The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) continue to remind business establishments to be vigilant in keeping their workplaces safe from the spread of the Covid-19 virus despite the ongoing rollout of the different vaccines in the country.
In a statement, DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Leonila T. Baluyutsaid that the DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III both signed Joint Advisory 21-01 dated March 9, 2021 reminding business establishments to be vigilant against the spread of the new Covid-19 variants by strictly implementing health protocols in their respective workplaces, as provided in previously issued workplace guidelines such as DTI-DOLE Joint Administrative Order 2020-04-A, DOH Administrative Order 2020-0015 and applicable sector specific guidelines.
Director Baluyut noted that while the government is in the process of opening up the economy by allowing operational capacity of business establishments and activities, it is also of utmost importance to remain mindful of the workplace guidelines to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus in establishments allowed to operate, amidst the increasing number of Covd-19 cases in recent days.
Among the common mandatory health and safety protocols given to establishments allowed to operate are contact tracing mechanisms for clients, guests, examinees and visitors and health declaration form for workers; thermal scanning of all personnel, clients and suppliers; provision of sanitizers and disinfecting chemicals on the hands of personnel, guest, clients and workers prior to entry; regular interval of sanitation of hands; strict enforcement of “No Facemask and Face Shield, No Entry” policy; proper ventilation and exhaust system in the establishment; distancing of chairs, desks and tables; queueingareas complying with at least one meter distance; regular cleaning of high touch surfaces and proper sanitation of workplaces, trash areas and restrooms.
The DTI also reminded business establishments that there are penalty provisions for those firms which are found not implementing health and safety protocols in their respective workplaces. These penalties are provided by Republic Act No. 11058 or An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupancy Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof and DOLE Department Order No. 198.
The DTI and DOLE continue to conduct regular post-audit of establishments allowed to operate to check if they comply with health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
