Rules on use of scaffoldings revised

MANILA, Philippines - A labor group on Wednesday said that it is hopeful that the revision of the rules on the use of scaffoldings in construction sites will prevent another tragic accident that hit Eton building in Makati City three years ago. 

The Associated Labor Unions (ALU) said that the revised Department of Labor and Employment Rule 1414 on scaffoldings of the 1989 Occupational Health and Safety Standards puts the responsibility of the erection, installation and dismantling of scaffolds to a highly trained competent person called scaffold erector.

The erector is certified by the Technical Skills Development Authority and employed by every project managers and owners of any construction projects.

"We are hoping that these rules are faithfully complied with by employers and contractors in ensuring a safe workplace and in minimizing accidents. We are also bidding that there would be no Eton-like tragedy to happen again once this rules are approved and in effect," ALU Executive Vice President Gerard Seno said. 

Three years ago, a freak accident happened at the Eton building where 11 workers were killed following the collapse of a gondola carrying them atop 32nd floor.

The revised rules now require workers on scaffoldings to be provided with fall arrest, fall protection and fall restrain harnesses to protect workers in the event of accidents. The rules also limit the use of bamboo scaffolds to painting and light construction work, and set the maximum height allowed to 6 meters.

The rules also require the materials used as scaffolds are quality tested by Department of Trade and Industry accredited testing institutions and not intermixed with other scaffolds materials in installing scaffoldings.