“ASPPI HOSTS APOSHO 27 CONFERENCE”

For the first time in its twelve years of existence as a non-stock, non-profit professional organization, ASPPI takes on the challenge of putting in place a conference on workplace safety and health on an international scale. From a handful of officers who pioneered advocacy of safe and healthful workplaces in 1999, ASPPI, through the years, has expanded its membership and has, at present, twenty (20) organized chapters throughout the country and three (3) international chapters based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Qatar, and in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi). Its advocacy of safe and healthful workplaces has likewise gained the support of six (8) institutional partners namely, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Nestle Philippines Inc., Granite Services International Inc., Petron Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Manila Water Company Inc., SN Aboitiz Power and Quezon Power (Phils.) Ltd. Co.

APOSHO, on the other hand, is an international body composed of thirty seven (37) organizations in twenty six (26) countries. Most of the 37 organizations are non-profit professional groups devoted to the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. The first APOSHO Annual Conference took place in Singapore in August 1985. Although full membership is given to non-governmental organizations in the Asia Pacific region, any occupational safety and health organization even in regions other than the Asia Pacific can join the APOSHO as an associate or affiliate member. The Asia Pacific region refers to the Asian Countries and areas such as Australia and the Pacific Islands. Among the member countries are Japan, Canada, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America (USA) in addition to Australia and the Asian Countries. In 2008, ASPPI joined the APOSHO as an Affiliate Member.

This year’s Conference which is being held together with the 14th ASPPI OSH General Assembly and Annual Convention promises to be an enriching and exciting exchange of safety updates with distinguished experts, safety professionals and advocates coming from all over the world. The discussions during the APOSHO 27 Conference focus on the theme “Safety and Health In The Workplace: A Shared Value Across Regions”. The hosting of an international Conference is a dream come true for the ASPPI leadership who have continuously searched for avenues towards enhancement of the knowledge and skills of safety practitioners to ensure safe and healthful workplaces throughout the country. The September forum in Cebu City is definitely a safety event to look forward to.

The initial announcements on the APOSHO 27 and the ASPPI OSH General Assembly have generated interest among safety and health practitioners, advocates and management leaders based in the Asia Pacific Region as well as in the various regional clusters throughout the country. As envisioned, the conference proper will feature plenary sessions and breakout/concurrent sessions on safety and health issues and concerns. Safety experts from Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Singapore, India, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia have already signified their intention to present technical papers in the safety forum. Topics on Risk Reduction and Management, Green Safety, Public Private Partnership in Safety and Health, Integrated OSH Management System are among those being lined up for discussion. A special session on Prevention Culture with speakers coming from KOSHA, MOLISA, NSC India will also be featured during the conference in order to strengthen the basis for safety and health promotion and thus pave the way for decent employment, enhanced corporate competitiveness and the economic development of countries around the world.

There comes a time in life when memorable moments take place, when significant persons come along, whose thoughts and words shape minds and hearts towards a safe and happy future.

Come and join the safety affair in September and together experience the DEFINING MOMENTS of a lifetime.

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