Dubai Municipality has reported a dramatic increase in the number of construction site accidents, up 45% in the first half of 2006 over the same period last year.
According to the Municipality, 111 accidents were reported between January and June. Over half of all construction site deaths were caused by workers falling, something which can be prevented if the safety measures required by Dubai Municipality are put in place.
Both employers and workers are at fault. Many companies are not implementing safety measures and failing to effectively educate and manage their workers.
Companies often mistakenly think that cutting corners will save money, when in fact it often adds costs. Apart from the human tragedy involved in an accident it will cause huge disruption, investigations, loss of worker morale and productivity, possibly legal action.
Workers often believe they can move about more easily, finish the job more quickly, without safety harness or gloves. One fall will disprove the belief.
Company management, site supervisors and workers need to be trained in sensible safety measures and in the Municipality's requirements. There is no excuse for not implementing a training programme, according to Chris Horn, Principal Consultant of CHSS Gulf, the leading provider of internationally-recognised health & safety courses in the GCC.
"The tragedy is that these deaths need not happen. Accidents are preventable with the correct training and equipment" says Chris Horn, "Making supervisors and workers aware of the dangers and the steps that need to be taken to minimise them is vital. The results can be seen by the exemplary safety records of responsible companies such as IDAMA and Dutco Balfour Beatty who have contracted CHSS Gulf to provide training."
CHSS Gulf offers a range of health & safety courses, both in-house for companies and publicly available for individuals.
