How does the Remittance of the Overseas Filipino Workers help the Economy?

Remittances from OFWs can have a positive impact on the economy of the Philippines. When workers abroad send money home to their families, the funds can be used for a variety of purposes that can help stimulate economic activity.

One-way remittances can help the economy is by increasing household spending. Families may use the money to purchase goods and services, which can help boost sales and profits for businesses. This in turn can create jobs and support economic growth.

Remittances can also be used to improve the standard of living for families and communities, which can lead to greater social and economic stability. The money can be used for things like education, healthcare, and housing, which can help improve human capital and the overall well-being of the population.

Additionally, remittances can also help alleviate poverty. The funds can be used to pay for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter, which can help lift people out of poverty and improve their economic prospects over the long-term.

Another way remittances can help economy is by providing foreign exchange in economy as well. Because these funds come from abroad, they can help increase the supply of foreign currency, which can be used to finance imports, pay off foreign debts, or invest in foreign assets. This can help to stabilize the exchange rate and reduce the risk of balance of payment problems.

It’s important to note that while remittances can have a positive impact on the economy, they are not a substitute for long-term economic development strategies. They can provide a valuable source of support for households and communities, but they are not a sustainable way to drive economic growth over the long-term.

Good Team or Good Job?

When it comes to the workplace, it is often said that it is not the job itself, but the people you work with that make the difference.

This statement suggests that the quality of the team can significantly impact an individual’s experience on the job, and in many cases, this is certainly true.

A good team can make even the most challenging tasks and shifts bearable, while a bad team can make even the most enjoyable job a source of stress and frustration.

However, it is important to consider that the quality of the job itself also plays a role in an individual’s overall job satisfaction and enjoyment.

In this essay, we will explore the interplay between the quality of the job and the team and consider the importance of finding a balance between the two when seeking employment.

It is clear that both the quality of the job and the team can significantly impact an individual’s experience and satisfaction on the job.

A job that is personally fulfilling and aligned with one’s values and goals, in combination with a positive and supportive team, can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable work experience.

On the other hand, a job that is unfulfilling or misaligned with one’s values, even with a great team, may lead to long-term dissatisfaction.

Certainly, the people one works with can significantly impact one’s experience on the job. A positive and supportive team can make even the most difficult tasks and shifts bearable, while a negative or toxic team can make even the most enjoyable job a source of stress and frustration.

However, it’s important to note that the quality of the job itself is also an important factor. A job that is rewarding, meaningful, and aligned with one’s values and interests can be a source of satisfaction and enjoyment, regardless of the team.

On the other hand, a job that is unfulfilling, monotonous, or misaligned with one’s values can be a source of frustration and dissatisfaction, even with a great team.

Thus, it is important to consider both the quality of the job and the team when seeking employment. A job with a good team may be more enjoyable in the short term, but a job that is personally fulfilling and aligns with one’s values and goals may lead to long-term satisfaction and success. It is this balance between the two that leads to a positive and fulfilling work experience.

In conclusion, it is important to prioritize finding a job that is both personally rewarding and has a positive and supportive team. Both factors contribute to a positive and enjoyable work experience.

The Key Differences between Attitude and Behavior

Attitude and behavior are two distinct psychological constructs that are often used interchangeably, but they have some key differences.

Attitude refers to a person’s overall evaluation of something, such as an object, person, or idea. It is a cognitive component that influences how a person thinks and feels about something. Attitudes are formed based on a person’s experiences, values, and beliefs, and they can be positive, negative, or neutral. Attitudes can also be changed or influenced through persuasion or exposure to new information.

Behavior, on the other hand, refers to the actions or responses that a person exhibits in a given situation. It is the observable aspect of a person’s thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. Behavior is shaped by a variety of factors, including personality, culture, social norms, and past experiences.

One key difference between attitude and behavior is that attitudes are internal and cognitive, while behavior is external and observable. This means that attitudes are subjective and can only be inferred by a person’s words or actions, while behavior is objective and can be directly observed by others.

Another key difference is that attitudes tend to be more stable over time, while behavior can vary depending on the situation. This is because attitudes are based on a person’s values and beliefs, which tend to be more enduring and less influenced by external factors. Behavior, on the other hand, is influenced by a variety of situational factors, such as social norms, expectations, and rewards, and can change accordingly.

There is also a relationship between attitude and behavior, known as the attitude-behavior consistency principle. This principle suggests that a person’s behavior is generally consistent with their attitudes, but there are exceptions to this rule. For example, a person may have a positive attitude towards exercise, but may not consistently engage in physical activity. This inconsistency may be due to a variety of factors, such as lack of motivation or time, competing priorities, or conflicting values.

