Taiheiyo employees and those of its suppliers at its San Fernando gather in front of the cement plant's kiln for a safety assembly and a plant-wide emergency drill.
Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) placed renewed emphasis on cultivating daily safe habits and heightening workers' awareness of health risks, chemical handling, and emergency preparedness.
Meanwhile, TCPI expanded its long-term safety enhancement efforts through its KY (Kiken Yochi) Training Version 2.0, applying the Japanese "Pointing and Calling" method to strengthen hazard recognition and worker communication.
Putting the spotlight on safer habits and stronger vigilance, this year's observance that the Environment and Safety Department (ESD) organized aimed to reinforce safe practices across the plant and reduce workplace-related incidents.
The ESD prepared wide-ranging seminars, drills, and health interventions.
"Safety is a shared responsibility, and our strength lies in the small choices we consistently make," said ESD head Dwight S. Avila.
He noted increased participation among TCPI employees and those of its primary materials supplier Solid Earth Development Corporation (SEDC) and partner contractors, "a sign of a maturing safety culture."
Recognize hazards
The week opened with a Mental Health Awareness Seminar, followed by a plantwide emergency drill and the General Safety Assembly for all plant personnel.
Other activities included the Overview of Chemical Safety, Behavioral-Based Safety Seminar, Monkeypox Health Awareness, eye exams, audiometry tests, general health screenings, and a pre-blood donation lecture.
ESD also undertook an 8-hour mandatory Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) seminar for new hires, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) presented a Defensive Driving Seminar.
Furthermore, Engr. Gines Timosa, chief of the OSH Center at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Visayas, conducted an Emergency Preparedness and Response session.
"These programs equip workers with the knowledge and confidence to recognize hazards early and respond effectively," Avila said.
The Safety Week saw winners in various contests, like in:
Firefighting Events
- Rescue & Transfer Relay: 1st - Mechanical; 2nd - Electrical and Instrumentation (E/I); 3rd - Geo-Transport;
- Firefighting with Fire Hydrant: 1st - Purchasing; 2nd - Packing; 3rd – Production; and
- Bucket Relay: 1st - Packing; 2nd - Geo-Transport; 3rd – Production.
- 1st - Information Systems Department (ISD)
- 2nd - Mechanical Engineering
- 3rd - Mechanical Maintenance
- Plant Site winner: Jose A. Rivera
- Cebu City Office winner: Rubelyn A. Judilla
- Some 26 employees received consolation prizes.
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| New hires ESD undertake an 8-hour Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) seminar required of them. |
335 trained
Meanwhile, TCPI assistant plant manager for maintenance and engineering Yuichiro Imasaka promoted long-term hazard prevention when he started coaching plant site employees in the KY Training Version 2.0.
The training aimed to strengthen workers' ability to identify potential hazards before starting a task, a technique supported by the Japanese "Pointing and Calling" system.
The method requires workers to physically point at potential hazards, while verbally identifying them, significantly improving situational awareness and reducing error rates, explained Imasaka.
The training has logged 235 regular workers trained and 100 outsource workers taught, a total of 335 trainees across TCPI and SEDC, disclosed Avila.
"This simple but powerful technique enhances communication and minimizes oversight," Avila explained. "By embedding this discipline into our routines, we reduce risks even before tasks begin."
Through its combined initiatives -- one week of intensive activities and more than a year of sustained KY training, TCPI reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that "everyone goes home safe, every single day."
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| An employee gets his health checked and receives advise to maintain good health and fitness at work. |