DOLE orders Skyway contractors, sub-contractors to pay fines

The Metro Manila Skyway crosses through Makati City, Pasay City, and Parañaque City. Image courtesy of Skyway.com.

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) has ordered the contractor and subcontractors of the Skyway extension project to pay the administrative fines ranging from PHP80,000 up to PHP170,000 for each day of non-compliance with occupational safety and health standards.

In a seven-page order signed by Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol, it ordered EEI Corporation (Skyway Extension Project) president Roberto Jose Castillo, general contractor and sub-contractors Mayon Machinery Rentrade, Inc. president Yasuo Yamasita, and Bauer Foundation Philippines, Inc. manager Roy Casuga to pay the fines after an investigation found several violations of the OSHS.

“Wherefore, Respondent EEI Corporation (Skyway Extension Project) and/or Roberto Jose Castillo, and its Subcontractors Mayon Machinery Rentrade and Bauer Foundation Philippines, Inc. are hereby ordered to pay, jointly and severally, the administrative fine in the total of One Hundred Seventy Thousand Peso (PHP170,000.00) for every day of non-compliance, from the receipt of this Order until the violations are fully rectified,” the order read.

The contractor’s violations are non-presentation of heavy equipment testing certifications for cranes and other heavy equipment; no specific work permits presented for critical lifting and rigging and its methodology and safety guidelines and procedures; no consultation management of traffic plan; no hazard identification risk assessment and control specified to rigging and crane operations; no contracts for contractor/sub-contractors on construction projects and service providers; no employers work accident/illness exposure report; and no safety officer’s report for the accident was made.

Mayon Machinery Rentrade, Inc. is also ordered to pay the administrative fine of PHP80,000 for every day of non-compliance, from the receipt of the DOLE’s order until the violations are fully rectified.

The sub-contractor’s violations include no Philippine Contractor Accreditation Board (PCAB) license/certificate; no occupational safety and health program; no safety guidelines and procedures on crane operations; and for submission of crane specifications – GTC 1200 – Mantis Crane TADANO crawler type.

Bauer Foundation Philippines, Inc. is also ordered to pay the fine of PHP130,000 from the receipt of the DOLE’s order until the violations are fully rectified.

The company’s violations include insufficient fire extinguisher (fabrication area); insufficient safety signages and directional signages; no safety access for workers (fabrication area); and no workers skills certificate of welders issued by TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority).

On the other hand, the case against another sub-contractor Ravago Equipment Rentals Inc. was dismissed.

Earlier, the DOLE-NCR issued a work stoppage order on the project following the death of a motorist and injuring several others after a steel girder fell on vehicles passing along East Service Road in Muntinlupa City.