Work stoppage remains in effect at Hanjin Heavy, DoLE says

A work stoppage order remains in effect at Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHIC) until it has improved its working conditions.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) made this announcement after it issued the order regarding a May 12 accident that resulted in the death of two employees at its facility in Subic Bay.
“As of now, all work in that area has stopped,” Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) Director Ma. Teresita Cucueco said.
She added that Hanjin’s subcontractor, Binictican I-Tech was given a “cease and desist from doing work in Hanjin because of the accident.”
Operations in Hanjin will start again if it conducts remedial measures that will make the work environment safer.
“Once the DoLE has seen the proper safety and health measures are there then they will assess and see if they can lift the stoppage order,” Dir. Cucueco said.
Although HHCI Philippines has incurred safety violations in the past, it will nevertheless be assisted by the DoLE in implementing proper safety standards. Dr. Cucueco emphasized the need for “safety officers” to monitor operations and training in the company. They should also hold job orientations for every worker.
Workers who perform their duties at high elevations should have lifelines and harnesses so “falls won’t be a cause of death,” Ms. Cucueco said, referring to one of the standards that the company should follow.
The labor agency won’t file charges against HHCI but said that the relatives of the fatalities are free to do so.
“It is in their (power) to file the case,” Dir. Cucueco said. DoLE can only monitor “administrative and technical measures” the company should comply with.
The DoLE will be stricter in safety measures especially now that the Occupational Safety and Health Bill has recently passed.
“Work stoppage will have penalties and fines,” Ms. Cucueco said. DoLE hopes that this will discourage companies from operating without any safety and health measures for workers. The fine will be P100,000/day until the company has completed its remedial measures. — Gillian M. Cortez