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Workplace Policy and Program on Hepatitis B

BWC template for workplace policy and program on hepatitis B

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WORKPLACE POLICY AND PROGRAM ON HEPATITIS B

(Name of Company) is committed to conform to the established standards
assurance of customer satisfaction, protection of our environment and health and
safety in the workplaces.
The company promotes and ensures a healthy environment through its
various health programs to safeguard its employees. And as part of the company’s
compliance to DOLE Department Advisory No. 05, Series of 2010 (Guidelines for the
Implementation of a Workplace Policy and Program on Hepatitis B), this Program has
been developed. This program is aimed to address the stigma attached to hepatitis B
and to ensure that the employees’ right against discrimination and confidentiality is
maintained.
This guideline is formulated for everybody’s information and reference for the
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Hepatitis B. This will inform the employees of
their role as well as the company in dealing with Hepatitis B. A healthy environment
encompasses a good working relationship and great output for continuous business
growth.
I. Implementing Structure
The (Name of Company)’s Hepatitis B workplace policy and program shall be
managed by its health and safety committee. Each division or department of the
Company shall be duly represented.
II. Guidelines
A. Education
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Coverage. All employees regardless of employment status may avail of
hepatitis B education services for free;
2. Hepatitis B shall be conducted through distribution and posting of IEC
materials and counselling and/ or lectures; and
3. Hepatitis B education shall be spearheaded by the (name of company)
Medical Clinic in close coordination with the health and safety committee.
B. Preventive Strategies
1. All employees are encouraged to be immunized against Hepatitis B after
securing clearance from their physician.
2. Workplace sanitation and proper waste management and disposal shall be
monitored by the health and safety committee on a regular basis.
3. Personal protective equipment shall be made available at all times for all
employees; and
4. Employees will be given training and information on adherence to
standards or universal precautions in the workplace.
III. Social Policy
A. Non discriminatory Policy and Practices

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1. There shall be no discrimination of any form against employees on the
basis of their Hepatitis B status consistent with the international
agreements on non discrimination ratified by the Philippines (ILO C111).
Employees shall not be discriminated against, from pre to post
employment, including hiring, promotion, or assignment because of their
hepatitis B status.
2. Workplace management of sick employees shall not differ from that of any
other illness. Persons with Hepatitis B related illnesses may work for as
long as they are medically fit to work.
B. Confidentiality
Job applicants and employees shall not be compelled to disclose their
Hepatitis B status and other related medical information. Co-employees shall not be
obliged to reveal any personal information about their fellow employees. Access to
personal data relating to employee’s Hepatitis B status shall be bound by the rules on
confidentiality and shall be strictly limited to medical personnel or if legally required.
C. Work-Accommodation and Arrangement
1. The company shall take measures to reasonably accommodate employees
who are Hepatitis B positive or with Hepatitis B - related illnesses.
2. Through agreements made between management and employees’
representative, measures to support employees with Hepatitis B are
encouraged to work through flexible leave arrangements, rescheduling of
working time and arrangement for return to work.
D. Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment and Referral to Health Care Services
1. The company shall establish a referral system and provide access to
diagnostic and treatment services for its employees for appropriate
medical evaluation/ monitoring and management.
2. Adherence to the guidelines for healthcare providers on the evaluation
of Hepatitis B positive employees is highly encouraged.
3. Screening for Hepatitis B as a prerequisite to employment shall not be
mandatory.
E. Compensation
The company shall provide access to Social Security System and Employees
Compensation benefits under PD 626 to an employee contracted with Hepatitis B
infection in the performance of his duty.
IV. Roles and Responsibilities of Employers and Employees
A. Employer’s Responsibilities
1. Management, together with employees’ organizations, company focal
personnel for human resources, and safety and health personnel shall
develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the workplace policy and program
on Hepatitis B.

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2. The Health and Safety Committee shall ensure that their company policy
and program is adequately funded and made known to all employees.
3. The Human Resources Department shall ensure that their policy and
program adheres to existing legislations and guidelines, including provisions
on leaves, benefits and insurance.
4. Management shall provide information, education and
training on
Hepatitis B for its workforce consistent with the standardized basic
information package developed by the Hepatitis B TWG; if not available within
the establishment, then provide access to information.
5. The company shall ensure non-discriminatory practices in the workplace.
6. The management together with the company focal personnel for human
resources and safety and health shall provide appropriate personal protective
equipment to prevent Hepatitis B exposure, especially for employees exposed
to potentially contaminated blood or body fluid.
7. The Health and Safety Committee, together with the employees’
organizations shall jointly review the policy and program for effectiveness and
continue to improve these by networking with government and organizations
promoting Hepatitis B prevention.
8. The company shall ensure confidentiality of the health status of its
employees, including those with Hepatitis B.
9. The human resources shall ensure that access to medical records is
limited to authorized personnel.
B. Employees Responsibilities
1. The employees’ organization is required to undertake an active role in
educating and training their members on Hepatitis B prevention and control.
The IEC program must also aim at promoting and practicing a healthy lifestyle
with emphasis on avoiding high risk behavior and other risk factors that
expose employees to increased risk of Hepatitis B infection, consistent with
the standardized basic information package developed by the Hepatitis B
TWG.
2. Employees shall practice non-discriminatory acts against co-employees
on the ground of Hepatitis B status.
3. Employees and their organizations shall not have access to personnel
data relating to an employee’s Hepatitis B status. The rules of confidentiality
shall apply in carrying out union and organization functions.
4. Employees shall comply with the universal precaution and the
preventive measures.
5. Employees with Hepatitis B may inform the health care provider or the
company physician on their Hepatitis B status, that is, if their work activities
may increase the risk of Hepatitis B infection and transmission or put the
Hepatitis B positive at risk for aggravation.

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V. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Within the establishment, the implementation of the policy and program shall
be monitored and evaluated periodically. The safety and health committee or its
counterpart shall be tasked for this purpose.
VI. EFFECTIVITY
This Policy shall take effect immediately and shall be made known to all
employees.

______________________
Owner /Manager
Representative

___________________________
Employees’

DATE: ______________

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