Precautionary Measures for Hazardous Accidents in Church Operations

A Research Project by

Palmamento, Allan

Felizardo, Ryan Christopher A.

Fortunato, Rios
Macabugwas, Allex B.
Miguel, Alfredo B.
Po, Elynne Gianna E.
Sampiano, Froiland Y.
Ulit, Tedd Mikhail B.

Submitted to the Department of Industrial Engineering

Technological Institute of the Philippines – Manila

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for Safety Management

September 2017
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First and foremost, praise and thanks to the God, the Almighty, for His showers of blessings

throughout our research work to complete it successfully.

We are extremely grateful to our parents for their love, support, prayers, care and sacrifices

in educating and preparing us for our future.

We would also like to thank Engr. Mary Anne C. Sevilla, our professor in Safety Management

at Technological Institute of the Philippines – Manila, for giving us the opportunity to do a research

and providing us invaluable guidance throughout this research.

Moreover, we would like to express our deep and sincere gratitude to Engr. Salvador Nivera,

Jr., Safety Engineer of Christ’s Commission Fellowship, for allowing us to conduct our interview with

him in CCF Center and for providing us his knowledge about safety and health.

Additionally, we would like to thank the management of the Christ’s Commission Fellowship,

especially to Elysse Gem E. Po, for allowing us to do this research in their organization and for their

support in doing this work.

Furthermore, we are also glad and thankful for the efforts exerted by each one of the

contributors and members of our research team.

Finally, our thanks go to all the people who have supported us to complete the research work

directly and indirectly.

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ABSTRACT

With the increasing number of reported accidents locally and internationally, the researchers

found the need to investigate on the safety of people in a public place – one of which is the church.

It is a location commonly neglected to consider as a research locale so the researchers decided to

conduct their study limited to one of the megachurch here in the Philippines called as Christ’s

Commission Fellowship (CCF).

This study is a qualitative descriptive research that uses interview and site observation as its

instruments to identify mainly the common hazards experienced in a church operation and the safety

precaution used. But, focus is specifically given to CCF’s safety risk management related to facility

maintenance. The research also gives insights into the difficulties posed by the internal environment

of CCF to the effective management of health and safety.

The study’s results are divided into four parts: the organization profile which gives the

important and related details, hazards and precautionary measures which allows the researchers to

identify the existing and non-existing hazards and safety plans of CCF, prioritizing safety which

ensures the safety of every employee and attendee, and improving safety plans of CCF which gives

us information how CCF plans to manage safety of everyone to prevent the identified hazards.

Finally, it was found out that the common hazards experienced in CCF is under physical

hazard type and crowd control. Their Safety standards are based on OSHA or BOSH. It is also

concluded that having Safety Management Plans and the usage of precautionary measures is very

effective to minimize different risks.

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Table of Contents

TITLE PAGE ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...................................................................................................... ii

ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... iiiii

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. iiv

LIST OF TABLES .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

LIST OF FIGURES................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

CHAPTER 1 ......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................1

1.2 Background of the Study ................................................................................2

1.3 Statement of the Problem / Objectives of the Study .......................................2

1.4 Significance of the Study ................................................................................3

1.5 Scope and Delimitations of the Study .............................................................4

CHAPTER 2 ......................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Review of Related Literature and Studies ...........................................................5

2.2 Research Paradigm.......................................................................................... 11

2.3 Definition of Terms ......................................................................................... 12

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CHAPTER 3 ....................................................................................................................... 15

3.1 Research Design .............................................................................................. 15

3.2 Research Locale .............................................................................................. 15

3.3 Sources of Data ............................................................................................... 17

3.4 Procedure ....................................................................................................... 17

3.5 Research Instruments...................................................................................... 18

CHAPTER 4 ....................................................................................................................... 19

CHAPTER 5 ....................................................................................................................... 23

5.1 Summary of Findings ....................................................................................... 23

5.2 Conclusions ..................................................................................................... 23

5.3 Recommendations .......................................................................................... 24

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 25

APPENDICES .................................................................................................................... 27
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LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1 CCF Profile ....................................................................................................... 19

Table 4.2 Hazards and Precautionary Measures ........................................................... 20

Table 4.3 Prioritizing Safety............................................................................................. 21

Table 4.4 Improving Safety Plans of CCF ....................................................................... 22

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.2.1 Research Paradigm ..................................................................................... 11

Figure 3.2.1 Location Map ............................................................................................... 16

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CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction

Hazard is part of everyone’s life and so people created different safety systems or plans to

battle against the dangerous problems present in different places. Although such plans exist,

accidents are still very much inevitable. That is where the safety plans are tested if they are effective

and applicable for the given type of situation.

