Guidelines for the 5 Modules of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM)
The Philippine College of Occupational Medicine should implement a comprehensive 5-module program focusing on workplace health management, medical surveillance, hazard assessment, prevention strategies, and occupational health service delivery to reduce morbidity and mortality among workers. 1
Module 1: Workplace Health Management and Occupational Safety
Core Components:
- Develop site-specific Health and Safety Plans (HASP) that include environmental surveillance, engineering controls, PPE protocols, training programs, and emergency response plans 2
- Implement basic infection control measures including disinfection protocols, proper hygiene practices, and physical separation during work hours to prevent infectious disease spread 1
- Establish quality improvement systems including identification of outcome indicators, data collection, analysis of variances, and improvement plans to evaluate occupational health practices 1
Implementation Requirements:
- Medical programs must be designed and administered by licensed physicians knowledgeable in occupational medicine, toxicology, industrial hygiene, and health surveillance 2
- Health care providers should be selected based on accessibility to workers, access to diagnostic resources, hospital referral systems, and ability to provide around-the-clock coverage 2
- Ensure proper documentation and confidentiality of medical information according to ethical and legal requirements 2
Module 2: Comprehensive Occupational Health Assessment
Medical History Components:
- Assess cardiovascular risk factors, including personal and family history of cardiovascular disease, especially for workers over 45 (men) or 55 (women) years of age 3
- Document detailed occupational history, including previous work in similar positions, history of repetitive motion injuries, and pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions 3
- Review history of respiratory conditions that might affect ability to wear required PPE 3
Physical Examination Components:
- Perform musculoskeletal assessment including spine examination to evaluate conditions that might limit prolonged standing or affect posture during work tasks 3
- Conduct cardiovascular assessment including resting heart rate and blood pressure measurement 3
- Test visual acuity (near and distance) to ensure adequate vision for detailed work 3
- Perform baseline spirometry to assess pulmonary function, especially if worker will be required to wear respiratory PPE 3
Functional Capacity Evaluation:
- Perform job-specific lifting assessment with materials appropriate to the job requirements 3
- Evaluate standing tolerance for prolonged periods based on job demands 3
- Assess ability to wear and use required PPE properly, including respiratory protection 3
Module 3: Occupational Hazard Assessment and Control
Risk Assessment Framework:
- Develop standardized approaches to evaluate workplace hazards including chemical, physical, biological, and psychosocial factors 2
- Implement exposure studies focusing on evaluation of allergen exposure and exposure interventions 2
- Utilize prediction models that account for mutual dependence between different test results to enable occupational physicians to deal with uncertainties in considering workers at risk 2
Prevention Strategies:
- Implement evidence-based preventive measures including improved ventilation, worker education, changes in work organization, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment 2
- Explore and address the role of skin exposure in relation to development of sensitization and disease occurrence 2
- Establish medical surveillance programs with clearly defined instruments and outcomes to monitor worker health over time 2
Module 4: Occupational Disease Management
Diagnostic Approach:
- Utilize multivariate approaches in design and analysis that account for mutual dependence between different test results 2
- Translate diagnostic information into predicted probability of occupational disease outcomes 2
- Consider prognostic factors including sex, type of response to specific challenges, and other determinants at diagnosis 2
Treatment and Follow-up:
- Implement standardized protocols for common occupational diseases based on evidence-based guidelines 4
- Conduct prospective monitoring using validated outcomes that have been established for specific conditions 2
- Establish clear referral pathways for specialized care when needed 4
Module 5: Occupational Health Service Delivery and Management
Program Implementation:
- Designate occupational health officers to supervise healthcare workers and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards 4
- Ensure accessibility to occupational health resources including PPE, disinfectants, and other necessary equipment 4
- Develop systems for constant evaluation of existing laws and policies for healthcare workers 4
Quality Assurance:
- Implement regular monitoring and reevaluation of personnel knowledge and practices in occupational health and safety 4
- Address barriers to compliance through education, improved access to resources, and management support 4
- Integrate occupational health with general health promotion for comprehensive worker wellbeing 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Neglecting to assess compatibility between corrective eyewear and required safety equipment 3
- Overlooking the importance of standing tolerance assessment for workers who must stand for prolonged periods 3
- Inadequate evaluation of cardiovascular fitness for workers who may experience physical stress from job demands 3
- Failing to incorporate basic clinical skills in occupational medicine, including proper occupational history taking and worksite investigation 6
- Limited accessibility to requirements for implementation of occupational health and safety (PPE, disinfectants, trained staff) 4
- Insufficient standardization of data collection and inadequate use of medical information obtained during screenings 7