PUBLIC Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar reminded contractors that the safety protocols particularly on good housekeeping and installation of sufficient warning signs and barricades is a must to prevent accidents on construction sites.
Villar said that contractors may be suspended for failure to observe highest safety standards in highway construction.
Existing DPWH Highway Safety Design Standards mandates contractors and the department’s implementing offices to observe safe work practices thru good housekeeping and guarantee the installation of sufficient warning signs and barricades to avoid creating hazardous and risky road conditions.
A citizen’s feedback and the department’s prompt action resulted to an improved road works safety and traffic management in an ongoing project site along Manila North Road, Calumpit Section, in the province of Bulacan.
Through sent photos at DPWH’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dpwhph, additional barricades and warning signs were put in place that are necessary for the protection and welfare of the general public especially during night time.
“Again, we are thankful for concerned citizens who are taking part in ensuring road safety for the motorists, pedestrians, and workers of ongoing projects,” Villar said.
Under Department Order No. 135, series of 2015, contractor/s who violate the safety protocols on ongoing project may face a full work suspension order in accordance with Section 9.1 of Republic Act No, 9184 otherwise known as Government Procurement Reform Act that states thus: “The procuring entity shall have the authority to suspend the work wholly or partly by written order for such period as may be deemed necessary, due to failure on the part of the contractor to correct bad conditions which are unsafe for workers or for the general public, to carry out valid orders given by the procuring entity or to perform any provisions of the contract.”