Nowadays, accidents are very rampant in any place you may think of, may it be in a plant,

factory, establishment or any regular building. People can even hear news of accidents in those

places. However, we seldom hear about accidents occurring in a church place. It is a neglected fact

that hazards are also found in churches. Hence, the researchers thought of conducting their study in

one of the considered mega church located here in Manila where hazards may also be found.

According to Terrazola (2017), “48% of Filipinos attend religious services weekly”. It is a high

percentage that can be alarming if churches in the Philippines doesn’t have a proper safety

management plans.

In connection with these, the researchers desired to have better and clearer understanding

of the risk assessment and management plans made by a church, and how they are to improve their

current safety systems. Our group decided to conduct a research to see how a church prioritize the

safety of their attendees and place of worship because it is one important but unrealized detail

present here in the Philippines.

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1.2 Background of the Study

A church is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2017) as “a building for public and

especially Christian worship”. Being considered as a public place entails an enormous scope of

factors or concerns that need attention by authorities. One of such is the safety of the public or the

people in that area. Safety is a condition wherein everyone must take seriously. Unfortunately, what

happens is the other way.

Being part of a church community, the researchers thought of conducting the study in a

church setting since accidents are also very common in that type of place. Thus, here arises the

problem in this research, i.e. to know how a church setup provides safety or a safe environment for

the public.

1.3 Statement of the Problem / Objectives of the Study

The church where the researchers conducted the study has very exemplary and stable safety

plans. However, despite best efforts to prevent hazards and accidents, it is still unavoidable to

experience unforeseen circumstance. Mainly, the problem of this research is how to know if there is

a substantial difference in providing safety in a church and work operations. While the specific

problems are as follows:

a. Are the current safety plans of the organization enough to secure the attendees and

workers from hazardous accidents;

b. How is safety provided and promoted in your organization;

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c. What can be improved in their safety plans?

Furthermore, in general, the objective of this study is to determine the safety precautions

used for hazardous accidents in church operations. Specifically, the aim is:

a. To identify the common work hazards the organization encounter;

b. To determine how the church gives immediate assistance during accidents;

c. To know how the church provide safe environment for the employees and attendees;

d. To observe the facility and identify the safety precautions presently use and know if

those are effective and reliable.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The overview of this research would be helpful to the general knowledge of church goers in

relation to their safety when attending services. The vital outcomes of this study could be vastly

important and valuable specially to the following:

To the Organization

They can maintain, improve and create better safety systems and precautionary measures

in their workplace, for their workers and church attendees.

To the Church Attendees

This study can be beneficial to them in a way they will be able to guarantee for themselves

that they are safe and secure when going to the church because risk assessment and safety plans

are applied.
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To the Workers/Volunteers

This study assures that the place they choose to work for is also safe and free from hazards.

To Other Organizations

This study can help them to establish safety systems on their own if none exist yet.

To Other Researchers

This study will provide additional information for other researchers who will make the church

their subject. This will be also useful and helpful for their further or similar studies in the future.

1.5 Scope and Delimitations

The study will only focus on the hazards and precautionary measures found and applied in

a church operation. The study is also limited to a Christian mega-church located in Pasig City, known

as Christ’s Commission Fellowship or Christ’s Commission Foundation, Inc. The result of this

research is based only on the interview conducted last 12th of August, 2017 by the researchers with

one of the safety engineers of the building. The inputs acquired from Engr. Salvador Nivera, Jr. was

the primary source used for the output of the research.

