She said the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Region 3 lifted the cease-and-desist order (CDO) it issued on October 12, after finding sufficient measures, which the department imposed that include the restoration of the stern ramp.

“The lifting of the CDO was made considering that Keppel has complied with the conditions set forth in the CDO, which 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 said in a statement issued over the weekend.

The labor chief made the announcement following the visit on Friday of Keppel President and General Manager Mok Kim Whang and two other company officials in her office at the Dole national office in Intramuros, Manila.

Baldoz also told Keppel officials during the meeting that it should also require all its subcontractors to comply with the health and safety standards and general labor standards to prevent accidents in the future.

“It is equally important that your subcontractors are compliant, because to us at the DOLE, workers’ safety and health are paramount,” Baldoz told the officials.

Secretary Baldoz said the South Korean firm has also undertaken efforts to provide financial and other form of assistance, such as full hospitalization of the injured and the employment of the victims’ next-of-kin, to all the families of the victims.

(Estrella Torres)