Abu Dhabi crane casualties fall after safety campaign

No one was harmed by cranes or lifting devices in Abu Dhabi this year.

ABU DHABI // A cleansheet of casualties by the capital's construction cranes is being credited to a campaign launched two years ago.

Since October 2011, the municipality has inspected 13,871 cranes and lifting devices used in the construction industry as part of efforts to create a safe working environment for workers.

Abdul Aziz Zurub, director of environment, health and safety, said the municipality worked with Dubai Accreditation Centre, Dubai Municipality and Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology to implement the campaign.

"Based on this cooperation, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has disqualified six technical inspection companies for noncompliance with the required standards and stipulations. Thirty-four technical inspection companies have been registered by the health and safety division at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City.

"Since 2011, more than 3,246 cranes have been rejected by the technical inspection centres in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region," he said.

Salah Al Sarraj, acting executive director of town planning, said it was important for the municipality to use companies specialised in inspecting and endorsing mechanical lifting devices.

"The municipality calls upon all companies involved in building and construction activities to comply with all equipment safety procedures, which are crucial for the safety of construction sites and security of the personnel operating therein."