DOLE-7 stops 2 construction projects following accidents

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment-7 has issued a work stoppage order against two construction projects in Cebu following an accident that injured its workers.

DOLE-7 acting director Exequiel Sarcauga ordered Mayspring Corporation to stop its warehouse construction project in Jugan, Consolacion, Cebu.

It also stopped the construction of Hyundai Showroom and Service Center at J. De Veyra Street, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

DOLE-7 received an information that a worker was injured after it fell on the ground while working on a canopy of a warehouse of Mayspring Corporation.

Sarcauga said that Engineer Jan Archie Lua, labor laws compliance officer, was immediately dispatched to conduct an Occupational Safety and Health Standards Investigation at the site.

Lua’s report stated that the worker did not wear any Personal Protective Equipment especially a full body harness at the time of the accident.

“Our LLCO noted that respondents were unable to present their DOLE approved Construction Safety and Health Program and Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board license,” said Sarcauga, adding that they also did not have any heavy equipment testing certificate, heavy equipment operators’ TESDA certificate, and tool box meeting minutes.

The construction site had no adequate aisles and passageways. Poor housekeeping was also observed aside from the absence of storage for materials and debris catcher.

The workers had no Personal Protective Equipment such as hard hats, safety shoes, and full body harnesses.

Absence of fire protection equipment, safety officer, Redcross trained first aider, nurse, and emergency medicine was evident, Sarcauga added.

The company could not also present the following: policies and records; structural design on scaffolds and construction safety signages; and safety and health committee.

“They can only go on with their operations at the site when they are able to correct all deficiencies noted thereby eliminating imminent danger in the workplace,” Sarcauga added.

As for the Hyundai Showroom and Service Center, DOLE-7 investigated a complaint regarding a worker who got injured while at work which prompted them to conduct an OSHSI at the site.

Engineer Primo Guarin, the DOLE’s labor laws compliance officer, said in his report that the victim, a carpenter, was said to be stripping the wooden forms from a concrete square column when he fell to the ground. The worker was not also using a full body harness while doing elevated works.

Sarcauga also emphasized that under the OSHS, all certified safety officers or employers are to report all work-related disabling injuries and accidents to the DOLE within 24 hours from the time of occurrence, which the management reportedly failed to do so.

It was found out that said establishment failed to present its PCAB’s license, DOLE approved CSHP, Heavy Equipment Testing Certificates and TESDA Certificate for skilled workers such as their welders, electricians, scaffolding installers, and heavy equipment.

“They are ordered to cease and desist from all their construction work within the project site and can only resume operations when all unsafe practices are rectified and proof of corrections are shown,” Sarcauga added. —/FPL (FREEMAN)