Friday, August 08, 2008 Another worker dies in Subic By Anthony Bayarong
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Death once again hounded Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction, as another worker died here Wednesday afternoon.
A report from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority identified the latest victim as 19-year-old Arvy Mahinay, a resident of Pasig City who fell off the roof of a shelter being constructed after he reportedly tried to go after his falling helmet.
Mahinay, who was hired through subcontractor Bodahh, Inc., died instantly at the Korean project site.
He was the fourth fatality here this year and the 14th since the shipyard opened in 2006.
SBMA investigators said the victim was wearing a safety belt hooked in a lifeline while at work on the roof.
However, when his safety helmet accidentally fell off, Mahinay reportedly unhooked his lifeline as he tried to retrieve his helmet.
The victim reportedly slipped and subsequently fell 29 meters to the ground.
SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said the agency is conducting further investigation into the incident, but announced at the same time that SBMA has ordered the suspension of any activity of the subcontractor.
Arreza added that SBMA is also studying the permanent cancellation of Bodahh's accreditation in view of its involvement in a number of accidents at the Redondo project site.
Previously, three other workers employed by Bodahh have figured in fatal accidents, including two who also fell off rooftops.
The first victim employed by Bodahh fell off the roof of an assembly shop on February 22 last year; the second, from a nine-meter high structure on March 11, 2008; and the third, in a vehicular accident only last June 11.
