DOLE orders construction firm to stop work after man’s death

By Samuel P. Medenilla, Businessmirror, Jul 16, 2019

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a Work Stoppage Order (WSO) on Monday at a construction site of Momentum Construction and Development Corp. (MCDC) in Manila, where a worker was killed last Sunday.

DOLE-National Capital Region Director Sarah Buena S. Mirasol issued the order after there labor inspector found 24 counts of occupational safety and health standards (OSHS) violation at the site located at Piy Margal Street corner Dos Castillas Street.

The WSO covers MCDC and all involved subcontractors.

“Failure to comply with this Order is a criminal offense punishable under Article 288 of the Labor Code of the Philippines,” Mirasol said.

Among the violations of MCDC as listed by Mirasol: non-registration of the establishment; inadequate number of safety officers; non-submission of OSH Reports; inadequate safety signages; poor housekeeping; improper handling and storage of materials; inadequate lighting; non-provision of safety measures when operating machines; and non-registration of subcontractors at the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).

MCDC also lacked the following OSHS requirements: OSH program; OSH Committee; first aiders; safety health nurse; health physicians; health dentist; treatment room; eight-hour mandatory OSH orientation to all workers; lactation room; emergency drills; defined procedure in performing hazard; approved work system; guidelines when performing gas, electric, and cutting operations; Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) Logbook.

DOLE-NCR conducted the probe following the death of John Erick Marcoso, a steelman from a subcontractor of MCDC, who was hit by a detached part of a crane.

Mirasol ordered MCDC to send a representative at DOLE-NCR by Tuesday to “determine the propriety of having this Work Stoppage Order lifted or not.”

While the WSO is in effect, Labor Assistant Secretary Benjo M. Benavidez assured the affected workers of MCDC that they will still be paid their regular salaries.

He said Marcoso’s loved ones will also be entitled to benefits from the Social Security System and ECC.