DOLE-7 calls for strict safety measures as workplace mishaps rise

Local

MORE construction workers in Central Visayas are getting hurt on the job, according to a report from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Visayas.

Lawyer Roy Buenafe, the regional director of DOLE-7, reported that nearly half of all reported workplace accidents last year linked to the construction industry.

He said 46 percent of the 106 work-related incidents recorded in 2024 happened at construction sites, especially in urban centers like Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City where construction activity is at its peak.

“This is a region-wide figure, but many of the incidents likely occurred in major cities where building projects are ongoing,” Buenafe said.

While the agency stopped short of calling it a crisis, it recognized the need for stronger safety enforcement in what remains one of the country’s most high-risk industries.

In response, DOLE-7 is ramping up its occupational safety efforts through regular site inspections, toolbox meetings, and safety orientations aimed at helping employers and workers minimize common construction-related hazards, such as falling objects, scaffold mishaps, and unsafe equipment use.

“Our goal is for every worker to return home safely at the end of each workday,” Buenafe said.

“Most of these accidents are preventable with the right safety protocols in place,” he added.

He said that reducing workplace risks requires cooperation among employers, site supervisors, and government regulators.

In line with the upcoming World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, DOLE-7 is also highlighting the importance of mental wellness alongside physical safety in the workplace.

“It’s no longer just about preventing physical injuries. Mental health is now part of our workplace safety agenda,” Buenafe said.

DOLE-7 assured the construction sector of its continued support through technical assistance and routine monitoring to help ensure compliance with occupational safety laws.(TGP)