Report: Hanjin committed 7 safety lapses

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – A post-accident investigation conducted by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority confirmed “inadequate safeguards” at the Hanjin shipyard and said the company had committed seven safety lapses that led to Friday’s gas explosion that killed two workers and injured five others.

By Ansbert Joaquin, Tonette Orejas - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk

The SBMA’s Ecology Center, which oversees the operation of the freeport’s occupational health and safety division, cited the seven safety lapses in its report to SBMA Chair Feliciano Salonga.

Salonga immediately asked Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd. to correct the lapses.

“The need is immediate. I’m not giving them any leeway. They need to do it right away,” Salonga said when asked if Hanjin had been given a deadline to comply.

Hanjin management said the firm is complying with “international standards set forth for shipyard operations.”

In a statement, Hanjin said it has outlined standard emergency response procedures for all its shipyards.

Citing the Ecology Center’s investigation report, the SBMA said among the safety lapses were the lack of effective emergency response procedures and safety officers, especially in hazardous work places.

Hanjin also lacked proper inspection procedures to ensure the soundness of equipment and materials, the SBMA said, quoting the Ecology Center manager, Amethya Dl. Koval.

The report said the degree of burns on the victims indicated “inadequate precautionary measures in handling hazardous materials, and inadequate ... fire-extinguishing equipment.”

Hanjin also lacked safety or warning signs in high-risk and hazardous workplaces, the report said. It had no daily “toolbox,” referring to meetings that help remind workers on the hazards of operations.

The investigation also confirmed that only one nurse was on duty at the time of the accident. The company, it said, did not hire a company doctor.