WestPower Construction Corp.

2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

GUIDELINES ON
WORKPLACE
PREVENTION AND
CONTROL OF
COVID-19
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

1.0 POLICY STATEMENT:

1.1 As a result of the emergence of a new strain of a highly infectious virus in the world
today, Westpower Construction Corporation recognizes the need to formulate a
new set of guidelines for a company-wide preparedness and response plan to
COVID-19.
1.2 The following are the DOH alert levels related to COVID-19:

Alert Level Code Definition

Presence of a suspected or confirmed case

1 White
outside the Philippines
Established presence of at least 1 imported case
2 Blue
in the Philippines

Declaration of Public Health Emergency of

3 Blue
International Concern (PHEIC) by WHO

Red Established presence of at least 1 case with

4
Sublevel 1 local transmission

Red With evidence of community transmission and

5 continuous increase in number of cases which
Sublevel 2 cannot be controlled by the government

2.0 COVERAGE:

2.1 This policy is applicable to all employees and visitors of Westpower Construction
Corporation.

3.0 GUIDELINES:

3.1 References based on the government-mandated guidelines

3.1.1 Proclamation No. 929 (s. 2020) Declaring a State of Calamity throughout
the Philippines due to Corona Virus Disease – declared a State of Calamity
throughout the country and imposed Enhanced Community Quarantine
(ECQ) in the entire Luzon due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

3.1.2 Republic Act No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”.
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

3.1.3 IATF Resolution No. 30 (s. 2020) Omnibus Guidelines for the
Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines.
`
3.1.4 Administrative Order No. 2020-0015 Guidelines on the Risk-Based Public
Health Standards for COVID-19 Mitigation

3.1.5 Omnibus Public Transport Protocols/ Guidelines set by the DOTr and the
IATF – EID covering Road transport, Aviation, Maritime and Railway
sectors.

3.1.6 Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2020-0002 Privacy Guidelines on the

Processing and Disclosure of COVID-19 Related Data for Disease
Surveillance and Response

3.1.7 Department Memorandum No. 2020-0189 Updated Guidelines on Contact

Tracing of Close Contacts of Confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Cases

3.1.8 DTI and DOLE Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of
COVID-19

3.2 Definition of Terms

3.2.1 Contact Tracing – the identification, listing, and follow-up of persons who
may have come into close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
Contact tracing is an important component in containing outbreaks of
infectious diseases.

3.2.2 Close Contact – a person who may have come into contact with the
probable or confirmed case two (2) days prior to onset of illness of the
confirmedCOVID-19 case (use date of sample collection for asymptomatic
cases as basis) until the time that said cases test negative on laboratory
confirmation or other approved laboratory test through:

3.2.2.1 Face-to-face contact with a probable or confirmed case

within 1 meter and for more than 15 minutes;

3.2.2.2 Direct physical contact with a probable or confirmed case;

 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

3.2.2.3 Direct care for a patient with probable or confirmed COVID-

19 disease without using proper personal protective
equipment; or

3.2.2.4 Other situations as indicated by local risk assessments

3.2.3 Confirmed COVID-19 case – any individual who tested positive for COVID-
19 through laboratory confirmation at the national reference laboratory,
subnational reference laboratory, or a DOH-certified laboratory testing
facility.

3.2.4 Probable COVID-19 case – a suspect case who fulfills anyone of the
following listed below:

3.2.4.1 Suspect case whose testing for COVID-19 is inconclusive;

3.2.4.2 Suspect who tested positive for COVID-19 but whose test
was not conducted in a national or subnational reference
laboratory of officially accredited laboratory for COVID-19
confirmatory testing.

3.2.4.3 Suspect case who died without undergoing any

confirmatory testing.

3.2.5 Suspect COVID-19 case – a person who is presenting with any of the
following conditions below:

3.2.5.1 All severe acute respiratory illness where no other etiology

that fully explains the clinical presentation.

3.2.5.2 Influenza-like illness with any of the following:

3.2.5.2.1 With no other etiology and a history of travel to

or residence in an area that reported local
transmission of COVID-19 during the 14 days
prior to symptom onset

3.2.5.2.2 With contact to a confirmed or probable case of

COVID-19 during the 14 days prior to the onset
of symptoms.
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

3.2.5.2.3 Individuals with fever or cough or shortness of

breath or other respiratory signs or symptoms
fulfilling any one of the following conditions:

a. Aged 60 years and above

b. With a co-morbidity
c. Assessed as having a high-risk pregnancy;
and/ or
d. Health worker

4.0 PEOPLE

4.1 Physical Distancing

4.1.1 For any work occurring indoors (e.g. construction within an existing
building), no more than one worker per 250 square feet is allowed on site,
excluding supervisors, unless additional personal protective measures are
implemented.

