GMA says complying with DoLE workplace safety investigation
GMA Network Inc. said that it has been cooperating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) inspections on the TV giant’s compliance to occupational safety and health standards, after veteran actor Eddie Garcia while shooting a television show.
In a message to BusinessWorld Thursday, GMA said “(T)he Network has been cooperating in the labor investigation and has attended the meetings and submitted all necessary reports as required by DoLE and the Occupational Safety and Health Center.”
On Wednesday, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III told reporters that DoLE will fine GMA P100,000 per day until the network corrects OSH violations in the workplace. This is the maximum fine an employer can pay under the OSH Law.
Mr. Garcia suffered a neck injury during the shooting of a new television program after a fall while on set. According to Mr. Bello, a safety officer on set would have prevented the accident.
Having no safety officer on set is considered a violation under the OSH Law.
According to the DoLE National Capital Region’s (DOLE-NCR) recommendations issued on July 17, the department inspected the set on June 29 and confirmed that an uneven portion of the cement floor caused Mr. Garcia’s fall.
The network has been required to submit proposed schedules and locations for the television show to facilitate work safety inspections.
GMA said it “will respond to the DoLE when we receive its order and/or a copy of its investigation results.” — Gillian M. Cortez
