In November 2005, C S Garment, Inc. has donated knitted t-shirts with the logo of the exquisitely beautiful image of the writhed-billed hornbill, one of the most endangered animal species that is at the same time the flagship species for the integrated development and nature conservation programs of the Philippine Endemic Species Conservation Project ( PESCP ) operating on Panay Island. T-shirts are sold to the benefit of PESCP, thus supporting the all-important cause of conservation in the country

The company participated in the Eco- Industrial Expo sponsored by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority ( PEZA ). The two-days expo has parallel events like collection of recyclable by-products/scraps and industrial wastes, exhibit of environmental technologies and services. Company assigned Pollution Control Officer (PCO) attended seminar about Wastewater Treatment Methods, Air Pollution Control Technologies, Restrictions on Hazardous Substances, Chemical Hazards & Safety and Environment Risk Assessment.

In compliance with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) – Environment Management Bureau, we got the service of an accredited Treaters and Recyclers last in disposing the company’ waste with inorganic chemicals ( HW# D407- assorted BFL ) with a total of 226 pieces busted fluorescent lamps. C S Garment, Inc. was furnished notarized original copy of the Certificate of Treatment stating the procedure used in crushing of the busted fluorescent lamp in a bulb-eater with corresponding pollution control devices for mercury vapor and particulates. Crushed glasses were then encapsulated within the receiving drum receptacle and entombment of the drum in an approved disposal facility. This was done in July 2005.

Company machinery, tools and equipment are user –friendly and environment-friendly. Recently, the company has purchased six new Automatic Shirt Armhole Press machine ( NS 8401), Automatic Sleeves Sideseam Press ( NS 8402 P ) and Automatic Shirt Yoke Press ( NS 8404 ). These machinery is designed with safety protection function. If the safety rails of the upper mould touches the body of the operator while placing the piece of shirt or if the upper mould will be pressed downward by mistake, the movement of the machine will then be cancelled, its upper mould will ascend to protect the operator. Safety signs are also installed visible and readable to all user.

Testing and checking of machine condition if fit for use is also part of the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system procedure. The machine check is being conducted in the presence of the Quality Assurance staff, Mechanic and the Supervisor in-charge for the said machine/ equipment. History Cards are attached to every machine for the purpose of monitoring its suitability for use, safety and performance as well.

Safety practices and preventive measures done in all machine and equipment provides lower input cost due to minimum wastage, longer machine life due to proper maintenance, lower machine-system downtime and less lost work manhours due to accidents. Working in a sound environment motivates the employees thus they become more productive.

Active role of C S Garment, Inc. is emphasized in organizing effective workplace action that can improve both workplace condition and business operations. We make our employees aware that improvement of the workplace conditions and higher productivity go together.

Managing safety and health at the workplace is a joint initiative of employer and employees in the company. The responsibilities are cascaded from top to bottom although there are registered and trained Safety Officer and Safety Practitioners that monitors the activities related to OSH.

In 2005 Clinic Record, we have 1 case of system-based accident, higher than in 2004 with zero accident record. Rest is minor injuries. Fortunately we retained a zero record on lifestyle- linked diseases and hidden work-related diseases.

Quarterly area check previously assigned to the Maintenance Supervisor is now being conducted by our Company Nurse on a daily basis. She is making a round to every area of the company. Defined area for safety check are the separate comfort rooms for male and female, lockers, canteen facilities, garbage area, carpentry room, clinics, and production area etc. She identifies and monitors area that needs attention and improvement. It simply pays attention to safe workplace, cleanliness and orderliness.

Other applicable improvements that is being monitored are in the areas of;

1. Materials Handling and Storage
2. Work Station/ Product Design
3. Productive Machine Safety
4. Lighting and Ventilation
5. Work- related Welfare Facilities
6. Premises
7. Work Organization

The checklist serves as a tool to ensure a safe and healthy environment. In 2005, absentee rate is very low due to illnesses.

Company continued its commitment to produce globally accepted products. It has dealt with suppliers who pass the Oeko-tex standards. Dealing with European buyers, entails a lot of compliance to their requirements. We have the ISO 9001:2000 certification, the audit on AVE Sector Model for Social Responsibility and now, as required, Oeko-text certification for materials being use.

The textile materials and accessories being use in our shirt products have been tested to the defined criteria of Oeko-Tex 100 – world’s eco label. It provides a guarantee that product poses no perceivable health risk to end- consumers or any human beings.

The idea of Oeko-Tex Standard means creating a quality product that is universally valid as this quarantee the consumers or buyers that the products or materials used are ecologically harmless. Using materials and accessories like fabrics, threads, buttons, interlinings and others that are tested and considered as environment -friendly proved the company’s initiative to
address environment- related issues.

This is also our chance to raise awareness to other companies within the supply chain to meet the ecological standards required to compete on a global basis.

Buyers demand sharply increased to 62% compared to 55% in 2004. Buyers would like to get orders from a socially responsible manufacturers.