Law Summary
Formulation of Workplace Policy and Program on TB Prevention and Control
- Mandatory for all private establishments to formulate and implement TB prevention and control policies and programs.
- These policies must integrate with occupational safety and health and related workplace programs.
- Implementation overseen by workplace health and safety committees.
- Joint development of policy by management and labor representatives aligned with EO 187 and CUP.
- Inclusion of TB policy in Collective Bargaining Agreements where applicable.
Components of a TB Workplace Prevention and Control Policy and Program
- Must include prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, compensation, restoration to work, and social policies.
Preventive Strategies
- TB Advocacy, Education, and Training programs must be conducted.
- Information dissemination covers TB transmission, treatment via DOTS, control, and management.
- DOTS components include:
- Political commitment
- Case detection by sputum-smear microscopy
- Standard short-course chemotherapy with direct observation
- Continuous supply of anti-tuberculosis drugs
- Standard recording and reporting system
- Workers educated on immune strengthening practices (nutrition, rest, hygiene, avoidance of tobacco/alcohol).
- Workplaces must provide adequate ventilation and sanitary facilities according to OSHS rules.
- Worker density in work areas must comply with space standards.
- Capability building for company health personnel on TB case management and DOTS implementation.
Medical Management
- Establishments must adopt DOTS for managing employees and dependents with TB.
- Referral to private or public DOTS centers is required.
- Diagnostic and treatment criteria from NTP as basis for TB benefits from ECC, SSS, and PhilHealth.
Recording, Reporting, and Database Setup
- Mandatory reporting of diagnosed TB cases to DOLE via Annual Medical Report.
- TB cases form part of the DOH TB Registry.
- SSS reports Disability Benefits recipients for TB to PhilCAT for TB database management.
Social Policy
- Prohibition of discrimination against workers with or who had TB.
- Support includes proper diagnosis, treatment, and restoration to work when medically fit.
- Work accommodations encouraged through flexible leave, rescheduling, and return-to-work arrangements.
- Return to work contingent on medical certification and treatment status.
Roles and Responsibilities of Workers with or at Risk for TB
- Workers with TB symptoms or TB-exposed family members must seek immediate medical assistance.
- Adherence to DOTS treatment required.
Roles and Responsibilities of Employers
- Contact tracing and clinical assessment of workplace contacts mandatory.
- Encouragement to extend TB programs to families and communities under Corporate Social Responsibility.
Implementation and Monitoring
- OSHC provides preventive and technical support for workplace TB program implementation.
- Bureau of Working Conditions and DOLE Regional Offices enforce guidelines via labor inspectors.
- Employers must disseminate guidelines within their workplaces.
Effectivity
- Compliance with all provisions required within 30 days from publication in a general circulation newspaper.