Despite these differences, attitude and behavior are often related and can influence each other. For example, a person’s behavior can influence their attitudes, such as through the process of self-perception. When a person engages in a certain behavior, they may infer their own attitudes based on their actions. Similarly, a person’s attitudes can influence their behavior, as they are more likely to engage in actions that are consistent with their beliefs and values.

In conclusion, while attitude and behavior are two distinct psychological constructs, they are related and can influence each other. Attitude refers to a person’s overall evaluation of something, while behavior refers to the actions or responses that a person exhibits in a given situation. Attitudes are internal and cognitive, while behavior is external and observable. Attitudes tend to be more stable over time, while behavior can vary depending on the situation. There is also a relationship between attitude and behavior, known as the attitude-behavior consistency principle, but there are exceptions to this rule.

7 Precautions to take during heavy rain in a construction site

The construction sites can be especially vulnerable to the effects of heavy rain and other adverse weather conditions. It is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers and the integrity of the construction project.

In this article, we will outline some key precautions to take during heavy rain to protect your construction site and keep your workers safe.

Here are some precautions to take during heavy rain in a construction site:

  1. Secure all equipment and materials: Make sure all construction equipment and materials are properly secured and not at risk of being damaged or lost due to the rain.
  1. Protect electrical systems: Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination, so be sure to cover and protect any electrical systems or outlets to prevent short circuits or electrocution.
  1. Watch for flooding: Keep an eye on the construction site for any areas that may be prone to flooding. If necessary, use sandbags or other barriers to prevent water from entering the site.
  1. Stay off wet surfaces: Walking on wet surfaces can be slippery and dangerous, so make sure workers stay off any wet or flooded areas until they are dry and safe to walk on.
  1. Use caution when working with heavy machinery: Be extra careful when operating heavy machinery during heavy rain, as the wet conditions can make it more difficult to control the equipment.
  1. Keep emergency supplies on hand: It’s always a good idea to have emergency supplies on hand in case of unexpected weather events, such as flashlights, first aid kits, and emergency blankets.
  1. Monitor weather conditions: Stay up to date on weather forecasts and be prepared to take appropriate action if necessary. If the rain is severe, consider suspending work until conditions improve.

In conclusion, heavy rain can present a number of challenges for construction sites. It is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of workers and the integrity of the construction project.

By securing equipment and materials, protecting electrical systems, watching for flooding, staying off wet surfaces, using caution when working with heavy machinery, keeping emergency

The end does not justify the means

The phrase “the end does not justify the means” refers to the idea that the goal or outcome of an action should not be used to justify the means by which it was achieved. In other words, the morality of an action should not be determined solely by its success or failure, but rather by the ethical principles and values that guided the decision-making process.

The end does not justify the means

This concept is often applied in discussions about moral and ethical dilemmas, and has implications for many different fields, including construction.

In the construction industry, it is important to consider the ethical implications of decisions made during the planning, design, and execution of a project. This can be especially challenging when working on complex projects that involve a wide range of stakeholders, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, designers, and regulators.

One area where the “end does not justify the means” principle can be particularly relevant is in the procurement process. This process involves selecting the contractors and subcontractors who will work on a project, and it is critical to ensure that the selection process is fair, transparent, and unbiased.

If contractors are chosen based on factors other than their qualifications and capabilities, it could lead to poor quality work, cost overruns, and other problems that could compromise the success of the project.

Another area where this principle can be relevant is in the management of construction projects. It is important for project managers to make decisions that are in the best interests of the project, but they should also ensure that these decisions are made in a way that is ethical and responsible.

This could involve considering the impact of decisions on the environment, the safety and well-being of workers, and the overall sustainability of the project.

In addition to these specific considerations, it is important for all stakeholders in the construction industry to remember that the end does not justify the means in a broader sense.

This means that the success of a project should not be achieved at the expense of ethical principles and values. For example, it would be wrong to cut corners or engage in unethical behavior in order to meet a deadline or achieve a certain level of profitability.

In conclusion, the end does not justify the means is an important principle to consider in the construction industry. By ensuring that decisions are made in a way that is ethical and responsible, construction professionals can help to build a more sustainable and equitable industry.

Safety Leadership: I am a Safety Leader

Safety Leadership – Key Messages
Inspired by ADNOC Safety Day 2019

Safety Leadership

I always act safely.

Safety is a commitment. It is my personal choice and my principle in life. I always act safely not because of the implementation of safety rules and the corresponding violations or citations against safety procedures, but rather I am principled and committed to safety.

