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By Anthony Vargas, Reporter
THE Department of Labor and Employment issued
new policy guidelines aimed at improving the safety and working
condition of workers in the call-center industry.
Department Circular No. 1, series of 2008
signed by Labor Secretary Arturo Brion provides strict policy
guidelines governing the occupational safety and health of workers
in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.
The guidelines instruct call-center firms
to formulate health and safety programs that are compliant with the
standards and other related issuances that are enforced to protect
employees from work-related hazards.
Brion said the circular was issued to address
the safety and health concerns, which could undermine the workers
physical, mental, psychological well-being and their efficiency in
their job performances.
He said all call centers should comply with the
guidelines to ensure not only the worker’s well-being but also the
industry’s productivity and growth.
Among the concerns affecting the health of
call-center workers, foremost is the prevailing weather condition in
the country besides the physical problems that may arise from usage
of computers and mobile telephones.
Call-center workers are also subjected to stress
and pressure owing to quotas and constant monitoring, while those in
the graveyard shift, especially the women, may face some physical
and reproductive problems.
The health program should include the following:
Hazard and risk prevention and control to reduce the extent of
workers’ exposure to hazards and decrease the likelihood for those
hazards to cause illness or injury; capability building for members
of the call center’s safety and health committee to undertake risk
management activities through information, training and work
environment safety and health interventions; referral and access to
medical and welfare services that would address physical, ergonomic
and psychological aspects of the work environment and the health and
safety needs of the workers.
Employers shall also make available occupational
safety and health and welfare facilities to workers with specific
needs such as pregnant or lactating women, young, older, and
differently-abled workers.
Brion said that the Labor Inspectorate of DOLE
Regional Offices shall be responsible in the enforcement and
monitoring of call centers’ compliance with the provisions of the
circular.
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