Following the removal of the State of Public Health Emergency due to Covid 19, employers are still responsible in ensuring “safe and healthy working conditions” in the workplace, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
In Labor Advisory 23-23 dated September 20 by DOLE, employers should review and update their current workplace safety and health program, and include the provision of regular health monitoring of workers.
Employers should also develop a referral mechanism to the nearest health service provider, which workers could have access to, said DOLE.
“The cost of preventive and control measures for workplace illnesses and diseases, including the cost of vaccines, shall be borne by the employer,” the labor advisory stated.
The Labor Advisory added employers should promote vaccination of all employees and their families, including contractual workers.
The directive also encouraged employers to develop a company policy for sick leave benefits, providing medical insurance, isolation assistance, paid vaccination leave, among others.
Pursuant to Labor Advisory 7-22, employers were reminded to submit the monthly work accident and injuries report, as well as the annual medical report to the DOLE Regional or Provincial office.
Covid-19 positive cases must be reported to the local government units (LGUs) in accordance with the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2020-0013, said DOLE.
