MANILA, Philippines At least 10 construction workers died Thursday on the eve of the day of mourning declared by the Makati

i city government in the wake of the tragic bus bombing that killed five passengers and injured 13 others last Tuesday. The workers were killed when an electric gondola they were using while constructing the 39-story Eton Tower at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Gallardo Streets gave way. Makati Mayor Jejomar Junjun Binay Jr. said the accident took place at about 11:45 a.m. while the workers, who were installing glass panels at the 32nd floor, were going down the building using the gondola. As the gondola was going down, it collapsed on the 20th floor causing some of the worker to fall. The other workers fell on the 12th and 8th floors. Binay said he has ordered a stop to the construction until Eton Properties could ensure the safety of the construction workers who belong to ARLO Aluminum, a glass contractor/installer. He also directed the engineering officers to conduct an inspection of the site. Later we want to know if there is someone responsible over the incident, the mayor stressed. The construction of the building, under E-C Contractors, began in 2008 and expected to be finished early this year. Makati fire chief, Superintendent Samuel Taddeo, said the electric gondola was carrying 11 workers when its capacity is only six persons. The gondola carrying the workers was overloaded. We found out that the cord was cut, may be because the workers were heavy. It gave away, he added. The workers lack complete safety gears as they were only wearing hardhats when found, said Taddeo. De Pedro stressed that Eton places a premium on safety and enforces strict safety regulations in all its construction projects. But due to the unfortunate incident, Eton is reviewing the compliance of its contractors . . (With a report from Genalyn D. Kabiling)

It is the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations;

It calls for the prevention of any impairment in the health and well-being of workers caused by their working conditions or work environment;

OSH stands for the protection of workers from risks and hazards that could adversely affect their health and wellbeing and for their placement in an occupational environment adapted to his/her physiological ability

The Philippine Constitution of 1987 Under the Philippine Constitution of 1987, OSH is a constitutional objective described as just and humane terms and conditions of work. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

Law

P.D. 442

Title : Labor Code of the Philippines Year Passed : 1974 Relevant Provisions : Book IV, Titles I & II

The Philippine Labor Code devotes an entire book to prevention and compensation of work-related injuries and illnesses. Implementing Agency: . DOLE

Rules and regulations Implementing Art. 162, Book IV, Title I, P.D. 442 Title :Occupational Safety and Health Standards Year Passed : 1978 Relevant Provision/s : Rule 1000 to Rule 1980 Implementing Agency: DOLE

Law

The OSHS covers all workplaces except for mining and transportation. Mining safety is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Environmental Management Bureau. The DOTC takes care of safety in our land, sea, and air transport vehicles respectively.

Safety refers to the physical or environmental conditions of work which comply with prescribed Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards and which allow the workers to perform the job without or within acceptable exposure limits to hazards. Occupational Safety also refers to practices related to production and work process.

Health means a sound state of the body and mind of the workers that enables the worker or employee to perform the job normally

It means that the worker shall be assured of effective protection against the danger of injury, sickness or death through safe and healthful working conditions.

EXCAVATION

SHORING & BRACING

SCAFFOLDING

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

FALL PROTECTION

LADDER SAFETY

4:1 Rule 20 ft. 4 1 5 ft.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

 Remove all conductors such as metal

jewelry and watches.

Remove pagers and portable phones. Use required PPE such as insulated tools,
gloves, and floor mats.

Keep your skin dry!

Poor housekeeping can lead to accidents and injury

All rebar should be capped to prevent serious injury

The OSH Standards provide that every company shall keep and maintain its workplace free from work hazards that are likely to cause physical harm to the workers or damage to property. Thus, the worker is entitled to be provided by the employer with:

APPROPRIATE SEATS, LIGHTING AND VENTILATION

ADEQUATE PASSAGEWAYS, EXITS AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENTS

SEPARATE FACILITIES FOR MEN AND WOMEN

APPROPRIATE SAFETY DEVICES LIKE PROTECTIVE GEARS, MASKS, HELMETS, SAFETY BOOTS, COATS OR FIRST AID KITS IN OTHER WORDS PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

FREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICE FACILITIES

DESIGNATED SAFE SMOKING AND WELDING AREAS

BUILDING PREMISES SHALL HAVE ADEQUATE FIRE, OR EMERGENCY DANGER SIGNS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS OF STANDARD COLORS AND SIZES VISIBLE AT ALL TIMES

ADEQUATE LOCKER ROOMS, DRESSING ROOMS AND COMFORT ROOMS

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SHALL BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES

HANDICAPPED EMPLOYEES SHALL BE RESTRICTED ONLY TO DESIGNATED WORKPLACES

OTHER VISIBLE SIGNS THAT MAY BE NEEDED TO DIRECT DRIVERS OF MOTORIZED VEHICLE

The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment thru the Regional Director or his other authorized representative s, enforces the OSH Standards in the exercise of visitorial and enforcement powers.

According to Rule 1010 of the OSHS, any work environment that exposes its employees to imminent danger will be suspended or stopped until the company corrects the unsafe conditions.