by Tara Yap, Manila Bulletin, 12 Jul 2020
ILOILO CITY—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-6) started its own probe on probable safety violations when a damaged power barge triggered an oil spill that affected mostly coastal communities in Iloilo City.
DOLE Western Visayas Director Cyril Ticao led the ocular inspection of the power barge owned by AC Energy Philippines.
“We strongly expect the barge owner [AC Energy] to cooperate with us,” Ticao said.
DOLE’s inspection team focused its probe based on what was stipulated in Republic Act No. 11058 or the new Occupational Safety and Health (OSH Law).
This was after bunker fuel leaked from Power Barge 102 last July 3 when its hull was torn by an explosion. The oil spill has spread to several coastal areas in nearby towns of Guimaras and Iloilo provinces.
An initial probe conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) found that acetylene torch was used inside one of the power barge’s tanks where repair work was being done, and this allegedly ignited flammable fumes.
Ticao also said DOLE inspectors were also looking into complaints of alleged lack of personal protective equipment (PPEs) among newly-hired workers for the cleanup operations in retrieving bunker fuel.
While Ticao cautioned it was still early to reach a conclusion, he urged AC Energy to reassess its own occupational and safety policies.
March –
IT’S WOMEN’S MONTH!
“Respect and support women
every day of the year/s!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week;
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and “
Made-in-the-Philippines Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
March 4: Employee Appreciation Day
March 15: World Consumer Rights Day
March 18: Global Recycling Day
March 21: International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination
March 23: International Day for the Right to the Truth
Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations
and for the Dignity of Victims
March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the
Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
March 27: Earth Hour
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