Two held over scaffolding collapse

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Police have confirmed the death of a worker in a scaffolding collapse at a construction site on Al Murour Street on January 20.

Four others sustained various injuries and were taken to Shaikh Khalifa Medical City Hospital for treatment.

The scaffolding that was not well anchored collapsed causing the death and injuries. Police have arrested two people at the site — the person in charge of safety and the technician in charge of assembling the scaffolding — on suspicion of negligence, holding them both responsible for the accident.

"Initial information stated negligence in anchoring the wooden scaffolding that supports the front side of an apartment building under construction," said Colonel Ebrahim Al Za'abi, director of Al Shaabiya police.

"The six stories high scaffolding fell, due to overload, on the workers," he added.

Responsibility

Al Za'abi called on firms to abide by the general technical safety standards, which will prevent such accidents and save many lives. He recommended a regular maintenance of scaffolding that should initially be well anchored and assembled by a specialised technician. He added that scaffolding should be made of the right material, used for the right purpose and be well supported. Signs should be put up next to faulty scaffolding till it is repaired.

"Construction companies are responsible for the quality of material used, ensure that scaffolding is safe for use and, most importantly, ensure the safety of the labourers on site to prevent such accidents."