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CHAPTER 2

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the thorough and in depth

search done by the researchers. This will also present the synthesis of the study, theoretical and

conceptual framework to fully understand the research to be done and lastly the definition of terms

for better comprehension of the study.

2.1 Review of Related Literature and Studies

This research mainly focuses on the church operations. To give further information about a

church, it is defined to be a physical structure and a place for worship where services occur. A typical

Christian church operation includes services for adults and kids, prayer, offering and benediction. It

lasts for 1.5 up to 2 hours and with 48% of the total population of the Philippines in attendance.

(Terrazola, 2017)

People can evidently see that many are coming to church most especially on Sundays. There

is a study that identified the worldwide rates of religiosity church attendance. According to the

research made by the University of Michigan, United States of America has a higher attendance than

in any other nation. Inglehart (2017), in his article, also concluded that the importance of religion has

been declining in the developed countries; "whereas in countries that experience economic

stagnation and political uncertainty, religion has remained strong".

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Additionally, that enormous number of people attending church services entails also a great

number of risks and hazards in its premises. According to Church Matters – Ecclesiastical (2017),

keeping all those involved with the church and its activities safe is very important. Nobody wants to

see anyone suffer an injury, so it is important that the church has taken steps to protect users of the

building. Any company or organization may also have to comply with relevant legal requirements,

including the Health and Safety at Work in Act 1974 of the United States of America. This applies to

any organization that has at least one employee, including a church.

However, even if there are no employees, it is important to take precautions to manage any

risks at the church as some aspects of health and safety law may still apply. For example, if it is to

control non-domestic premises such as a church hall, it is required to ensure that the premises are

safe, including any plant or equipment.

Furthermore, there are different types of hazards present in the world. One of which is the

natural hazard like flood, tsunami, landslide, etc. The best way to prevent that type of hazard is

through the following: Terrain Modeling, Environmental, Coastal and Nearshore Mapping, Hazards

Analysis, Modeling and Simulations, and Hydrodynamic Models and Site-Suitability for Agriculture.

According to Unit for Disaster Studies (2011), the environmental and natural hazard portfolio

has grown tremendously over the past years. The association have continued the promotion of

natural hazards awareness through various presentations to governments, conferences, insurance

firms, academic and educational institutions, the media, and the general public.

In addition, another type of hazard that is common most especially to workplace setup is

chemical hazard. Recently, Houston in Texas was hit by the hurricane Harvey. According to Tabuchi
 7

(2017), after the hurricane, high level of carcinogen benzene was detected that concerns potentially

hazardous leaks from oil and gas industry damaged by the hurricane. The Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) and Safety Officials recommended use of special breathing equipment for safety that

may be due to smoke exposure. This caused doubts raised about America’s preparedness to such

chemical hazard that can lead to potential bigger disasters.

Likewise, people know that accidents are occurring and hazards are existing anywhere, but

the question is the preparedness of people when it happens. Hence, without proper risk and hazard

assessment and action plan, accidents are inevitable and may happen. There was this one incident

on July 2017 in United Kingdom when a man died from an abandoned former church. It was already

reported as “potentially dangerous” last year however no immediate and appropriate action was

implemented. There wall was mentioned to be partially collapsed, walls were cracking and there was

no ceiling with broken windows. According to the South Wales Fire and Rescue, there were other

two who were injured from the accident. Such incident can be prevented only if the area was

redeveloped sooner.

Nonetheless, there are safety precautionary measures to combat such accidents. The article

in Safewise by Edwards (2016) is about the common safety hazards that can be met everywhere,

and some solutions to keep you and the people around you safe. Here is a summary of different

hazards with its given solutions:

1. Falls – Injuries due to falls are one of the most common hazards. In fact, one out of five

older adults who falls incurs a broken bone or a head injury. Wet floors, slippery stairs, and scattered
 8

toys all create the potential for falls. Some of the ways to minimize risks are: stabilize staircases,

clear outdoor steps and secure bathrooms.

