Republic Cement’s Bulacan plant, makers of Republic Portland Plus and a Lafarge associated company, will open its safety training center to government and interested private manufacturing industries to promote a safety culture that goes beyond the work environment.

Normandy Cristobal, Safety and Health manager of Republic Cement Corporation based in Barangay Minuyan, Norzagaray Bulacan, said that the idea came from officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who noted that the Bulacan plant and its training facility provide a good benchmark for safety and health practices.

The Safety Induction Center, to be renamed as the Lafarge Semento Safety Academy, features an authentic but truncated version of a conveyor belt, various protection gear and a mock-up scaffolding, complete with recommended outfit and safety gear.

“World safety statistics show that conveyor accidents and working at heights are the two leading causes of industrial accidents but Lafarge’s worldwide safety practices have shown convincing proof that safety awareness and training goes a long way in promoting a safe and healthy work environment,” Samir Cairae, Lafarge Cement Services (Philippines) Inc. (LCSPI) president said.

The Safety Induction Center was originally conceived to provide training to Republic Cement’s external contractors and suppliers. Contractors who undergo and pass the two-day practical and theoretical training coursereceive a safety badge which accredits them to conduct business with the plant. Contractors are also obliged to pass on the training to all their workers, including truck drivers, stevedores, etc.

When the Contractor Safety Training was first introduced in 2007, contractors and suppliers of Republic Cement said they regarded the policy as OA (overacting).