Investigations are continuing into the deaths of two workers on the Downtown Dubai development after the crane they were using to fix an exterior glass plane came loose and fell to the ground.
A contractor and subcontractor overseeing construction of the tower where the workers fell 27 floors to their deaths have been detained and questioned by Dubai police.
Construction-site accidents are a major concern in the Middle East because the industry plays a vital part to the economy.
Understanding the risks posed by unsafe practices and educating the workforce about industry best practice will help to bring down the accident rate but, we need to see routine monitoring programmes on all scaffolding and accessories.
We need to create awareness campaigns for operatives working on scaffolds, with special emphasis on allowable load weight and handling method and severe penalties for companies that fail to check workers at height are IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) qualified.
Security and safety expo, Intersec 2011, will run from January 16-18, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring the Fall Protection Special Display by Capital Safety Group and Singing Rock. With a large number of construction site accidents occurring due to falls from heights, the latest techniques in fall protection and risk management should be a big draw for local industry professionals.
Jennifer Eagle is the deputy editor of Facilities Management Middle East.
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