Online BCOM

Basic Course in Occupational Medicine

COVID-19
Prevention
& Control
in the Workplace
Anna Sofia Victoria S. Fajardo, MD, MBAH, DPCOM
February 27, 2021
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
 PHILIPPINES BY M. MALABANAN, MD, FPCOM
CALATAGAN, BATANGAS
Objectives
• GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
• To know the principles of the DTI-DOLE guidelines
• To discuss the process of return to work of
employees
• SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
• To be aware of the PCOM guidelines released during
the COVID pandemic
• To discuss COVID-19 management, prevention and
control in the workplace
• To specify the minimum health standards and
reintegration guidelines prescribed by DOH, DOLE,
DTI, and Unified COVID-19 Algorithms.

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
 HOW
TO

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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 PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

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OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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CASE IDENTIFICATION

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC. CLASSIFICATION
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
• RESPIRATORY DROPLET
• FOMITES
• AIRBORNE

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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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CONTACT TRACING

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TESTING

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
 DTI AND DOLE
INTERIM GUIDELINES ON WORKPLACE
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF COVID-19
APRIL 30, 2020

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
 Background
When did it happen? What happened?

March 8, 2020 -PRRD declared a State of Public Health

Emergency throughout the Philippines
-Proclamation No. 922

March 11, 2020 -WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic

March 16, 2020 -Luzon under ECQ until April 14, 2020 due to
sharp rise of COVID-19 cases
April 7, 2020 -IATF-EID recommended extension of ECQ until
April 30, 2020
April 23, 2020 -IATF recommended for different government
agencies to issue guidelines for compliance
with government regulations following
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
modification
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC. of ECQ
Objective
• To assist private institutions that are allowed
to operate during the Enhanced Community
Quarantine (ECQ) and General Community
Quarantine (GCQ) in developing the minimum
health protocols and standards in light of the
COVID-19 pandemic.

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
Coverage
• It shall apply to all workplaces, employers,
and workers in the private sector.

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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Workplace Health & Safety
• Aligned with DOH minimum health standards

1. Increase physical and mental resilience

2. Reduce transmission of COVID-19
3. Minimize contact rate
4. Reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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INCREASE PHYSICAL &
MENTAL RESILIENCE
• HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
1. Eat nutritious and well-cooked food
2. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic
beverages
3. Increase the body’s resistance by having
adequate rest and at least eight (8) hours
of sleep
4. Exercise regularly

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
INCREASE PHYSICAL &
MENTAL RESILIENCE
• HEALTH BENEFITS & SERVICES
1. Free medicines and vitamins
2. Referral to mental health services and
support, such as counseling

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
 Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Inc.

