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. –Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star)
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
March – Women’s Role in History Month
April – Month of Planet Earth
Weekly Observances:
Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
Last Week of April – World Immunization Week
Daily Observances:
Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
Apr 21 – Civil Service Day
Apr 22 – World Earth Day
Apr 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work
