Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines

Dexter Mendez Toyado; Arvin Roxas De La Cruz

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13

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Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines

Dexter Mendez Toyado^*

, Arvin Roxas De La Cruz

Published in Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering (Volume 11, Issue 1)

Received: 9 January 2026 Accepted: 19 January 2026 Published: 30 January 2026

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Abstract

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) remain a critical concern in the construction industry due to persistent exposure to physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental hazards. While regulatory frameworks exist, effective OSH implementation largely depends on the competencies of professionals responsible for construction planning and supervision. This study assessed the perceived Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) competencies of practicing civil engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines, focusing on their knowledge, skills, values and attitudes, and roles in OSH implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional research design employing quantitative methods was used. Data were collected from 31 licensed civil engineers actively involved in construction projects through a validated self-administered questionnaire grounded in Republic Act No. 11058 and related OSH standards. Descriptive statistical tools, including weighted mean and frequency distribution, were used for data analysis. Results indicate that civil engineers demonstrated strong awareness of OSH laws, general safety principles, and positive safety values, along with a high sense of responsibility in enforcing OSH policies. However, significant gaps were identified in advanced technical OSH skills, particularly in electrical hazard prevention, machine guarding application, operation of mechanical handling equipment, fire extinguishing techniques, workplace hazard evaluation using Work Environment Measurement (WEM), interpretation of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), environmental control systems such as industrial ventilation, and OSH program development. These gaps were attributed to limited access to specialized, hands-on OSH training in a geographically isolated provincial context. The study underscores the need for competency-based, skills-oriented OSH training interventions targeting these identified technical areas to strengthen construction safety performance. The findings provide localized empirical evidence to support policy enhancement, professional development planning, and improved OSH implementation in provincial and developing-country construction settings.

Published in	Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering (Volume 11, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13
Page(s)	22-29
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Civil Engineers, Construction Industry, Knowledge Assessment, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

References

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[2]	M. D. Keily and P. Douglas, “IPAF Global Safety Report 2022,” 2022, Available: www.ipaf.org/accident
[3]	J. C. Sarmiento and J. C. D. Cruz, “Digital Soil Mapping and Content Nutrient Prediction Modeling of Abaca Plantation,” in 2025 IEEE International Conference on Automatic Control and Intelligent Systems (I2CACIS), 2025, pp. 355–360. https://doi.org/10.1109/I2CACIS65476.2025.11100882
[4]	M. L. Rhodes, “Systems Theory,” International Encyclopedia of Housing and Home, pp. 134–137, Jan. 2011, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-047163-1.00689-5
[5]	J. W. Creswell and J. D. Creswell, Research design : qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. California, United States: Thousand Oaks, California : SAGE Publications, Inc, 2023. Available: https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/14466408
[6]	M. S. Setia, “Methodology series module 3: Cross-sectional studies,” Indian J. Dermatol., vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 261–264, 2016, https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182410
[7]	K. Nikolopoulou, “What Is Non-Probability Sampling? \| Types & Examples,” Scribbr.
[8]	O. Tajik, J. Golzar, and S. Noor, “Purposive Sampling,” vol. 2, no. November, pp. 1–9, 2024.
[9]	A. Kamoli, R. Adul Hamid, and Y. Hendra Binmahmud, “Roles of construction organizations in revitalizing occupational health and safety of the nigerian construction industry,” Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 97–104, Mar. 2022, https://doi.org/10.37934/araset.26.1.97104
[10]	A. Joice Reyes-Garcia, K. R. Arenas, R. S. Donald Manzon, S. A. Loria Jr, and A. G. Galang, “Construction Safety Management Assessment of the Local Government Unit of Dingalan, Aurora Philippines,” 2021. Available: www.ijprse.com
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[12]	A. F. Kineber, M. F. Antwi-Afari, F. Elghaish, A. M. A. Zamil, M. Alhusban, and T. J. O. Qaralleh, “Benefits of Implementing Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems for the Sustainable Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review,” Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 15, no. 17, Sep. 2023, https://doi.org/10.3390/SU151712697
[13]	V. Hong, S. Pham, T. D. Dau, and V. L. Nguyen, “Evaluating criteria influencing safety performance in metro construction,” Cogent Eng., vol. 12, no. 1, p., 2025, https://doi.org/10.1080/23311916.2025.2574529
[14]	V. M. Phung, P. Manu, and A. M. Mahamadu, “A Study of Health and Safety Management Practices of Contractors in Southern Vietnam,” vol. 11, no. Iccepm, 2015.

