Back to Name List
Now you are viewing:
Name: John Vincent T. Lazaro
Country: Philippines
Country: Philippines
About John Vincent T. Lazaro
As a dedicated safety advocate, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a major in Music Arts, Physical Education, and Health, reflecting my passion and profound commitment to promoting workplace safety.
Currently, I serve as the designated secretariat of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committee, holding the position of AA II at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center in the Philippines. While my journey into the field of safety may not have been a deliberate choice, it has become a profound calling for me. My primary motivation stems from the responsibility of safeguarding my family. This role, in a sense, found me, but now that I am here, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to utilising it to ensure the safety and security of my loved ones. I pledge to devote my utmost effort to this vital task.
List the Safety and Health achievements/contributions you have achieved in 2023.
Safety Program Intensification: Our efforts to enhance workplace safety culture involve actively engaging employees in various webinars and safety programs focused on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for the Public Sector.
A recent milestone was the successful completion of an 8-hour Mandatory Safety and Health Seminar, attended by nearly 2500 employees, facilitated through PETRIS, a self-paced modular platform. This initiative significantly increased participation in safety activities and led to noticeable improvements in safety performance across all areas of the workplace.
We have also organised several contests related to OSH programs, including the 5S Application in the Workplace Contest, OSH Logo Making Contest, Disaster Resilience Month Earthquake Preparedness Poster Making Contest, Workplace Safety and Food Safety Quiz Bee, and the Journey to Fitness Contest Project. Notably, our Journey to Fitness Contest Project received regional recognition as the Hospital's best weight management program.
Moreover, we conducted a series of webinars, lectures, and training sessions focusing on various OSH Safety Programs, addressing topics such as the role of Ergonomics in Workplace Wellness, Mental Health Matters, Food Safety Matters, Gender Equality & Inclusive Society. Quarterly drills and lectures on earthquake preparedness, including "Duck, Cover, and Hold," were conducted for employees, watchers, and COVID-19 positive patients.
We extended our expertise beyond our institution, hosting Patient Safety and Occupational Safety Training sessions attended by CAR Provincial Hospitals under the Department of Health. Additionally, we served as resource speakers in the 5S Workplace Productivity seminar, organised and participated in by the Philippine Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
In commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we hosted a webinar forum on workplace safety and launched a Signature campaign for violence and injury prevention. This campaign aimed to encourage all employees to actively promote and uphold a culture of respect and safety in the workplace.
Furthermore, we conducted hazard identification and risk assessment controls, along with regular walk-through inspections to ensure the implementation of COVID-19 Health Protocols. These collective efforts underscore our unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and healthy work environment for employees, watchers, patients, and the community at large.
Outline the Workplace Safety and Health initiatives that have been implemented by you in your workplace in 2023.
In 2023, I initiated Capacitation Training for safety focal persons designated per department, section, area, and unit, aimed at emphasising the significance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards in the public sector. Currently, we have a total of 64 safety focal persons who have undergone this training. Additionally, I conducted 5S and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Control Orientation sessions for employees to enhance their awareness of available processes for OSH, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to implement basic OSH concepts in their respective offices.
Furthermore, I spearheaded the conduct of Work Environment Measurements using various safety monitoring devices. This inspection focused on evaluating key environmental factors crucial for maintaining optimal working conditions, including humidity, temperature, and lux levels. The objective of this initiative was to ensure that the work environment within the hospital complies with workplace safety standards, with a primary focus on prioritising the health and well-being of both staff and patients.
Moreover, I have been conducting regular walkthroughs of the hospital's different areas to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, I developed a streamlined reporting process for workplace accidents, incidents, and near-miss events, making reporting forms easily accessible online through the institution’s intranet system. This proactive approach aims to encourage prompt reporting and efficient management of safety-related incidents, fostering a safer and more responsive work environment.
Describe and support in detail on how your influencing capability has assisted in the successful implementation of these initiatives.
As a Safety Practitioner at Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, my influential abilities have played a pivotal role in driving the successful implementation of various safety initiatives. Leveraging my naturally friendly demeanor, I prioritise greeting employees with a warm smile as a fundamental strategy for building relationships.
Recognising the paramount importance of trust and credibility in my role as a safety advocate, I actively engage with employees and collaborate with other hospital committees. By attentively listening to their concerns and feedback, I establish rapport and credibility, particularly during inspections or walk-throughs.
I am a staunch advocate for promoting a safety culture where individuals feel secure and supported, especially amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened mental health concerns. To address these issues, we organised a series of webinars for all employees focusing on the topic "Mental Health Matters."
Creating an environment where people feel safe is imperative for fostering trust and encouraging proactive safety behaviours. Leaders and organisations must prioritise psychological safety, ensuring that team members feel comfortable expressing concerns, reporting hazards, and contributing ideas for improvement without fear of reprisal. This approach not only enhances safety outcomes but also nurtures a positive and resilient workplace culture.
Describe and provide support on how your initiative impacted the Safety and Health management and performance of your workplace/community/industry that was above and beyond.
Increased Awareness and Compliance: By conducting Capacitation Training for safety focal persons and orientation sessions for employees, we have significantly enhanced awareness and compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards. This heightened compliance with safety protocols has resulted in a better understanding among staff of how to maintain a safe working environment.
The Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Control Orientation sessions have empowered employees to recognise potential hazards in their work environments and equipped them with the skills to assess and mitigate risks effectively using the hierarchy of controls. This proactive approach to safety has led to a notable reduction in workplace accidents.
Performing Work Environment Measurements using safety monitoring devices has allowed safety officers to assess key environmental factors crucial for maintaining optimal working conditions. Ensuring that the work environment complies with safety standards prioritises the health and well-being of both staff and patients, potentially enhancing productivity and satisfaction.
Regular walkthroughs of different areas to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks demonstrate a proactive approach to safety management. Addressing hazards before accidents occur prevents injuries and creates a safer workplace for everyone.
Establishing a reporting process for workplace accidents, incidents, and near-miss events, and making reporting forms readily accessible (online) through the institution’s BGHMC intranet system has improved incident management and facilitated faster resolution of safety issues. This approach also fosters a culture of transparency and accountability regarding safety matters.
Overall, these initiatives have undoubtedly contributed to creating a safer and healthier work environment, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, and fostering a culture of safety and compliance within the organisation.
In your opinion, what are the attributes of a safety influencer? Do share with us on how you have demonstrated these attributes in your daily work that will earn you the recognition of a WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award Winner in your workplace/community/industry.
As the sole safety officer at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (Public Sector), tasked with overseeing nearly 2500 employees, I firmly believe that effective communication, coordination, collaboration, and cooperation are indispensable attributes of a safety influencer.
Effective communication serves as the cornerstone for facilitating coordination with others concerning occupational safety and health issues, concerns, and matters. Once concerns have been effectively communicated, collaboration becomes more feasible, allowing for joint problem-solving and the addressing of safety issues such as hazard identification and the measurement of the work environment. As relationships strengthen over time, cooperation naturally develops, fostering a culture of workplace safety within their respective areas. I am convinced that without representatives from different departments and the proactive involvement of employees, safety initiatives would lack the necessary momentum, as Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility.