RTA to have zero tolerance approach for unsafe work practices at its sites

Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will show zero tolerance for safety negligence at its construction sites, warned the RTA Chief.

"Compliance with health and occupational safety standards at RTA projects is one of the core values that cannot be relaxed under any circumstances," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA in a meeting with the directors of contracting and consultancy companies engaged in RTA road projects.

The meeting was held following the under-construction bridge collapse on Al Sufouh Road on November 8, which left seven dead and 24 injured.

It was attended by Maitha Obaid Bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency; Nabeel Mohammad Saleh, Director of the Roads Department and Dr Khalid Hamdi, projects consultant at the RTA Chairman's office. Al Tayer directed the contracting companies to set up Health and Occupational Safety Units to ensure the safety of workers at every construction site.

"It is vital to have such a unit established in each project and have it affiliated to the Central Health and Occupational Safety Unit and not the director of a project."

He said the project director will not be able to influence these units to speed up work compromising safety at site.

Al Tayer also called on the contractors and consultants to study risks associated with construction methods and to maintain a register of Health and Occupational Safety risks.

He also directed them to provide safety equipment on site.

"A special location shall be made available for first aid, and a doctor should be available to attend to the healthcare of employees on site. Special rest areas need to be set up where workers can have a break. They should be provided with drinking water and other amenities," Al Tayer said.