Firms told to report for elevator deaths
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gave companies involved in the collapse of an elevator at the Burgundy Tower in Makati, which killed two persons, until next week to implement corrective measures.
Dole-national Capital Region (NCR) Regional Director Sarah S. Mirasol said she issued the order to the local operator of Colliers Property Management B.V., Concepcion-otis Philippines Inc. and DLC Electro Mechanical Engineering Services Inc. (DLC-EMES)
Among the documents the said firms would have to submit are: Construction Safety and Health program (CSHP) with methodology; certificate for designated safety office; and, certificate for designated first aider.
Concepcion-otis was also required to present its Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) license and registration of establishment. DLC-EMES is listed in the PCAB Licensed Contractors as of February 2020 (https://ciap.dti.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/pcab%20list%20of%20 Licensed%20contractors%20for%20 Cfy%202019-2020%20as%20of%20 12%20February%202020_web.pdf ).
According to Mirasol, the respondents were required to submit the said documents at the next conference Monday next week (July 18).
Violations
MIR ASOL said the compliance of the three companies will determine if they will face administrative fines for possible violation of the provisions of Republic Act 10058 or the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law.
This was in relation to a workplace accident involving DLC Emes employees replacing an old passenger elevator at Burgundy Tower in Makati last Friday. Authorities identified the two employees who died as Marfel Mico Linayao and Rey Miguel Gileda.
Colliers is the service provider in-charge of the management of the Burgundy Tower. Concepcion-otis is the general contractor in-charge in the dismantling and replacement of the said elevator. DLC Emes was its subcontractor.
During the investigation conducted by the DOLE-NCR on the incident, Mirasol said they observed several OSH violations in said worksite. These included the lack of the following: a CHSP; safety officer; first aider; safety orientation or tool box meeting; and, annual medical report.
She said they also found out Colliers violated general labor standards particularly non-presentation of employment records, and non-registration under Department Order 174.
Mirasol said the work stoppage order (WSO), which she issued for the worksite in Burgundy Tower last July 8 will last until the violations could be addressed by the concerned firms.
Swift resolution
FEDERATION of Free Workers (FFW) President Jose G. Matula called on the DOLE for the swift resolution of its investigation on the workplace accident.
“Government must act to prevent other work-related incidents like what happened in the last few days,” Matula was quoted in a statement as saying.
He reminded employers of their legal obligation to ensure the safety of their workers.
“Under RA 11058, workers shall enjoy a place of employment free from hazardous conditions,” Matula said.