Question & AnswerQ&A (DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 73-05)
The order applies to all establishments, workplaces, and worksites in the private sector.
Yes, it is mandatory for all private establishments to formulate and implement a TB prevention and control policy and program.
The workplace health and safety committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the workplace TB policy and program.
Management and labor representatives shall jointly develop the TB workplace policy and program aligned with Executive Order No. 187 and the Comprehensive and Unified Policy (CUP).
The components include prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, compensation, restoration to work, and social policies.
DOTS includes political commitment, case detection by sputum-smear microscopy, standard short-course chemotherapy with direct observation, uninterrupted drug supply, and a standard recording and reporting system.
Workplaces must provide adequate and appropriate ventilation, sanitary facilities, and ensure that the number of workers per area meets space requirements under the DOLE-Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
Establishments should adopt DOTS in managing workers with TB, refer them to DOTS centers, and report diagnosed cases to the DOLE as part of the TB registry.
Workers with or who had TB should not be discriminated against, should receive adequate diagnosis and treatment, be supported in work accommodation, and be restored to work once medically fit.
They must seek immediate medical assistance if symptomatic, and if diagnosed, adhere to the DOTS prescribed treatment course.
Employers must trace and clinically assess workplace contacts, extend TB programs to workers’ families and communities, and implement TB program guidelines in their workplaces.
The Bureau of Working Conditions and DOLE Regional Offices through labor inspectors enforce the guidelines following the labor standards enforcement framework.
All concerned must comply within 30 days from its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.