Worksite deaths spark safety call
by mahmood on 03/01/10 at 8:48 pm · email · print
Thirty-Eight workers were killed in worksite accidents in Bahrain last year, up two on 2008.
There were 62 serious injuries, compared to 66 in 2008, Labour Ministry occupational health and safety engineer and inspector Hussain Al Shami told the GDN.
Most deaths and injuries resulted from workers falling from buildings under construction, being hit by falling materials, or becoming trapped in machinery, he said.
“The most common cause of death is when a worker falls from a building under construction or from a height when they are trying to fix something,” he said.
“The problem is that most of the buildings under construction do not have safety railings, which is really unsafe for the workers.
“We have asked companies to use proper equipment for workers’ safety.”
He said any construction above two metres in height should have safety railings, or workers should be wearing safety harnesses to stop them from falling.
Mr Al Shami said many workers, from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, pay huge amounts of money to come to Bahrain and work, to earn and support their families.
“But they have to work hard and risk their lives to earn this amount,” he said.
“We can’t blame only the workers for all these accidents happening at Bahrain worksites, but their companies as well.
“They should always follow safety rules.”
Mr Al Shami said companies ignoring safety measures could face penalties, depending on the kind of accident and the outcome of any investigation.
“Many cases have already been forwarded to the courts and some are still under investigation,” he added.
Mr Shamil urged companies to take advantage of safety training workshops run by the ministry, which can be organised on request.
Companies may contact him on 17873922 and officials will also visit sites to offer training and advice.
The ministry spends BD30,000 a year printing safety information for construction workers.
Posters, brochures, leaflets and CDs with safety instructions are produced in six languages.
“The languages used are English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil, so that all workers can understand them,” said Mr Al Shami.
“I think this is an investment by the ministry and it is part of our job to think about workers’ safety.
“Most of the labourers are from India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, so we want them to read and understand the measures.”
But many construction workers are illiterate, or companies just don’t bother passing on the leaflets, or putting up the brochures, said Mr Al Shami.
“Some companies completely ignore the rules and don’t bother to stick safety posters at the worksite, which is of course absolutely their fault.
“If the companies are unable to do so, they should send their workers to the workshops and lectures held at the ministry to understand the basics of safety procedures.
“We have four inspectors, who visit worksites and do regular inspection every day.”
Mr Al Shami said the inspectors have four main duties – investigating accidents, inspecting labour accommodation, worksites and company premises, holding lectures and workshops and working on awareness programmes.
“Actually the problem is that we don’t have enough inspectors, who can go around Bahrain on a daily basis and also take other job responsibilities as well,” he said.
“We have several times requested the authorities to hire more inspectors, but they are waiting for the right time and people.”
Mr Al Shami urged companies to follow safety rules for their own good and the safety of the workers.
“We have several times asked companies to follow safety rules and use proper equipment,” he said.
Source: GDN · 3 Jan 10
