RULE 1960

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

(1) Every employer shall establish in his place of employment occupational health services in
accordance with the regulation and guidelines provided for under this rule.

(2) The employer, the workers, and their representatives, where they exist shall cooperate and
participate in the implementation of the organizational and other measures relating to
occupational health services.

and any of its political subdivisions and government-owned or controlled corporations.

(2) The Bureau of Dental Health Services of the Department of Health shall be responsible for
the development and enforcement of dental standards.

As used in this Rule, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms shall

(1) “Occupational Health Services” are services entrusted with essentially preventive functions
and responsible for advising the employers, the workers, and their representatives, in the

(a) The requirements for establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy working
environment which will facilitate optimal physical and mental health in relation to
work, and

(b) The adaptation of work to the capabilities of workers in the light of their state of
physical and mental health.

treatment for an injury or illness.

(5) “Occupational Health Practitioner” refers to a physician, nurse, engineer, dentist or chemist

(6) “Emergency Treatment Room” means any enclosed area or room equipped with the
necessary medical facilities and supplies, and located within the premises of the establishment
where workers maybe brought for examination and treatment of their injuries or illnesses
in cases of emergency.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES 169

 of the establishment, and equipped with the necessary medical facilities and supplies,
where workers maybe brought for examination and treatment of their injuries or illnesses
in cases of emergency, where more elaborate instruments and equipments (such as
examining bed, oxygen tank) are made available for the workers, and where the services

to hospitals.

safety of the workers in his employment, and with due regard to the necessity for the
workers to participate in matters of occupational health and safety, occupational health
services shall have the following functions as are adequate and appropriate to the occupational

(b) Surveillance of the factors in the working environment and working practices

and housing where these facilities are provided by the employer;

(c) Advice on planning and organization of work, including the design of the workplace,
on the choice, maintenance, and condition of machinery and other equipment,
and on substances used in work;

(d) Participation in the development of programs for the improvement of working

practices as well as testing and evaluation of health aspects of new equipment;

(e) Advice on occupational health, safety and hygiene, and on ergonomics and individual
and collective protective equipment;

(f) Surveillance of worker’s health in relation to work;

(g) Promoting the adaptation of work to the workers;

occupational health and hygiene and ergonomics;

(j) Participation in analysis of occupational accidents and occupational diseases.

(1) Occupational health services maybe organized by:

(c) social security institution

(d) any other bodies authorized by the Bureau
(e) a combination of any of the above.

(2) Occupational health services organized as a service for a single small-scale establishment
shall have an occupational health practitioner as one of its personnel, who shall conduct an
inspection of the workplace:

(a) at least once every two (2) months for hazardous small-scale establishments
employing 1 to 50 workers;

170 RULE 1960

 (b) at least once every month for hazardous small-scale establishments employing
51 to 99 workers;

(c) at least once every six (6) months for non-hazardous establishments employing 1
to 99 workers.

(3) Occupational health services organized as a service for a single, non-hazardous medium-
scale establishment employing 100 to 199 workers, shall have an occupational health
practitioner as one of its personnel who shall conduct an inspection of the workplace at
least once every three (3) months.

(4) Occupational health services organized as a service for a single, hazardous medium-scale
establishment employing 100 to 199 workers shall have a part-time occupational health
physician as one of its personnel, who shall perform the duties of an occupational health
physician as provided for under Rule 1965.02.

(5) For hazardous and non-hazardous large-scale establishments employing 200 workers and
more occupational health services shall be organized as a service solely for a single

physician, in accordance with the provisions of Rule 1963, as one of its personnel. Such
occupational health physician shall perform the duties of an occupational health physician
as provided for under Rule 1965.02.

(a) for small-scale industries, the total number of establishments shall not exceed ten
(10).

(b) for medium-scale industries, the total number of establishments shall not exceed
four (4).

For purposes of this Rule, the Bureau shall, with the approval of the Secretary, add from time to time
to the list of hazardous workplaces provided in Rule 1010.

(1) Every employer covered by this Rule shall in his workplace at least minimum quantity of
medicines, medical supplies and equipments and medical faculties listed in Table 47 (appendix)

undertaking.

(2) The medicines, medical supplies and facilities prescribed in Table 47 maybe substituted with

physician of the workplace.