2. Fires – In 2015, there were more than 365,000 fires in US homes, causing everything from

mild smoke damage to total devastation, including loss of life. Even candles could lead to an

accidental fire, but there is a lot you can do to prevent a fire from getting out of hand. Some of the

ways to minimize risks are: install fire alarms, monitor candles, unplug appliances and keep a multi-

purpose fire extinguisher.

3. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Low exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) can cause

headaches and dizziness, while high levels can lead to vomiting, impaired vision, and even death.

Carbon monoxide is virtually impossible to detect by smell, sight, or sound, making it a difficult threat

to discern. But there are things you can do to ward off CO-related injuries. Some of the ways to

minimize risks are: install a CO detector and keep up building maintenance to prevent leaks.

5. Cuts – This one seems like a no-brainer, but unfortunately there are a number of common

items with sharp edges that are used everywhere. One of the way to minimize risk is to use a locking

garbage can to protect small fingers and pets from finding sharp edges on opened cans and lids.

On the other hand, people uses products or do things everyday yet those products and things

can also be a threat to our lives not only in churches but also at home. Wazor (2014) said that

“domestic accidents are one of the major causes of death or serious injuries in the hospital. Although

home accidents can be a terrible ordeal to go through, they can be easily solved if daily extra caution

is practiced” so he suggested six household safety precautions to prevent domestic accidents which
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can also be applicable to church or workplace safety. These are quite similar to the abovementioned

but there are additional details included here below.

1. Guard Against Falling – To deal with this problem, identify anything that is likely to

make someone fall. Get rid of objects that may make someone trip and fall. Immediately mop wet

floors and prevent anyone from passing through that area until the floor is dry enough to do so. Take

extra caution in the bathroom. That is the place that gets wet the most. Have a bathroom rug where

you can step on so you won’t make the floor wet or slip on a wet floor. Install grab bars, it will act as

support when you’re about to slip, and always mop the floors after having it wet.

2. Be Cautious in The Kitchen – The presence of knives, a cooking gas tank, hot water,

or sizzling oil can be a risk to your life. Keep the knives far from reach with the blades facing down

and the handle up. Don’t leave a pan with hot oil. It can cause severe burns that will leave marks. It

has even been known to cause blindness. Be vigilant, too. If you perceive the smell of gas or suspect

the gas tank is leaking, then quickly open the windows to let air in and do not light a match or the

fireplace or anything likely to cause a spark.

3. Prevent Fire Outbreaks – Fires outbreaks can be easily avoided when you make

sure that you keep flammable materials, like old newspapers, away from any fire source. Have a fire

extinguisher in your house and teach the members of your family how to use it in case of a fire. Install

a smoke detector to warn you of a fire outbreak.

4. Keep Tools and Cleaning Materials out of Reach – Keep tools like power drills,

hammers, or garden appliances like garden sheers or rakes away after using them and keep them
 10

in their protective covers if they have one. Cleaning materials can be toxic if accidentally ingested or

if it comes in contact with your eyes so keep the lids of washing liquid securely locked.

5. Stay Safe When Using Electricity and Electrical Appliances – Wrong use can cause

electrocution, burns or fires. To prevent this, do not overload an electric socket with so many

electronic appliances plugged in. Keep electronic appliances away from water to prevent

electrocution or short circuiting.

6. Be Careful with Your Medicines – Keep medicines away from reach of children.

Keep all the medicine that you have in their containers or boxes with their label on it.

According to Nwazor (2016), “statistics have shown that more than 18,000 Americans die

every year from injuries that take place in the home. This makes it the second most common location

for such fatalities. So, while we should be careful while driving and be wary of strangers, we should

mind the state of our homes just as much.”

Finally, hazards are everywhere and the best thing to do is to know the safety precautions to

avoid the accidents to happen. These safety precautions are also itemized in the Basic Occupational

Health and Safety (BOSH). BOSH is a training course that imparts proven safety and health practices

that aimed to maintain safe, healthy and accident-free business operation. The Department of Labor

and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines offers this course for certification of safety officers.

