DOLE halts construction of dormitory in Talamban

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment-7 issued a work stoppage order against a dormitory construction in Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City due to critical deficiencies under the Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

DOLE-7 acting regional director Exequiel Sarcauga, in a statement, said that the stoppage order is in line with the imminent danger spotted in plain view on the EV Academy Project of Becson Realty and Development Corporation.

The dormitory construction was stopped after DOLE’s Labor Laws Compliance Officer found critical deficiencies in addition to the management’s failure to correct the existing imminent danger in the workplace.

Sarcauga said that their agency got a complaint from a concerned citizen regarding the debris catcher constructed by the dormitory, which was not properly installed.

After investigation, Sarcauga said the improper installation of the project’s debris catcher has exposed the workers, as well as the people living within the vicinity, to danger.

It was discovered that the site had no safety protection from live electrical system, workers were not wearing personal protective equipment such as a helmet, safety shoes and full body harnesses.

Sarcauga said that no certified safety officer and safety practitioner were on duty, as well as a full time certified first-aider.

According to Sarcuaga, those personnel are absolutely needed since the worksite is classified as hazardous workplace.

Sarcauga added that the project commenced without the DOLE Approved Construction Safety and Health Program and does not have a Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board license.

Apart from the management’s failure to present TESDA NC II for skilled workers, it was not also able to show the structural analysis for the scaffolds installed at the site as well as the third party inspection for the heavy equipment it has been using.

 “We found out that aside from their OSHS violations, they also failed to comply with the General Labor Standards. Taken together, all noted deficiencies are indicative of respondent’s laxity in implementing what is provided by labor laws in the workplace,” he said.

The company can only resume its operations if all violations are rectified, Sarcauga added.  (FREEMAN)