(3) The medicines, medical supplies and facilities prescribed in Table 47 shall be kept inside the

same quantity immediately after use or consumption.

and facilities in the following cases and manner:

(1) For hazardous workplaces:

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 (a) in small-scale industries where the number of workers is from 1 to 50, the employer shall

(b) in small-scale industries where the number of workers is from 51 to 99, the employer shall
provide the services of a part-time occupational health nurse who shall stay in the premises

than one work shift in a day: the nurse shall stay in the workplace during the shift which
has the biggest number of workers. The employer shall also provide the services of a full-

room for his workers.

(c) in medium-scale industries where the number of workers is from 100 to 199, the employer
shall provide the services of a part-time occupational health physician and a part-time
dentist each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a
day, three (3) times a week, and each one working on alternate days with the other, where
there are more than one work shift in a day, the physician and the dentist shall stay in the
workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. In addition, the

The employer shall maintain in his place of employment an emergency treatment room for
his workers.

(d) in large-scale industries where the number of workers is from 200 to 600, the employer
shall provide the services of a part-time occupational health physician and a part-time
dentist each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a
day, six (6) times a week, and each working in alternate periods with the other, where
there are more than one work shift in a day, the physician and the dentist shall stay at the
workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers. The services of a full-

shall maintain in his place of employment an emergency medical clinic for his workers.

(e) in large-scale industries, where the number of workers is from 601 to 2000, the employer
shall provide the services of a full-time occupational health physician who shall stay in the
premises of the workplace eight (8) hours a day, six (6) times a week, or two (2) part-time
occupational health physician each working four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week in
alternate periods with the other. The services of a full-time dentist shall also be provided.
The physician and the dentist shall stay at the workplace during the shift which has the
biggest number of workers. The services of a full-time occupational health nurse and a full-

place of employment an emergency medical and dental clinic for his workers.

(f) in large-scale industries where the number of workers is more than 2000, the employer
shall provide the services of a full-time occupational health physician and a full-time dentist,
each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace eight (8) hours a day, six (6)
times a week during the work shift which has the biggest number of workers. In addition,
the employer shall provide the services of one (1) part-time occupational health physician
for each of the other work shifts who shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least
four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week. The services of a full-time occupational health

shall maintain in his place of employment an emergency hospital having a bed capacity of
one (1) bed for every one hundred (100) workers and a dental clinic.

plant.

172 RULE 1960

 (ii) the services of a competent full-time occupational health physician who shall stay
in the medical clinic provided for above, at least eight (8) hours a day during the
work shift which has the biggest number of workers.

(iii) a bathroom with shower and eyewash facilities within or beside the medical clinic
provided for above, and

(iv) an examining table with capacity to allow trendelenberg position.

(2) For non-hazardous workplaces:

(a) in small-scale industries where the number of workers is from 1 to 99, the employer

treatment room shall be provided.

(b) in medium-scale industries where the number of workers is from 100 to 199, the
employer shall provide the services of a part-time occupational health nurse who
shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, six (6)

stay in the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number of workers.

in his place of employment an emergency treatment room for his workers.

(c) in large-scale industries where the number of workers is from 200 to 600, the
employer shall provide the services of a part-time occupational health physician
and a part-time dentist each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace
at least four (4) hours a day, three (3) times a week, on alternate days with the

dentist shall stay in the workplace during the shift which has the biggest number
of workers. In addition, the services of a full-time occupational health nurse and

employment an emergency treatment room for his workers.

(d) in large-scale industries where the number of workers is from 601 to 2000, the
employer shall provide the services of a part-time occupational health physician
and a part-time dentist each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace
at least four (4) hours a day, six (6) times a week working in alternate periods

and the dentist shall stay in the workplace during the shift which has the biggest
number of workers. The employer shall also provide the services of a full-time

employment an emergency clinic for his workers.

(e) in large-scale industries where the number of workers is more than 2000, the
employer shall provide the services of a full-time occupational health physician
and a full-time dentist, each of whom shall stay in the premises of the workplace
eight (8) hours a day, six (6) times a week during the workshift which has the
biggest number of workers. In addition, the employer shall provide the services
of one part-time occupational health physician for each of the other workshift
who shall stay in the premises of the workplace at least four (4) hours a day, six
(6) times a week. The employer shall also provide the services of a full-time
occupational health nurse for every work shift. The employer shall provide the

emergency medical and dental clinic for his workers.

(3) For both hazardous and non-hazardous workplaces:

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 (a) where there are more than one (1) work shift in a day, the employer shall, in

aider for every work shift.

(b) where only a treatment room is provided by the employer under this Rule, he shall
in addition, provide for his workers in case of emergency, access to the nearest

kilometers away from the workplace. Such access shall be in the form of providing

dental clinic to attend to such emergencies brought to them.

the biggest number of workers shall be subject to call at anytime during the other
shifts to attend to emergencies.

