Question & AnswerQ&A (DOLE DEPARTMENT ADVISORY NO. 04)
The Guidelines apply to all employers and workers in the private sector in the Philippines.
Employers must regularly provide information about Influenza A (H1N1), clean work areas with disinfectants, ensure availability of water, soap, and disinfectants, promote everyday healthy actions, and monitor the health of workers especially those with fever or recent travel to affected countries.
Covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizers, spitting in proper places, avoiding close contact with sick people, adequate rest and sleep, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.
Employers must take immediate protective measures to avoid or remove the danger, install screening programs following DOH guidelines, and ensure workers use appropriate PPEs like N95 respirators, gowns, and gloves properly.
The employer must provide a face mask, isolate the worker in a separate ventilated room, refer the worker to healthcare providers for evaluation, report the case to the Department of Health, implement DOH recommendations, and decontaminate the work area.
They should stay at home and avoid work or crowds, take adequate rest and fluids, practice personal hygiene, and seek medical care if symptoms worsen or persist.
Leave may be charged to annual sick/vacation leave credits, or if depleted, leave without pay may be granted. Employers are encouraged to be flexible and compassionate, possibly granting additional paid leave or other arrangements by mutual agreement.
Public and private health workers may avail of a P150,000 medical insurance package, while other PhilHealth members and dependents may avail of benefits amounting to P75,000 under PhilHealth hospital benefits.
Such workers are entitled to sickness benefits under the Social Security System and employees' compensation benefits under PD 626 (Employees' Compensation Commission Law).
DOLE provides information on Influenza A (H1N1), technical assistance like risk assessment and use of protective equipment, and capability-building for workplace focal persons; for OFWs, information is provided during pre-departure seminars and by labor attaches.