Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City RECEIVED
pate: 11 AUG 2016
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS srve:_[]’. gt #0.

BY:

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 2859 fee sl deegabesl al

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE

Introduced by REP. EDGAR MARY S. SARMIENTO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Constitution, Article 2, Section 15 provides that:
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people
and instill health consciousness among them.

‘There are several health problems associated with computer use. All of them are avoidable,
through the use of ergonomic principles. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the
worker, rather than expecting workers to accommodate themselves to uncomfortable
equipment, postures, and work organization.

As with any task done repeatedly, working on a computer for long periods of time can cause
inflammation of tendons, nerve sheaths and ligaments and damage to soft tissues.

Depending on an individual's sensitivity to the repeated movements of keyboarding, the
cumulative effect can be disabling. Resulting conditions are called cumulative trauma
disorders (CTDs). Different types of forearm and wrist CTDs from computer use are carpal
tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, tendinitis, DeQuervain's disease and
ganglionic cysts.

Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness can occur from improper placement of the computer
monitor, mouse or document one is working with. If these items are not placed correctly, the
muscles of the neck and shoulders are constantly working to keep the head and arms in an
awkward position. Many people who use computers for prolonged periods of time complain
of eyestrain, eye fatigue, eye irritation and blurred vision.

This bill seeks to ensure that companies put in place policies that will help their employees
avoid health risks related to computer use.


In view of the foregoing, the immediate adoption of this measure is eamestly requested.

EDGAR MARY S. RMIENTO RS


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.2E59

Introduced by REP. EDGAR MARY S. SARMIENTO

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 “Office 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;

d. The rear of computer monitors should be at least three feet from another

employee;


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€. 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 front of computer monitors must be allowed to
rest their eyes on a regular basis; and

g. 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 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 (P100,000).

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions

hereof.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is
inconsistent with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended

accordingly.


1 SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

2 publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,