involvement

Licensed risk professionals and auditors play a pivotal role in assessing risks. Their insights ensure that risk appetite and tolerance are realistically set and appropriately monitored. By integrating data-driven assessments, government agencies can prioritize safety while enhancing operational efficiency.

Executive Oversight

Management's approval is crucial for formalizing the risk framework. This ensures that decisions align with both organizational goals and stakeholder expectations, providing a foundation for sustainable public service delivery.

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Conclusion

The integration of ISO 45001:2018 into government risk management frameworks fosters a culture of safety and accountability. Through clear definitions of risk appetite and tolerance, coupled with robust monitoring processes, Philippine government agencies can achieve resilience and operational excellence.

For further context, initiatives like the Agricultural Training Institute's recent risk management training highlight practical applications of these principles in public sector programs​

REFERENCES:

GSIS RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM : https://www.gsis.gov.ph/downloads/transparency/20200527-Trans-Risk_Management_Program.pdf Retrieve on NOV 1, 2024

Department of Labor and Employment. (n.d.). Occupational safety and health standards. Retrieved from https://www.dole.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines. (2012). Data privacy act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). Official Gazette. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk management. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_management

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk assessment. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_assessment

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Health belief model. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_belief_model

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk matrix. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_matrix

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk appetite. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_appetite

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Steps of a Risk Assessment Process in the Philippine Government Setting (ISO 45001 Perspective)

Risk Assessment Process in the Philippine Government Setting (ISO 45001 Perspective)

In line with ISO 45001:2018, which provides a framework for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management systems, the risk assessment process is essential for identifying and mitigating workplace risks. In the Philippine government context, this aligns with compliance mandates such as DOLE’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) and RA 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010). Below are the key steps framed within ISO 45001 principles:

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1. Risk Identification

• ISO Perspective: Organizations must systematically identify potential hazards that could harm workers, assets, or the environment. This includes both routine and non-routine activities.
• Philippine Context: In the Philippines, risks include natural disasters (e.g., typhoons, floods, earthquakes) and workplace hazards (e.g., chemical exposure, machinery incidents).
• Compliance Mandate: DOLE’s OSHS and RA 10121 require identifying and documenting hazards as part of preparedness and mitigation.

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2. Risk Analysis

• ISO Perspective: Assess risks by analyzing the likelihood of occurrence and the potential impact on health, safety, and operations.
• Philippine Context: This step involves evaluating how hazards could affect government operations, infrastructure, and employee well-being.
• Compliance Mandate: Section 8 of RA 11058 mandates the assessment of risks to prevent workplace injuries and ensure proactive safety measures.

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3. Risk Evaluation

• ISO Perspective: Compare risks against the organization’s risk tolerance and prioritize them based on severity and likelihood.
• Philippine Context: Evaluate risks using thresholds set under local regulations like the National Building Code and the Fire Code of the Philippines.
• Compliance Mandate: RA 10121 emphasizes prioritizing disaster risks to allocate resources effectively and ensure community resilience.

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4. Risk Treatment

• ISO Perspective: Implement controls to eliminate or minimize risks. This could involve engineering solutions, administrative controls, or the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Philippine Context: Examples include retrofitting government buildings for seismic resilience or instituting workplace safety protocols.
• Compliance Mandate: DOLE’s OSHS and RA 10121 require the implementation of both structural and non-structural risk mitigation measures.

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5. Review and Monitoring

• ISO Perspective: Risk assessment is a dynamic process that requires regular monitoring and review to remain effective. Organizations must ensure that controls adapt to new risks and changing conditions.
• Philippine Context: Continuous review of disaster preparedness and workplace safety plans is crucial in a country prone to natural disasters.
• Compliance Mandate: RA 10121 mandates periodic reviews of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) plans, while OSHS requires regular safety audits and inspections.

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Conclusion

Applying the ISO 45001 framework ensures that risk management processes are robust, proactive, and aligned with international best practices. In the Philippine government setting, these steps not only promote compliance with RA 11058 and RA 10121 but also enhance organizational resilience, employee safety, and disaster preparedness.

 

References:

Department of Labor and Employment. (n.d.). Occupational safety and health standards. Retrieved from https://www.dole.gov.ph

Republic of the Philippines. (2012). Data privacy act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). Official Gazette. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk management. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_management

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk assessment. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_assessment

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Health belief model. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_belief_model

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk matrix. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_matrix

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Risk appetite. Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_appetite