Saturday, May 24, 2008
Gulf News
Dubai: Falling debris from buildings under construction is increasingly becoming a concern for residents in Dubai.
Concrete falling from a tower under construction on Shaikh Zayed Road recently not only damaged dozens of cars but more importantly made residents in the area feel their lives were in danger.
Fadi Abu Ghali, a resident who was unloading luggage from his car when the incident occurred, told Gulf News that around 15 people had to run for cover when debris started raining down.
Tighter measures
"Contractors and concerned authorities need to take the issue of safety measures at construction sites more seriously as someone could get killed," said Abu Ghali.
"I am always worried that something will fall on me whenever I pass by, especially after this accident, so I believe that tighter measures need to be in place," said another resident. Ehab Ilia, communication manager at Al Shafar General Contracting, the company building the tower, said that the accident was due to human error and insisted that their company follows the highest standards of safety measures.
However, similar cases of falling debris from buildings under construction are regularly reported to Dubai Municipality, according to Engineer Fowzi Al Shehi, head of Engineering Supervision section at the municipality.
The falling of workers and debris made up some 49 per cent of construction accidents in 2007, according to municipality statistics.
"Not having barriers and safety nets while work is in progress to prevent objects from falling are the most common violations registered," said Al Shehi.
In an effort to tighten the monitoring of construction sites, the municipality launched an intensive two-week campaign to ensure that companies are complying with the code of construction and safety practice last Monday.
Eight inspection teams made up of engineers have been set up by the municipality to conduct the inspections.
"The campaign is part of the municipality's plans to upgrade the level of commitment to safety rules at construction sites," said Al Shehi adding that those who violate the rules are penalised.
Penalties enforced include fines that could reach up to Dh50,000 depending on the type of violation and suspension of the licence up to a period of six months and in some cases till the company adjusts its situation, according to Al Shehi.
Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.
