Valenzuela tire plant closed after tragedy

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered a rubber tire plant in Valenzuela City to temporarily halt its operations after an on-site accident left a worker dead last month.

DOLE-National Capital Region Director Alan Macaraya issued the work stoppage order after an investigation showed that Pilipinas KAI Rubber Corp. had violated core labor as well as occupational safety and health standards.

On Jan. 22, the door of one of the autoclaves or curing chamber—a highly pressurized container where tires are retreaded—flew off, hitting a mechanic, Bongbong Danding, who died on the spot. Two other workers suffered minor injuries.

Based on the investigation, the accident happened because the interlock, a mechanical safety device which holds the door of the autoclave down and keeps it in place, failed.

Since the company still has two other autoclaves, labor inspectors recommended the issuance of a work stoppage order until the firm can show proof it has taken steps to ensure that the two other machines are safe to operate.