Worker on SEAG stadium hurt in fall

MANILA, Philippines — A construction worker was injured after falling from scaffolding he was supposed to dismantle at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila yesterday morning.

Richard delos Santos, 45, lost his balance and fell while dismantling the scaffolding during a heavy downpour as organizers of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games scrambled to finish the stadium in time for the opening of the biennial meet on Saturday.

Delos Santos suffered leg injuries and was rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila at around 11:30 a.m., said Manila Police District public information chief Lt. Col. Carlo Manuel. 

“The victim is in stable condition but the case is under investigation. We are trying to determine if there were lapses on the part of the contractors, and if they are liable,” he said.

The Department of Labor and Employment’s National Capital Region office has sent personnel to check on Delos Santos and inspect the accident site, DOLE Undersecretary Ana Dione said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said SEA Games contractors will face sanctions if they fail to ensure that their workers have proper personal protective equipment and that safety practices are observed at the workplace.