Solane Achieves 22 Million Manhours without Lost Time Injury

Isla LPG, the company behind one of the most trusted LPG brands Solane, has achieved 22 million safe manhours for both its regular employees and contracted staff without Lost Time Injury (LTI) as of April 2022.

This milestone in Health, Safety, Security and Environment means all Isla LPG employees and Isla partners, both in the plant and office, have not experienced any injury or accident that resulted to them being absent from work and thereby, losing productive work time. “At Isla LPG, we take safety seriously every step of the way, from our plants and offices to the transport of Solane LPG products to our valued customers and business partners,” said Tonito Gonzalez, CEO of Isla LPG. “We want all our employees and contracting partners to feel confident about our mission to provide safe and quality LPG accessible for Filipinos, and it starts with ensuring that they have a safe workplace.”

For Isla LPG, the 22M LTI-free manhours record means the company was able to achieve operations in the plant including gantry/cylinder filling, safe driving performance of haulers, no LTI in Isla’s plants and offices nationwide and no LTI for Isla contractors working on projects, installations, and partner sites.
“Safety is non-negotiable for Isla LPG. Just like how we put premium on the safety of our products through stringent measures and innovative technology, we also make sure that all our employees are working in a healthy, safe, secured, and environment-friendly workplace by integrating practices in all aspects of our businesses,” said Marvin Dela Fuente, HSSE Manager of Isla LPG.

Dela Fuente attributes this hard-earned milestone to the company’s efforts to combine regular trainings, documentations, plant operation programs and annual internal audit. He added that the company ensures that safety is instilled in everyone's hearts and minds.

“Aside from striving for zero LTI, our goal is to have no major plant operation accidents, major road transport accidents, total recordable occupational illnesses, security incidents and life-saving rules violations,” Dela Fuente added.

Isla LPG employees undergo weekly toolbox meetings to start their workweek and receive regular trainings on first aid, firefighting and Permit to Work-Job Hazards Analysis. In compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Republic Act No 11058, Isla tapped Philippine Red Cross Trainers in June to conduct First Aid training for its security personnel, plant staff, and nominated employee first aiders.

Given the risk that comes with working with hazardous substances, Isla implements programs specifically for its plant operations. These include Emergency Response Procedures (ERP) where proactive and reactive approaches for plant operations are discussed and implemented, the Medical Response Strategy (MERS) where plant safety and high health standards are ensured, and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component where Isla works with the community surrounding its plants.

To review and ensure that safety procedures and practices are up-to-date and implemented, Isla also conducts annual internal safety audit on its plant operations, distributor operations, metal maintenance contractors and haulers.

Isla LPG Corp. (ILC), ISLA Petroleum & Gas Corporation’s subsidiary engaged in supply, trading, marketing and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the Philippines under the banner brand Solane (formerly Shellane), operates strategically located LPG refilling plants nationwide and has a vast network of distributors and retail stores.

6 Helpful Tips for Home-Based Food Business Start-Ups

One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic and community quarantine is that they gave way to many delicious food home business start-ups. However, while majority of the start-ups continue to thrive today, home-based food businesses take a lot of work and require thorough research and planning to survive the ever-changing market.

If you’ve also been thinking of starting your own food business, let Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, guide you and help you. The trusted LPG gas of many business owners, Solane helps guarantee safety and weighs your LPG with its “Timbang Challenge service” which is essential for food business owners who want to get the best value for their money. Additionally, Solane also offers these practical tips to succeed:

Know your target market. Identify which group your business will target: Is it the health buff or dessert lover? Millennials or moms? By knowing your target market, you will be able to narrow down your food offerings, as well as package them according to the buying behaviors of your target customers.

Conduct market research. Since the food industry is very competitive, it’s important to do your research before opening your own food business. Join online seminars, safe business networking events, and interview people who run small business to know what works and what doesn’t. You can also test your food recipes on your family and friends and ask for their feedback so you can make any necessary changes for the best product possible.

Prepare licenses and permits. Check with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and your local government unit to familiarize yourself with the necessary licenses and permits when opening a business. These documents are required to protect public health and safety, keep track of your finances for tax purposes, and help keep you accountable for your company’s actions, while simultaneously gaining the trust of new customers.
 
Use quality equipment. Aside from the ingredients, the kitchen equipment that you use are just as essential in running a food business. Make sure to invest in durable kitchen equipment, such as an oven if your business is baked goods, or a quality stove range to keep up with the demands of your food business.

Prioritize safety. In any food business, it’s important to follow proper hygiene and sanitation to ensure food safety. Restaurant owners should provide adequate hand sanitizing solutions, require employees to regularly wash their hands, and clean all kitchen tools and surfaces. Food business owners should also use high quality and safe LPG tanks, such as Solane, which conducts a free 7-Point Safety Check upon delivery to your home to help ensure that the LPG tanks are safely installed.

Promote your business. Get your family and friends involved in helping you spread the word. Consider spending a little money to advertise your business in your online community groups, and social media. Maximize the social media platforms and e-commerce business sites by creating your own business page to help your start-up reach a bigger market.

Starting your own home-based food business may be a risk and an uphill battle, but with hard work, ample preparation, the right equipment, and these tips from Solane, you can begin this new venture with more confidence. To know more about Solane, visit www.solane.com.ph.