I don’t compromise safety. It is because unsafe is unsafe even if everybody is doing unsafe act and safe is safe even if nobody or even a single person is doing safely. I always act safely, that is my honor and norm in life.

I walk the talk.

I am a safety leader. To be an effective leader, I must become a good follower. I walk the talk. I lead by example. I put into practice what I am preaching. That is the attitude that is embedded in me. I live what I preach. It is visible in me.

As a good leader I need to be aware of what it takes to bring other employees and contractors along. My leadership lies by being a good follower. When I walk the talk, that is leadership, a safety leadership.

I uphold our safety rules.

My responsibility as a safety leader can be seen with all the behaviors, decisions and actions that I make. That is my accountability. I am the owner of my actions…I establish ownership, accountability, and responsibility. I can do this by upholding safety rules and by proactively building a safe environment for all other workers.

I inspire safe behavior.

My safety leadership does not lie solely on wearing PPE’s or even simply by following safety rules and procedures. Rather, it is to motivate my colleagues by inspiring them to take my lead.

Safety leader is not by acting as a safety police. But rather, by providing the needed support of my colleagues, by playing an active role as a coach, mentor, and a brother for safety. That is the way to inspire safe behavior.

I listen to and welcome feedback.

The challenge to me as a safety leader is to listen to feedback even if it is negative. The problem sometimes is, I simply want to listen to what I want to hear and I discourage our colleagues to speak their hearts out.

I do believe that my colleagues and subordinates will listen to me if and only if I learn how to listen to them. That is by being respectful. If I want to be respected, I must be respectful. For without feedback, I will not learn nor improve to achieve my goal of the 100% HSE.

A Living Statement

I worked in an Italian company located in Saudi Arabia. All the experiences I’ve got there made me a better person. What I am now, and who am I now, somehow, are based on such experiences.

Not all experiences were good, or should I say, there were few experiences which I can consider good. Lots were really a terrible experience.

Dealing with other nationalities was really one of my struggles during my stay. Why? It was difficult. First, I’ve got to study their cultures, behaviors, and attitudes.

Some were patience, some were kind but lots were really bad ass.

Those who were given a chance to have a good position in the company, they acted as if they were untouchable. It seemed that their heads were disproportion with their bodies. They were so big headed individuals clothed with smelly-junkie rude personalities.

Second, I’ve got to mingle with them despite our differences. I was really struggling in this part since, I have to be really humble in order to reach out with them.

How can you relate to those guys who were acting as if they know everything where in fact they can even write a single correct sentence. YES! That’s true. They wrote an email as if they were just talking.

As a licensed English teacher who even passed in the comprehensive exam in Master of Arts in English Language Teaching, it was really hard for me to swallow the fact that was dealing with these people who can’t even use at least three fingers on the keyboard when they are using the computer.

I had a lot of fights, or should I say I had an ample of misunderstandings with them. But then again I managed to stand my grounds and expressed what I believe is true and correct based on the objective facts.

Lastly, I learned a lesson which is very beneficial to me who is working overseas. I worked now in a Spanish company, and I am trying to maintain a low-profile personality.

I don’t care if some colleagues would like to bully me or would try to impose themselves on me. What matters most is that, I for one believe, that I am not a fly by night employee.

Modesty aside, my higher education is more than enough to use as a barometer of my professional qualification. But my experiences in the Philippines and abroad would support my claim that I am now a better person.

Humble though I may seem, but my quality of work and my critical thinking would be a living statement of my own BEING.

 

 

 

Safety Responsibilities

All personnel including managers, division heads, supervisors, foremen, employees, and contractors have the following safety responsibilities:

Manager/Supervisor Responsibilities

  • Establish and communicate safety rules and standards to all employees and contractors.
  • Provide appropriate resources, tools, and training for employees.
  • Award contracts using safety, health, and environmental criteria.
  • Conduct and document safety meetings.
  • Correct unsafe acts and conditions promptly.
  • Conduct routine safety and environment inspections and tours.
  • Maintain facility emergency plans and conduct regular emergency drills.
  • Investigate injuries, spills, and other incidents and promptly provide corrective actions.
  • Review organization and employee safety performance periodically and provide feedback.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Comply with applicable rules, standards, and safe work practices.
  • Communicate safety rules and standards to contractors and coworkers.
  • Maintain knowledge of safety requirements, including emergency response action.
  • Participate and safety meetings.
  • Assist in incident investigations as necessary.

Safety Responsibilities

Contractor Responsibilities

  • Ensure that contractor employees and their subcontractors are trained in safety rules and are competent in their craft or skill.
  • Comply with all rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Report injuries, spills, unsafe acts and conditions, near misses and incidents immediately.
  • Operate SA equipment only with proper authorization and certification.
  • Hold pre-job meetings and other safety meetings during the job.
  • Assist and incident investigations as necessary.

