Bosch launches worker health, safety initiative

MANILA, Philippines - Power tools pioneer Bosch has announced a new health and safety initiative in the Philippines as part of a regional program to help raise greater awareness of the importance of safe work practices and workplace safety in the Asia-Pacific.

The health and safety campaign is designed to inform and educate entrepreneurs, businesses and workers in Asia of the potential dangers of bad work practices that can lead to workers’ injuries. 

In the Philippines, the program plans to tap some 107,000 workers employed in the country’s construction establishments.

“The protection of workers’ health and safety has been an important part of the Bosch’s group policy since 1973,” said Matheus Contiero, regional sales director of Bosch power tools.

“In Europe, there are very strict health and safety regulations, but in many parts of Asia this is still not the case,” he said.

As the world’s leading power tool manufacturer, Bosch takes an industry lead in highlighting and advocating good work practices and workplace health and safety in the region.

“We aim to foster a ‘professional to professional’ dialogue within the industry and businesses — such as TESDA and the Philippine Contractors Association — that utilize power tools as part of their everyday business to raise awareness of workers’ safety, increase knowledge of potential risks and advocate best-use practices,” Contiero said.

The prevention awareness campaign will include the distribution of a special Bosch Health and Safety Toolkit, which provides guidance and practical information on preventive measures to ensure power tool good work practices and workplace safety.

The campaign is supported with a special Bosch Health and Safety Manual and an online campaign that highlights health and safety issues and provides useful tips and guides on the proper handling and use of power tools.

Bosch’s new series of rotary and demolition hammers and 36-volt lithium-ion cordless compact hammer have been fitted with a number of features to reduce the chance of injury for more safety at work.

These include anti-vibration handles, power indicators and one-handed bit change to ensure maximum convenience and safety for workers.

Furthermore, hammer models such as GBH 2-23 REA are fitted with a removable micro filter dust extraction system to prevent workers from inhaling harmful dust in the workplace.

Bosch products incorporate innovative technology to advance workers’ health and safety protection, including anti-vibration technology, dust extraction, lightweight eco-friendly cordless tools and high-tech security features such as kick-back stop, restart protection, soft start and protective guards.