DOLE asks BPOs to adhere to health guidelines for employees

MANILA, Philippines - Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz called yesterday on the business-process outsourcing (BPO) industry to strictly adhere to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) programs.

In a statement, Baldoz said under Department of Labor and Employment Circular No. 1-2008, BPO companies should have OSH programs to protect their employees from hazards in the workplace.

“While the rapid growth of the business process outsourcing industry has created significant employment opportunities, we recognize there are still health and safety concerns linked to peculiar working conditions in the industry,” she said.

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) among call center agents is increasing, according to a study that the International Labor Organization had commissioned the Ateneo de Manila University-Clinical Psychology Department to do.

Many call center agents were developing NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, asthma and kidney ailments because of irregular sleeping habit, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet and smoking.

Years ago, the Department of Health reported an increase in HIV cases among call center agents.

 Dr. Teresa Cucueco, executive director of DOLE-Occupational Safety and Health Center, said BPO firms should follow the “Policy Guidelines Governing the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) of Workers in the Call Center Industry.”

“These programs should include measures in building the capability of BPO firms’ safety and health committees to undertake risk management through information, training, and work environment safety and health interventions,” she said.