(1) An employer may not establish an emergency hospital or dental clinic in his workplace as
required in these regulations where there is a hospital or dental clinic which is located not

the employer has facilities readily available for transporting workers to the hospital or clinic
in case of emergency. For purposes of this Rule, the employer shall enter into a written

of workers in case of emergency. However, this shall not excuse the employer from
maintaining in his place of employment an emergency treatment room for his workers.

the bureau.

shall enter into a contract for occupational health practitioner services with more than ten
(10) establishments.

health services with more than four (4) establishments.

health practitioner, has entered into a contract for occupational health services with one (1)

for the same services with any other establishment.

(5) Under no circumstances shall an employer enter into a retainership contract for health
services in place of the occupational health services provided for under Rule 1960.

each of the contract for Occupational Health Services.

174 RULE 1960

 (2) A nurse must have passed the examination given by the Board of Examiners for nurses and

accredited by the former.

(3) A physician, whether part-time or full-time, must have passed the examination given by
the Board of Examiners for Physicians, is licensed to practice medicine in the Philippines,
and a graduate of Basic training course in occupational medicine conducted by the Bureau,

organization duly accredited by the former.

(4) A physician engaged by the employer of a hazardous establishment employing more than
2,000 workers, to be its full-time occupational health physician must have, in addition to

occupational health or industrial health or its equivalent or completed a residency training

(5) A dentist, whether part-time or full-time, must have passed the examination given by the
Board of Examiners for Dentists, is licensed to practice dentistry in the Philippines, and has
completed a basic 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 same.

a. a graduate of an advanced training course in occupational health and safety

by the former;

occupational health and safety;

provided for in Rule 1964.01 shall, within six (6) months from the date of employment,

Standards shall, within six (6) months have the required number of his workers undergo

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 1965.01:

It shall be the duty of every employer to:

(1) Establish in his workplace occupational health services to provide a healthful place of work;

(2) Adopt and implement a comprehensive health program for his workers;

(3) Enter into a contract with hospitals or dental clinics, if these are not available in his
workplace;and

(4) Maintain a health record of his programs and activities and submit an annual medical report,

the covered period.

The Occupational Health Physician, whether part-time or full-time, who shall be responsible for
promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of the workers, shall have the following duties
and functions:

(1) Organize, administer and maintain an occupational health service program integrating therein
an occupational safety program;

of the workplace;

(3) Prevent diseases or injury in the workplace by establishing proper medical supervision over
substances used, processes, and work environment;

placement and health education;

(5) Provide medical and surgical care to restore health and earning capacity of injured workers;

(6) Maintain and analyze records of all medical cases and to prepare and submit to the employer

(8) Act as adviser to management and labor on all health matters;

The duties of the dentist in the workplace shall be in accordance with the Standards prescribed by
the Bureau of Dental Health Services, Department of Health.

The duties and functions of the Occupational Health Nurse are:

(1) In the absence of a physician, to organize and administer a health service program integrating
occupational safety, otherwise, these activities of the nurse shall be in accordance with the
physician;

176 RULE 1960

 (2) Provide nursing care to injured or ill workers;

(3) Participate in health maintenance examination. If a physician is not available, to perform

work activities which are within the scope allowed by the nursing profession, and if more
extensive examinations are needed, to refer the same to a physician;

(4) Participate in the maintenance of occupational health and safety by giving suggestions in

and

(5) Maintain a reporting and records system, and, if a physician is not available, prepare and

required by this Standards.

The duties of the First-Aider are to:

(1) Give immediate temporary treatment in case of injury or illness, before the services of a

call or refer the injured to one;

(2) Participate in the maintenance of occupational safety and health programs, if a member of

(3) Maintain medical services and facilities.

The duties of the occupational health practitioner are to:

(1) Advise the employers, the workers and their representatives in the workplace the necessary
requirements in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful working environment
which will facilitate optimal physical and mental health for workers;

(3) Act as adviser to the employer, workers and their representatives in matters concerning
the organization, administration and maintenance of an occupational health program; and

(4) Maintain a reporting and records system and prepare and submit an annual medical report

1966.01:

The employer shall organize and maintain an occupational health program to achieve the following
objective:

(1) Assess the worker’s physical, emotional and psychological assets as well as his liabilities in
order to facilitate his proper placement and ensure the suitability of individuals according
to their physical capacities, mental abilities and emotional make-up in work which they can

safety and that of their co-workers;

(2) Protect employees against health hazards in their working environment in order to prevent
occupational as well as non-occupational diseases;

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES 177

 industry;

(4) Assure adequate medical care of ill and injured workers;

and

(6) Provide guidance, information and services for family planning programs.