4.1.2 A distance at least 1 meter must be maintained among workers at all times,
unless safety of the core activity requires shorter distance. Any time
employees must come within one meter of another person, acceptable face
coverings must be worn. Employees must be prepared to done a face
covering if another person unexpectedly comes within one meter.

4.1.3 The number of work stations and employee seating areas, and their use,
may be modified or restricted, so that workers are at least one meter apart
in all directions (e.g. side-to-side and when facing one another) and are not
sharing workstations without cleaning and disinfection between use. When
distancing is not feasible between workstations, the use of face coverings
or physical barriers must be provided and required.

4.1.4 The use of tightly confined spaces (e.g. elevators and vehicles) by more
than one individual at a time, unless all employees in such space at the
same time are wearing acceptable face coverings, should be prohibited.
However, even with face coverings in use, occupancy must never exceed
50% of the maximum capacity of the space or vehicle, unless it is designed
for use by a single occupant. Ventilation with outdoor air should be
increased to the greatest extent possible, while maintaining safety protocols,
and additional measures to prevent congregation in elevator waiting areas
and limit density in elevators, such as enabling the use of stairs, should be
taken.
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

4.1.5 Signs must be posted throughout the site, consistent with DOH COVID-19
signage. Customized signage specific to a workplace or setting can be
developed and used, provided that such signage is consistent with the
Department’s signage. Signage should be used to remind employees to:

4.1.5.1 Cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-
covering when six feet of social distance cannot be
maintained.

4.1.5.2 Properly store and, when necessary, discard personal

protective equipment.

4.1.5.3 Adhere to physical distancing instructions.

4.1.5.4 Report symptoms of or exposure to COVID-19, and how

they should do so.

4.1.5.5 Follow hand hygiene and cleaning guidelines.

4.2 Gatherings in Enclosed Spaces

4.2.1 In-person gatherings (e.g. shapeups, toolbox talks, safety meetings) must
be limited to the greatest extent possible. Meetings should be held in open,
well-ventilated spaces and it should be ensured that individuals maintain
one meter of social distance between one another.

4.2.2 Practices for adequate social distancing in confined areas, such as

restrooms, must be put in place, and signage and systems (e.g. flagging
when occupied) to restrict occupancy when social distancing cannot be
maintained in such areas should be developed; and

4.3 Workplace Activity

4.3.1 Measures should be taken to reduce interpersonal contact and

congregation, through methods such as:

4.3.1.1 limiting in-person presence to only those staff who are

necessary to be on site; o adjusting workplace hours;

4.3.1.2 reducing on-site workforce to accommodate social

distancing guidelines;

4.3.1.3 prioritizing tasks that allow for social distancing over those
that do not; and/or
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

4.3.1.4 avoiding multiple crews and/or teams working in one area

by staggering scheduled tasks and using signs to indicate
occupied areas.

4.4 Movement and Commerce

4.4.1 Non-essential visitors on site should be prohibited.

4.4.2 Designated areas for pickups and deliveries must be established, limiting
contact to the extent possible.

4.4.3 On-site interactions and movements (e.g. employees should remain near
their workstations as often as possible) should be limited.

5.0 PLACE

5.1 Protective Equipment

5.1.1 In addition to necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required

for certain workplace activities, acceptable face coverings must be
procured, fashioned, or otherwise obtained, and such coverings must be
provided to employees while at work at no cost to the employee. An
adequate supply of face coverings, masks and other required PPE should
be on hand in the event an employee needs a replacement, or a visitor is in
need. Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth (e.g.
homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana), surgical masks and face shields.

5.1.2 Face coverings must be cleaned or replaced after use and may not be
shared.

5.1.3 Employees must be allowed to use their own acceptable face coverings, but
cannot be required to supply their own face coverings. Further, this
guidance shall not prevent employees from wearing their personally owned
additional protective coverings (e.g. surgical masks, or face shields).

