DOLE assures safer BPO workplace

MANILA, Philippines – Call center agents employed in Metro Manila can look forward to much safer and healthy workplaces.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday that the government is set to implement a comprehensive occupational safety and health program for business process outsourcing (BPO) firms in Metro Manila.

Ma. Teresita Cucueco, DOLE’s Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) executive director, said they will be pilot-testing the program in the National Capital Region.

Among others, Cucueco said, the program provides for compliance to general and labor standards as well as monitoring of compliance and research.

Cucueco added that OSHC is already developing a module that will focus on the BPO-OSG situation, basic concepts and principles of safety and health responses and intervention.

Government occupational health experts earlier reported that call center employees face great risk of acquiring HIV and other highly-infectious diseases.

Two years ago, DOLE came out with a policy guidelines for the implementation of drug-free workplaces as well as HIV control programs in BPO firms.

Yesterday, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz called on establishments anew to work towards self-regulation in complying with health and safety standards.

She said DOLE has started the implementation of reforms that encourage companies nationwide to voluntarily comply with labor regulations, including occupational safety and health standards.

“Once these reforms are in place, I see workers and establishments taking joint responsibility in ensuring safe and healthy workplaces conducive to productive work that would contribute to shared growth,” Baldoz said.

Baldoz noted that DOLE is issuing to compliant companies a certificate of compliance which shall serve as exemption for companies from the regular inspections. –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)