DOLE readies plan vs repeat of construction tragedy in Makati

Following the death of 10 construction workers in an accident in Makati City last month, a task force has started preparing action plans to make employers more liable for violations of occupational health and safety standards. The Department of Labor (DOLE) spokesman Nicon Fameronag said the plans also include raising public consciousness about occupational health and safety standards and general labor standards. He said that in the case of the Jan. 27 Eton Construction tragedy, the employer of one of the workers faces charges for violating the law on the elimination of the worst forms of child labor. Earlier, the DOLE learned one of the fatalities, Kevin Mabunga, was a minor at 17 years old. At least 10 construction workers fell several stories to their deaths last Jan. 27, after a motorized gondola they used malfunctioned. They were working on the 39-story Eton Greenbelt Residences in Makati City at the time of the accident. Investigation by the Makati City government also showed the contractors installed the gondola lifts without informing the city government. Fameronag said an initial investigation by the DOLE indicated that Kevin was still a minor and, as provided for by R.A. No. 9231, should not be working at the construction site. "R.A. No. 9231, which amended R.A. 7610 to provide for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and afford stronger protection for the working children, prohibits the employment of youth below 18 years old in hazardous workplaces like construction sites," he said. Section 12-D of R.A. 9231 specifies that no child shall be engaged in the worst forms of child labor, which refers to work which is hazardous and harmful to the health, safety or morals of children. This includes work that is performed underground, underwater, or at dangerous heights; or work that exposes the child to physical danger ; or which requires the manual transport of heavy loads; or is performed in an unhealthy environment, thereby exposing the child to hazardous working conditions, elements, substances, extreme temperatures, noise, or vibrations. Also, the law states that any person who violates the provision shall be penalized of a fine not less than P100,000 but not more than P1 million, or imprisonment, or both. The law also says that an establishment found to have violated the law shall be immediately closed if the violation resulted in the death, insanity, or serious physical injury of a child employed in such establishment. — LBG, GMA News Online