1. DEPARTMENT ADVISORY NO. 04
SERIES Of 2009
GUIDELINES ON INFLUENZA A
(H1N1)PREVENTION AND
CONTROL AT THE WORKPLACE
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

2. I.COVERAGE
 These Guidelines shall apply to all
employers and workers in the private
sector

3. II. WORKPLACE HEALTH
 Provide information
 About influenza
 Transmission
 Outcome
 Treatment options
 Regularly clean the work areas w disinfectant
 Soap, clean water etc.
 Emphasize “EVERYDAY ACTION TO STAY
HEALTHY”, such as:
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

4.  Cover nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing
 Frequent washing/sanitizing (hands)
 Spitting at proper places
 Avoid close contact w sick people
 Increase body’s resistance, sleep 8hrs
 Drink plenty of fluids
 Eat nutritious foods
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

5. Workplace with Imminent Danger Situation
 Employer shall take immediate protective measures
to avoid, correct or remove such imminent danger
(based on Rule 1010, OSHS)
 Install screening program on A H1N1 in accordance w DOH
guidelines to include screening which follows procedure using a
checklist of questions like:
• Recent travel to a country identified w transmission of A(H1N1)
• Recent contact w confirmed/suspected A (H1N1)
• Affliction by such symptoms as fever>38 degrees Celsius and flu-like
symptoms
Workers must take extra precautionary measures which includes strict hygiene,
and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Employers shall see to it
that these are worn properly and appropriately while at work and disposed of
accordingly after use

6. Guidance to Employers for Care of Workers with
Fever or Who are ill?
 SUSPECTED
 Provide w face mask
 Immediately isolate
 Refer to health care provider
 Report findings of health provider (if suspected) to DOH
 Ensure implementation of recommendation of DOH Response Team
(mgt and transport)
 Decontaminate work area w appropriate disinfectant
• Ill but NOT suspected
•Stay home, keep away from crowd
•Adequate rest/plenty of fluids
•Practice personal hygiene
•See appropriate medical care if persistent fever

7. III. LEAVE OF ABSENCE/ENTITLEMENTS
 LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA)
 For workers who are requested by employer to stay home or
who are served quarantine order for reasons related to
Influenza A (H1N1), these arrangements apply:
 LOA maybe charged to annual sick/vacation leave credits under
the company policy or practice or as stipulated in their CBA. If the
workers leave credits have been used up, employers could consider
granting LOA w/o pay. However, employers are encouraged to
exercise flexibility and compassion in granting additional leave w
pay
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

8.  By mutual agreement, employers and
workers/unions could also agree on other
arrangements for the worker’s LOA
For workers with afflicted/suspected children or a
member of their family:
 Who needs to take a LOA
 Who chooses to stay away from work to avoid transmission
Employers are encouraged to adopt a flexible and enlightened
approach in granting time-off which may include use of
annual leave. For used annual leave, employers may consider
granting them LOA without pay
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

9. HOSPITALIZATION BENEFITS
 In addition to existing company health care benefits
and PhilHealth benefits, public and private workers
infected with Influenza A (H1N1) may avail of the
following:
 P150,000 medical insurance package
 P75,000 Philhealth hospital benefits - for the dependents of
members infected w A (H1N1)
SOCIAL SECURITY/EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION BENEFITS
- a worker who contacts Influenza A (H1N1) at work is entitled to
sickness benefits under the SSS and Employees compensation benefits under
PD 626 (ECC Law)
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

10. IV. ASSITANCE TO BE PROVIDED BY DOLE
 For workers in the country, the OSHS, the BWC and the RO,
in collaboration with DOH shall provide the ff:
 info on A (H1N1) and workplace concerns including issues related to
OSH standards and General Labor Standards
 Technical assistance in the form of risk assessment, use of protective
equipment including a respirator program, workplace improvements to
reduce the likelihood of droplet infection and contamination by materials
possibly infected by the virus; and
 Capability Building of Influenza A (H1N1) of focal persons in the
workplace
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

11.  For OFWs, the POEA, the OWWA and the ILAS shall
ensure the information on Influenza a (H1N1)
prevention and control during PDOS, by the labor
attaches, welfare officers, and the Filipino
Associations Overseas.
The DOLE agencies concerned shall make a regular
progress report on the prevention and control of
Influenza A (H1N1) spread in the workplaces. The
BWC shall ensure the observance of these Guidelines
V. Effectivity : These guidelines shall take effect
immediately
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI

12. THANK YOU
Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. XI