Formulation of Workplace Policy and Program
- Policies can be integrated with existing occupational safety and health frameworks.
- The approach should be rights-based, upholding human rights principles.
- Collaborative development involving management and worker representatives.
- Inclusion in Collective Bargaining Agreements in organized workplaces.
- DOLE, in coordination with DOH and partners, to assist in policy formulation and implementation.
Components of the Hepatitis B Workplace Policy and Program
- Applies to all workers regardless of employment status.
Advocacy, Information, Education, and Training
- Employers responsible for providing accurate and updated Hepatitis B information.
- Standardized information package by DOLE and partners covering disease basics, transmission, prevention, rights, and relevant laws.
- Extension of education and advocacy to contractors, workers' families, communities, and other establishments as part of CSR.
Preventive Strategies
- Encouragement of Hepatitis B immunization for all workers; vaccination mandatory for high-risk occupations.
- Improvement of workplace hygiene and proper disposal of infectious materials.
- Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for high-risk workers.
- Training on standard/universal precautions; adherence to DOH protocols for healthcare-related establishments.
Social Policy
- Non-discrimination based on Hepatitis B status in hiring, promotion, assignment, and termination, consistent with ILO C111.
- Workers who are HBsAg positive should undergo appropriate medical evaluation and counseling before fitness assessments.
- Confidentiality of medical information strictly maintained; disclosure not compulsory.
- Reasonable accommodation for infected workers, including flexible leave and work arrangements.
Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Referral
- Establishment of referral and access to diagnostic and treatment services.
- Encouragement of adherence to healthcare provider guidelines.
- Screening as pre-employment requisite is not mandatory.
Benefits and Compensation
- Workers contracting Hepatitis B in the course of employment entitled to SSS sickness benefits and Employees' Compensation under PD 626.
Roles and Responsibilities of Employers and Workers
Employers
- Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate the Hepatitis B policy with worker participation.
- Fund and disseminate the policy and ensure compliance with related laws.
- Provide Hepatitis B education and non-discriminatory workplace environment.
- Supply appropriate PPE and maintain confidentiality of health information.
- Collaborate with government and organizations to improve policy effectiveness.
Workers
- Support and comply with the workplace Hepatitis B policy.
- Participate in education and training; avoid discriminatory behaviors.
- Respect confidentiality rules regarding coworkers’ medical status.
- Comply with universal precaution measures.
- Inform health providers of Hepatitis B status where work activities may pose health risks.
Implementation and Monitoring
- Internal monitoring through the safety and health committee or equivalent.
- Oversight by DOLE regional offices with DOH, DILG, and local government units on policy compliance and dissemination.
- Enforcement support from the Bureau of Working Conditions within DOLE.
Effectivity
- Effective 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.