Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Meteo Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7172

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
CREATING OFFICE ERGONOMIC STANDARDS TO ADDRESS THE
HEALTH RISKS RELATED TO COMPUTER-USE IN THE WORKPLACE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Since the beginning of the Digital Age, computers have been part of
the general environment in the workplace. However, several health
problems associated with the excessive use of the computer have been
recognized by the World Health Organization.’

Musculoskeletal disorders, sometimes known as repetitive strain
injuries or cumulative trauma disorders, are a form of physical injury
caused by extreme computer use. Vision problems, stress disorders, and
sleeping problems, are among the many possible health risks for
employees brought about by unwarranted and disingenuous computer
use. All of these however are avoidable through the use of ergonomic
principles in the workplace.

This bill seeks to ensure that companies and institutions adopt
policies that would help avoid health risks related to computer use and
in turn, protect the health and well-being of Filipino employees

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is
earnestly sought.

ALFRED V. ‘AS

' World Health Organization. 2010. WHO Healthy Workplace Framework Model


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

Second Regular Session

- 7172
House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
CREATING OFFICE ERGONOMIC STANDARDS TO ADDRESS THE
HEALTH RISKS RELATED TO COMPUTER-USE IN THE WORKPLACE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Workplace
Computer Ergonomics Act.”

SECTION 2. Office Ergonomic Standards. - The following standards shall
be required for employers who have employees who use computers in their
workplace.

(a) Chairs must be adjustable to allow the user to move the seat up
and down depending on the height of the user;

(b) For employees who are required to copy or to type from another
document, a document holder must be provided;

() Computer monitors must be positioned to lessen glare coming from
external sources;

(a) The rear of computer monitors should be at least three (3) feet
from another employee;

(¢) Defective computer screens that flicker or wave must be repaired
as soon as possible and the employee must not be forced to work
with a defective computer monitor;

() Employees who regularly work in from of computer monitors must


be allowed to rest their eyes on a regular basis; and

(@) Every company must hold an ergonomic standard seminar where a
representative from the Department of Health shall talk about the
details of this Act and give other means to lessen the health strain
caused by computers in the workplace.

SECTION 3. Duty of the Department of Labor and Employment. - The
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is required to verify the
compliance of employers with the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 4. Penalties. - The Department of Labor and Employment is
empowered to establish and assess penalties or fines against any person for
violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In no case shall
the fine exceed One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 100,000.00).

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations, or other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not
affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following the completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette or in
a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,