Report Incidents

  • Immediately report all related injuries/illnesses or vehicle collisions, no matter how slight, to your supervisor.
  • Immediately report all fires, spills, and releases, no matter how small to your supervisor.
  • Immediately report all unsafe condition, practices, near miss, or incident to your supervisor.

ReferenceSaudi Aramco Safety Handbook: Minimum Safety Rules

Loss Prevention Policy

A company should conduct its business in a manner which prevents incidents or accidents which cause loss of life, bodily injury or illness, or damage to property, assets or the environment.

A company should continuously maintain the highest standards of safety, security, health and environmental protection. It has to:

  • Advise all employees and contractors of their loss prevention responsibilities and regularly measure their performance;
  • Evaluate, identify and eliminate or manage safety risks prior to beginning any new operation or activity and continue to review such risks, complying with all applicable laws and regulations;
  • Communicate loss prevention objectives and procedures regularly to employees and all affected parties;
  • Train employees and provide resources to maintain job competencies, including loss prevention responsibility and accountability;
  • Design and construct company facilities utilizing recognized best technology and practices to safeguard property and people;
  • Operate and maintain company facilities to ensure safe operations;
  • Require that contractors, suppliers and others adhere to the company’s loss prevention policies, procedures and goals;
  • Prepare for emergencies and other contingencies and respond promptly and effectively to any incidents or accidents resulting from operations;
  • Report all incidents, review performance and communicate progress;
  • Promote off-the-job safety and community awareness, and
  • Review and improve the company’s loss prevention program and performance.

It is good to note that different companies have their own different Loss Prevention Policy.

Reference: Saudi Aramco Safety Handbook: Minimum Safety Rules

 

NEBOSH: IGC – International General Certificate

NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is the most in demand NEBOSH Qualifications nowadays.

Many companies especially those in the field of General Industries or even in the Engineering and Constructions are looking for Health, Safety and Environment Specialists who hold such qualifications.

I just want to note that there is NEBOSH qualifications dedicated solely for the construction industries, that is the NEBOSH International Construction Certificate which I won’t tackle yet in my NEBOSH series of articles. But once I’ve got this one, I will also include this in my discussions.

Meanwhile, there is an advantage if an applicant for health and safety (HSE) job has NEBOSH IGC qualifications simply because companies require their health and safety personnel to become a NEBOSH Certified.

Then, what is NEBOSH IGC all about? Wait, I will just discuss in this article what I have learned during my trainings and examinations while I was taking my NEBOSH IGC.

As I recall and understand, NEBOSH International General Certificate provides an excellent foundation in occupational safety and health, helping those who study it manage risk more effectively. It is because in the general industries or in any other engineering and construction sites, there are some risks which are present in the working areas and those who have NEBOSH IGC will be able to manage the risks effectively and efficiently.

Moreover, NEBOSH International Certificate is based on international standards and is suitable for people in any industry sector, anywhere in the world. I just want to emphasize that NEBOSH IGC is not only for those who are aspiring to start a career in health and safety, for it is also ideal for managers, supervisors, and employee representatives.

There are three methods of learning for those who would like to study NEBOSH International General Certificate. You may attend classroom trainings, a method which I chose when I took up this course.

You may also attend a blended learning in which you may attend some lessons in the classroom and you may continue learning on your own via online provided that you will have a constant communication with your trainer via phone or emails for unlimited support until you finish your course.

The last method that you may attend to is the distance learning or the e-learning in which the course materials will be provided to you and you can start learning anytime convenient at you. For those who don’t have luxury of time to attend to classroom trainings or blended learning, distance learning would suit their needs.

It is also backed-up with unlimited support from the assigned trainer via phone and emails. Forum online for the students is also available. This will be set-up by the course provider in order for the distance learning students to have a discussion on their own via online.

You may download contents so that you can study offline and review your lessons as you prepare for the exams which are offered worldwide.

Remember, lots of opportunities in health and safety industries will be coming your way once you become a NEBOSH Certified. Here is why.

The NEBOSH International Certificate is widely respected by employers worldwide; holders are entitled to apply for Associate Membership of IOSH and it meets the academic requirements for Technician Membership of IOSH and Associate Membership of IIRSM.

You may also continue learning and attain higher qualification by taking the NEBOSH International Diploma. NEBOSH IGC is a pre-requisite of the said diploma.

That’s all for now! I’ll be writing more on NEBOSH International General Certificate in my next article.

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