Bosch celebrates World Day for Safety and Health at Work

MANILA, Philippines - Power tools pioneer Bosch celebrates the success of its Health and Safety Campaign in conjunction with the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Both campaigns shared a common goal of raising the awareness of occupational health and safety (OHS), and reducing the number of injuries and diseases associated with workplace hazards.

Held annually on April 28, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an international campaign observed by the International Labor Organization of the United Nations to promote safe, healthy and decent work standards.

Since its inception in 2003, the commemoration has remained a significant platform to a hazard-free environment while encouraging legislative support among government agencies.

The theme for 2010 is “Emerging risks and new patterns of prevention in a changing world of work,” highlighting the importance of accident prevention and wellness in view of global technological advancement.

As the world’s leading power tool manufacturer, Bosch recognizes the crucial need to address and advocate good work practices, thus it pioneered a regional health and safety campaign in early 2010, designed to inform and educate entrepreneurs, businesses and workers in the Asia-Pacific on the potential dangers of bad work practices that can lead to workers’ injuries.

In the Philippines, the company’s local subsidiary, Robert Bosch Inc., organized a local campaign, which will be conducted in partnership with the Philippine Contractors Association. 

Together, both organizations plan to tap some 107,000 workers employed in the country’s construction establishments. 

The program will also be complemented with joint worker training activities conducted by Bosch and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, drawing from a memorandum signed in December 2009.

Finally, Bosch’s local flagship is also exploring the inclusion of accident insurance and hospitalization benefits for the country’s construction workers who purchase and use its power tools. It is currently in negotiations with a leading financial services institution.

“In Europe, there are very strict health and safety regulations, but in many parts of Asia this is still not the case. We think the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a great opportunity for governments, employers and workers to come together to foster and support a culture that puts workers’ health and safety first,” said Matheus Contiero, Bosch regional sales director.

“The protection of workers’ health and safety has been an important part of Bosch’s group policy since 1973. The Health and Safety Campaign marks a significant step forward for Bosch in promoting a dialogue among professionals within industry and businesses to raise awareness of workers’ security and well-being,” Contiero said.

For the regional campaign, Bosch developed a special Health and Safety Booklet and Information Toolkit for distribution to entrepreneurs, businesses and workers. 

These materials provide guidelines and practical information on preventative measures to ensure power tool good work practices and accident prevention. 

A special micro-site www.bosch-pt.asia/safety also highlights these issues and contains useful tips with regard to the correct handling of power tools.

Bosch continuously develops technologies that are not only innovative but also environment and worker-friendly. In early 2001, it first recognized and addressed the issue of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), caused by excessive or continuous exposure to high levels of vibration, with the introduction of a “vibration control” handle for angle grinders.

Bosch’s new series of Rotary and Demolition Hammers and 36 Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Compact Hammer have also been fitted with a number of features to reduce the chance of injury for more safety at work.

These include anti-vibration handles, power indicators and one-handed bit change to ensure maximum convenience and safety for workers.

Furthermore, models such as GBH 2-23 REA are fitted with removable micro filter dust extraction system to prevent workers from inhaling harmful dust in the workplace.