SBMA to issue new notice of violation to Hanjin for another worker’s death

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to issue a new notice of violation to shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries Inc. (HHIC) for “not enforcing occupational safety regulations” on its subcontractors after another worker died on Tuesday.

SBMA authorities said the victim, Efren de la Cruz, 23, of Almasen, Hermosa, Bataan, was electrocuted while he and four other workers of subcontractor UT Construction were working at the shipyard’s Motor Pool (U-Ditch Area).

De la Cruz was the 15th worker to die in the Hanjin shipyard.

SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya Koval said initial investigation showed there was three-inch deep rainwater in the ditch but only three of the workers were wearing company-issued rubber boots.

Koyal said De la Cruz was using a jackhammer that was connected to an extension wire that may have fallen or gotten in contact with the water, thus electrocuting him.

De la Cruz was first taken to the HHIC clinic for first aid and later transferred to the San Marcelino District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.   

In her report to SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, Koval recommended the issuance of another notice of violation to HHIC, stressing its failure to enforce occupational safety regulations on its subcontractors and the “lack of supervision by its safety officers on critical working environment.”

“In fact, no job safety analysis was conducted and no work permit for that activity was issued,” she said.

Koval also noted that UT Construction has no SBMA accreditation and permit to operate, having submitted the accreditation requirements to the SBMA Business Group only on Aug. 7.

“Due to the blatant negligence of the contractor on work safety standards, particularly on work environment assessment and provision of appropriate personal protective equipment to its workers, it is recommended that said contractor should not be issued any business permit,” she said.

Earlier, Arreza had asked Hanjin to terminate the accreditation of three subcontractors that were found negligent in enforcing occupational safety standards in their work areas in the shipyard. – With Ma. Elisa Osorio