DOLE halts construction work for Taguig building after deadly collapse

The Department of Labor and Employment on Wednesday halted work at a construction site in Taguig City after a collapse of a part of the structure killed two workers and injured at least 11 others.

 

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz also reminded those concerned on safety and health in construction, which she said has been shown to be "a matter of life and death."

 

“Our occupational safety and health investigators had already served our Work Stoppage Order and we have met with the MDC’s safety officer. A conference is already set for (Thursday) at the DOLE-NCR. We will find out the cause of the accident as soon as possible and we will identify those accountable,” DOLE Metro Manila Director Alex Avila said.

 

“This fatal accident, the second to occur this year in a construction site, reminds us how hazardous construction work is, and therefore, we have to really pay attention to the safety and health not only in construction sites, but in all workplaces,” Baldoz added.

 

She condoled with the families of the dead and sympathized with the injured ones.

 

"I assure them of our assistance. I also assure them we will those accountable for the accident answerable for this unnecessary, and totally avoidable, accident,” she added.

 

The DOLE said this was the second accident since January when a wall of a warehouse being built in Guiguinto, Bulacan collapsed.

 

At least 11 were killed, including a seven-year old child, a pregnant woman, and nine workers.

 

Initial findings

 

In the Taguig City accident, Bureau of Working Condition Director Catherine Parado said their initial findings showed two workers were killed on the spot.

 

She identified the site as the West Super Block Project on 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, Taguig City, and the structural work sub-contractor as Fastem Construction, Inc.

 

This was after a shoring on the second floor of a building safe on which concrete was being poured collapsed.

 

“Concrete pouring started at midnight the other night, and continued until 8:30 a.m. (Wednesday). The workers who got killed were at the bottom of the shoring serving as look-outs,” Parado said.

 

Avila added the scaffolding and the floor slab of the building, called The Suite, collapsed.

 

“The general contractor is the Makati Development Corporation. It has an approved Construction Safety and Health Program that the DOLE approved on 24 January 2015,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Baldoz directed Avila and Parado to fast-track the investigation and ensure that the workers get all the benefits due them.

 

She also directed them to coordinate their action with the Occupational Safety and Health Center and Employees Compensation Commission, particularly on the delivery of employee compensation benefits. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News