Laborer Fatality at Cebu Construction Site Raises Safety Concerns

CEBU CITY – A tragic workplace accident at a construction site in Barangay Zapatera has claimed the life of a 26-year-old laborer, Julito Bacus Gerada Jr., who was struck by a falling galvanized iron (GI) pipe on Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025. Gerada, who was engaged in plastering work on the eighth floor of a condominium project, was reportedly wearing a hard hat when the incident occurred. However, the force of the impact was significant enough to crack the hard hat, leading to fatal injuries.

According to the Parian Police Station’s preliminary investigation, the pipe fell from the 22nd floor, suggesting that it may have been part of a temporary safety setup that went wrong. City Building Official Architect Florante Catalan stated that initial findings indicated the pipe might have fallen during its removal from the upper levels. The victim was rushed to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival due to severe head trauma.

This incident has prompted the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to suspend construction activities at Towers B and D of the multi-tower complex pending further investigations. Architect Catalan emphasized that construction sites must adhere to strict safety protocols, especially regarding the installation and operation of mechanical equipment such as cranes and gondolas, which require valid permits. During the OBO’s inspection, it was revealed that both the gondola and tower crane at the site had expired permits, potentially subjecting the project developers to penalties.

"There are two permits needed: a permit to install and a permit to operate. If they don’t have that, the maximum penalty can reach ₱10,000," Catalan noted, highlighting the serious implications of non-compliance with safety regulations.

Gerada’s death has sparked outrage and concern among local labor organizations and safety advocates, who argue that the construction industry must prioritize worker safety to prevent similar tragedies. The Philippine Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (PIOSH) reported that workplace fatalities in the construction sector have been a growing concern, with an increase in incidents attributed to inadequate safety measures and regulatory enforcement.

In a statement, the Workers’ Safety and Health Council (WSHC) underscored the need for stricter safety protocols and regular inspections of construction sites to ensure compliance. Dr. Maria Lopez, a safety expert and professor at the University of the Philippines, emphasized the importance of training workers on safety measures. "Educating laborers about the risks and ensuring they use appropriate safety gear is crucial in preventing accidents like this one," she stated in her 2024 study published in the Journal of Occupational Safety.

As the investigation continues, the OBO has given the contractor and developer five working days to submit an incident report along with proposed safety improvements to lift the suspension. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding workplace safety in the construction industry, where such preventable accidents continue to jeopardize workers’ lives.

Moving forward, the construction industry in Cebu City and beyond must confront these challenges head-on. Regulatory bodies, employers, and labor organizations must collaborate to implement more robust safety measures, ensuring that the well-being of construction workers is prioritized in every project. Failure to do so not only endangers lives but also undermines the integrity of the industry as a whole.