5.1.4 Measures should be put in place to limit the sharing of objects, such as tools,
machinery, materials, and vehicles, as well as the touching of shared
surfaces, such as railings and fences; or, require workers to wear gloves
(trade-appropriate or medical) when in contact with shared objects or
frequently touched surfaces; or, require workers to sanitize or wash their
hands before and after contact.

5.1.5 Workers must be trained on how to adequately put on, take off, clean (as
applicable), and discard PPE, including but not limited to, appropriate face
coverings.
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

5.2 Hygiene and Cleaning

5.2.1 Hand hygiene stations must be provided and maintained on site, as follows:

5.2.1.1 For handwashing: soap, running warm water, and

disposable paper towels.

5.2.1.2 For sanitizer: an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at

least 60% alcohol for areas where handwashing facilities
may not be available or practical.

5.2.2 Appropriate cleaning / disinfection supplies for shared and frequently

touched surfaces must be provided, and employees should be encouraged
to use these supplies before and after the use of these surfaces, followed
by hand hygiene.

5.2.3 Regular cleaning and disinfection of the work site must be conducted, as
well as more frequent cleaning and disinfection for high risk areas used by
many individuals and for frequently touched surfaces. Cleaning and
disinfecting must be rigorous and ongoing and should occur at least after
each shift, daily, or more frequently as needed.

5.2.3.1 Regular cleaning and disinfecting of restrooms must be

ensured. Restrooms should be cleaned more often
depending on frequency of use.

5.2.3.2 Equipment and tools must be regularly disinfected using

registered disinfectants, including at least as often as
workers change workstations or move to a new set of tools.

5.2.3.3 If cleaning or disinfection products or the act of cleaning and

disinfecting causes safety hazards or degrades the material
or machinery, hand hygiene stations must be put in place
for in between uses and/or disposable gloves must be
supplied.

5.2.4 Cleaning and disinfection of exposed areas must be provided for in the event
of a positive case of COVID-19 of a worker, with such cleaning to include,
at a minimum, all heavy transit areas and hightouch surfaces (e.g. shared
tools, machines, vehicles, handrails, portable toilets).

5.2.5 Shared food and beverages (e.g. buffet style meals) must be prohibited,
bringing lunch from home should be encouraged, and adequate space for
employees to observe social distancing while eating meals must be
identified and reserved.
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

5.3 Phased Reopening

5.3.1 Reopening activities are encouraged to be phased-in so as to allow for

operational issues to be resolved before production or work activities return
to normal levels. A limited number of employees and hours, when first
reopening should be considered so as to provide operations with the ability
to adjust to the changes.

5.4 Communications Plan

5.4.1 Affirmation that the industry guidelines have been reviewed, are understood,
and that they will be implemented, must be provided.

5.4.2 A communication plan for employees, visitors, and customers should be

developed that includes applicable instructions, training, signage, and a
consistent means to provide employees with information. Development of
webpages, text and email groups, and social media should be considered.

6.0 PROCESSES

6.1 Screening and Testing

6.1.1 Mandatory daily health screening practices must be implemented.

6.1.1.1 At a minimum, screening should be required of all workers

and visitors and completed using a questionnaire that
determines whether the worker or visitor has:

6.1.1.1.1 knowingly been in close or proximate contact in

the past 14 days with anyone who has tested
positive for COVID-19 or who has or had
symptoms of COVID-19,

6.1.1.1.2 tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days,

or

6.1.1.1.3 has experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in

the past 14 days
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

6.1.2 Employees should be required to immediately disclose if and when their

responses to any of the aforementioned questions change, such as if they
begin to experience symptoms, both during work hours or outside of work
hours.

6.1.3 Daily temperature checks may also be conducted. Keeping records of

employee health data (e.g. temperature data) is prohibited.

6.1.4 Any personnel performing screening activities, including temperature

checks, must be appropriately protected from exposure to potentially
infectious workers or visitors entering the site. Personnel performing
screening activities should be trained by employer-identified individuals.

6.1.5 Screeners should be provided and use PPE, including at a minimum, a face
mask, and may include gloves, and/or a face shield.

6.1.6 An employee who screens positive for COVID-19 symptoms should not be
allowed to enter the worksite and should be sent home with instructions to
contact their healthcare provider for assessment and testing. The local
health department and DOH must be immediately notified about the
suspected case. Information on healthcare and testing resources should be
provided to the employee.

