DOLE issues guidelines on nCoV measures
Published Jan 31, 2020 12:00 am
By Leslie Ann Aquino
The Department of Labor and Employment on Friday released the guidelines on the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) prevention and control in the workplace to assist the private sector on its preparedness and response to the disease.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
In Labor Advisory No. 4, the labor department asked employers to take the necessary precautionary measures at the workplace by providing information to workers on the 2019-nCoV, including its transmission, disease outcome, and treatment options.
Employers were also directed to clean work areas with disinfectant and make sure that water, soap, and sanitizer are available in all washrooms and toilets; avoid or reduce direct exposure of workers to animals, environments, and objects which may possibly be carrying the 2019-nCoV;
In the event that a worker is suspected as having 2019-nCoV, DOLE said the employer shall provide the worker with a face mask to prevent risk of spreading the infection; isolate the worker immediately in a separate well-ventilated room in the workplace, away from other workers; refer the worker to the company healthcare provider or to the nearest local health center or hospital for laboratory confirmation if the history, signs, and symptoms are consistent with a suspected case of 2019-nCOV;
Report the worker to the Department of Health by calling the DOH at numbers 8711-1001 and 8711-1002; ensure the implementation of recommendations provided by the DOH on the management and transport of suspected case of 2019-nCoV; observe respiratory precautions when taking care of patients with flu or flu-like illness; and decontaminate the work area with appropriate disinfectant.
If a worker is sick or has fever but is not suspected to have 2019-nCov, the DOLE said the employer must advise the worker to take prudent measures to limit the spread of communicable diseases.
The labor department said in the case of workers who are requested by their employers to stay at home or are served quarantine orders for reasons related to 2019-nCoV, the following arrangements may be considered during the period of absence: the workers’ leave of absence may be charged to their annual sick/vacation leave credits under the company policy or practice, or as stipulated in their collective bargaining agreement, if there is any.
"If the worker's leave credits have been used up, employers could consider granting leave of absence without pay. However, employers are encouraged to exercise flexibility and compassion in granting additional leave with pay," said DOLE.
By mutual agreement, the labor department said employers and workers could also agree on other arrangements for the workers’ leave of absence.
For workers who need to take a leave to care for their children or parents afflicted with or suspected of having 2019-nCoV, or choose to stay away from work of their own accord due to contact with a confirmed or suspected 2019-nCoV case to avoid its transmission, DOLE said employers are encouraged to adopt a flexible and enlightened approach in granting time-off which may include use of leave credits, if there are any.
It added: "For workers who have used up their vacation or sick leave credits, employers could consider granting them leave of absence without pay."
The DOLE said a worker who contracts 2019-nCoV in the performance of his or her work is also entitled to sickness benefits under the Social Security System (SSS) and employees' compensation benefits under Presidential Decree No. 626.
"In the event that the worker is not qualified to avail of the benefits under SSS or PhilHealth due to the fault of the employer, the employer shall shoulder all the medical expenses until full recovery," DOLE said.
According to DOLE, the guidelines shall apply to all employers and workers in the private sector and shall take effect immediately.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
In Labor Advisory No. 4, the labor department asked employers to take the necessary precautionary measures at the workplace by providing information to workers on the 2019-nCoV, including its transmission, disease outcome, and treatment options.
Employers were also directed to clean work areas with disinfectant and make sure that water, soap, and sanitizer are available in all washrooms and toilets; avoid or reduce direct exposure of workers to animals, environments, and objects which may possibly be carrying the 2019-nCoV;
In the event that a worker is suspected as having 2019-nCoV, DOLE said the employer shall provide the worker with a face mask to prevent risk of spreading the infection; isolate the worker immediately in a separate well-ventilated room in the workplace, away from other workers; refer the worker to the company healthcare provider or to the nearest local health center or hospital for laboratory confirmation if the history, signs, and symptoms are consistent with a suspected case of 2019-nCOV;
Report the worker to the Department of Health by calling the DOH at numbers 8711-1001 and 8711-1002; ensure the implementation of recommendations provided by the DOH on the management and transport of suspected case of 2019-nCoV; observe respiratory precautions when taking care of patients with flu or flu-like illness; and decontaminate the work area with appropriate disinfectant.
If a worker is sick or has fever but is not suspected to have 2019-nCov, the DOLE said the employer must advise the worker to take prudent measures to limit the spread of communicable diseases.
The labor department said in the case of workers who are requested by their employers to stay at home or are served quarantine orders for reasons related to 2019-nCoV, the following arrangements may be considered during the period of absence: the workers’ leave of absence may be charged to their annual sick/vacation leave credits under the company policy or practice, or as stipulated in their collective bargaining agreement, if there is any.
"If the worker's leave credits have been used up, employers could consider granting leave of absence without pay. However, employers are encouraged to exercise flexibility and compassion in granting additional leave with pay," said DOLE.
By mutual agreement, the labor department said employers and workers could also agree on other arrangements for the workers’ leave of absence.
For workers who need to take a leave to care for their children or parents afflicted with or suspected of having 2019-nCoV, or choose to stay away from work of their own accord due to contact with a confirmed or suspected 2019-nCoV case to avoid its transmission, DOLE said employers are encouraged to adopt a flexible and enlightened approach in granting time-off which may include use of leave credits, if there are any.
It added: "For workers who have used up their vacation or sick leave credits, employers could consider granting them leave of absence without pay."
The DOLE said a worker who contracts 2019-nCoV in the performance of his or her work is also entitled to sickness benefits under the Social Security System (SSS) and employees' compensation benefits under Presidential Decree No. 626.
"In the event that the worker is not qualified to avail of the benefits under SSS or PhilHealth due to the fault of the employer, the employer shall shoulder all the medical expenses until full recovery," DOLE said.
According to DOLE, the guidelines shall apply to all employers and workers in the private sector and shall take effect immediately.