DOLE sees safety violations in Angeles City building collapse

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) identified possible violations of occupational safety and health standards in connection with the deadly collapse of an under-construction building in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“Ang tinutukoy po dito 'yung violation sa occupational safety and health standards. So dito po nagkulang,” acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Wednesday.

(What we are referring to here is the violation of occupational safety and health standards. So this is where they are lacking.)

According to Tolentino, the construction project had previously been subject to a work stoppage order issued by DOLE Region 3 due to safety deficiencies.

Tolentino suspended DOLE Region III Director Geraldine Panlilio as part of the agency’s ongoing investigation to determine the accountability of labor officials in the incident

He said construction later resumed after the company reportedly complied with the agency’s requirement. However, he pointed out that monitoring should have continued to ensure sustained compliance.

Tolentino cited several possible violations at the site, including the alleged presence of workers’ barracks or sleeping quarters inside the unfinished building.

He also noted the possible lack of required medical facilities and emergency equipment at the site.

Under labor regulations, construction projects are required to provide treatment rooms, clinics, first aid kits, and safety officers, depending on the number of workers present.

Tolentino said authorities are also looking into the absence of proper worker records and whether mandatory safety personnel were deployed.

He added that he would personally travel to Angeles City on Wednesday to inspect the site and continue the investigation.

The nine-story building being constructed collapsed before dawn on Sunday.

Four people were confirmed dead, 16 were still reported missing, and 26 were rescued in the incident, according to the local government as of Tuesday. —AOL, GMA News