1966.02:

The Health Program shall include the following activities:

(1) Maintenance of a healthful work environment by requiring occupational health personnel

to conduct regular appraisal of sanitation conditions, periodic inspection of premises,
including all facilities therein, and evaluate the working environment in order to detect and

(2) Health Examinations:

a) Entrance;

b) Periodic;

c) Special examination;

d) Transfer examination;

e) Separation examination.

(3) Diagnosis and treatment of all injuries and occupational and non-occupational diseases;

(4) Immunization programs; and

or treatment, which must be under the exclusive custody and control of the occupational
health personnel. Such records shall be made available to the worker or his duly authorized
representative and shall not be used for discriminatory purpose or in any other manner
prejudicial to his interest.

shall cooperate with the supervisors in imparting appropriate health and safety information
to employees, such as health hazards and proper precautions, habits of cleanliness,
orderliness, safe work practices, use and maintenance of available personal protective
clothing and devices, and the use of available health services and facilities; and

(7) Nutrition program which shall be under the dietician and supervised by a physician if the
latter is present.

(1) All workers, irrespective of age and sex, shall undergo physical examination:

178 RULE 1960

 b. periodically, or at such intervals as may be necessary on account of the conditions
or risks involved in the work;

c. when transferred or separated from employment; and

d. when injured or ill.

(2) All examinations shall:

a. be complete and thorough;

b. be rendered free of charge to the workers; and

c. include X-ray or special laboratory examinations when necessary due to the peculiar
nature of the employment.

(3) The results of these physical examinations shall be recorded carefully and legibly on
appropriate forms by the health service personnel charged with such responsibility.

(4) Records of physical examinations and all information obtained by the health personnel

(1) Pre-employment Physical examination shall be conducted:

a. to determine the physical condition of the prospective employee at the time of

hiring: and

b. to prevent the placement of a worker on a job where, through some physical or

mental defects, he may be dangerous to his fellow workers or to property.

(2) Pre-employment physical examination shall:

a. be a general clinical examination including special laboratory examinations when

necessary due to the peculiar nature of the workers prospective employment;

b. include chest x-ray examinations. Under the following circumstances, x-ray examinations
be rendered free of charge.

i. where the employer or establishment is required by these Rules to engage

the services of an Occupational Health physician and where there are
x-ray facilities in the establishment;

ii. where the employer does not maintain such facilities, x-ray examinations
shall be conducted by;

aa. government clinics or hospitals;

bb. the occupational health physician; and

cc. private clinics or hospitals when applicants are referred to them.

iii. in all other instances, the applicant shall pay the cost of the examination.

(3) At the completion of the examination, the applicant shall he rated as follows:

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES 179

 dental caries, defective hearing, and other similar defects) but otherwise

hypertension, anatomical defects) requires special placement or limited

periodic evaluation.

disease with threatened failure, malignant hypertension, and other similar

illnesses).

exposure of employees to health hazards. These examinations:

(1) Shall be as complete and as thorough as the pre-employment examinations and include
general clinical examinations.

diagnosis of these diseases which will be free of charge in case the workers are exposed to
occupational health hazards.

(3) Shall include, whenever feasible, a chest x-ray examination at least once a year which shall
be rendered free of charge to the workers,

(4) Shall be as frequent as the nature of employment may warrant taking into consideration
the special hazards involved and their relative importance.

(5) Shall include regular biochemical monitoring which shall be conducted free of charge for

(6) Shall have an interval of not longer than one year between two (2) consecutive periodic
physical examinations.

1967.04:

In occupations where there is a risk to the health of the worker either due to toxic substances they

shall be employed.

1967.05:

their health, their employment shall be discontinued until after their complete or satisfactory recovery.
If circumstances permit, such workers shall meanwhile be given some other job consistent with their
state of health and which shall not impede or retard their recovery.

180 RULE 1960

is medically advisable.

Special examinations may be required where there is undue exposure to health hazards, such as lead,

A return to work examination shall be conducted:

(1) to detect if illness of the worker is still contagious;

(3) After prolonged absence for health reasons, for the purpose of determining its possible
occupational causes.

An employee leaving the employment of the company shall, if necessary, be examined by the
occupational health physician:

healed; and

(3) to determine whether he has sustained an injury.

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