Specifically, BOSH provides the participants with effective tools, techniques and

fundamentals in developing a safety program. The training methodologies used are lecture-series,

group discussion, workshop, group, problem solving analysis. The objective of this course is to give
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basic knowledge on the following: industrial safety and health concepts practices, techniques on

spotting safety hazards analysis and prevention, accident reporting and investigation planning and

developing a safety program.

2.2 Research Paradigm

Knowledge
Requirements: 1. Observation
- hazards present in The researchers
the facility inspected and
- safety systems/plan observed the entire
implemented by the facility to see the
organization hazards and safety
- organization profile precautions present. Precautionary
2. Interview Measures for
Hazardous Accidents
Material/Software A questionnaire was
in Church Operations
Requirements: made and asked to
the Head Safety
- questionnaire for the Engineer of the
interview organization to gather
- camcorder to record data that will help
the interview and take achieve the objectives
a picture of the facility of the study.
-Microsoft Word

Figure 2.2.1 Research Paradigm

Figure 2.2.1 shows the pattern or model of the research made. The first part shows the input

of the study that will lead to the process and will result to the main topic of the research. Specifically,

the first part is the input about how the subject of this study was formulated. The second part consists

of the processes to be done in the research such as the facility observation or inspection, and the

interview to be conducted with the Safety Engineer of the organization. Lastly, the third part basically
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shows the outcome and core topic of the study which is the Precautionary Measures for Hazardous

Accidents in Church Operations.

2.5 Definition of Terms

In this section, the researchers listed some of the terms that are in context with the study

and included its operational definition for the better understanding of the readers.

BOSH It stands for Basic Occupational Health and Safety that aims to maintain

safe, healthy and accident-free business operation for workers. (Kaizen

Management, 2017)

CCF It stands for Christ’s Commission Fellowship. It is a non-profit and non-

denominational church organization founded by Dr. Peter Tan-chi located

in Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Congregation It refers to group of people being assembled for a religious worship.

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

DOLE It stands for Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines. It is

an Executive Branch of the government which concerns workers’ welfare

and employment relations.

Domestic This is originating within a country or relating to running of a home or to

family relations. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017) The term Domestic

Accidents are used in the research that would mean accidents that occur in

the Philippines only.

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Ecclesiastical This is relating to the Christian Church or its clergy especially as an

established institution. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

Emergency It is defined as a call for immediate attention or urgent need for assistance

or relief. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

EPA It stands for Environmental Protection Agency in the United States of

America that is an executive branch in charge of environmental pollution

such as in “air and radiation, water, solid waste, and pesticides and toxic

substances”. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

Flammable It is defined as “capable of being easily ignited and of burning quickly”.

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

Hazard mapping It is a process that helps prevent serious damage and human loss. It is

creating a map that will highlight areas affected or vulnerable to a hazard.

Precaution It is defined as care taken in advance to avoid danger or mistakes.

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

Premises It is a house or building occupied by a business. (Merriam-Webster

Dictionary, 2017)

Rationale It is considered as a set of logical basis or explanation for a specific belief,

opinion or phenomena. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

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Safety It is defined as the condition of being protected or safe from undergoing or

causing hurt, risk, injury or loss. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

Theoretical It means that it only exists in theory. It is concerned with or involving the

theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application.

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2017)

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CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the Research Design, Instruments, Respondent, and Procedures to

be used in the study.

3.1 Research Design

The study conducted is a descriptive type research which describes the characteristics of a

phenomenon being studied. According to Key, J. (1997), “Descriptive research is used to obtain

information concerning the current status of the phenomena to describe “what exists” with respect to

variables or conditions in a situation.” Specifically, the research made is qualitative which answers

the question “what” instead of answering “when/why/how” the characteristic/s happened. A

qualitative descriptive research was made because of the facility inspection/observation and

interview methods the researchers conducted. This type of study was conducted to relate the

information collated to the study’s objectives that will lead to gaining the right rationale.

3.2 Research Locale

The study is conducted in a church organization named Christ’s Commission Fellowship in

Pasig City. It is considered a mega church with an estimate of 10,000 Sunday church attendees and

nearly 200 employees. It is located near these following establishments: SM Center Pasig, Ark Avilon

Zoo Park and International Pipe Industries (I.P.I.).

