DOLE padlocks Iloilo meat factory after grinder mishap

by Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star), Jul 2, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered the closure of a meat factory in Iloilo after one of its workers died when half of his body was drawn into a meat grinder last week.

Cyril Ticao, DOLE Western Visayas regional director, said a work stoppage order was issued against the factory in Barangay Mansaya, Bario Obrero, Lapuz district in Iloilo City upon the recommendation of labor inspectors.

Ticao said the DOLE inspectors found several violations, such as non-registration of the establishment, absence of a trained safety officer and failure to report the accident within 24 hours.

Ticao said the owner of the factory was also asked to pay a fine of P100,000 aside from other penalties applicable to violations uncovered by labor inspectors.

The hand of the victim, Joemar Junco, 18, reportedly got stuck in the meat grinder. It was when half of his body had been dragged into the machine when his co-workers learned about the accident.