RETURN TO WORK: INTERIM GUIDE ON HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE (5/7/2020)
PRIOR TO GOING BACK TO WORK AT THE WORKPLACE ENTRANCE INSIDE THE WORKPLACE GOING HOME
(during working hours)
• Queueing at least 1 meter radius (front, side, back) • Disposable used PPE (masks) must be placed in a separate plastic and disposed in
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE /PANDEMIC RESPONSE TEAM • Floor markers/ chairs in place • Physical distancing 1-2 meter (front, side, back) designated infectious bins.
• Hand washing stations/ alcohol dispensers in strategic locations • Avoid touching surfaces that are potentially contaminated or • After use of washable masks must be kept in a closed plastic bag (refrain from
• Health and safety committee together with employers (top management) • No Mask No Entry Policy frequently touched by others putting in your pocket or inside your personal belongings)
human resources, line managers, pandemic response team, labor union • Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose • Refrain from kissing or hugging family members, take a bath first
and other key people to work together to address the pandemic concerns Accomplish Daily Symptom TEMPERATURE CHECK • Practice respiratory etiquette at all times • Discard in separate hamper used uniform or outfit away from family members or
• Recommendation and implementation of controls Questionnaire/ Health Declaration (non contact thermal scan) • Use tissue or inner portion of elbow to cover nose and mouth immediately soak in water with detergent
• Coordination of OH personnel and safety officer in ensuring control Form/ Health Checklist* when sneezing, coughing • Essentials brought home like ID tags, bags, keys etc. should be securely placed
measures are implemented. • Practice proper disposal of tissue in close bins outside the house
ENGINEERING CONTROLS • Use personal pens or • Alcohol dispensers located on strategic locations • Frequently clean cellphones and gadgets. Put in ziplock plastic for easy cleaning or
• Install barriers • Use sanitizers before and change every after tour of duty
• Increasing ventilation or installing air filters, negative pressure ventilation, after using provided pens Fever WAITING AREA/ COMMON AREAS • Follow physical distancing in vehicles or in any form of transportation
No Fever
linear airflow ventilation if possible =/> 37.5 C
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS <37.5C • 1 to 2 meters front, side and back
HEALTH CHECKLIST** • Floor markers, unidirectional walkways and aisles
• Plan to adopt new normal corporate framework and develop site specific Sore Throat • Limit entry of visitors at a time
protocols Body pains WORKER EXPOSURE RISK TO COVID-19
• Identification of vulnerable workers based on Occupational Health Headache YES ON ISOLATE and • Wear masks at all times
Services data Cough ANY OF recheck
THE temperature WORK AREA LOW EXPOSURE RISK
• Site specific preventive materials in place and with adequate supply Colds • Individuals that are only in contact for a brief period of time.
• Sanitation, disinfection and disposal measures and protocols Fever in the past few days LISTED after 5
ITEM(S) minutes • 1 to 2 meters front, side and back • Jobs that do not require contact with people known to be, or suspected of being
• Isolation protocols and coordinator training Close contact w/ confirmed • Wear masks and other appropriate PPE* at all times infected. Workers have minimal occupational contact with the public and other
• Physical distancing protocols COVID-19 • May place physical barriers ie. improvised plastic table shields coworkers.
• Health screening protocol with health screening daily Contact w/ anyone w/ above • Cover keyboards for ease of disinfection every after use at the • Practice physical distancing at all times
• Self quarantine and return to work protocol symptoms in the past 2 end of the shift *Follow applicable engineering, administrative and PPE controls in your
• Labor relations alignment and education on the pandemic response plan weeks? • Refrain from sharing of pens and other office supplies workplaces
for their cooperation Travel outside Philippines Fever No Fever
• Communication and employee trainings and education Travel to any area in NCR =/> 37.5 C <37.5 C • Disinfection measures: spray w/ hand held sprayer or wipe at
• Facility Signages and other regions confirmed least every after shift
MEDIUM EXPOSURE RISK
• Onsite or near site accommodation and transportation services to have COVID-19 cases • Individuals are in contact for a longer period of time and are fairly distant from
• Hotline, call center, telemedicine services BREAK TIME (cafeteria, pantry, canteen, etc)
each other
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT * Proceed to ISOLATION AREA • Jobs that require frequent/close contact with people who may be infected, but
• Optimal allowable seats, discourage conversing with people
• Health personnel in proper PPE • Place signages who are not known or suspected patients or close contacts of the same.
• Further assessment • May eat in your work area • Workers may have contact with the general public (e.g., restaurants, high-
NONE • Call DOH hotline (MHO/CHO/BHERT) • No sharing of meals population-density work environments, some high-volume retail settings)
VULNERABLE WORKFORCE including individuals returning from locations with widespread COVID-19
• High risk pregnancy, 60 y.o and above, any age with co- OF THE • Bring your own utensils, cups etc.
• Disinfection generally 3 or more times per shift to include transmission.
morbidities or pre-existing illness (uncontrolled hypertension, ABOVE *Follow applicable engineering, administrative and PPE controls in your
uncontrolled diabetes, recurrent asthma attacks, COPD, cancer, after all breaks and meals
SEND HOME • Replace used masks after eating following proper disposal workplaces
blood dyscrasias, chronic liver and kidney diseases or with • Medical Advice management
immunocompromised status) protocols
• Refer to MHO/CHO
• May use company vehicle if warranted HIGH EXPOSURE RISK
RESTROOM • Individuals are in prolonged close contact and may not be able to practice
with precaution of proper use of PPE.
• Employers are highly encouraged to allow work from home, physical distancing at all times. Large group of individuals in a given time
• Regular cleaning and disinfection (inmates)
alternative workplace accommodation, working hour shifts. • Limit entry to allow proper distancing • Jobs with a high potential for exposure to known or suspected sources of
• Liquid soap and dispenser/ hand dryers COVID-19. Healthcare delivery, healthcare support, medical transport, and
MAY ENTER THE WORKPLACE
mortuary workers exposed to known or suspected COVID-19 patients or
ATTIRE • Disinfect by soaking shoes, foot wear on doormat with disinfectant ALL FLOORS AND WALLS bodies of people known to have, or suspected of having, COVID-19 at the time
• Hand disinfection of death.
• Encourage wearing of shorter sleeves for ease of hand washing (except in • MANDATORY USE OF FACE MASK. • Disinfect periodically especially frequently touched surfaces *Follow applicable engineering, administrative and PPE controls in your
jobs that need long sleeve protection ex: chemical handling, construction etc.) workplaces
• Avoid neckties, wearing of jewelries and accessories ELEVATOR, SWITCHES, DOOR KNOBS, HAND RAILS, etc.
• Encourage Females to wear pants instead of skirts
• Wear closed comfortable shoes with socks, safety shoes and boots • Clean hands immediately after handling any of the above VERY HIGH EXPOSURE RISK
• Do not repeat used clothing BIOMETRICS, AUTOMATED MACHINES, etc. • Sanitizers on strategic locations • Healthcare workers, morgue workers, performing aerosol-generating
• Face the elevator wall and following floor markings for distancing procedures on or collecting/handling specimens from potentially infectious
• Promote one-way use of staircases and paths to reduce direct patients or bodies of people known to have, or suspected of having, COVID-19
• Clean hands before and after using biometric scanners, at the time of death.
sources: photocopy machines, shredder, ATMs etc. human to human contact
*Follow applicable engineering, administrative and PPE controls in your
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3993.pdf workplaces
Sudden manifestation of COVID symptom(s) while at work (employee
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/return-to-work.html to proceed to isolation area) NOTE: clinic not an isolation area
** https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/dti-and-dole-interim-guidelines-on-workplace-prevention-and-control-of-covid-19/https://www.psmid.org/unified-covid-19-algorithms-3
https://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/health-update/ao2020-0015.pdf
https://www.lear.com/safeworkplaybookfiles
mmc 5/8/2020 *depending on the health and safety committee recommendation

