I. Introduction
In the Philippine jurisdiction, the term “Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner” (commonly referred to as Safety Officer or OSH Practitioner) denotes a competent person who has completed the mandatory training prescribed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and is qualified to develop, implement, and monitor occupational safety and health programs in covered workplaces.
Since the effectivity of Republic Act No. 11058 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (Department Order No. 198-18), the completion of the prescribed training course from a DOLE-accredited Safety Training Organization (STO) constitutes the certification as an OSH Practitioner/Safety Officer. There is currently no separate individual accreditation or registration program with the DOLE Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) for OSH practitioners. The previous accreditation system under Department Order No. 16-01 and related issuances has been superseded and is no longer in force.
Thus, the “application process” for certification as an OSH Practitioner consists exclusively of successfully completing the required training course from a DOLE-accredited STO.
II. Legal Framework
The certification requirements are governed by the following issuances:
- Republic Act No. 11058 – An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof (2018)
- Department Order No. 198, series of 2018 – Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11058
- Department Order No. 183, series of 2017 – Revised Guidelines on the Classification of Establishments According to Risk
- Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS), as amended, particularly Rule 1030 (Training of Personnel in Occupational Safety and Health)
- Various DOLE advisories and memoranda on mandatory OSH trainings (BOSH, COSH, LCM, TOT, SPA, etc.)
III. Classification of Safety Officers and Corresponding Required Training
| Level | Applicable Establishments | Required Training | Minimum Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO1 | Micro and small enterprises, low-risk | OSH Orientation/Safety Seminar | 8–16 hours |
| SO2 | Low- to medium-risk establishments, or as additional SO in larger establishments | Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) or Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) for construction | 40 hours |
| SO3 | High-risk establishments, or required ratio in large establishments | BOSH/COSH + 80 hours Advanced/Specialized OSH Training (e.g., Loss Control Management – LCM, Safety Program Auditor – SPA, etc.) | 120 hours total |
| SO4 | Very high-risk or large-scale establishments with ≥ 200 workers or those with highly hazardous processes | BOSH/COSH + 160 hours or more of advanced/specialized training + relevant professional experience or certification (e.g., Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist, etc.) | 200+ hours total |
Note: Construction projects under the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) require at all times at least one (1) DOLE-prescribed COSH-trained Safety Officer, regardless of the general industry classification.
IV. Mandatory Training Courses Recognized by DOLE
- Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) – for general industries
- Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) – for construction and shipbuilding/ship repair
- BOSH for Safety Officers in Public Sector (BOSH-SO1 for government)
- Loss Control Management (LCM) – 120-hour advanced course, widely accepted as qualifying training for SO3
- Safety Program Auditor (SPA)
- Training of Trainers (TOT) on OSH
- Advanced OSH courses on specific hazards (chemical safety, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, etc.)
All these courses must be conducted by DOLE-accredited/recognized Safety Training Organizations or by the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) itself.
V. Application Process for Certification (Step-by-Step)
Determine the required level of certification based on the establishment’s risk classification and number of workers (refer to DO 183-17 matrix).
Select a DOLE-accredited Safety Training Organization.
The updated list is published on:- OSHC website (oshc.dole.gov.ph)
- DOLE regional offices
- BWC website
The OSHC itself regularly conducts public runs of BOSH, COSH, LCM, etc.
Register for the appropriate training course.
Requirements for enrollment (standard across most STOs):- Accomplished registration form
- 2×2 or passport-size photo (white background)
- Payment of training fee (ranges from ₱6,000–₱15,000 depending on the course and provider; OSHC public runs are usually the most affordable)
- For online/Zoom classes: stable internet and functioning webcam (mandatory for attendance monitoring)
Attend and complete the entire duration of the training.
Current modalities:- Face-to-face
- Full online (allowed under DOLE Advisory 2020–2021 series and continuing)
- Blended/hybrid
Attendance is strictly monitored. Absences exceeding the allowable limit result in non-issuance of certificate.
Pass the training requirements (workshops, action planning, examinations).
Receive the Certificate of Completion.
The certificate is issued by the training organization using the DOLE-prescribed format. It bears the signature of the OSHC Executive Director or authorized DOLE official for validity.Some STOs also issue a DOLE-OSHC ID card (wallet-size) together with the certificate.
The certificate has no expiration date. However, continuous professional development is strongly encouraged, and many companies require recent training (within 3–5 years) for new engagements.
VI. Duties and Responsibilities of a Certified OSH Practitioner/Safety Officer (RA 11058, Sec. 3(o) and DO 198-18)
- Advise the employer on OSH matters
- Develop, implement, and monitor the company’s Safety and Health Program
- Conduct risk assessment and hazard identification
- Investigate accidents and near-misses
- Conduct safety inspections and toolbox meetings
- Provide OSH training/orientation to workers
- Liaise with DOLE during inspections
- Prepare and submit required OSH reports (Annual Work Accident/Illness Exposure Data Report, Annual Medical Report, Minutes of Safety Committee Meetings, etc.)
VII. Special Cases and Additional Certifications
Occupational Health Personnel
- Occupational Health Nurses – must complete Basic Course for Occupational Health Nurses (80 hours)
- Occupational Health Physicians – must complete Basic Training Course for Occupational Health Physicians (80 hours) + Physicians’ Updating Course every three years
- Dentists in industrial clinics – 24-hour Basic OSH + 24-hour Dental Safety
First Aiders – mandatory 16-hour Standard First Aid Training from Philippine Red Cross, OSHC, or accredited providers
Consultants and Full-Time OSH Consulting Practice
While no separate DOLE accreditation is currently required, reputable consultants usually possess:- SO3 or SO4 level training
- At least five (5) years actual OSH experience
- Multiple specialized certifications (LCM, SPA, TOT, Industrial Hygiene, etc.)
- Membership in recognized professional organizations (e.g., Safety Organization of the Philippines, Inc. – SOPI, Philippine Society of Safety Practitioners – PSSP)
VIII. Penalties for Non-Compliance (RA 11058)
- Operating without the required number/qualification of safety officers: Administrative fine of ₱20,000 to ₱100,000 per violation, depending on establishment size and risk level
- Repeated violations may lead to cessation of operation
IX. Conclusion
The certification of Occupational Safety and Health Practitioners in the Philippines is achieved exclusively through successful completion of the DOLE-prescribed training courses conducted by accredited Safety Training Organizations. There is no separate application, examination, or registration with the Bureau of Working Conditions required under the present legal regime. The certificate issued upon completion of BOSH, COSH, LCM, or equivalent course constitutes full and sufficient certification to practice as a Safety Officer or OSH Practitioner in the Philippines.
Professionals seeking to offer consulting services are advised to acquire advanced/specialized trainings and substantial field experience to establish credibility and competitiveness in the market.