DOE policy to set health program for renewable energy workers

DAVAO CITY, July 9 (PIA) — A proposed safety and health policy to be imposed in all renewable energy (RE) facilities would ensure protection program for the workers.

The health program and services for workers in RE facilities will be encapsulated in the occupational health requirements under the proposed Renewable Energy Safety, Health and Environment Rules and Regulations (RESHERR).

The Department of Energy (DOE) is finalizing the guidelines which will be required in all RE exploration, development, utilization and system operations in the country.

Lawyer Marissa Cerezo, DOE assistant director for Renewable Energy Management Bureau, said that RESHERR serves as policy guideline for RE operators, developers and contractors in ensuring safety and healthy environment and operations in the workplace.

Rule 6 of RESHERR specifies the occupational health requirements that mandate every employer to provide health program and services for the employees. This covers health examination, management and treatment of occupational injuries and diseases, immunization programs, health education and counseling, keeping of medical records, and other relevant health program. The program also includes health surveillance with biological monitoring, medical surveillance and symptoms injury, inspection and examination activities.

For the health services, the employer shall ensure the provision of necessary medical and dental services and facilities in accordance with the requirements of the occupational safety and health standards by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The employer shall also maintain necessary additional emergency medical supplies and medicines as recommended by the employer’s medical personnel.

Vital sanitary and welfare facilities in the workplace should be provided by the employer as required under Chapter VII of Presidential Decree 856 or the “Sanitation Code of the Philippines.”

Under the health services, the employer shall also ensure that suitable transport facilities are readily available, and sufficient number of persons are adequately trained and readily available to render first aid in the absence of a clinic or hospital near and/or in proximity to the workplace.

DOE has gathered views, comments and recommendations from RE developers, contractors and other stakeholders in a series of public consultations held last month in Baguio, Iloilo, Davao and Manila.

Cerezo said they have a month to consolidate all views, comments and recommendations before they could finalize the policy for approval by DOE Secretary Jose Rene Almendras.

The promulgation of RESHERR aims to guarantee adequate safety and protection against hazards to health, life and property as well as pollution of air, land and water from RE operations.

It is pursuant to Republic Act No. 9513 or the “Renewable Energy Act” of 2008 and RA No. 7638 or the “Department of Energy Act” of 1992. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)