EEI, two subcontractors fined for Skyway Extension mishap

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Collapsed steel girder from a portion of the Skyway Extension Project. Photo from MMDA.
  • The Department of Labor and Employment ordered Skyway Extension Project contractor EEI Corp. and two subcontractors to pay fines for violating several occupational safety and health standards 
  • The case against another subcontractor was dismissed
Collapsed steel girder from a portion of the Skyway Extension Project. Photo from MMDA.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered the contractor and two subcontractors of the Skyway Extension Project to pay fines following the accident at the construction site last month.

The case against a third subcontractor was dismissed.

In an order issued December 2, DOLE-National Capital Region director Atty. Sarah Buena Mirasol directed EEI Corp. and its subcontractors Mayon Machinery Rentrade, Inc. and Bauer Foundations Philippines, Inc. “to pay, jointly and severally, the administrative fine in the total amount of P170,000” for every day of non-compliance with occupational safety and health standards (OSHS).

“In view of the non-compliance and despite the opportunities given to rectify the deficiencies, this Office finds that such failure to comply is willful and intentional. Hence, the imposition of administrative fine under the Republic Act No. 11058 (An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof) and its implementing rules and regulations is proper,” according to the order.

The fine will “accrue daily from the receipt of this order until full compliance.”

Of the P170,000 fine, P100,000 is for death, serious injury or serious illness.

Mayon Machinery Rentrade was also ordered to “pay the administrative fine of P80,000 for every day of non-compliance, from the receipt of this order until the violations are fully rectified.”

Bauer Foundations Philippines was likewise ordered to pay the administrative fine of P130,000 for every day of non-compliance with safety guidelines.

On the other hand, the case against subcontractor Ravago Equipment Rentals, Inc. was dismissed.

Last November 21, a crane of EEI fell as it was moving to its next position at the Skyway Extension construction site, hitting a steel girder and causing the girder to fall.

At least six vehicles were involved in the accident, leaving one person dead and at least six others injured.

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang has earlier apologized to the victims and their families, and assured they will be provided “all the means necessary” to recover and restart.

SMC is the concessionaire of the Skyway Extension Project.

On November 23, DOLE’s Mirasol ordered work stopped on the entire Skyway Extension Project following the accident. Labor Secretary Silvestro Bello III on November 24 lifted the work stoppage imposed on the whole project, retaining it only at the site of the accident.

READ: DOLE partially lifts work suspension on Skyway Extension project

The P10-billion Skyway Extension Project will extend the Skyway from Susana Heights on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Sucat in Parañaque and back, and will provide direct access to the elevated section of the Skyway.

It will connect SLEX and Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway to the Skyway at Susanna Heights, bypassing Alabang, to shorten travel from south to north via the Skyway System. The project will also eliminate traffic buildup along SLEX heading to Alabang and the Alabang viaduct.

Started in late 2019, the project is set for completion in February 2021.