IRIA

Building contractors who fail to meet adequate standards need to be penalised.

The death of two workers at a construction site on the Dubai-Al Ain Road on Saturday underscores the need for the most stringent safety controls and regulations in the workplace. A scaffolding on the building collapsed, killing two while at least nine other workers were injured. The scaffolding collapse follows a similar incident the day before in Abu Dhabi.

The reality is that construction work comes with dangers. But building codes are meant to limit the dangers and ensure safe working practices for all at the building sites — making the construction environment as safe as possible. Scaffolding needs to be studied and it must be properly anchored to the main structures, providing a stable and safe platform for workers. But the workers must also wear safety harnesses to provide extra insurance should the scaffolding give way.

Construction sites need to be properly inspected, with officials making sure they comply with the relevant safety codes. Conversely, there need to be enough inspectors to ensure regular inspection of sites. And those building contractors who fail to meet safety standards must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, with penalties severe enough to deter bad practices that put workers at risk.

Gulf News.com. 23rd Jan