Workplace Policy and Program On Tuberculosis (Tb) Prevention and Control

WORKPLACE POLICY AND PROGRAM ON TUBERCULOSIS (TB) PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Sacred Heart College recognizes that while 80% of Tuberculosis (TB) cases belong to the economically productive individuals, it is also treatable and its spread can be curtailed if proper control measures will be implemented. As such, this TB Policy and Program is hereby issued for the information and guidance of the employees.

PURPOSE:

To address the stigma attached to TB and to ensure that the worker’s right against discrimination, brought by the disease, is protected.

To facilitate free access to anti-TB medicines of affected employees through referrals.

I. IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE

The Sacred Heart College TB Program shall be managed by its health and safety committee consists of representatives from the different divisions and departments.

II. COVERAGE

This Program shall apply to all employees regardless of their employment status.

III. GUIDELINES

1. Preventive Strategies

1. Conduct of Tuberculosis (TB) Advocacy, Training and Education

· TB education shall be conducted by the Sacred Heart College Medical Clinic in close coordination with the health and safety committee, through distribution and posting of IEC materials and counselling and/ or lectures.

· Engineering measures such as improvement of ventilation, provision for adequate sanitary facilities and observance of standard for space requirement (avoidance of overcrowding) shall be implemented.

2. Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment and Referral to Health Care Services

· The school shall establish a referral system and provide access to diagnostic and treatment services for its employees. The company shall make arrangements with the nearest Direct Observed Treatment (DOT) facility.

· The school’s adherence to the DOTS guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment is highly encouraged.

B. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

1. The school shall adopt the DOTS strategy in the management of workers with tuberculosis. TB case finding case holding and Reporting and Recording shall be in accordance with the Comprehensive Unified Policy (CUP) and the National Tuberculosis Control Program.

2. The school shall at the minimum refer employees and their family members with TB to private or public DOTS centers.

C. SOCIAL POLICY

1. Non-discriminatory Policy and Practices

· There shall be no discrimination of any form against employees from pre to post employment, including hiring, promotion, or assignment, on account of their TB status. (ILO C111)

· Workplace management of sick employees shall not differ from that of any other illness. Persons with TB related illnesses should be able to work for as long as medically fit and shall not be declared unfit to work without appropriate medical evaluation.

2. Work-Accommodation and Arrangement

· Agreements made between the school and employee’s representatives shall reflect measures that will support workers with TB through flexible leave arrangements, rescheduling of working time and arrangement for return to work.

· The employee may be allowed to return to work with reasonable working arrangements as determined by the School Health Care provider and/or the DOTS provider.

D. COMPENSATION

The school shall provide access to Social Security System and Employees Compensation benefits under PD 626 to an employee who acquired TB infection in the performance of his/her duty.

V. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

1. Employer’s Responsibilities

1. The Employer, together with workers/ labor organizations, school focal personnel for human resources, safety and health personnel shall develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the workplace policy and program on TB.

· Provide information, education and training on TB prevention for its workforce.

· Ensure non-discriminatory practices in the workplace.

· Ensure confidentiality of the health status of its employees and the access to medical records is limited to authorized personnel.

· The Employer, through its Human Resources Department, shall see to it that their company policy and program is adequately funded and made known to all employees.

· The Health and Safety Committee, together with employees/ labor organizations shall jointly review the policy and program and continue to improve these by networking with government and organizations promoting TB prevention.

Employees’ Responsibilities

1. The employee’s organization is required to undertake an active role in educating and training their members on TB prevention and control.

2. Employees shall practice non-discriminatory acts against co-workers.

3. Employees and their organization shall not have access to personnel

data relating to a worker’s TB status.

4. Employees shall comply with universal precaution and the preventive measures.

V. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING

The Safety and Health Committee or its counterpart shall periodically monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Policy and Program.

VI. EFFECTIVITY

This Policy shall take place effective immediately and shall be made known to every employee.

Sr. Maria Luisa B. Javier, DC Arnel L. Cadeliña

President Employee’s Representative