Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1, has reached another milestone of 15 million safe man-hours without a Lost Time Injury or LTI among its employees.
LTI is an injury suffered by an employee on the job which results in a fatality, permanent disability, or time lost from work. This reference is recognized globally as a key indicator of a company’s safety performance.
LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso attributes this milestone to the management’s efforts in fostering a safe environment for LRT-1 employees and contractors. Mr. Alfonso said, “Our safety record is something we can all be proud of. Not many are able to reach this point and I believe that achieving this certainly did not happen by chance. It is a result of commitment, dedication, and teamwork.”
“Safety is a way of life and a fundamental value in LRMC. We, at LRMC, believe that all accidents can be prevented. And this is the mindset across the organization – from top management to the staff, maintenance, technicians, and utility team. We look out for one another. If someone comes to you and points out an unsafe act, unsafe condition, or even a near-miss, it is never taken as an offense, but as an opportunity to do things better,” Mr. Alfonso added.
From the point of onboarding in the company, maintenance supervisors and personnel undergo a Technical Safety and Awareness Training, as well as the LRMC Basic Safety Induction. These are supplemented with various workshops and operation-related skills training in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The company has also been regularly conducting emergency drills for possible calamities such as earthquakes, fires, and bomb threats to ensure that everyone is aware and prepared. Overall health is a priority with required daily submission of health checks in all departments and a comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination program for its employees.
In a virtual celebration held on 25 June 2021, partners from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Pasay City Local Government shared their messages of support for LRMC’s milestone. Company awardees for its monthly Circle of Champions recognition program were also recognized during the said event.
In his message, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Occupational Safety and Health Center Executive Director Engr. Noel Binag said, “I believe that LRMC’s efforts, work ethics and slogan – #ProtectYouAndMe complements the mission and vision of Occupational Safety and Health Center. OSHC mandate is to protect workers against work-related injuries and illnesses and promote their welfare to effective programs that could enhance their productivity and well-being.”
“By implementing its safety programs, continuous monitoring and inspection of its facilities and strict compliance with local laws, occupational safety, and health standards and DOTR directives, LRMC has successfully made LRT-1 one of the safest places for workers in the railway industry. The DOTr commends LRMC for creating a safe, secure, and efficient workplace for its personnel. No doubt, this milestone will help increase the riding public confidence in LRT-1 system and will promote railways as the preferred mode of transportation around Metro Manila,” Department of Transportation (DOTr), under the leadership of Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, through Assistant Secretary for Railways Fidel Igmedio T. Cruz, Jr.
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano also congratulated LRMC for its safety milestone and said “LRMC has stood up to the challenge of providing safe and reliable transportation everyday. People expect to reach their destinations with peace of mind, and LRMC has accomplished that despite the current pandemic situation. Your staff, engineers, and workers also have a good safety record which you can be proud of. LRMC can count on the continued support of Pasay City and its leadership. We share one goal to make life and commuting safe, affordable, and easy.”
“Our business covers a highly regulated industry from construction to transportation, and operations to maintenance. 1,400 LRMC employees get exposed to much of the outside world, so it’s the management’s role to equip them with the knowledge and environment to keep them safe and resilient. This is in line with our internal Value for Life campaign, where we work towards HSEQ—health, safety, environment, and quality of work,” LRMC Head of HSEQ Department Dr. Louernie De Sales shared.
LRMC’s Value for Life campaign carries out internal programs for its employees such as Reporting and Action Rewards, Train Operator Incentives, HSEQ Role Model Recognition, Passenger Safety Campaign, and more. By leveraging innovation and technology, LRMC has also been able to implement best-in-class safety protocols from UV C disinfection to the installation of High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters inside LRT-1 premises, as well as digitize company systems to be more efficient in its response and closure of safety findings.