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APA Style

Toyado, D. M., Cruz, A. R. D. L. (2026). Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines. Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, 11(1), 22-29. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13

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ACS Style

Toyado, D. M.; Cruz, A. R. D. L. Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines. J. Civ. Constr. Environ. Eng. 2026, 11(1), 22-29. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13

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AMA Style

Toyado DM, Cruz ARDL. Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines. J Civ Constr Environ Eng. 2026;11(1):22-29. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13

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@article{10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13,
  author = {Dexter Mendez Toyado and Arvin Roxas De La Cruz},
  title = {Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines},
  journal = {Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {22-29},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jccee.20261101.13},
  abstract = {Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) remain a critical concern in the construction industry due to persistent exposure to physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental hazards. While regulatory frameworks exist, effective OSH implementation largely depends on the competencies of professionals responsible for construction planning and supervision. This study assessed the perceived Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) competencies of practicing civil engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines, focusing on their knowledge, skills, values and attitudes, and roles in OSH implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional research design employing quantitative methods was used. Data were collected from 31 licensed civil engineers actively involved in construction projects through a validated self-administered questionnaire grounded in Republic Act No. 11058 and related OSH standards. Descriptive statistical tools, including weighted mean and frequency distribution, were used for data analysis. Results indicate that civil engineers demonstrated strong awareness of OSH laws, general safety principles, and positive safety values, along with a high sense of responsibility in enforcing OSH policies. However, significant gaps were identified in advanced technical OSH skills, particularly in electrical hazard prevention, machine guarding application, operation of mechanical handling equipment, fire extinguishing techniques, workplace hazard evaluation using Work Environment Measurement (WEM), interpretation of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), environmental control systems such as industrial ventilation, and OSH program development. These gaps were attributed to limited access to specialized, hands-on OSH training in a geographically isolated provincial context. The study underscores the need for competency-based, skills-oriented OSH training interventions targeting these identified technical areas to strengthen construction safety performance. The findings provide localized empirical evidence to support policy enhancement, professional development planning, and improved OSH implementation in provincial and developing-country construction settings.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines
AU  - Dexter Mendez Toyado
AU  - Arvin Roxas De La Cruz
Y1  - 2026/01/30
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13
T2  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JF  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JO  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
SP  - 22
EP  - 29
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-3890
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13
AB  - Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) remain a critical concern in the construction industry due to persistent exposure to physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental hazards. While regulatory frameworks exist, effective OSH implementation largely depends on the competencies of professionals responsible for construction planning and supervision. This study assessed the perceived Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) competencies of practicing civil engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines, focusing on their knowledge, skills, values and attitudes, and roles in OSH implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional research design employing quantitative methods was used. Data were collected from 31 licensed civil engineers actively involved in construction projects through a validated self-administered questionnaire grounded in Republic Act No. 11058 and related OSH standards. Descriptive statistical tools, including weighted mean and frequency distribution, were used for data analysis. Results indicate that civil engineers demonstrated strong awareness of OSH laws, general safety principles, and positive safety values, along with a high sense of responsibility in enforcing OSH policies. However, significant gaps were identified in advanced technical OSH skills, particularly in electrical hazard prevention, machine guarding application, operation of mechanical handling equipment, fire extinguishing techniques, workplace hazard evaluation using Work Environment Measurement (WEM), interpretation of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), environmental control systems such as industrial ventilation, and OSH program development. These gaps were attributed to limited access to specialized, hands-on OSH training in a geographically isolated provincial context. The study underscores the need for competency-based, skills-oriented OSH training interventions targeting these identified technical areas to strengthen construction safety performance. The findings provide localized empirical evidence to support policy enhancement, professional development planning, and improved OSH implementation in provincial and developing-country construction settings.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Dexter Mendez Toyado

