Incomplete safety applications won’t be processed — DOLE

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment-7 will not accept applications for Construction Safety and Health Program with incomplete requirements in compliance with the order of the labor secretary.

Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz issued Administrative Order No. 152 Series of 2011 to protect the safety of construction workers.

“We are strengthening safety and health of the workers in the construction industry given the number of projects done in Region-7,” said DOLE-7 acting director Exequiel R. Sarcauga.

Sarcauga said that CSHP applications are carefully evaluated and will not be assisted if they are deficient of the basic requirements in order to ensure all construction projects have comprehensive CSHPs.

He emphasized, however, that the Certificate of Approval of CSHP shall not cover CSHP applications intended for bidding, and/or for completed projects or projects which are almost completed.

“We want our clients to know that we are taking safety and health seriously,” he said.

The order strengthens the implementation of guidelines governing occupational safety and health in the construction industry among all concerned stakeholders.

It also mandates all construction project owners and their contractors/subcontractors to ensure that a suitable construction safety and health program is ready for implementation.

Sarcauga added that pursuant to the order, the general contractor or main contractor is responsible for the submission to DOLE the comprehensive CSHP suited for the specific project covering the activities and scope of work of all its contractors and subcontractors.

Sarcauga emphasized that the safety and health of the workers can never be compromised.

He added that there is a need for involved agencies to work harmoniously and synchronize all undertakings to achieve a safe and accident-free workplace in the construction industry.— /FPL (FREEMAN)