The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) released mandatory requirements set for the developers before any resumption of construction works and other real estate activities during the implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
Department Order 2020-005 imposed mandatory construction guidelines and safety protocols to be observed by licensed developers and construction workers.
Under the department order signed by Housing Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, the contractor shall be responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing of its workers — either a rapid test or a five-day quarantine. This is to be done before any activities are resumed to ensure the safety of the workers as well as the people near the sites.
If workers contract COVID-19 in the duration of their employment, the developers are tasked to ensure that they will receive proper and sufficient assistance package.
Contractor shall also be responsible for setting up safe and hygienic barracks and quarters for its construction worker. This can be on-site or near-site.
They should also ensure the provision of “group health or self-insurance coverage” for all workers involved in construction, and that workers are wearing face masks and other safe protective gear needed.
“Our guidelines are mandatory, we expect you to follow all these for the safety and protection of your workers, your project sites, and the general community,” Del Rosario said.
“Issue or send a certification to our regional offices electronically that you have already complied with the requirements and you can resume construction works after 24 hours,” he added.
Meanwhile, del Rosario warned developers of “stiff penalties if they fail to comply with the health protocols and safety guidelines.”
He also said the developers should expect an immediate project shutdown “if a worker tested positive to COVID-19 during the construction period.”
The DHSUD regional offices, he said, are tasked to conduct site inspections, “to ensure that the developers are complying with the mandatory minimum requirement” set for them.
