DPWH Issues Safety Guide for Public and Private Construction Works

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar has announced the partial resumption of the 'Build, Build, Build' projects, according to a department press statement.

“[In] areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), construction workers accredited by the DPWH will be allowed to work on quarantine and isolation facilities, health facilities, emergency and maintenance works, flood control, and other disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation works,” Villar said.

Villar added, however, that when the Philippines eases into the General Community Quarantine, both private and public construction projects will be allowed to run again—that is, in compliance with a new, stricter set of safety guidelines. 

Under the GCQ, only construction workers aged 21-59 without pre-existing health conditions will be allowed to work. Detailed quarantine passes will be issued to people working the site and COVID-19 tests (as well as retests, if necessary) will also be mandatory. 

Employers will also provide personnel with proper safety equipment, provisions to allow for social distancing and implement proper hygiene, as well as board and lodging.

“Employees shall be housed in their respective quarters for the entire duration of the project covered by the ECQ and GCQ," Villar said. "Otherwise, 'Prior to Deployment' procedures shall be conducted at every instance of re-entry.”

Below are the official guidelines set by the DPWH for construction works: