(NAR) VOL. 22 NO. 1, JANUARY - MARCH 2011
a. Magnitude of Hepatitis B Epidemici. Hepatitis B as a diseaseb. Prevention of Hepatitis B infection
ii. Transmission
iii. Diagnosis
iv. Treatment and Referral
c. Information on basic human rights and rights of workers
d. Impact of illness on individual, family, community and workplace
e. Workplace policy and program on Hepatitis B
f. Salient features of national laws and policies related to Hepatitis B and blood-borne pathogens
1. All establishments are encouraged to provide Hepatitis B immunization for all its workers.
For those occupations with a conceivable risk of Hepatitis B transmission in the workplace such as health care workers and other workers whose occupation involves the potential for exchange of bodily fluids, Hepatitis B vaccination is required.
2. Measures to improve working conditions, such as adequate hygiene facilities, containment and proper disposal of infectious and potentially contaminated materials shall be provided.
3. Personal Protective Equipment shall be made available for all workers in high risk occupations at all times.
4. Workers should be given training and information on adherence to standard or universal precautions in the workplace.
All health care-related establishments and establishments whose workers are exposed to potentially contaminated blood or body fluid while in the workplace shall adhere to protocols developed or endorsed by the DOH.
a. There shall be no discrimination of any form against workers on the basis of their Hepatitis B status consistent with international agreements on non-discrimination ratified by the Philippines (ILO C111). Workers shall not be discriminated against, from pre to post-employment, including hiring, promotion or assignment, because of their Hepatitis B status.
b. Individuals found to be Hepatitis B positive shall not be declared unfit to work without appropriate medical evaluation and counseling.
c. Workers shall not be terminated on the basis of the actual, perceived or suspected Hepatitis B status.
d. Workplace management of sick employees shall not differ from that of any other illness. Persons with Hepatitis B-related illnesses should be able to work for as long as medically fit.
a. Employers shall take measures to reasonably accommodate workers who are Hepatitis B positive or with Hepatitis B - related illnesses.
b. Through agreements made between management and workers’ representatives, measures to support workers with Hepatitis B are encouraged through flexible leave arrangements, rescheduling of working time and arrangement for return to work.
1. Workplaces shall establish a referral system and provide access to diagnostic and treatment services for its workers for appropriate medical evaluation/monitoring and management.
2. Adherence to the guidelines for healthcare providers on the evaluation of Hepatitis B positive workers is highly encouraged.
3. Screening for Hepatitis B as a pre-requisite to employment shall not be mandatory.
1. Each employer, together with workers/ labor organizations, company focal personnel for human resources, safety and health personnel shall develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the workplace policy and program on Hepatitis B.
2. Each employer shall ensure that their company policy and program is adequately funded and made known to all workers.
3. Each employer shall ensure that their policy and program adheres to existing legislations and guidelines, including provisions on leaves, benefits and insurance.
4. Each employer 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. Each employer shall ensure non-discriminatory practices in the workplace.
6. Each employer, 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 those workers exposed to potentially contaminated blood or body fluid.
7. Each employer together with workers/ labor 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. Employers shall ensure confidentiality of the health status of its workers, including those with Hepatitis B.
9. Employers shall ensure that access to medical records is limited to authorized personnel.
1. Labor unions, federations, workers organizations and associations are 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 workers to increased risk of Hepatitis B infection, consistent with the standardized basic information package developed by the Hepatitis B TWG.
2. Workers shall practice non-discriminatory acts against co-workers.
3. Workers and workers’ organizations shall not have access to personnel data relating to a worker’s Hepatitis B status. The rules of confidentiality shall apply in carrying out union and organization functions.
4. Workers shall comply with universal precaution and the preventive measures.
5. Workers with Hepatitis B may inform the health care provider such as 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.