THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday, October 21, said it would tighten monitoring and inspection of construction project sites following the fatal mishap at an ongoing building construction in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.
Speaking with ABS-CBN News, DOLE-National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol said her office would prioritize monitoring and inspection of the construction industry, particularly high-rise projects where risks are higher.
She emphasized that companies must ensure compliance with all safety standards, including fire prevention measures and the provision of proper accommodation for workers to rest.
“Responsibilidad po, hindi lang po ng ating mga employees but also especially ang mga employers na panatilihing ligtas ang kanilang mga workplaces,” Mirasol said.
One construction worker was killed while three others were injured after several steel beams toppled onto them.
The 28-story building — with a six-story basement — was being built along 34th Street and was intended to serve as the headquarters of a clothing and lifestyle brand. The project was managed by Monolith Construction and Development Corporation.
The construction has been suspended pending the results of the investigation.
The contractor has been summoned to explain and present the corrective actions implemented at the construction site.
According to Mirasol, the construction firm may face penalties over the incident, including the possible issuance of a work stoppage order.
Labor inspectors have already visited the construction site to conduct an occupational safety and health investigation, she added, noting that she is still awaiting the formal report.
“Ang amin pong investigation po ay para malaman natin ang root cause ng accident at ano po ang kailangang i-recommend na collective action,” she said in a separate interview on DZMM.
The three injured workers were still undergoing treatment at St. Luke’s Medical Center, while the family of the fatality was expected to arrive from Bicol.
The contractor assured that assistance would be extended to the affected workers. Mirasol said DOLE will ensure that the victims receive proper compensation.
“Under investigation pa ho lahat, pero sila ho ay mga steel man po,” said Engr. Harley Tagatac, area manager of Monolith Construction. “Nagkakabit po ng bakal sila nang mangyari ang insidente.”
“Buo naman po ‘yong safety measures ho namin. Sa ngayon, ini-investigate pa ho namin kung ano ‘yong talagang nangyari, bakit nadaganan sila,” he added.
Mirasol urged workers to report any violations by their employers to the DOLE hotline 1349 or through regional and field offices, admitting that the department has limited labor inspectors and cannot monitor all project sites regularly. (ABS-CBN News)
