The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has reminded anew all government offices to look after the safety and health of their workers.

CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said all state agencies should have adopted measures that "promote safe and healthy working conditions" as provided for under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2020.

“Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2020 issued by the CSC, Department of Health, and the Department of Labor and Employment took effect on 22 May 2020, and after almost a year, we, in government, have been given ample time to ensure adoption of measures that promote safe and healthy working conditions. We have to prioritize the health and well-being of our human capital in the public sector who continue to rise to the challenges posed by the pandemic by delivering uninterrupted services to our people,” she said in a statement.

The CSC also noted that the Office of the President released Memorandum Circular No. 86 directing all government agencies and instrumentalities to strictly implement health protocols in the workplaces to mitigate and suppress the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

"The OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) Standards provide a comprehensive list of reasonable working conditions,” it said.

It called on the agencies to comply with the following workplace standards: installation of adequate fire, emergency, or danger signs, facilities for persons with disabilities, and health clinic or treatment room; regular practice of good housekeeping such as eradication of stagnant water and proper waste disposal; OSH Standard-compliant building construction and maintenance, space requirement, walkway surface, floor and wall openings, among others; provision of OSH Standard-compliant personal protective equipment (PPE) and devices; proper handling, use, and storage of hazardous materials; and implementation of an indoor air quality management program.

"Government agencies must also establish a Risk Reduction Management System and a Crisis Management Plan and Contingency Program, as well as ensure adequate emergency supplies such as fire extinguishers, medical first aid kits, among others. They must also partner with the nearest government health facility that can respond to accidents and injuries in case of emergencies,” the CSC said.

The agencies must also provide support facilities such as recreation areas, training rooms, and daycare facility, as well as lactation stations for lactating mothers, it said.

"Moreover, the special needs of pregnant women, older employees, the differently-abled, and those with limited working abilities must be considered in determining reasonable work assignments and a good working atmosphere,” it said.

Citing the guidelines, the Commission said agency heads must also ensure adequate working breaks to minimize or prevent employees’ exposure to illness due to prolonged sitting, as well as to allow and adopt flexible work arrangements.

"The agency’s internal rules on working hours, break, and leave privileges must still observe appropriate civil service rules and regulations,” it said.

The CSC said there should also be strict implementation of workplace policies and programs on smoking, prohibited drugs, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS, Hepatitis B, and medical assistance and benefits.

"Heads of agencies must ensure that Safety and Health Committee shall be created and OSH programs are strictly implemented and thus, shall be included in the annual work and financial plan,” it said.