No DOLE sanctions for ship repair firm

MANILA, Philippines - Singaporean-owned Keppel Shipyard Inc. has evaded sanctions with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) just ordering implementation of measures to prevent more accidents at its ship repair facility in Subic, Zambales.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the DOLE is not imposing any sanction against Keppel despite violations found at its ship repair facility where six workers died in a work-related accident two weeks ago.

“As far as Keppel is concerned, the DOLE inspection team found no violations of general labor standards so there would be no penalty. Keppel just have to implement corrective measures,” Baldoz said.

Baldoz said the Labor Code does not provide sanctions to companies found violating safety regulations and only requires identification of lapses and adoption of corrective measures.   

Based on the DOLE inspection, Baldoz said Keppel and all its subcontractors have complied with internationally certified safety programs.

All the 1,300 Keppel workers were also given complete and appropriate personal protective equipment. The firm’s heavy equipment were also tested and certified by DOLE-accredited organizations.

However, Baldoz said Keppel still needs to adopt seven corrective measures to avoid recurrence of the Oct. 7 accident that resulted in the death of the six workers and injuries to seven others.

Among the corrective measures are the installation of two bigger tower posts on each of the stern ramp, regular check-up and calibration of cables, and for Keppel to submit to DOLE an annual health safety environment action plan.

DOLE also required Keppel to employ at least two full-time accredited safety practitioners who shall be in charge of implementing the safety program and for its safety officers to undergo safety training at the Occupational Safety and Health Center.

Baldoz said the DOLE will not lift the suspension order and Keppel cannot resume its operations until the company has fully complied with the seven corrective measures the DOLE recommended.