A CONSTRUCTION worker died after falling from the 33rd floor of a building that is under construction at the Cebu I.T. Park in Barangay Apas, Cebu City on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.
The victim was identified as 28-year-old Richard Andales, a native of Sierra Bullones, Bohol.
Andales was reportedly not wearing a safety harness when the incident happened, according to SSgt. Roy Bacus, investigator from the Mabolo Police Station.
Andales suffered multiple fractures. His right arm was detached from his body because of the fall’s impact. Andales was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident happened past 12 p.m. But it was reported to the police station at 1:20 p.m., Bacus said.
Bacus said he was able to talk with the contractor Teodoro Carbana, who admitted that Andales was not wearing a safety harness.
Carbana said cement was being poured on the 33rd floor when Andales slipped and fell.
The contractor promised to shoulder Andales’ burial expenses.
Bacus said it is up to Andales’ wife if she will file a complaint of negligence against the contractor for not making her husband wear a safety harness.
The government has urged the construction industry, one of the country’s fastest growing sectors, to attend to the safety and health of its workers.
The Department of Labor and Employment issues stoppage orders to projects that don’t comply with Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry. (GPL / KAL)