Dole issues CDO vs giant shipbuilder

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Department of Labor and Employment Central Luzon regional director Raymundo G. Agravante on Tuesday issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) to Finback Corporation, a subcontractor of the Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation Philippines (HHIC-Phils), until further notice after an accident occurred at the box beam inside the trans-bulkhead at PO110-Block 2507 site of the Hanjin Shipyard in Subic, Zambales, resulting to the death of one employee.

Based on Agravante’s report to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, the CDO was issued to Finback Corporation based on the results of the Accident Investigation conducted by the DOLE-3 Labor Law Compliance Officers (LLCOs) Engr. Angelito Longos and Jose Roberto Navata, which revealed that an accident happened on April 30, 2014 at around 3:05 p.m. when Ryan E. Gacus, 29, welder and fitter of the subcontractor, was reported to have accidentally obtained a second degree burn from an explosion of a gas-hose of oxy-ethylene used while the victim was conducting cutting and fit-up work.

Gacus was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital to get some treatment. However, the victim passed away hours later.

In evaluating the condition of the accident area, Agravante reported to Baldoz that considering the condition of the tools used by the victim, the probable cause of the incident is due to the existence of a pinhole at the middle portion of the gas-hose used in cutting works.

“This might have been resulted from set-up or pulling of the hose inside the work area. With such a small leak from the pinhole on the hose, workers could not detect the gas leak from the tools used. In the event that he relocated or re-positioned the tools for a more comfortable condition in finishing the task, the damaged portion of the hose might have been placed near the victim. Thus, upon igniting the cutting torch the hose instantly explode at the victim resulting to burn injuries,” Agravant said.

After an ocular inspection, responding DOLE-LLCOs held a conference meeting with HHIC and Finback representatives comprised of Technical/Safety Manager Jung Hyeon Eom, and Safety Practitioners Kevin Merced and john Ray Agat.

It was agreed during the exit conference that a temporary stoppage work order or a “cease and desist order” shall be implemented at the area of the incident after the issuance yesterday of the CDO served by Labor Laws Compliance Officer Jose Roberto Navata. (PR)