SBMA, DOLE suspends Hanjin sub-con over fatal accident
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against BINICTICAN I-TECH CORP., a sub-contractor of HANJIN Heavy Industries Corporation (HHIC) (Philippines) following the death of a shipyard worker over the weekend.
According to Dr. Solomon Jacalne, head of the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department, the Subic agency has suspended the operation of the erring sub-contractor while it coordinates corrective measures with HHIC management.
Also, Central Luzon Dept. of Labor Director Zenaida Angara-Campita has ordered BINICTICAN I-TECH CORP. to cease operations saying the said sub-contractor failed to implement and monitor safety procedures.
Initial investigation report submitted to Jacalne indicated that the incident happened last Saturday, May 12, at around 3:30 p.m. on board a project vessel of the sub-contractor inside the HHIC shipyard at the Redondo Peninsula here.
Nine workers were reportedly assigned to do some work atop a scaffolding on the side of a vessel, but because of the intense heat of the sun, all nine workers sheltered under a canvas canopy.
However, one of the bolts in the scaffolding snapped, causing the platform to tip down.
Five of the workers were able to hold tight onto the platform and were later rescued. However, four others fell into the ground and sustained severe injuries.
The injured were identified as Ferdinand Leuterio, 38, a native of Leyte; Johnny Alegre, 39, from Quezon City; Gerry Bayuta, 34, of Tarlac; and Valian Dela Cruz, 39, of Zambales, all temporary residing in Castillejos, Zambales.
They were brought to Bay Pointe Hospital in the Subic Bay Freeport for further medical treatment.
However, at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Leuterio’s condition began deteriorating. He was later pronounced dead at around 9:00 a.m. on Monday.
Jacalne said he has ordered the sub-contractor to stop operation until the company met with the SBMA Occupational Health and Safety Division and corrective measures were put in place.
“We have to look at possible negligence, on why the accident had happened,” Jacalne said. “We have to ensure that those mistakes were corrected and would not happen again.”
Relatives of the workers are seeking help to make HANJIN as the main contractor answer for the tragedy that befell the workers and their families.
