A construction worker died after his head was hit by a backhoe bucket while working on a project inside the compound of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Mindanao (DPWH-10) in Cagayan de Oro City.
DPWH-10 said the 28-year-old victim was among those working on the Archive Building that is being built in the compound.
The victim was working on the building’s foundation when hit by the backhoe bucket. The backhoe operator reportedly did not notice that the victim was there.
DPWH-10 said the victim was wearing personal protective equipment.
“Bale kagahapon, naa siya (biktima) sa ilalom kay nag-excavate sila didto sa lugar. Pag-excavate nila, wala nakabantay ang driver sa backhoe nga naa diay tao sa ilalom pero amo lang i-clarify nga katong tao sa ilalom, nagsuot to siya og PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Ginapa-comply man gyud nato ang mga contractor sa construction safety and health kay apil man na sa pag-bidding,” DPWH-10 Spokesperson, Novie Cabrido, said.
The backhoe operator was placed under police custody after the incident.
The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) has prepared charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against him.
The backhoe operator did not issue a statement.
“So wala damha nga maigo siya sa bucket sa backhoe pero kasamtangan pa nga gi-imbestigahan ug gipalawman ang imbestigasyon sa Police Station 7 kung ngano nahitabo kini nga insidente susama niani,” COCPO Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Evan Viñas, said.
DPWH-10 added that what happened may have just been purely an accident as the victim and the backhoe operator did not have a prior conflict.
The contractor has shouldered the hospital and burial expenses for the victim.
“Naghatag na og financial assistance ang atong contractor both sa hospital bills ug sa burial services bali ang contractor na ang migasto tanan,” Cabrido added.
DPWH-10 reminded all contractors to follow all safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
The project started in July 2024 and is expected to be finished in February 2025. However, work may be delayed because of the incident.
