I was shocked and petrified to come across this sight at a construction site located in the Al Majaz area of Sharjah. The construction workers were not wearing any safety gear or harness to ensure their safety and were dangerously walking on the edge of a crane (as seen in photograph).
I shudder at the thought of what could happen if these workers slip, suddenly feel dizzy or have sweaty palms that are unable to grip the crane. The height of the crane was at least 10 storeys, this was in comparison to the building right next to it. I saw them working here at 5pm a few days ago, which is when it is still quite hot and humid outdoors.
The construction company should provide proper safety gear to all its employees. It is extremely dangerous for them to be working at a construction site and at such a height without a safety harness.
I hope this will be an eye opener for the relevant construction companies, the workers as well as the authorties to keep more stringent vigilance and ensure workers’ safety.
— The reader is based in Sharjah.
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FACTBOX:
According to a Gulf News report published in July 2013, the UAE Federal Labour Law specifies certain provisions for employee safety and health care, stipulated under Article 91 to Article 101. Every employer should provide employees with suitable means of protection against injuries, occupational diseases, which may be contracted during work and fire and hazards, which may result from the use of machinery and other work equipment. The employer should apply all other precautionary measures, specified by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The employees have to use the safety equipment and clothes given to them for this purpose. They must also follow the employer’s instructions, which aim to protect them from danger. The employer or deputy should inform the employee of the dangers of the job and the means of protection that have to be taken. The employer should also display detailed written instructions at the premises.
