The number of worksite accidents in Bahrain registered a drop last year, thanks to “proactive” strategies, it has been revealed.
A total of 304 accidents were reported last year compared to 367 in 2018, reflecting a 21 per cent fall.
Fatalities, too, posted a drop, of almost 30pc, from 21 in 2018 to 16 last year.
According to the Labour and Social Development Ministry’s labour affairs assistant under-secretary Ahmed Al Haiki, the ministry was continuously assessing the statistics to develop “proactive” strategies to limit worksite incidents.
“The ministry continuously analyses the accident data, in order to prioritise programmes and initiatives to monitor the most hazardous sectors and professions,” he told the GDN.
“The ministry is focusing more on preventative initiatives, rather than reactive.
“We are working towards increasing awareness and strengthening partnerships with other relevant parties to help prevent deaths and accidents and to reduce injuries.”
Of the fatalities last year, five were from falling from heights, while three died from materials falling on them at worksites.
Two deaths each were caused due to collision with moving items, electrical related and other reasons, while one died in a fire and another died from collision with a vehicle.
The maximum number of work-related accidents were recorded in the construction sector – 124 – followed by 86 in manufacturing, 53 in sales and trading activities and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles units, 15 in accommodation and food service activities, 12 in administrative and support service activities, nine in professional, scientific and technical activities segments, three in mining and quarrying and two in transport, storage and communication sector.
The construction industry also accounted for the maximum number of worksite deaths last year – nine – while three died in sales and trading activities and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles units and two each died in mining and quarrying segment and manufacturing units.
Among the challenges faced by the ministry, added Mr Al Haiki, were the increasing number of companies and the low number of labour inspectors.
“It is a challenge for them (the low number of inspectors) to cover all the worksites in the kingdom.”
The GDN reported last Monday on calls for “smart labour inspections” in Bahrain with officers granted more powers to do their jobs effectively.
Speaking at an International Labour Organisation workshop on ‘Modern Labour Inspection Procedures’ in Manama, union leaders and officials agreed that inspectors should be empowered “legally and logistically”.
“Language barrier is another challenge for the inspectors as most of the labourers are expatriates,” added Mr Al Haiki.
“Illegal workers pose another challenge, as well as enforcing the culture of safety which depends largely on the law being enforced.”
The GDN reported in August last year that 90pc of worksite accidents in Bahrain are due to employees resorting to “short cuts” which an expert blamed on a lack of “safety culture” among workers.
Challenge
Foulath Group operations manager P M Edwin said the issue posed a challenge to achieving “zero injuries” at worksites.
Of the 367 accidents in 2018, 95 involved men falling from heights, while 60 were injured by falling objects, 44 collided with machinery or equipment, 40 crashed into stationary or moving items, 31 tripped or slipped, 20 were trapped, 16 suffered burn injuries, 13 were injured when lifting heavy items, nine were electrocuted, seven suffered heat injuries, six were hurt by an explosion, four were involved in vehicle accidents, four others collapsed, two suffered suffocation – one in water and one from hazardous materials – and 14 others were injured in various small accidents.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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