ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9, issued a Work Stoppage Order (WSO) to Nancy Fishing Corporation (NFC) in Dumagsa, Talisayan, Zamboanga City after four of its workers suffocated to death while cleaning a hatch of fishing vessel Julius 855

DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe issued the WSO to the company based on the results of the Occupational Safety and Health investigation (OSHI) on the accident that happened on the vessel on August 5, 2021.

The victims were identified as Joseph P. Oro, Sr., 45, boat captain, Marjun P. Oro, 31, quartermaster, Billy D. Lamag, 27 and Charlie R. Caspe, 29, both warehousemen.

Director Buenafe reported to Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III that the investigation team noted “existence of the grave and imminent danger to the health and safety of the workers” with the company’s occupational safety and health (OSH) violations.

Among the violations noted in the investigation include non-presentation and implementation of the Comprehensive Safety and Health Program, non-provision of PPEs, non-provision of information on hazards and risks.

DOLE 9 directed the company to provide a comprehensive safety and health program and subject all personnel to mandatory OSH orientation, self-contained breathing apparatus in all vessels, personal protective equipment, implement Confined Space Working Permit and use of multi-gas testers to ensure sufficient oxygen level.

Since the incident, NFC has provided burial assistance and other related expenses, and financial assistance to the family members and dependents of the workers and assured their full cooperation to the on-going thorough investigation of DOLE 9 and its Technical Working Group.

DOLE 9 along with its attached agencies are working with the workers’ families and dependents for facilitation of assistance under the Employees Compensation Program and other possible interventions to help the affected families.###kcqg