The Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) on Monday urged policymakers to criminalize occupational hazard violations following a tragic incident at a construction site in Laguna.

On Sunday, 13 April, a section of an under-construction mall in Santa Rosa, Laguna, collapsed, burying workers under the debris. The incident eventually claimed the lives of two of them.

With that, IOHSAD Executive Director Nadia de Leon called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct a full, immediate, and transparent investigation into the incident.

"The tragic death of these two workers is not merely an accident. It is a preventable tragedy that reflects a serious failure in ensuring workplace safety," De Leon stressed.

"They were simply striving to support their families, and their lives should never have been put at risk. This incident reflects a broader, systemic failure to protect workers, particularly in high-risk industries like construction," she added.

IOHSAD pointed out that the construction industry remains one of the most dangerous sectors in the country.

From January to March 2025 alone, IOHSAD recorded 94 workplace incidents across various industries, resulting in 56 deaths and 115 injuries.

As International Workers’ Memorial Day approaches, De Leon said these alarming figures underscore the urgent need to strengthen Republic Act (RA) No. 11058 or the Occupational Safety and Health Law.

IOHSAD renewed its call for the amendment of RA 11058 to include provisions that criminalize gross violations of occupational safety and health standards — especially those that lead to work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

“This workplace tragedy highlights the need for immediate and meaningful reforms in workplace safety. No worker should ever have to risk their life simply to earn a living," she continued.

"Protecting workers' health and safety is a fundamental responsibility of the government, and it must act without delay to prevent further loss of life,” De Leon added.