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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 REDUCE TRANSMISSION OF
COVID-19
• PRIOR TO ENTRANCE IN BUILDINGS OR WORKPLACES
1. No mask, No entry policy
2. Accomplishment of Health Symptoms Questionnaire for
assessment
3. Temperature checked and recorded in the Health
Symptoms Questionnaire (refer to Annex of the Guidelines)
4. Provision of a well-ventilated holding area
5. Designated health / safety officer provided with
appropriate PPE’s
6. Disinfecting foot baths in all entrances are optional.
7. Placing hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) in multiple
locations around the business to encourage hand hygiene
8. Regular disinfection of frequently touched areas
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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Emergency Preparedness &
Response to COVID-19
• PLAN BEFORE RESUMPTION OF WORK:
• For COVID-suspects
• Isolation Room - outside company building;
tent and quarantine facility
• Occupational Health Physician
• Occupational Health Nurse
• Emergency Response Team - Industrial Zones
• For Referrals, coordinate with the nearest
COVID-designated hospitals
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Work Area

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MINIMIZE CONTACT RATE
1. Alternative work arrangements
1.1. Working hour shifts
1.2. Work from home (WFH)
2. Avoid prolonged face-to-face work
2.1. Videoconference, if feasible
2.2. If physical, shortest duration, minimum
number of participants

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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MINIMIZE CONTACT RATE
3. Unidirectional flow of work in aisles,
corridors, or walkways
4. Physical distancing in all areas, where a
roving officer shall ensure this is followed
5. Online customer services

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Exits
• Hand hygiene before
leaving the workplace
• Foot baths
• Unilateral flow of
traffic using stairs or
pathways
• Different entrance &
exit for employees
and visitors, if
feasible

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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Safety Officer during
COVID-19 Pandemic
• Monitors the prevention and control measures
• Physical distancing
• Wearing of face masks and face shields
• Regular disinfection
• Compliance to thermal scanning
• Accomplishing health symptoms
questionnaire

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WORKPLACE WITH IMMINENT
DANGER SITUATIONS
• Health care facilities
• Frontline services
• April 11, 2020
• DOH Department Memorandum 2020-0178:
Interim Guidelines on Health Care Provider
Networks during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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 DTI AND DOLE
SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDELINES ON WORKPLACE
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF COVID-19
JMC NO. 20-04-A
AUGUST 15, 2020

