Groups call for strict implementation

CEBU, Philippines - A labor union and the Construction Workers’ Solidarity called on the Department of Labor and Employment to strictly implement the occupational safety and health standards of workers in the construction industry, which they noted as of the most hazardous industries.

Art Barrit, spokesperson of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and CWS, said DOLE should strictly implement Department Order No. 13 or the guidelines governing  Occupational Safety and Health in the construction industry.

In a press conference yesterday, Barrit said that construction-related accidents have always been figured as one of the top reasons for disabilities and fatalities. 

He said that the Bureau of Working Condition’s Work Alert Data showed that the construction industry ranked highest in the number of cases.

Vicente Abordo of DOLE-7 said that based on their 2013 records, there were at least 13 construction workers that died or were injured.

But CWS president Crispin Soriano, Jr. said that the figure could be higher as most victims or relatives of the victims opted not to report to DOLE.

“There were accidents sa construction that remained unreported. Usually, hindi na sila mag-report at binabayaran na lang ng kumpaniya. Dahil takot ang management na ipasara yung construction company at takot sa litigation,” Soriano said.

He said of the 2.23 million construction workers nationwide, around 30 percent of these are working in Region 7, especially in Cebu, where construction is booming.

CWS is an association of construction workers organized in 2005 in line with the increasing incidents of precarious employment arrangement in the industry characterized by contractualization, unsafe work pla-ces, underpayment of wages and lack of social protection.

Yesterday, the group pushed for the call in time with the celebration of the International Workers Memorial Day 2014.

“Lahat ng construction may injuries talaga. These injuries are either suffocation in in-close places, fall, tetanus or electricution,” he added. 

Meanwhile, as the world also celebrates “World Day for Safety and Health at Work” yesterday, ALU-TUCP also called on DOLE for the implementation and enforcement of Department Order 102-10 or the implementation and guidelines of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998.

Barrit said that management should stop discriminating employees who are positive with the virus. This kind of practice is reportedly persisting and spreading in the workplace.

ALU-TUCP also urged DOLE to implement drug-free workplace policies and programs for the private sector as well programs on tuberculosis-prevention and control.

Barrit said that tuberculosis remains among in the top ten causes of deaths in the country.  (FREEMAN)