THE Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (Dole-NCR) has ordered the suspension of vertical reinforcement bar installation at a Bonifacio Global City construction site where a worker was killed earlier this week.
DOLE-NCR Director Sarah Buena S. Mirasol confirmed on Wednesday that a work stoppage order (WSO) was issued on October 21 and will remain in effect until lifted.
‘WSO is in effect until lifted; but it does not cover all activities in the construction site. The WSO directed the contractors to stop the installation of vertical reinforcement bar ONLY,’ Mirasol said in a text message.
She added that the contractors involved have been summoned to a mandatory conference at the Muntaparlas (Muntinlupa, Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas) field office on Thursday, October 23.
Initial police findings indicate that the incident occurred around 11:10 a.m. on Monday while workers were installing rebars at the Basement 2 level of the construction site.
The elevator core wall collapsed, and rubble fell on four workers.
All four were rushed to St. Luke’s Medical Center in BGC, but one of them, identified as Arvin Loria, was declared dead on arrival at 12:11 p.m.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma earlier said that the department will intensify its inspections of construction sites following the fatal accident.
‘Dole will be persistent in our efforts to ramp up inspection of firms, with special focus on construction works being undertaken, so that accidents like this will be abated,’ Laguesma said.
‘It is indeed unfortunate and it saddens me that accident like this causing death and injuries continues to occur despite repeated reminders to employers, particularly in the construction industry, to strictly observe and comply with OSH rules and regulations,’ he added.
Laguesma also assured that the families of those affected will receive all assistance due to them.
‘Dole will ensure that benefits due to the family of Mr. Loria will be given, as Well as to the other injured workers. We will also make available Dole programs to the bereaved family and the injured workers,’ he said.