Fewer work-related injuries since 2003

 Work-related injuries have considerably decreased since the CNMI Occupational Safety & Health Administration On-Site Consultation office was created in 2003.

Project manager Reynaldo C. Deleon Guerrero, who was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Saipan meeting yesterday, disclosed that there were about 1,700 work-related injuries reported to their office in 2003.

In 2009, however, only 12 injury cases were reported. Deleon Guerrero noted that the 2010 figures will be made available this November.

These reported injuries, which included cuts and fractured heads due to trips and falls, were “serious hazards” as these required visits to a doctor.

Still, Deleon Guerrero said the extent of injury in reported cases two years ago “was not as bad” compared in cases reported seven years ago.

According to Deleon Guerrero, the construction industry posted the highest number of injuries in 2003, prompting the need to focus on that industry according to the OSHA Region 9 office.

“What OSHA does is we tend to switch and focus also where reported injuries are very high. We have to focus on that to make sure we bring it down. So that’s what literally dictates our visits and our educations and trainings,” he explained.

Deleon Guerrero said that many people credit the closure of the garment industry for the decline in reported injuries but he pointed out that garment companies are actually among the compliant businesses through their Voluntary Protection Program.

“That program allows the company to comply with OSHA without having citations,” he said.

Deleon Guerrero also attributed the decrease to available materials and publications that he said have been translated to different languages to ensure understanding and awareness among all types of workers.

“We requested for the money and we’re grateful as a community here in the CNMI that the federal government is providing us the funding to translate materials so that we can send out and disseminate all these information that’s important for the workers,” he added.

Deleon Guerrero urged all businesses to avail of the services provided by the CNMI-OSHA On-Site Consultation office, including consultations and trainings, which are all for free.

“Under federal law, you are mandated to provide hazard-free working environment,” he said.

While their office currently has three staff to serve clients, with one certified safety consultant from Chicago arriving just last Saturday, Deleon Guerrero said they still need to hire an industrial hygienist who will handle all health issues, including hazardous chemicals.

Deleon Guerrero noted that their office is in transition as they move to Bldg. 1338 on Capitol Hill.

For more information, call 236-0913/0988/0989 or email guerrero.ray@dol.gov.