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Figure 3.2.1 Location Map

Figure 3.2.1 represents the site of Christ’s Commission Fellowship through the Google map.

The red pin shows the exact location of the building at Frontera Drive, corner of Circumferential 5

(C-5) Road and Ortigas Avenue.

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3.3 Sources of Data

The data were gathered personally by the researchers for this study. The primary data was

based on the interview and site inspection/observation conducted. While, the secondary data were

gathered from the internet by using some reliable safety journals as references.

A. Primary Data

The Primary Data was collected by the researchers from the Head Safety Engineer of the

organization. By the information given, the objectives of this study were met. Primary Data is the

main source of the study. Thus, the reliability of this data is very high because it is collected with

concern and liability.

B. Secondary Data

The Secondary Data were collated from the journals and articles searched from the internet

to provide additional information and consistency for this study. The researchers made sure that

those data were from reliable sources to produce a considerable result.

3.4 Procedure

For the collection of data, the two main following instruments were used:

A. Interview Questionnaire

The researchers personally went to Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) to conduct an

interview with the CCF's Head Safety Engineer. Questions relevant to the objective of the study were

asked. Hence by conducting an interview, the Primary Data was obtained.

B. Camera/Video Recorder

A camera recorder was used during the interview for the storage of data gathered. The

interview was recorded for further studying of the information given. Pictures were also taken inside
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the building such as safety signage, fire extinguishers, fire exits and other objects that might help to

achieve the objective of the research.

The abovementioned, Interview Questionnaire and Camera, were used because they are

the instruments suitable for the collection of data for this type of study.

3.5 Research Instruments

The instrument used by the researchers was a questionnaire checklist to gather the needed

data for the organization's profile. The draft of the questionnaire was drawn out based on the

researchers’ readings. In the preparation of the instrument, the requirements in the designing of good

data collection instrument were considered. Preference for the use of the structured questionnaire is

premised on several research assumptions such as: a) Using of PPE (Personal Protective

Equipment) b) Hazards in their workplace c) Daily hazard experience. In the end, it encouraged open

responses to sensitive issues at hand. In addition, the instrument was validated by few consultants.

The set of questions designed for this study were answered by the Safety Engineer in Christ’s

Commission Fellowship. Basically, the questions involved queries about the hazardous accidents

the organization experienced and their existing safety plans and systems to prevent unforeseen

circumstances.

Moreover, the researchers also observed the facility and saw that the company was

satisfactorily using safety precautions and equipment such as fire extinguisher, signage, etc.
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CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION

Christ’s Commission Fellowship’s (CCF) Profile

QUESTION RESPONSE
What is CCF? What is the nature of your CCF is mainly a church but it is also a training
organization? center and school.
How many employees and Sunday attendees Approximately 200 employees and 30,000
do you have? Sunday attendees.
What are the facilities in your building? The building has sports facilities, gym,
basketball court, auditorium, function rooms,
multipurpose hall, school and offices.
Table 4.1 CCF Profile

Table 4.1 presents the basic and necessary information about Christ’s Commission

Fellowship (CCF) that is useful for this study. It gives the details that CCF is a church that has a

training center and school for elementary and high school students. The organization has an

estimated of 200 employees and about 30,000 church goers every Sunday. Lastly, it gives a list of

the building facilities. These are as follow: gym, basketball court, main auditorium, function rooms,

multipurpose hall, school and offices.

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PROBLEM 1

Are the current safety plans of the organization enough to secure the attendees and

workers from hazardous accidents?

QUESTION RESPONSE

What are the hazards you’ve Physical hazards are common such us getting stuck in the
already identified and that are escalator and crowd control.
commonly experienced?
What are your previous and current First aid and medical assistance were given to those
solutions for those hazards? affected by the hazards.
During emergencies, what are your Even before emergencies, the organization prepares
general and basic safety measures themselves by doing annual (evacuation) drills. But for the
or practices? school, they do it, quarterly. Ambulances are also provided
during big events.
Do you use safety precautions? Yes, usually housekeeping department handles it. CCF
puts safety signage and warning like for slippery floor, and
caution tape for areas with hazards.
Table 4.2 Hazards and Precautionary Measures

Table 4.2 shows the common hazards experienced by the organization and the

precautionary they provide for those given hazard. Based on the answer of the respondent, it appears

that physical hazards like being stuck on the escalator and overcrowded are the hazards often

experienced by CCF. They provide immediate medical assistance to those who need assistance.

