TIM eMagazine Vol . 3 Issue 3
DOLE orders work stoppage at Hanjin shipyard
A n accident at a shipyard site which injured three workers and killed one prompted the Department of Labor and Employment ( DOLE ) to issue a Work Stoppage Order ( WSO ) to Binictican I-Tech Corporation , a subcontractor of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation Philippines ( HHIC Phils ).
The WSO was issued to the company based on results of an Accident Investigation on a mishap that occurred at their worksite at the Hanjin shipyard premises over the weekend .
DOLE-3 Regional Director Ma . Zenaida Angara-Campita reported to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III that the accident resulted in the fatality of one worker while injuring three others .
“ On May 12 , around 3:30 in the afternoon , four workers fell from a scaffolding after suddenly tipping down . Prior to the incident , at least 9 workers were on the said scaffolding shaded by a blue canvass for their protection from the heat of the sun while taking their break ,” RD Campita said .
The injured workers who reside in various towns in Zambales were Gerry Bayuta , Johnny Alegre , and Vailian Dela Cruz . They were immediately brought and treated at the nearest town hospital .
The lone fatality , who passed away in the hospital two days later due to internal organ injury , was identified as Ferdinand Leuterio .
Technical Safety Inspectors ( TSIs ) Angelito Longos , James Ramos , and Arvin Fabian conducted the investigation at the accident site located at the Dockhead 6 P166-A02C within the Hanjin shipyard .
The TSIs reported to RD Campita that the concentrated weight of the workers and raw materials and equipment might have caused the tilting of the scaffolding .
DOLE-3 Regional Director Ma . Zenaida Angara-Campita
Credits : calbarzon . dole . gov . ph
During the investigation , the TSIs were informed by the workers ’ supervisor that only two workers were authorized to work in the said area .
The investigating team also observed that the bolt of the scaffolding ’ s bracket was sheared .
RD Campita said that the overall findings of the investigation revealed that the subcontractor failed to strictly implement and monitor safety procedures .
“ Clearly , there was an unsafe working condition because of an overload of workers and their equipment on the scaffolding , causing its sudden collapse . Aside from this , unsafe acts were also observed because of workers ’ failure to use safety harnesses , as well as their supervisor ’ s failure to control them on the adherence to safety practices ,” RD Campita said .
The WSO will remain in effect until Binictican I-Tech fully comply with occupational safety and health standards by submitting the required employer ’ s accident-illness report , accident illness report with attached photos of the incident , medical report / abstract / certificate of victim , duly acknowledged proof of financial assistance given to victim ’ s family and the other injured victims .
They must also submit their proof of remittance of SSS , PhilHealth , and PagIBIG coverage , proof of payment of victims ’ salary while recovering , Employees ’ Safety Orientations ( HSE Education Report ), revised work procedures in different areas of operations , and employment records for ECC claims / SSS Death claim of Ferdinand Leuterio ’ s family .
The subcontractor , who is scheduled for a conference with the DOLE , has already extended initial financial assistance to the victims and assured their full cooperation . dole . gov . ph
Hanjin Subic Bay Shipyard
“ Clearly , there was an unsafe working condition because of an overload of workers and their equipment on the scaffolding , causing its sudden collapse . Aside from this , unsafe acts were also observed because of workers ’ failure to use safety harnesses , as well as their supervisor ’ s failure to control them on the adherence to safety practices ,” RD Campita said .
Credits : subicbaynews . net
11