DOLE issues work stoppage

IN VIEW of imminent and grave danger, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Cordillera Administrative Region OIC regional director Exequiel Ronie Guzman issued a Work Stoppage Order (WSO) a few hours after two construction firm employees died on June 13 along Sandico Sreet in Barangay Salud Mitra, Baguio City.

The construction firm employees - Engineer Patrick Lachica, 23 – years - old Project Junior Sanitary Engineer and Hanna Jean Aragon, 22, Human Resources Department representative were killed after the barracks they were staying in was carried away by a landslide caused by gushing waters contributing to the ground collapse.

Project developer FC Laranang Development Corporation was instructed to stop operation in the construction site after labor inspectors Senior Labor and Employment Officer Leonardwood Villanueva and Engineer Gledmore Gonzales conducted an occupational safety and health Investigation on the construction site were the accident happened and has verified and validated the collapsed ground collapsed.

"This is another unfortunate occurrence in the construction industry. We want to make it clear, though, to all safety officers and safety practitioners in every construction site that it is their duty to make sure that all unsafe conditions in the area are eliminated,” Guzman said.

Guzman added the issuance of the WSO by DOLE is pursuant to Rule 1012.02 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) in relation to article 168 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended and renumbered, and Rule VII of DOLE Department Order 183, Series of 2017 in abatement of imminent danger.

“All operations and activities within the project site of Mega Tower Condominium are suspended until all noted deficiencies are corrected. While the DOLE noted that the contractor has and as-