Ambulance are also provided during big events for additional safety of the people. Finally, they

conduct annual drills for preparedness. The Housekeeping Department of CCF is in charge of

providing safety precautions like putting up signage such as the caution tape.
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PROBLEM 2

How is safety provided and promoted in your organization?

QUESTION RESPONSE
How do you provide a safe CCF has a walkthrough with their engineers wherein they check the
environment for your safety of the building and do repairs. The Safety Engineering
employees? Department provides and requires PPE for workers.
How do you prioritize their The company has a medical staff, provides immediate medical
safety? assistance (HMO) and conducts annual physical exam. Walk
through is also being done to make sure the area is safe from
tripping, falling and fire hazards, etc. Preventive maintenance is
done for Fire Protection to secure the safety of everyone.
Do you provide safety and Yes. CCF is working on first aid training. Security team has also
health trainings for your their own emergency response training.
employees?
Table 4.3 Prioritizing Safety

Table 4.3 illustrates the organization’s way of prioritizing the safety of CCF’s workers and

attendees. It shows that CCF provides safety through having a regular preventive maintenance and

walkthrough to check building and the things needed of repairs, and by providing Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE) like coats/aprons, hardhats, gloves, goggles/glasses, hearing protection and face

masks for their workers. Furthermore, CCF’s Safety Engineering Department provides trainings

about first aid and emergency response for their employees and security.

Aside from the abovementioned safety precautions, the other specific precautionary

measures present in CCF based on our site observation are the following: fire alarms, sprinklers, fire

extinguishers, organizational measures (skills requirements for employees, limitation of access to

hazardous work and work instructions), proper disposal of wastes and proper storage for chemicals.
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PROBLEM 3

What can be improved in their safety plans?

QUESTION RESPONSE
Is there anything that needs to be Yes, there is a lot that needs to be improved. Specific ideas
improved in your building and were not mentioned but they continue to promote safety
facilities? What are those? with their employees and the management.
Table 4.4 Improving Safety Plans of CCF

Table 4.4 displays the data about improving the safety plans of the organization. Although

the safety engineer mentioned that there is a lot to improve in their safety systems, he did not intently

specify the things that need to be improved on. Nevertheless, he emphasized that promoting and

imposing safety to the management will lead to the worker’s better understanding of their own health

and safety while in CCF’s premises.

Moreover, Engr. Nivera mentioned during the interview that they apply the 5S (sort, set in

order, shine, standardize and sustain) in promoting and improving safety in CCF. The researchers

also found out that CCF base their safety standards according to the legislation of Occupational

Health and Safety Agency (OSHA). Among the standards of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH),

the following applies in CCF: Rule 1940 (Fire Protection and Control) where employees are trained

in emergency response during a fire, Rule 1960 (Occupational Health Services) where CCF provides

workplace medical and dental services, pre-employment and annual physical exams for free, Rule

1005 (Duties of Employers, Workers and other Persons) where CCF furnishes his workers a

workplace free from hazards and gives complete job instructions, and Rule 1080 (Personal

Protective Equipment) where CCF provides these equipment to workers free of charge.
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CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of Findings

Christ's Commission Fellowship is a church and a school. The most common hazards

identified are Physical hazards and crowd control. Medical assistance was ensured because they

have a clinic inside the building and employees are trained in doing First Aid and annual drills are

given for their safety. Safety precautions are scattered everywhere such as signage to avoid

accidents. Personal Protective Equipment is available to be distributed when needed. Fire

Extinguishers are placed everywhere. There are two Fire Exits every floor. CCF also practices 5S

(Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain) and Preventive Maintenance or regular checking

of everything in the building that needs repair. Moreover, CCF base their safety standards according

to the legislation of Occupational Health And Safety Agency (OSHA), they also use the standards of

Basic Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) and applies several rules that promotes the safety of

the employees and attendees such as Rule 1940 (Fire Protection and Control), Rule 1960

(Occupational Health Services), Rule 1005 (Duties of Employers, Workers and other Persons), and

Rule 1080 (Personal Protective Equipment).

