Abstract:
Only a number of researches focused on occupational safety and health in food industries, and even fewer were done in developing countries such as the Philippines. Thus, the concept of occupational safety and health in food industries was often overlooked and carelessly used interchangeably with other safety precautionary measures. This study primarily aimed to assess the perception, knowledge and practices on occupational safety and health of the selected major fast food chains and casual dining restaurants in Quezon City. This study assessed the perception, knowledge and practices of the employees and employers regarding OSH by looking into their: interpretation and understanding of OSH; attitude towards OSH; and, experiences related to OSH. It also evaluated the challenges faced by these establishments in implementing the Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations thereof, or RA 11058, and OSH Standards, in general. Furthermore, it also assessed the level of satisfaction of the employees in terms of their occupational safety and health in their workplace. In line with this, it also aimed to promote and raise awareness on occupational safety and health in the Philippine’s food services sector, particularly in fast food establishments and casual dining restaurants. Respondents were from two major fast food chains and two known casual dining restaurants. Using qualitative methodology, the researcher concluded that strict implementation of the law and the Standards was yet to happen which resulted to low compliancy level especially of those from fast food outlets. Respondents from the management group which included employers, managers and safety officers were able to offer substantive answers which showcased their knowledge regarding OSH. However, respondents from the employee side, particularly the respondents from fast food establishments, lack the necessary and sufficient awareness and knowledge and were only able to answer vaguely. Additionally, the satisfactory level of respondents from fast food chains were too low compared to those from the casual dining restaurant.
