Support to Workplace Safety Measures

 (by MA. ALICIA SOLEDAD A. SALAZAR of DOST Region VI)

With all the strategies being implemented to fight COVID-19 both at the national and local government levels, there is still no clear indication that we can flatten the curve soon. While the threat cannot be completely eliminated, at the very least, we can aim to keep the disease to a level that the healthcare system and the society can handle.  With these in mind, DOST Region 6’s Joeben V. Gubatanga led the implementation of a project that would strengthen the measures to combat COVID-19, particularly for DOST VI workers and clients.

 

To ensure the safety and well-being of DOST VI employees, Mr. Gubatanga set precautionary measures in structure and in practice.  These include safety measures during the ECQ and were subsequently sustained Post-ECQ.  Preventive measures were prepared to ensure a safe workplace in anticipation of the resumption and continuation of face to face transactions.  Among his initiatives were the disinfection of the office surfaces, and strict implementation of social distancing, among others. Likewise, he created physical barriers, provided non-contact infrared thermometers and installed portable handwashing stations with hand sanitizers, liquid soap, and paper towels, foot baths, and modifying the workflow to avoid the possible spread of infection.

 

Mr. Gubatanga also led the production and deployment of the non-contact Specimen Collection Booths for CoVID-19 for the purpose of testing multiple patients without subjecting the medical staff to physical contact with the clients.  During the lockdown, he also assisted in the distribution of the improvised face shields to the frontliners in the health facilities in Iloilo City.

 

Charles Simmons writes, “True greatness consists in being great in little things.”  Mr. Gubatanga’s projects are not little things, they are great things done out of initiative, dedication, and an earnest desire to  ensure that his workplace remains a safe place not only for himself but for his colleagues and their clients.

 

Mr. JOEBEN V. GUBATANGA is a Science Research Specialist II of DOST Region VI.