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OMNIBUS RULES
IMPLEMENTING THE LABOR CODE

BOOK FOUR
Health, Safety and Welfare Benefits

RULE I
Medical and Dental Services

SECTION 1. Coverage. — This Rule shall apply to all employers, whether operating for profit or not, including the Government and any of its political subdivisions and government-owned or controlled corporations, which employs in any workplace one or more workers.cralaw:red

The development and enforcement of dental standards shall continue to be under the responsibility of the Bureau of Dental Health Services of the Department of Health.cralaw:red

SECTION 2. Definitions. — As used in this Rule, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated hereunder unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) "First-aid treatment" means adequate, immediate and necessary medical and dental attention or remedy given in case of injury or sudden illness suffered by a worker during employment, irrespective of whether or not such injury or illness is work-connected, before more extensive medical and/or dental treatment can be secured. It does not include continued treatment or follow-up treatment for an injury or illness.cralaw:red

(b) "Work place" means the office, premises or work site where the workers are habitually employed and shall include the office or place where the workers who have no fixed or definite work site regularly report for assignment in the course of their employment.cralaw:red

(c) "First-aider" means any person trained and duly certified as qualified to administer first aid by the Philippine National Red Cross or by any other organization accredited by the former.cralaw:red

SECTION 3. Medicines and facilities. — Every employer shall keep in or about his work place the first-aid medicines, equipment and facilities that shall be prescribed by the Department of Labor and Employment within 5 days from the issuance of these regulations. The list of medicines, equipment and facilities may be revised from time to time by the Bureau of Working Conditions, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Labor and Employment.cralaw:red

SECTION 4. Emergency medical and dental services. — Any employer covered by this Rule shall provide his employees medical and dental services and facilities in the following cases and manner:

(a) When the number of workers is from 10 to 50 in a work place, the services of a graduate first-aider shall be provided who may be one of the workers in the work place and who has immediate access to the first-aid medicines prescribed in Section 3 of this Rule.cralaw:red

(b) Where the number of workers exceeds 50 but not more than 200, the services of a full-time registered nurse shall be provided. However, if the work place is non-hazardous, the services of a full-time first-aider may be provided if a nurse is not available.cralaw:red

(c) Where the number of workers in a work place exceeds 200 but not more than 300, the services of a full-time registered nurse, a part-time physician and a part-time dentist, and an emergency clinic shall be provided, regardless of the nature of the undertaking therein. The physician and dentist engaged for such work place shall stay in the premises for at least two (2) hours a day; Provided, However, that where the establishment has more than one (1) work shift a day, the required two-hour stay shall be devoted to the work shift which has the biggest number of workers and they shall, in addition to the requirements of this Rule, be subject to call at any time during the other work shifts to attend to emergency cases.cralaw:red

(d) Where the number of workers in a hazardous work place exceeds 300, the services of a full-time nurse, a full-time physician, a full-time dentist, a dental clinic and an infirmary or emergency hospital with one-bed capacity for every 100 workers shall be provided. The physician and dentist shall stay in the premises of the work place for at least eight (8) hours a day; Provided, However, that where the work place has more than one (1) work shift a day, they shall be at work place during the work shift which has the biggest number of workers and they shall be subject to call at anytime during the other work shifts to attend to emergency cases. Where the undertaking in such a work place is non-hazardous in nature, the employer may engage the services of a part-time physician and a part-time dentist who shall have the same responsibilities as those provided in sub-section (c) of this Section, and shall engage the services of a full-time registered nurse.cralaw:red

(e) In all work places where there are more than one (1) work shift in a day, the employer shall, in addition to the requirements of this Rule, provide the services of a full-time first-aider for each workshift.cralaw:red

SECTION 5. Emergency hospital. — An employer need not put up an emergency hospital or dental clinic in the work place as required in these regulations where there is a hospital or dental clinic which is not more than five (5) kilometers away from the work place if situated in any urban area or which can be reached by motor vehicle in twenty-five (25) minutes of travel, if situated in a rural area and the employer has facilities readily available for transporting a worker to the hospital or clinic in case of emergency: Provided, That the employer shall enter into a written contract with the hospital or dental clinic for the use thereof in the treatment of workers in case of emergency.cralaw:red

SECTION 6. Training and qualifications of medical and dental personnel. — The health personnel required to be hired by an employer pursuant to the Code and these Rules shall have the following minimum qualifications:

(a) A first-aider must be able to read and write and must have completed a course in first-aid duly certified by the National Red Cross or any other organization accredited by the same.cralaw:red

(b) A nurse must have passed the examination given by the Board of Examiners and duly licensed to practice nursing in the Philippines and preferably with at least fifty (50) hours of training in occupational nursing conducted by the Department of Health, the Institute of Public Health of the University of the Philippines or by any organization accredited by the former.cralaw:red