Open University System, Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta Mesa, Manila, Philippines;College of Engineering and Architecture, Catanduanes State University, Catanduanes, Philippines

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0627-1891
Arvin Roxas De La Cruz

Open University System, Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta Mesa, Manila, Philippines

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7325-5301

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APA Style

Toyado, D. M., Cruz, A. R. D. L. (2026). Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines. Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, 11(1), 22-29. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13

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ACS Style

Toyado, D. M.; Cruz, A. R. D. L. Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines. J. Civ. Constr. Environ. Eng. 2026, 11(1), 22-29. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13

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AMA Style

Toyado DM, Cruz ARDL. Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines. J Civ Constr Environ Eng. 2026;11(1):22-29. doi: 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13

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@article{10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13,
  author = {Dexter Mendez Toyado and Arvin Roxas De La Cruz},
  title = {Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines},
  journal = {Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {22-29},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jccee.20261101.13},
  abstract = {Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) remain a critical concern in the construction industry due to persistent exposure to physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental hazards. While regulatory frameworks exist, effective OSH implementation largely depends on the competencies of professionals responsible for construction planning and supervision. This study assessed the perceived Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) competencies of practicing civil engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines, focusing on their knowledge, skills, values and attitudes, and roles in OSH implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional research design employing quantitative methods was used. Data were collected from 31 licensed civil engineers actively involved in construction projects through a validated self-administered questionnaire grounded in Republic Act No. 11058 and related OSH standards. Descriptive statistical tools, including weighted mean and frequency distribution, were used for data analysis. Results indicate that civil engineers demonstrated strong awareness of OSH laws, general safety principles, and positive safety values, along with a high sense of responsibility in enforcing OSH policies. However, significant gaps were identified in advanced technical OSH skills, particularly in electrical hazard prevention, machine guarding application, operation of mechanical handling equipment, fire extinguishing techniques, workplace hazard evaluation using Work Environment Measurement (WEM), interpretation of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), environmental control systems such as industrial ventilation, and OSH program development. These gaps were attributed to limited access to specialized, hands-on OSH training in a geographically isolated provincial context. The study underscores the need for competency-based, skills-oriented OSH training interventions targeting these identified technical areas to strengthen construction safety performance. The findings provide localized empirical evidence to support policy enhancement, professional development planning, and improved OSH implementation in provincial and developing-country construction settings.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Cognitive Appraisal of Occupational Safety and Health Competencies Among Civil Engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines
AU  - Dexter Mendez Toyado
AU  - Arvin Roxas De La Cruz
Y1  - 2026/01/30
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13
T2  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JF  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
JO  - Journal of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
SP  - 22
EP  - 29
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2637-3890
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jccee.20261101.13
AB  - Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) remain a critical concern in the construction industry due to persistent exposure to physical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental hazards. While regulatory frameworks exist, effective OSH implementation largely depends on the competencies of professionals responsible for construction planning and supervision. This study assessed the perceived Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) competencies of practicing civil engineers in Catanduanes, Philippines, focusing on their knowledge, skills, values and attitudes, and roles in OSH implementation. A descriptive cross-sectional research design employing quantitative methods was used. Data were collected from 31 licensed civil engineers actively involved in construction projects through a validated self-administered questionnaire grounded in Republic Act No. 11058 and related OSH standards. Descriptive statistical tools, including weighted mean and frequency distribution, were used for data analysis. Results indicate that civil engineers demonstrated strong awareness of OSH laws, general safety principles, and positive safety values, along with a high sense of responsibility in enforcing OSH policies. However, significant gaps were identified in advanced technical OSH skills, particularly in electrical hazard prevention, machine guarding application, operation of mechanical handling equipment, fire extinguishing techniques, workplace hazard evaluation using Work Environment Measurement (WEM), interpretation of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), environmental control systems such as industrial ventilation, and OSH program development. These gaps were attributed to limited access to specialized, hands-on OSH training in a geographically isolated provincial context. The study underscores the need for competency-based, skills-oriented OSH training interventions targeting these identified technical areas to strengthen construction safety performance. The findings provide localized empirical evidence to support policy enhancement, professional development planning, and improved OSH implementation in provincial and developing-country construction settings.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

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