Advisory no. 4 guidelines on h1 n1 at the workplace

GUIDELINES ON INFLUENZA A (H1N1)PREVENTION AND

CONTROL AT THE WORKPLACE

DEPARTMENT ADVISORY NO. 04Series of 2009

Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

I.COVERAGE

These Guidelines shall apply to all employers and workers in the private sector

II. WORKPLACE HEALTH

Provide information About influenza Transmission Outcome Treatment options

Regularly clean the work areas w disinfectant Soap, clean water etc.

Emphasize “EVERYDAY ACTION TO STAY HEALTHY”, such as:


Cover nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing

Frequent washing/sanitizing (hands)Spitting at proper placesAvoid close contact w sick peopleIncrease body’s resistance, sleep 8hrsDrink plenty of fluidsEat nutritious foods


Workplace with Imminent Danger Situation

Employer shall take immediate protective measures to avoid, correct or remove such imminent danger (based on Rule 1010, OSHS)

Install screening program on A H1N1 in accordance w DOH guidelines to include screening which follows procedure using a checklist of questions like:

• Recent travel to a country identified w transmission of A(H1N1)

• Recent contact w confirmed/suspected A (H1N1)• Affliction by such symptoms as fever>38 degrees Celsius

and flu-like symptomsWorkers must take extra precautionary measures which includes strict hygiene, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Employers shall see to it that these are worn properly and appropriately while at work and disposed of accordingly after use

Guidance to Employers for Care of Workers with Fever or Who are ill?

SUSPECTED Provide w face mask Immediately isolate Refer to health care provider Report findings of health provider (if suspected) to DOH Ensure implementation of recommendation of DOH Response

Team (mgt and transport) Decontaminate work area w appropriate disinfectant

• Ill but NOT suspected

•Stay home, keep away from crowd•Adequate rest/plenty of fluids•Practice personal hygiene •See appropriate medical care if persistent fever

III. LEAVE OF ABSENCE/ENTITLEMENTS

LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) For workers who are requested by employer to stay

home or who are served quarantine order for reasons related to Influenza A (H1N1), these arrangements apply:

LOA maybe charged to annual sick/vacation leave credits under the company policy or practice or as stipulated in their CBA. If the workers leave credits have been used up, employers could consider granting LOA w/o pay. However, employers are encouraged to exercise flexibility and compassion in granting additional leave w pay


By mutual agreement, employers and workers/unions could also agree on other arrangements for the worker’s LOA

For workers with afflicted/suspected children or a member of their family:

Who needs to take a LOA Who chooses to stay away from work to avoid

transmission

Employers are encouraged to adopt a flexible and enlightened approach in granting time-off which may include use of annual leave. For used annual leave, employers may consider granting them LOA without pay


HOSPITALIZATION BENEFITS

In addition to existing company health care benefits and PhilHealth benefits, public and private workers infected with Influenza A (H1N1) may avail of the following:

P150,000 medical insurance package P75,000 Philhealth hospital benefits - for the

dependents of members infected w A (H1N1)

SOCIAL SECURITY/EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION BENEFITS- a worker who contacts Influenza A (H1N1) at work is entitled

to sickness benefits under the SSS and Employees compensation benefits under PD 626 (ECC Law)


IV. ASSITANCE TO BE PROVIDED BY DOLE

For workers in the country, the OSHS, the BWC and the RO, in collaboration with DOH shall provide the ff:

info on A (H1N1) and workplace concerns including issues related to OSH standards and General Labor Standards

Technical assistance in the form of risk assessment, use of protective equipment including a respirator program, workplace improvements to reduce the likelihood of droplet infection and contamination by materials possibly infected by the virus; and

Capability Building of Influenza A (H1N1) of focal persons in the workplace


For OFWs, the POEA, the OWWA and the ILAS shall ensure the information on Influenza a (H1N1) prevention and control during PDOS, by the labor attaches, welfare officers, and the Filipino Associations Overseas.

The DOLE agencies concerned shall make a regular progress report on the prevention and control of Influenza A (H1N1) spread in the workplaces. The BWC shall ensure the observance of these Guidelines

V. Effectivity : These guidelines shall take effect immediately


THANK YOU


Advisory no. 4 guidelines on h1 n1 at the workplace

Health & Medicine

Transcript of Advisory no. 4 guidelines on h1 n1 at the workplace