A report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer underscored the security and safety concerns of the Hanjin Industries Corporation in the operation of their business. While this reputation of Hanjin caused concern in Northern Luzon, in Northern Mindanao, political and business leaders are moving heaven and earth and even fighting for the right of Hanjin to operate its shipyard and possibly “transport” its no so admirable safety record. As the saying goes, caveat emptor.
I didnt say I totally disfavor the operations of Hanjin in Northern Mindanao. But all I ask for is that our local officials must see to it that Hanjin must comply certain safety regulations to ensure that what is happening in Luzon will not happen in Mindanao otherwise people’s lives will be in jeopardy. Heres an excerpt of the article.
“With the record of deaths, you can imagine how dangerous the working environment is and how irresponsible Hanjin is when it comes to occupational health and safety,” she said. “With more than 10,000 employees, the Hanjin facility does not have a medical facility. The wanton disregard for safety of workers (by Hanjin) is deplorable and gravely scandalous.”
It further added,
“…Tack welded metal support located at the ground gave in causing the plate to collapse” because “some metal supports were not welded well. Hanjin had no control record for the finished welding materials to ensure its quality and safety.”
The report also said Hanjin does not provide SBMA with a job safety analysis of tasks considered to be dangerous to its workers.
As usual, Hanjin would always pass the buck to its subcontractors. Jeong Sup Shim, HHIC-Philippines Inc. president said,
“In every accident, Hanjin takes final responsibility even though it was done by our supplier or subcontractor.”
