RAK witnesses drop in 
worksite accidents

The decline has been attributed to the strict implementation of safety laws through continuous monitoring and regular inspections at worksites by the labour officials.

The authorities said they have registered a decline of more than 70 per cent in the number of accidents.

Jamal Al Shamsi, who heads the Labour Inspections Section, said: “Extensive monitoring and inspections in addition to awareness campaigns have also helped contain accidents on construction sites and in establishments,” said Shamsi.

He said the companies’ commitment to safety regulations and technical guidelines has increased the occupational safety of workers.

Companies are also required to submit quarterly reports regarding accidents and injuries at worksites every three months.

He said there were many accidents at construction sites in the past years because the majority of construction workers had poor knowledge of safety measures.

Medical sources in RAK also noted that there has been a decline in the number of emergency cases resulting from work site accidents during 
this year.

“Many accidents were due to poor equipment especially when the workers had to use it to reach high places. Some of the ladders supplied were not steady enough and could easily pose a serious threat to the labourers’ lives,” said a doctor at Saqr Hospital.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com