Now the DOLE is watching

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Within the past few days, we have reported on cases where the Department of Labor and Employment had ordered a stop to two construction projects in Bacolod City after finding their contractors remiss in providing workers with adequate protection in their workplace.

In the first reported case, that of the multi-million 888 Chinatown Squaremall Phase II. The DOLE inspection team had reported lapses in the compliance with requirements for the health and safety of workers.

Cited by the team were the discoveries that the construction workers were not wearing masks, did not have safety harnesses, safety shoes and goggles, and no hardhats, while the construction site was also found to have no safety signages, no safety officers and first aid personnel. Another vital lack was that of an adequate number of fire extinguishers.

In the other case monitored by DOLE inspectors this week, similar lapses were also noted, and both contractors have been warned to comply with the requirements as soon as possible.

The recent moves of the DOLE in checking on ongoing constructions in the city is commendable, but what puzzles residents, as well as media observers, is why it seems to be only lately that it has started to look into the working conditions of laborers involved in construction work.

Furthermore, it is also quite a surprise to learn about this sudden serious application of the rules, when these two constructions sites, for instance, are being supervised and managed by local professionals who are supposed to be aware of all the rules and laws covering their work, being known to have been responsible for a good number of constructions in Bacolod City.

Nonetheless, we welcome this newly noticed dedication of the DOLE in its move to protect the workers. We hope this is not just a flash in the pan, or a sudden spurt of industriousness and concern that will end after having given us an illustration with these two cases here.*