DTI/DOLE Joint Memorandum on the Prevention and Control of COVID 19 in the Workplace
The Department of Trade and Industry together with the Department of Labor and Employment issued a supplemental Guideline on their Joint Memorandum on the Prevention and Control of COVID 19 in the Workplace last 14 August 2020.
The first Guideline was issued on 27 April 2020 and is currently used in all workplaces in the Philippines. This new guideline added some regulations to the existing protocols to be observed inside the workplace to ensure that everyone will not get infected with or spread COVID 19.
The additional rules are as follows (I apologize if I miss some points, please feel free to comment):
Masks with vents should not be used. It does not offer protection against COVID 19 since the vents can be opened and may spread the virus. In fact, two weeks ago, the Medical City banned people from entering their hospital using this kind.
Face Shields will be used inside the workplace. It shall cover the entire face and if possible should extend up to the ears and below the chin. Visor-type face shields (half face shields) will not be used inside the workplace.
Face shields and mask must always be worn together when interacting with co-employees, clients and/or visitors. It may be removed according to the demands of the work or when the occupational safety and health of the employee so requires.
Employees working in large and medium sized businesses (i.e. total assets above Php 15M) are required (i.e. enjoined) to provide shuttle services. Banks and BPOs are now offering shuttle services for their employees since the resumption of GCQ in June 2020.
Adequate ventilation shall be strictly enforced both inside the workplace. This includes natural airflow (opening of windows, which I doubt be enforced due to safety reasons - i.e. glass windows may fall below pedestrians), if possible, installation of exhaust fans, air filtration devices with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters or recalibration of the bulding's aircon, ventilation and heating system (HVAC). This is to avoid COVID 19 virus to freely move inside ventilations.
Ventilation in the shuttle service includes opening of at least three (3) inches opening while commuting shall be practiced in addition to physical distancing of at least one (1) meter, wearing of face masks & shield.
Signages including "No Talking, "No Eating" and "No Taking Phone Calls" will be displayed prominently inside the vehicle.
Companies are required to provide mandatory advocacy awareness raising programs via the Occupational Safety and Health Committees via webinars, virtual lectures & training on COVID 19. This includes best practices and frequent and reliable updates on the virus when readily available. Materials are available in the government websites; you can also ask your HMO to provide materials for dissemination. Our provider MAXICARE often sends update, bulletins and advisory which I distribute to all employees.
Smoking areas in the workplace shall be provided individual booths and require smoker-employees to observe the usual protocols.
Senior citizens, pregnant women, with pre-existing conditions (immunocompromised) individuals and those below 21 years old shall continue to work from home. However, they will be allowed to occasionally fo report for work provided that a Fit-to-Work certificate is secured from the OSH personnel (qualified first aider, nurse, doctor or safety officer) and will stay for a specified number of hours and will have limited physical contact inside the workplace.
Staggered meal schedules to further restrict contact among employees in addition to observing 1 metre physical distancing. Mask must be immediately worn after eating. Commonly used items such as dipping sauces, condiments, utensils/straw dispensers are strictly prohibited.
Employers with large manpower (such as in the manufacturing sector) may set up makeshift dining areas to complement canteens if so required.
Employers shall initiate contact tracing of employees in compliance with protocols established by the LGU and DOH inside the workplace to identify close contacts.
Employers are required to report COVID 19 positive and symptomatic employees, close contacts to the local health office and BHERT of their place of residence.
All visitors are required to fill out Contact Tracing forms before entering the workplace. The file will be kept by HR for future reference and safekeeping (and in compliance with the Data Privacy Law).
The use of employee leaves of absences and entitlements shall be governed by the DOLE.
Government benefits due to employees (COVID 19) under the SSS/PhilHealth and ECC shall be based on the implementing rules and regulations of the respective government agencies.
Employers are highly encouraged to provide sick leave benefits, HMO coverage including supplemental pay for COVID 19 RT-PCR test confirmed employees or close contact made to undergo the 14 day quarantine.
Reference:
First DTI/DOLE Joint Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID 19: https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/dti-and-dole-interim-guidelines-on-workplace-prevention-and-control-of-covid-19/
Supplemental Guideline on their Joint Memorandum on the Prevention and Control of COVID 19 in the Workplace: https://dtiwebfiles.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/COVID19Resources/Issuances+from+other+agencies/DTI+-DOLE+Joint+Memorandum+Circular+No.+20-04-signed.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2vC72ECT_hl--2VeiGVVV_Tzyt6-jeWDFSZmeZup84MbcB0PmQLfwnMRo