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5.2 Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn: First, the most

common hazards experienced in church operation are physical hazard and the massive volume of

people (crowd control). Second, when there is a big event coming, hiring a Medical team is a good

decision, for emergency purposes. For everyday purpose, the building has their own clinic to provide

medical assistance for those who in need. Third, the church provides a safe place for its employees

and attendees by having Safety Management. CCF uses the safety standard of OSHA or BOSH,

and applies rules like Rule 1940 (Fire Protection and Control), Rule 1960 (Occupational Health

Services), Rule 1005 (Duties of Employers, Workers and other Persons), and Rule 1080 (Personal

Protective Equipment). Fourth, usage of safety precautions in a workplace effectively prevent

accidents. Employees have frequent trainings about Safety. The Safety Engineer has enough skills

and knowledge and is an effective leader. The whole CCF team prioritize the safety of everyone in

the area.

5.3 Recommendation

The researchers recommend that every churches or company must use BOSH (Basic

Occupational Health and Safety) that aims to maintain safe, healthy and accident-free environment.

For church operations, it is recommended to focus on controlling the large number of people in the

area to prevent accidents. It is highly recommended that the Safety Engineer have enough skills and

knowledge for them to do well in their assigned jobs and duties. The Engineer also must use

highfalutin words often times in order to follow him by his subordinates.

 25

REFERENCES

Blake, A. (2017, July 19). Man dies after a derelict church building collapsed. Retrieved

September 12, 2017, from http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/man-dies-after-derelict-

church-13351588

Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America's most-trusted online dictionary. (2017). Retrieved

September 01, 2017, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/

Ecclesiastical. (2017). Church Health and Safety. Retrieved

September 01, 2017, from

http://www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/churchguidance/churchhealthandsafety/index.aspx

Edwards, R. (2016, November 22). 9 Common Safety Hazards Around the Home & How To

Prevent Them. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.safewise.com/blog/safety-hazards-

to-watch-out-for-around-the-house/

Kaizen Management Systems Inc. (2013, April 10). Basic Occupational Safety & Health

(BOSH). Retrieved September 12, 2017, from http://www.kaizenmgtsys.com/basic-occupational-

safety-health-bosh/

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https://www.okstate.edu/ag/agedcm4h/academic/aged5980a/5980/newpage110.htm

MinTools Blog. (2014, March 26). Safety Measures in the Church? Retrieved September 12,

2017, from https://mintools.com/blog/church-safety-measures.htm

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Nwazor, T. (2016, October 13). 6 Household Safety Precautions to Prevent Domestic

Accidents. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/toby-nwazor/6-

household-safety-precau_1_b_12450496.html

Swanbrow, D. (2007, January 22). Study identifies worldwide rates of religiosity, church

attendance. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from http://ns.umich.edu/new/releases/1835-study-

identifies-worldwide-rates-of-religiosity-church-attendance

Tabuchi, H. (2017, September 06). High Levels of Carcinogen Found in Houston Area After

Harvey. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/us/harvey-

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attend-religious-services-weekly-inc-tops-in-attendance/
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APPENDICES

Appendix A: Interview Request Letter

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Appendix B: Interview Questions

1. What is CCF? What is the nature of your organization? How many employees? What

are the facilities in your building?

2. What are the hazards you’ve already identified in your workplace?

3. What are the common hazards you experience?

4. What are your previous and current solutions for those hazards?

5. During emergencies, what are your general and basic safety measures or practices?

How do you provide immediate medical assistance during accidents?

6. How do you provide a safe environment for your employees?

7. How do you prioritize their safety?

8. Do you provide safety and health trainings for your employees?

9. What are the things that needs to be improved in the safety system of CCF?