Western visayas: The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) launched the 14th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) alongside the 4th Occupational Medicine (OM) Week in Western Visayas on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, OSHC Safety Control Division Engineer III Abyguel Melgarejo stated that the GKK aims to acknowledge the contributions of companies, individuals, and government agencies in achieving zero workplace accidents and illnesses. The initiative seeks to promote occupational safety and health (OSH) innovations, improvements, and best practices, particularly targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises, as well as the informal sector.

The nomination process is open to individuals associated with private or locally registered OSH-compliant companies, as well as government and public sector agencies that adhere to OSH standards. OSH personnel from GKK-nominated companies or government agencies, who have executed safety and health programs, are also encouraged to participate. Additionally, micro enterprises with notable safety and health innovations and initiatives can join.

The selection process includes regional and national screenings. Private sector entries must have the endorsement of the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). To qualify as a regional winner, nominees must achieve a score of at least 80 percent, enabling the regional industry OSH champion to advance to the national level.

Meanwhile, OSHC Executive Director Jose Maria Batino emphasized that the theme of the 4th Occupational Medicine Week, "Safeguarding Health and Advancing Decent Work in Occupational Medicine," underscores the importance of occupational medicine in creating dignified, inclusive, sustainable, and safe work environments. Batino highlighted the need to enhance awareness, exceed minimum standards, and strengthen cooperation mechanisms across all industrial sectors, stressing the importance of multistakeholder engagement in OSH advocacy.