(c) A physician, whether permanent or part-time, must have passed the examinations given by the Board of Examiners for physicians, is licensed to practice medicine in the Philippines, and is preferably a graduate of a training course in occupational medicine conducted by the Bureau of Working Conditions, the Institute of Public Health of the University of the Philippines or any organization duly accredited by the former.cralaw:red

(d) A dentist, whether permanent or part-time, must have passed the examinations given by the Board of Examiners for dentists, is licensed to practice dentistry in the Philippines, and preferably has completed a training course in occupational dentistry conducted by the Bureau of Dental Health Services of the Department of Health or any organization duly accredited by the former.cralaw:red

SECTION 7. Opportunity for training. — Nurses, physicians, and dentists employed by covered employers on the date the Code becomes effective and who do not possess the special training qualifications provided in this Rule may attend the respective training courses pertinent to their field of specialization. The Bureau of Working Conditions shall initiate the organization and carrying out of appropriate training programs for nurses, physicians and dentists in coordination with the government agencies or private organizations referred to in the preceding Section.cralaw:red

SECTION 8. Hazardous work places. — The Bureau of Working Conditions, shall, with the approval of the Secretary of Labor and Employment, issue from time to time a detailed list of hazardous work places for purposes of this Rule, in addition to the following:

(a) Where the nature of the work exposes the workers to dangerous environmental elements, contaminations or work conditions including ionizing radiations, chemicals, fire, flammable substances, noxious components and the like.cralaw:red

(b) Where the workers are engaged in construction work, logging, fire-fighting, mining, quarrying, blasting, stevedoring, dock work, deep-sea fishing and mechanized farming.cralaw:red

(c) Where the workers are engaged in the manufacture or handling of explosives and other pyrotechnic products.cralaw:red

(d) Where the workers use or are exposed to heavy or power-driven machinery or equipment.cralaw:red

(e) Where the workers use or are exposed to power-driven tools.cralaw:red

SECTION 9. Health program. — The physician engaged by an employer pursuant to this Rule shall, in addition to providing medical services to the workers in cases of emergency, perform among others, the following duties:

(a) Conduct pre-employment medical examination, free of charge, for the proper selection and placement of workers;

(b) Conduct free of charge annual physical examination of the workers;

(c) Collaborate closely with the safety and technical personnel of the establishment to assure selection and placement of workers from the standpoint of physical, mental, physiological and psychological suitability, including investigation of accidents where the probable causes are exposure to occupational health hazards; and

(d) Develop and implement a comprehensive occupational health program for the employees of the establishment. A report shall be submitted annually to the Bureau of Working Conditions describing the program established and the implementation thereof.cralaw:red

SECTION 10. Medical and dental records. — (a) The employer shall furnish the Bureau of Working Conditions with copies of all contracts of employment of medical personnel and contracts with hospitals or clinics as provided in Section 5 of this Rule.cralaw:red

(b) The employer shall maintain a record of all medical examinations, treatments and medical activities undertaken.cralaw:red

(c) The employer shall submit reports in such form, and containing such information, as the Bureau of Working Conditions may require from time to time.

SECTION 1. General statement on coverage. — (a) This Rule shall apply to all establishments, workplaces, and other undertakings, including agricultural enterprises, whether operated for profit or not, except to: (1) those engaged in land, sea and air transportation: Provided, That their dry docks, garages, hangars, maintenance and repair shops and offices shall be covered by this Rule and (2) residential places exclusively devoted to dwelling purposes.cralaw:red

(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, all establishments, workplaces and undertakings located in all chartered cities as well as ordinary municipalities shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Labor and Employment in respect to the administration and enforcement of safety and health standards.cralaw:red

(c) Chartered cities may be allowed to assume responsibility for technical safety inspection by the Secretary of Labor and Employment upon compliance with such standards and guidelines as he may promulgate. As used herein, technical safety inspection includes inspection for purposes of safety determination of boilers, pressure vessels, internal combustion engines, elevators (passenger and freight), dumbwaiters, escalators, and electrical installation in all workplaces.cralaw:red

SECTION 2. General occupational health and safety standards. — Every employer covered by this Rule shall keep and maintain his workplace free from work hazards that are causing or likely to cause physical harm to the workers or damages to property. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Labor and Employment, the Bureau of Working Conditions shall, from time to time, issue guidelines for compliance with general occupational health and safety standards.cralaw:red

SECTION 3. Occupational Health and Safety Code; effectivity of existing standards. — (a) Within six (6) months from the date of effectivity of this Rule, the Bureau of Working Conditions shall prepare and adopt an Occupational Health and Safety Code, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Labor and Employment.cralaw:red

(b) Until the final adoption and approval of an Occupational Health and Safety Code as provided herein, existing safety orders issued by the Department of Labor and Employment shall remain effective and enforceable and shall apply in full force and effect to all employers covered by this Rule.cralaw:red

