UP-Baguio accident: Construction firm lacks permit

UP-Baguio accident: Construction firm lacks permit

By DANICA GUIEB, Sunstar, June 22, 2016

APO General Construction, the firm handling the University of the Philippines – Baguio infrastructure project, has been asked to halt work, after an accident killed one worker.

Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera regional director Nathaniel Lacambra said building construction at the UPB does not have “Construction Safety and Health Program” (CHSP).

The CHSP has to be submitted to the Dole before processing the building permit, which is to be processed by the City Building and Architecture Office.

Lacambra said an inspection team went on site immediately and found the APO General Construction without the necessary CSHP “After the inspection a cease and desist order was released to stop further engineering works on the site,” Lacambra said.

On June 16, Arthur Danis, 45, a construction worker from Angeles City, Pampanga died at UPB Dormitory construction site due to soil erosion.

“At 10 in the morning of June 15 we received a report regarding the incident and immediately dispatched a safety team on the site unfortunately he died,” Lacambra told Sun.Star Baguio.

Investigation showed soil erosion was caused by heavy rains and revealed the construction company lacked a building permit.

“Before the issuance of building permit they should first show us their CSHP to assure safety of their workers and to prevent such incidents, the CSHP is a requirement for issuance of building permit,” he said.

The CSHP must contain specific safety policies done at the construction site, penalties and sanctions for violations of the program as well as frequency, orientation and training of workers about the CSHP and the proper waste disposal plan.
Each construction company should also have a construction safety and health organization composed of Safety Engineer and health personnel.

The company should also provide Personal Protective Equipment and Devices (PPE), adequate supply of safe drinking water, sanitary and washing facilities, suitable living accommodation for workers, and as may be applicable, for their families to each worker; signage and barricades at the site were also required. (With a report from Ma. Teresa Gueco/Tarlac State University intern)