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Coverage
• Applies to all private establishments regardless
of economic activity, including those located
inside special economic zones and other areas
under the jurisdiction of Investment Promotion
Agencies
• Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
• Clark Development Corporation (CDC)
• Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB)
• Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport
(APECO)

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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 ARTICLE 162
LABOR CODE OF
THE PHILIPPINES
“P.D. 442”
1974

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Department of Trade & Industry
• E.O. No. 292
• July 25, 1987

• DTI is the primary coordinative, promotive,

facilitative and regulatory arm of the
Executive Branch of government in the area of
trade, industry and investments
• It shall act as catalyst for intensified private
sector activity in order to accelerate and
sustain economic growth
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
 “R.A. 11058”
AUGUST 17, 2018

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
 “D.M. 2020-056”
FEBRUARY 3, 2020

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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“D.M. 2020-0015”
APRIL 27, 2020

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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 Background
When did it happen? What happened?

April 29, 2020 -IATF approved Omnibus Guidelines mandating

compliance to minimum public health standards
set by DOH
May 11, 2020 -DOH M.O. 2020-0022
-“Interim Guidelines on Return to Work”
May 29, 2020 -DOH D.M. 2020-0258
-“Updated Interim Guidelines on Expanded
Testing for COVID-19”
July 16, 2020 -IATF amended Omnibus Guidelines
-Emphasizing DOLE & DTI to ensure compliance
-GOCCs & LGUs to implement and enforce
minimum public health standards
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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INCREASE PHYSICAL &
MENTAL RESILIENCE
1. Employers shall provide their employees with
psychosocial support, especially those
presenting mental health
2. Employers shall promote a work-life balance
3. Company policies on prevention and control
of COVID-19 should be aligned with existing
minimum public health standards and
guidelines issued by DOH and other
regulatory agencies

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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REDUCE TRANSMISSION OF
COVID-19
• Minimum public health standards
• Face masks
• Face shields
• Physical distancing
• Frequent disinfection
• Disinfecting / washing resources
• Hand washing stations
• Soap and sanitizers
• Hand drying equipment or supplies
• e.g. single use paper towel
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC.
REDUCE TRANSMISSION OF
COVID-19
• Signages and reminders on proper hand
washing
• Advise employees to conduct surface
disinfection in their work stations before the
start of the shift, intermittently during shift
and at the end of the shift
• Discourage sharing of personal items between
employees to prevent possible transmission

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Hand Washing
CDC-recommended situations:
-- Before, during, and after preparing food or eating it
-- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or
diarrhea
-- Before and after treating a cut or wound
-- After using the toilet
-- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
-- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
-- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
-- After handling pet food or pet treat
-- After touching garbage

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 Transportation
• Ensure physical
distancing and use
alternate seating
arrangements
• Always wear face masks
• Employers of large and
medium sized private
establishments (>
PhP15M) must provide
shuttle services to their
employees

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF Reference: https://www.gartner.com/

smarterwithgartner/7-early-return-to-workplace-
OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, INC. lessons-from-asia/
REDUCE TRANSMISSION OF
COVID-19
• GOOD VENTILATION
• Inside the workplace
• Inside the shuttle service
• HEALTH PROMOTION on COVID-19 prevention
and control in the workplace
• OSH Committee to organize
• Webinars
• Virtual lectures and trainings
• Updates from DOH, WHO, and other
reliable sources
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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REDUCE TRANSMISSION OF
COVID-19

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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 HOW
TO

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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1967.08 Return to Work
1967.08: Return to Work Examinations
A return to work examination shall be conducted:
(1) to detect if illness of the worker is still contagious;
(2) to determine whether the worker is fit to return to work, and
(3) After prolonged absence for health reasons, for the purpose of
determining its possible
occupational causes.

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UNIFIED COVID-19
ALGORITHMS

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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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Return to Work Criteria for
OH / Company Physicians
• For Recovered COVID-19 Patients
• Medical Clearance
• If hospitalized, from Attending Physician
(Infectious Disease Specialist,
Pulmonologist)
• If home quarantined, from MHO/CHO
• Certificate of Completion
• 14 days Isolation
• May depend on local guidelines
• NO repeat testing is required prior to return to
work
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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF
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References
• Department of Health
• Department of Labor and Employment
• Department of Trade and Industry
• Philippine College of Occupational Medicine
• World Health Organization

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 This is your Blank screen. Please use this as a thank you page.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION!

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