Philippine labor authorities have ordered a business process outsourcing (BPO) firm in Central Visayas to halt operations over safety violations, underscoring tighter enforcement of workplace standards in the country’s outsourcing sector.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it issued a Work Stoppage Order (WSO) against one BPO company, directing it to cease operations until hazards are corrected, while a second firm was served a Notice of Conference over similar findings.
The WSO cited breaches of Occupational Safety and Health Standards, including the absence of an emergency and disaster preparedness plan and inadequate hazard identification measures, particularly for natural calamities.
Inspectors also flagged gaps in the company’s safety governance, including inconsistencies in its safety and health committee and the lack of a safety programme for ongoing construction activities within its premises.
Under DOLE rules, failure to address the violations could result in penalties of up to ₱100,000 per day.
Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said inspections would continue as authorities step up oversight of workplaces.
“We will not tolerate negligent practices that endanger workers’ lives,” he said.
The move highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on compliance and risk management across the Philippines’ BPO industry, which employs over a million workers and remains a key pillar of the economy.
Operators face rising pressure to strengthen workplace safety, particularly as clients place greater emphasis on ESG standards and business continuity.