6.1.7 An employee who has responded that they have had close contact with a
person who is confirmed or suspected for COVID-19 may not be allowed to
enter the worksite without abiding by the precautions outlined below and
documentation of the employee’s adherence to those precautions has been
done.

6.1.8 An employee who has responded that they have had close contact with a
person who is confirmed or suspected for COVID-19 may not be allowed to
enter the worksite without abiding by the precautions outlined below and
documentation of the employee’s adherence to those precautions has been
done.

6.1.9 All employee and visitor responses collected by the screening process on a
daily basis must be reviewed and a record of such review must be
maintained. A contact as the party for workers to inform if they later are
experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, as noted in the questionnaire,
must be identified.

6.1.10 A site safety monitor must be designated whose responsibilities include

continuous compliance with all aspects of the site safety plan.
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

6.1.11 To the extent possible, a log of every person, including workers and visitors,
who may have close contact with other individuals at the work site or area
must be maintained; excluding deliveries that are performed with
appropriate PPE or through contactless means. Log should contain contact
information, such that all contacts may be identified, traced and notified in
the event an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19. Cooperation with local
health departments contact tracing efforts is required.

6.1.12 Employers and employees should take the following actions related to
COVID-19 symptoms and contact:

6.1.12.1 If an employee has COVID-19 symptoms AND

EITHER tests positive for COVID-19 OR did not receive a
test, the employee may only return to work after completing
a 14-day self-quarantine. If an employee is critical to the
operation or safety of a site, the local health department and
the most up-to-date CDC and DOH standards on the
minimum number of days to quarantine before an employee
is safely able to return to work with additional precautions to
mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission may be
consulted.

6.1.12.2 If an employee does NOT have COVID-19

symptoms BUT tests positive for COVID-19, the employee
may only return to work after completing a 14-day self-
quarantine. If an employee is critical to the operation or
safety of a site, the local health department and the most
up-to-date CDC and DOH standards on the minimum
number of days to quarantine before an employee is safely
able to return to work with additional precautions to mitigate
the risk of COVID-19 transmission may be consulted.

6.1.12.3 If an employee has had close contact with a person

with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time AND is
symptomatic, the employee should notify their employer and
follow the above protocol for a positive case.

6.1.12.4 If an employee has had close contact with a person

with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time AND is NOT
symptomatic, the employee should notify their employer and
adhere to the following practices prior to and during their
work shift, which should be documented:

6.1.12.4.1 Regular monitoring: As long as the employee

does not have a temperature or symptoms, they
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

should self-monitor under the supervision of their

employer’s occupational health program.

6.1.12.4.2 Wear a mask: The employee should wear a face

mask at all times while in the workplace for 14
days after last exposure.

6.1.12.4.3 Social distance: Employee should continue

social distancing practices, including
maintaining, at least, six feet distance from
others.

6.1.12.4.4 Disinfect and clean work spaces: Continue to

clean and disinfect all areas such as offices,
bathrooms, common areas, and shared
electronic equipment routinely.

6.1.12.5 If an employee has had close contact with a person

with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time AND is NOT
symptomatic, the employee should notify their employer and
adhere to the following practices prior to and during their
work shift, which should be documented:

7.0 TRACING AND TRACKING

7.1 The local health department and DOH must be notified immediately upon being
informed of any positive COVID-19 test result by a worker at the site.

7.2 In the case of a worker or visitor testing positive, cooperation with the local
health department is required to trace all contacts in the workplace, and the
local health department must be notified of all workers and visitors who entered
the site dating back to 48 hours before the worker began experiencing COVID-
19 symptoms or tested positive, whichever is earlier, but confidentiality must be
maintained as required by federal and state law and regulation.

7.3 Local health departments may, under their legal authority, implement monitoring
and movement restrictions of infected or exposed persons including home
isolation or quarantine.

7.4 Employees who are alerted that they have come into close or proximate contact
with a person with COVID-19, and have been alerted via tracing, tracking or
other mechanism, are required to self-report to their employer at the time of alert
and shall not be permitted to remain or return to the work site.
 WestPower Construction Corp.
2/F Elenita Bldg. Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna
T:(049)502-3748 TIN No.: 006-671-122-000

8.0 ATTACHMENTS:

8.1 COVID-19 Personal Health Declaration

8.2 Disinfection Monitoring Check sheet for Frequently Touched Surface
8.3 Disinfection Monitoring Check sheet for Service Vehicles
8.4 Closed Contact Line List Form