DOLE lifts Keppel suspension

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has lifted its suspension order on Keppel Subic Shipyard Inc. (KSSI), Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said on Sunday.

Baldoz said Keppel had implemented “corrective measures on occupational safety and health” that the labor department recommended after the accident at its shipyard that claimed the lives of six workers and injured six others.

“The DOLE Regional Office No. III has lifted its CDO (cease and desist order) on 24 October after thoroughly evaluating the Action Plan submitted by KSSI and finding sufficient the enhanced activities in the restoration of the stern ramp,” Baldoz said in a statement.

She added that the lifting of the CDO was made considering that Keppel had complied with the conditions set forth in the CDO.

These conditions included the start of the accreditation process of its safety practitioners; enhancement of its safety procedures in the restoration of the stern ramp; and submission of proofs of compliance to the testing by an accredited testing organization of Keppel’s heavy equipment, particularly the cranes.

Baldoz announced the lifting of the suspension after Keppel president and general manager Mok Kim Whang and two other company officials visited Baldoz at the DOLE central office in Intramuros, Manila.

Baldoz said she told the Keppel officials the company’s subcontractors should also comply with health and safety standards as well as with general labor standards.