Another Hanjin worker dies in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Another notice of violation is set to issued by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to Hanjin Heavy Industries Inc. (HHIC) for “not enforcing the occupational safety regulations on its sub-contractors” after a shipyard worker died on Tuesday.

The victim was identified as Efren de la Cruz, 23, of Almasen, Hermosa, Bataan. He was accidentally electrocuted while working at the shipyard’s Motor Pool (U-Ditch Area) using a power driven tool, together with four other workers of sub-contractor UT Construction.

SBMA Ecology Center manager, Amethya Koval, said initial investigation showed there was rainwater in the ditch about three inches deep and there were five of them in the group, however only three of them were wearing company-issued rubber boots.

Koyal also said that the jackhammer De la Cruz was using was connected to an extension wire that may have fallen or gotten in contact with the water in the ditch, thus electrocuting the unprotected worker.

Dela Cruz was immediately taken to the HHIC clinic for first aid treatment and later transferred to the San Marcelino District Hospital for further medical treatment but was declared dead-on-arrival (DOA). -- Ric Sapnu - PhilStar