Mayen Jaymalin
Philippine Star

Despite work-related deaths in its shipyard at the Subic Bay Freeport, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has virtually cleared the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Phils. Inc. of any violation of health and safety standards.

Nathaniel Lacambra, DOLE-Region 3 director, said recent inspection showed that Hanjin has implemented appropriate safety and health measures upon the recommendation of the labor department.

“Upon the recommendation of the DOLE-Region 3, Hanjin has also terminated its contract with one of its subcontractors whose four employees met fatal work-related accidents at the premises,” Lacambra said.

Lacambra added that based on their investigation of the 15 deaths, only three victims worked at the Hanjin shipbuilding project, and the rest with Hanjin Construction.

“It appearing that when Hanjin has substantially direct control of its operations, there are less fatal accidents,” Lacambra said, recommending that Hanjin take direct control of all its operations.

But Lacambra said the results of their investigation on Hanjin’s compliance with the occupational and health regulations will be submitted to Labor Secretary Marianito Roque soon.

The DOLE-Bureau of Working Conditions also conducted a general workplace and safety and health assessment at Hanjin last April. Roque is still awaiting the results of the assessment.

Meanwhile, the DOLE has ordered Hanjin to adopt a safety and health action program to prevent more fatal accidents at its construction site.

Roque said the DOLE has created a special team tasked to formulate a zero-accident program for Hanjin.

Earlier, Roque had expressed alarm over increasing worksite accidents and directed regional offices to determine whether the victims’ employers had violated safety regulations.

Roque said the DOLE would not hesitate to close down commercial establishments found violating labor laws, including safety and health regulations.