SECTION 4. Work condition not covered by standards. — Any specific standards applicable to a condition, practice, means, method, operation or process shall also apply to other similar work situations for which no specific standards have been established.cralaw:red

SECTION 5. Training of personnel in safety and health. — Every employer shall take steps to train a sufficient number of his supervisors or technical personnel in occupational safety and health. An employer may observe the following guidelines in the training of his personnel:

(a) In every non-hazardous establishment or workplace having from fifty (50) to four hundred (400) workers each shift, at least one of the supervisors or technical personnel shall be trained in occupational health and safety and shall be assigned as part-time safety man. Such safety man shall be the secretary of the safety committee.cralaw:red

(b) In every non-hazardous establishment or workplace having over four hundred (400) workers per shift, at least two of its supervisors shall be trained and a full-time safety man shall be provided.cralaw:red

(c) In every hazardous establishment or workplace having from twenty (20) to two hundred (200) workers each shift, at least one of it supervisors or technical man shall be trained who shall work as part-time safety man. He shall be appointed as secretary of the safety committee therein.cralaw:red

(d) In every hazardous establishment or workplace having over two hundred (200) workers each shift, at least two of its supervisors or technical personnel shall be trained and one of them shall be appointed full-time safety man and secretary of the safety committee therein.cralaw:red

(e) The employment of a full-time safety man not be required where the employer enters into a written contract with a qualified consulting organization which shall develop and carry out his safety and health activities; Provided, That the consultant shall conduct plant visits at least four (4) hours a week and is subject to call anytime to conduct accident investigations and is available during scheduled inspections or surveys by the Secretary of Labor and Employment or his authorized representatives.cralaw:red

The provisions of this Section shall be made mandatory upon orders of the Secretary of Labor and Employment as soon as he is satisfied that adequate facilities on training in occupational safety and health are available in the Department of Labor and Employment and other public or private entities duly accredited by the Secretary of Labor and Employment.cralaw:red

SECTION 6. General duties of workers. — (a) Every worker shall cooperate with the employer in carrying out the provisions of this Rule. He shall report to his supervisors any work hazard that he may discover in his workplace, without prejudice to the right of the worker to report the matter to the Regional Office concerned.cralaw:red

(b) Every worker shall make proper use of all safeguards and safety devices furnished in accordance with the provisions of this Rule for his protection and the protection of others and shall follow all instructions made by the employer in compliance with the provisions of this Rule.cralaw:red

SECTION 7. Duties of other persons. — Any person, including builders or contractors, who visits, builds, innovates or installs devices in establishments or workplaces shall comply with the provisions of this Rule and all regulations issued by the employer in compliance with the provisions of this Rule and other subsequent issuances of the Secretary of Labor and Employment.cralaw:red

SECTION 8. Administration and enforcement. — (a) Every employer shall give to the Secretary of Labor and Employment or his duly authorized representative access to its premises and records at any time of the day and night when there is work being undertaken therein for the purpose of determining compliance with the provisions of this Rule.cralaw:red

(b) Every establishment or workplace shall be inspected at least once a year to determine compliance with the provisions of this Rule. Special inspection visits, however, may be authorized by the Regional Office to investigate accidents, conduct surveys requested by the Bureau of Working Conditions, follow-up inspection, recommendations or to conduct investigations or inspections upon request of an employer, worker or a labor union in the establishment.cralaw:red

SECTION 9. Research. — (a) The Bureau of Working Conditions, on the basis of experiments, studies, and any other information available to it, shall develop criteria dealing with toxic materials and other harmful substances and conditions which will establish safe exposure levels for various periods of employment. Such studies and researches may be requested by the Secretary of Labor and Employment through grants, contracts or as priority projects in the programs of nationally recognized research organizations.cralaw:red

(b) The Bureau of Working Conditions shall conduct continuing studies and surveys of workplaces to study new problems in occupational safety and health including those created by new technology as well as the motivational and behavioral factors involved therein. The employer shall provide all the necessary assistance and facilities to carry out these activities.cralaw:red

SECTION 10. Training. — (a) The Bureau of Working Conditions shall conduct continuing programs to increase the competence of occupational health and safety personnel and to keep them informed of the latest trends, practices and technology in accidental prevention.cralaw:red

(b) The Bureau of Working Conditions shall conduct continuing programs of safety personnel in all establishments or workplaces, and for this purpose every employer shall in accordance with Section 7 hereof take such steps as may be necessary for the participation in such programs of at least two of his supervisors or technical personnel for every two hundred (200) workers per shift; Provided, That in establishments with less than two hundred (200) workers, at least one shall be assigned to participate in the training program.cralaw:red

(c) The training may be conducted by the Bureau or any other organization or group of persons accredited by the Secretary of Labor and Employment.cralaw:red

(d) Every training program shall include information on the importance and proper use of adequate safety and health equipment, and government policies and programs in occupational health and safety.