DOLE issues work stoppage order vs. construction firm after death of steelman

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a work stoppage order against a construction firm and its subcontractors in Sampaloc, Manila after a steelman died while on duty last Sunday.

The Momentum Construction and Development Corporation violated multiple occupational safety and health policies, according to the DOLE.

The 23-year-old construction worker, Jhon Erick Marcoso, died earlier this week after a crane pulley from the 30th floor fell on him.

"Among the violations noted in the investigation include the non-registration of the establishment under Rule 1020, lack of OSH program, inadequate number of safety officers, lack of 8-hour mandatory OSH orientation to all workers, lack of occupational health physicians, and inadequate safety signages," the Labor Department said in a statement.

The lack of specific instructions in performing hazardous tasks at the construction site, as well as the non-provision of safety measures in machine operations, were also pointed out.

Further, an investigation revealed the non-registration of the construction firm's subcontractors with the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board and their non-compliance in submitting pertinent documents for the occupational safety of their employees.

The DOLE vowed to extend assistance to the family of the victim. —LDF, GMA News