TOWARDS IMPROVED OSH CONDITION OF SALES WORKERS : A RECOMMENDATION

Fortunata L. Baco, MPH Occupational Safety and Health Center

WHY IS PROMOTING OSH IS IMPORTANT?

Preventing work-related MSDs/symptoms will Promote workers health Increase productivity Decrease healthcare expenses Demonstrate concern of company to worker Increasing number of sales/service workers comprise 12% of employment (4.3M) Sales/service industry contributes about 13% to national GDP

WHAT ARE OSH-RELATED ISSUES OF SALES WORKERS ?

Prolonged standing inherent in nature of work Long working hours prevent access to OSH info Work schedule/shifts prevent workers to have regular physical activity

Often has no security of tenure with little social benefits and protection Irregular status of employment prevents workers to organize themselves Women observed to wear heeled shoes which can add strain to legs/feet

WHAT ARE THE OSH-RELATED ISSUES IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT?

No specific programs or policies on OSH No OSH orientation or trainings Do not have own welfare facilities Most do not allow workers to sit as a policy

WHAT ARE THE EXISTING POLICIES RELEVANT TO SALES WORKERS? OSH standards on minimum requirements a for company to ensure OSH of workers Local ordinances (Davao and Misamis Occidental) mandating provision of chairs to all female workers Cebu City resolution allowing sales workers to rest after long periods of standing
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WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE THE OSH CONDITION OF SALES WORKERS ?
Employers should Develop health policies and programs aimed to reduce MSDs/symptoms Orient on risks, effects of prolonged standing and MSDs prevention Incorporate OSH orientation to capability building programs Disseminate IEC materials on OSH

Employers are encourage to Allow workers to sit when there are no customers Choose flooring materials that are soft on the foot vinyl tiles, wood, and rubber if feasible
Employers can seek assistance from concerned agencies and organizations on OSH
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Sales workers are encouraged to

Maintain proper posture at all times Wear comfortable shoes Use of foot stool or anti-fatigue mats Engage in regular physical/sports activities Do foot exercises or swaying bodies during breaks Organize themselves and actively participate in OSH policy formulation
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DOLEs continuous monitoring for compliance on OSH Standards National policy to influence the academe to integrate OSH in schools, creating awareness on health risks of occupations Future studies focused on psychosocial factors, type of shoes and in controlled condition

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SUMMARY OSH situation of sales workers will not have significant improvement unless employers and workers act together Government should facilitate these initiatives by implementing adequate measures and legislations to prevent occupational hazards

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Thank you for listening!

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