FORTIFYING AND IMPLEMENTING THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN TIMES OF COVID-19

This research assessed the perceptions of the respondent groups on the level of safety measure and protocols implemented in times of covid-19 pandemic during the calendar year 2020. Most problems perceived in this time of pandemic was poor governance and strategy. If strategy and governance are important factor in health and safety, then it is important to understand the level of safety measures and protocols as perceived by the employees and administrators. The study also explores the relevant information of the respondents as to age and gender, educational attainment, years of service and status of employment. Moreover, this study utilized the descriptive methods of research, using appropriate statistical tool, the results were treated using mean, percentage and t-test for significant mean difference of the respondent groups. Based on the findings, data shows that workplaces have limitations of current testing capabilities especially in for screening symptoms of COVID-19 and employers in all sectors may experience shortages of PPE and washing area. Data suggest that the management who implement workplace testing strategies should act cautiously on COVID-19 test results. Employers should not presume that individuals who test negative for COVID-19 present no hazard to others in the workplace while protecting the outright termination of service and mitigate the effect of income loss of the employees, their safety against COVID-19 should be prioritized.  Overall, the findings show that there was still a need for the local establishment to elevate its safety measures and protocols.