There is concern that the level of construction accidents may be higher than reported
Crane accidents, such as the death of a crane operator in Dubai earlier this week, could be avoided if operators get more training, a leading crane inspection expert tells CMME.
A Filipino crane operator was killed after his crane struck a power line while it was being positioned on a development in the Lisaili district of Dubai.
Richard Colley, operations manager, Lifting Equipment & NDT Divisions, at crane inspection and asset quality specialist Velosi told CMME that 80-90% of crane accidents are operator-related. He added a lack of training is often the main reason why avoidable accidents happen in the region.
According to Colley, the problem of operators not fully understanding the dangers relating to using heavy-lift equipment is often exasperated by plant and site managers who also have insufficient knowledge of crane safety.
“There is a lack of knowledge from operators,” he said. “They may only take a one-day familiarisation course. But there is not enough education all the way down the line.”
Despite changing regulation and growing safety awareness, accidents continue to be recorded in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Health Authority reported that there were 101 on-the-job deaths in 2010. Abdul Aziz Zurub, Manager – Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Division at the Abu Dhabi Municipality told Emirates 24|7 last month that he feared the number of reported accidents and fatalities was higher than at first believed due to a lack of reliable data.
Last year, ENOC and the RTA announced that they were entering a partnership with German inspection outfit TUV SUD to carry out the inspection of around 10,000 cranes, and construction vehicles in Dubai. It is the first time that construction vehicles are inspected for safety in the city.