Training is imperative

Investing in training and safety prevents damage to both man and machine

Nothing is quite as overwhelming as watching a growing community of hydraulic giants creating some of the world's most splendid architectural creations. However, working with and around tower cranes, excavators, telescopic handlers and other construction and heavy equipment can come with its hazards.

Accidents, machine breakdowns and related issues don't just cause injuries to people, they can also delay projects causing millions of dirhams in damage.

According to industry experts, proper training and safety measures can ensure that man and machine work well together, and are productive.

Paul Austin Price, Deputy General Manager, Al Bakhit Construction Equipment, says, "A dearth of well-trained operators is one of the biggest challenges facing companies in the UAE. I think that the UAE needs to have a training body to maintain high standards in this area, and ensure that technicians and operators in the industry are well-trained."

Training is the need of the hour
Price says that safety awareness is imperative, as buildings are getting taller, construction activity is getting more complex, and the demands on machines are also getting higher.

"These factors can cause accidents and machines to wear and tear. Poorly trained operators can cause more damage to both themselves and people around, in addition to the machines. A company will also not get the best performance out of their machines if the operators don't know how to use them correctly."

Most companies that sell construction equipment, including Kanoo Machinery, offer training to their customers.

"Training is an ongoing process in our company. We train our technicians, customers and operators in areas ranging from the use of safety equipment to complying with safety measures.

"We are also trying to create a team of demonstrator-trainers for all our products. We already have a demonstrator-trainer for products from Tennant and Lincoln.

"The demonstrator-trainer doesn't just demonstrate how the machines work, he also trains the operators (on the customer's end)," says Shakil Merchant, Operations Manager - Sales (UAE), Kanoo Machinery.

Al Bakhit also offers its customers training. "When we hand over equipment to a company, we undertake a two or three-day training programme (depending on their requirement) to get them acquainted with the machine, and teach them how to operate the equipment.

"As a company, we advocate proper training. However, the cost and time involved in the effort dissuades a number of companies from organising in-depth training for their operators.

"However, it's a catch-22 situation. You can't blame these companies as most of them have deadlines and penalties linked to the non-compliance of the set schedules," says Price.

Belhasa Advanced Motorist (BAM), which is a subsidiary of Belhasa Driving Center, also conducts safety operating training courses for all categories of light and heavy mechanical equipment and advanced defensive driver training programmes for all categories of fleet.

Their clients include key government organisations and leading private companies such as Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Road and Transport Authority, Jafza, Adco - Adnoc Group, Emirates Flight Catering - Dubai International Airport, Emirates Gas - Enoc Group, General Electric, Shell Lubricants and British Petroleum.

Courses available
The centre offers training courses that are customised to suit the nature of a trainee's job.

"For heavy equipment drivers and operators, we have a comprehensive programme that equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills on driving or operation, proper handling of heavy vehicles, emergency and accident procedures and weather conditions, which will ensure safety on the road and at work.

"Accidents are caused by poor driving or operation skills, distractions, unsafe behaviour, unfamiliar operating tasks, unsafe work area, lack of vehicle maintenance and using an inappropriate vehicle for a specific task," says Saif Ahmed Belhasa, Chairman and Managing Director, Belhasa Driving Center.

"Accidents can have direct costs such as repair, towage, car rental, legal fees and loss of accident-free discounts as well as indirect costs, including accident investigation, payment for non-productive time, compensation payments and loss of production. Investing in proper training for drivers or operators can result in considerable benefits for organisations," says Belhasa.

While driver and operator awareness can go a long way in avoiding accidents, technology is also doing its bit to ensure that mishaps are eliminated.

Merchant says that the chance of accidents has also lessened, especially since machines are more sophisticated now, and incorporate built-in safety measures, which make them more reliable.

"Our tele-handlers have booms that come with a load-sensing device. Our cranes also have a built-in load moments indicator (LMI) system to ensure safe operation.

"Clients such as Dubai Cable also want us to fit load sensors on products such as forklifts, as a safety measure," he says. Merchant also suggests that customers use equipment from reliable brands to ensure productivity and safety.