CV records high number of workplace accidents

Central Visayas continues to register one of the highest numbers of workplace accidents in the country, prompting the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 7 to intensify efforts to strengthen compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards across industries.

- Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/FPL

In a press conference yesterday, DOLE-7 Technical Support and Services Division Chief Efren Vito reported 44 work-related injuries from January to September this year. Most of these cases occurred in the construction sector, followed by manufacturing and retail.

The leading causes of injuries and fatalities include electrocution, workers getting caught between objects (“naipit”), and falling objects—hazards common in fast-paced and high-risk environments.

Vito noted that many violations stem from the lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly for workers assigned to elevated or hazardous areas.

“Kung kulang ang PPE, automatic naa na'y tendency nga mag-resulta og aksidente. Mao ning among gusto nga matudluan ang communities aron sila mismo makatabang pagbantay,” Vito said.

This year, DOLE-7 has already issued around 10 work stoppage orders to establishments with serious safety lapses that endangered workers' welfare.