THE Departement of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (Dole-7) has issued a stoppage order to the owner, contractor and subcontractor of a building in Sanciangko and Leon Kilat St., Cebu City after a worker fell to his death on Monday, August 14.
In a two-page order, Dole-7 acting director Cyril Ticao ordered Akropolis Realty Star Development Corporation to cease its ongoing construction activities until they are able to comply with some deficiencies.
Included in the stoppage order are Dakay Construction and Development and subcontractor Kapar Waterproofing Operation.
Nidfel Soco, 19, who works for Kapar Waterpoof Services, fell from the 16th floor of the building while undertaking waterproofing works on Monday.
Hours after the incident, two labor laws compliance officers from DOLE 7 immediately conducted an occupation safety and health standards investigation at the construction site.
But Cebu City Building Official Engr. Josefa Ylanan said inspectors have not found any building violation at the construction site.
Ylanan yesterday instructed safety engineers to inspect the area for any violations.
“Our engineers found that it was a matter of controlling the workers. There were no violations found since work is soon to finish,” she said.
Ylanan said the building owner and contractor also have perfrom the Office of the Building Official.
She said it is up the DOLE 7 to evaluate and impose the necessary sanctions and decide whether work on the site should be suspended.
Ticao said the building owner, contractor and subcontractor failed to follow occupational safety and health standards. They failed to place a safety barrier of the building’s 15th floor, there was no permitting system for waterproofing works and there was no safety harnesses for workers at heights.
Labor inspectors also noted that employees working at the building are not covered by basic privileges, such as SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig. No proof of financial assistance was also provided to Soco’s family.
During a mandatory conference at the DOLE 7 office yesterday, the building owner, contractor and subcontractor said they plan to submit documentary requirements to prove that they have complied with safety and health standards.
Luchel Taniza, DOLE 7 labor communications officer, said the three firms will meet on a second mandatory conference today to determine if the stoppage order will be lifted or not.
The subcontractor also vowed to shoulder Soco’s funeral and medical expenses. (JKV, RTF)