Philippines: NUBCW condemns safety lapses after fatal construction accident
The BWI-affiliated National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW) has condemned the inadequate safety measures at construction sites following the tragic death of four workers who were buried alive after a cliff collapse in Antipolo, Rizal.
"Many occupational injuries and fatal accidents are generally predictable and can be prevented by proactive identification and mitigation of hazards and risks coupled with thorough labour inspection," said Santiago Nolla, General Secretary of the National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW).
The incident occurred at the site of a two-story residential building in Fairmount Hills Subdivision, Antipolo City, at around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The ground gave way and buried four workers completely and two workers partially while they were digging at the site. One construction worker managed to escape to safety. Due to the risk of another collapse, rescuers had to carefully use a backhoe and manually dig for the victims.
The Antipolo local government has suspended the construction pending an investigation. Antipolo LGU Spokesperson Relly Bernardo noted that the ground in the area was loose and that proper safety standards, such as the installation of a retaining wall, were not adhered to in the excavation methodology. Despite having a construction permit, the submitted plan only involved the structure, not the building processes and methods. "The NUBCW demands accountability from those who have circumvented basic compliance with occupational safety and health standards, such as the installation of a retaining wall to avoid cave-ins. Justice must be accorded to the families of the victims," Nolla emphasized.
The incident is a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust workplace health and safety inspections and regulations. According to the Bureau of Labour and Employment Statistics (BLES) of the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), the construction industry consistently records high rates of work-related injuries and fatalities. In 2023, there were 2,634 reported injuries and 71 deaths in the construction sector, highlighting the dire need for improved safety measures and oversight.
NUBCW calls on the government, regulatory bodies and all construction companies and regulatory bodies to enforce stringent occupational health and safety standards and ensure that all safety protocols are strictly followed. It is imperative that construction plans include detailed safety measures for excavation and other high-risk activities, especially in challenging terrains like hilly areas.