Philippines Easepal Tech Ltd. Corp.
WORKPLACE POLICY AND PROGRAM ON TUBERCULOSIS (TB) PREVENTION
AND CONTROL
The Philippines Easepal Tech Ltd. Corp. recognizes that while 80% of
Tuberculosis (TB) cases belong to the economically productive individuals, it is also
treatable and its spread can be curtailed if proper control measures will be
implemented. As such, this TB Policy and Program is hereby issued for the
information and guidance of the employees.
PURPOSE:
To address the stigma attached to TB and to ensure that the worker’s right
against discrimination, brought by the disease, is protected.
To facilitate free access to anti-TB medicines of affected employees through
referrals.
I. IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE
The Philippines Easepal Tech Ltd. Corp. TB Program shall be
managed by its health and safety committee consists of representatives from the
different divisions and departments.
II. COVERAGE
This Program shall apply to all employees regardless of their employment
status.
III. GUIDELINES
A. Preventive Strategies
1. Conduct of Tuberculosis (TB) Advocacy, Training and Education
a. TB education shall be conducted by the Philippines Easepal Tech
Ltd. Corp. medical Clinic in close coordination with the health and
safety committee, through distribution and posting of IEC materials and
counselling and/ or lectures.
b. Engineering measures such as improvement of ventilation, provision for
adequate sanitary facilities and observance of standard for space
requirement (avoidance of overcrowding) shall be implemented.
2. Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment and Referral to Health Care Services
a. The company shall establish a referral system and provide access to
diagnostic and treatment services for its employees. The company shall
make arrangements with the nearest Direct Observed Treatment (DOT)
facility.
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b. The company’s adherence to the DOTS guidelines on the diagnosis and
treatment is highly encouraged.
B. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
1. The company shall adopt the DOTS strategy in the management of
workers with tuberculosis. TB case finding, case holding and Reporting
and Recording shall be in accordance with the Comprehensive Unified
Policy (CUP) and the National Tuberculosis Control Program.
2. The company shall at the minimum refer employees and their family
members with TB to private or public DOTS centers.
C. SOCIAL POLICY
1. Non-discriminatory Policy and Practices
a. There shall be no discrimination of any form against employees from pre to
post employment, including hiring, promotion, or assignment, on account
of their TB status. (ILO C111)
b. Workplace management of sick employees shall not differ from that of any
other illness. Persons with TB related illnesses should be able to work for
as long as medically fit.
2. Work-Accommodation and Arrangement
a. Agreements made between the company and employee’s representatives
shall reflect measures that will support workers with TB through flexible leave
arrangements, rescheduling of working time and arrangement for return to
work.
b. The employee may be allowed to return to work with reasonable working
arrangements as determined by the Company Health Care provider
and/or the DOTS provider.
D. COMPENSATION
The company shall provide access to Social Security System and
Employees Compensation benefits under PD 626 to an employee who
acquired TB infection in the performance of his/her duty.
V. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES
A. Employer’s Responsibilities
1. The Employer, together with workers/ labor organizations, company focal
personnel for human resources, safety and health personnel shall
develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the workplace policy and
program on TB.
2. Provide information, education and training on TB prevention for its
workforce.
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3. Ensure non-discriminatory practices in the workplace.
4. Ensure confidentiality of the health status of its employees and the access
to medical records is limited to authorized personnel.
5. The Employer, through its Human Resources Department, shall see to it
that their company policy and program is adequately funded and made
known to all employees.
6. The Health and Safety Committee, together with employees/ labor
organizations shall jointly review the policy and program and continue to
improve these by networking with government and organizations
promoting TB prevention.
B. Employees’ Responsibilities
1. The employee’s organization is required to undertake an active role in
educating and training their members on TB prevention and control.
2. Employees shall practice non-discriminatory acts against co-workers.
3. Employees and their organization shall not have access to personnel
data relating to a worker’s TB status.
4. Employees shall comply with universal precaution and the preventive
measures.
V. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
The Safety and Health Committee or its counterpart shall periodically monitor
and evaluate the implementation of this Policy and Program.
VI. EFFECTIVITY
This Policy shall take place effective immediately and shall be made known to every
employee.
_______________________________ ________________________________
Owner/Manager Employees’ Representative
DATE: _________________