DOLE stops building construction in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — The construction of a building in Barangay Paj, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu has been stopped following the death of two workers.

“The management of Tayemco Building and JRDM Builders were ordered to cease and desist from all scaffold erection and painting works within the project site until... violations noted under the Occupational Safety and Health Standards have been rectified,”  Salome Siaton, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Visayas director, said.

The two workers were reportedly electrocuted while painting the building, which was near a high tension wire of the Mactan Electric Co.  

Siaton said labor inspectors found several violations, including the absence of a safety officer duty during the incident.

“There was no wire insulator installed on the overhead power lines... There was no hazard identification risk assessment and control for paint works,” she added.

The DOLE said companies that expose their workers to danger face a fine of P100,000 per day until full compliance with safety standards.