Exterior work on bldg stopped

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment- Central Visayas has ordered three firms to stop work on a building’s exterior after two workers fell from the 11th floor of the building being built in Archbishop Reyes Avenue Tuesday.

The order was addressed to ASEC Development and Construction Corporation, AS Enriquez Engineering Consultancy, and Sonyu Paint Specialist.

Investigation of DOLE appeared that the monkey ladder falls from its welded connection causing the two workers of Sonyu Paint Specialist to fall.

Jovito Alvarado, 42, was declared dead on arrival at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center while his cousin, Crisanto Cupta, 21, was in critical condition as of yesterday.

DOLE-7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said evaluation revealed that the three firms committed discrepancies.

It was reportedly found out that the project does not have the following: Approved structural analysis on the monkey ladder used as scaffolding for exterior use, DOLE-approved Construction Safety and Health Program, safety officer, construction contract documents, first-aider, administrative reports, Safety Committee organized with subcontractors and trade contractors, and Drug-Free workplace.

It was also found out that the workers used inappropriate Personal Protective Equipment and that work permitting scheme practice was not implemented. There was also no one from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) present during inspection.

Sarcauga said they have given the three firms until December 8 to submit the necessary documents.

“Only the exterior work was stopped but the interior work is ongoing kay di gyud sila makapadayun kung di ni nila ma-comply,” he said.

Sarcauga said the agency is yet to decide on possible sanctions in the event the firms fail to submit the documents.

The victims were on a suspended platform or “gondola” attached to metal scaffoldings while painting the building when it suddenly collapsed. They were wearing safety harness but they were attached to the metal bar that went down with the gondola.

The victims’ employer had promised to shoulder all hospital and burial expenses. — (FREEMAN)