DMCI proposes safety measures after Falcon walkway incident
Date Posted: April 11, 2014 at 02:15 PM
DMCI Homes, builders of the Torre de Manila condominium, has proposed several measures in response to Adamson University’s demands for increased safety for its pedestrians following the incident at the Falcon Walkway on February 9, 2014.
A one-ton solid steel vibro hammer used by DMCI for their construction fell into the Falcon Walkway grounds while being hoisted by a crane on February 9 at around 9:00 AM. There were no casualties or injuries resulting from the incident but the hammer damaged the roof and concrete perimeter fence of the walkway. In the aftermath, the university through the Office for Security and Safety sought “concrete and positive measures and actions” to prevent a repeat of the incident and to repair the damage caused by their equipment.
DMCI representatives met with Adamson’s top management, some administrators, and Mr. R.F. Algenio from the Manila City Hall’s Office of the Building Official on February 27 and proposed several safety measures that will cover not only the Falcon Walkway but also the adjacent areas of St. Vincent de Paul Parish Church. These measures were enumerated by DMCI in their letter dated March 4 and sent by Mr. Elmer Civil, DMCI Homes’ Senior Vice President for Construction Division.
The proposed measures are the provision of painted G.I. corrugated sheet along the walkway fence to cover the opening at the common perimeter; provision of safety umbrella for the tower portion adjacent to the walkway and the parish church; provision of additional canopy along the walkway; and provision/installation of safety net for ongoing or currently constructed floors that are not yet enclosed. Furthermore, DMCI will deploy flagmen during their sheet piling works to divert or remove pedestrian traffic from the adjacent area.
To date, DMCI has installed the corrugated sheets along the walkway fence and the safety umbrella is already in place. The corrugated sheets cover a few meters, including the area where the hammer fell and damaged the fence. Safety umbrellas have also been constructed at the tower portion facing the back of the parish church. DMCI also assured the university of their continuous commitment to the safety of all during the duration of their construction. To this, the university will remain watchful of DMCI’s safety measures as construction is expected to last a few years and is sure to bring great impact to its surroundings.
Safety umbrella constructed by DMCI at the portion facing the parish church
Painted corrugated sheets and tarpaulin installed by DMCI along the Falcon Walkway
Partial view of the safety umbrella installed over the Falcon Walkway
