Rate of work injuries in construction worrisome, says govt

RIYADH: The Ministry of Labor and Social Development has announced that large numbers of work-related injuries occur in the construction sector.
The announcement stressed the need for institutions to find the necessary measures and procedures to protect human resources from the risk of injuries caused by the work environment as well as by occupational hazards.
The ministry pointed out that it will continue its inspection tours specializing in occupational safety and health of private sector enterprises, particularly in construction projects.
These will be part of the ministry’s keenness to maintain the safety and health of workers in the facilities, making sure that owners apply the requirements of occupational health and safety and that they provide a safe working environment free from situations that cause accidents or injuries. Mohammed Al-Faleh, assistant undersecretary for inspection and work environment improvement, said that high levels of work-related injuries occur in the construction sector.
This requires intensifying awareness and control over the sector in order to reduce the numbers.
Al-Faleh said that the ministry inspectors had carried out field visits to a number of construction projects in the areas of Riyadh, Makkah, the Eastern Province, especially in the Riyadh Metro and King Abdullah Financial District.
He said that the ministry would not tolerate implementing sanctions stipulated in the labor system against those who violate the regulations and decisions relating to occupational safety and health.
These specify a number of penalties that correspond to the magnitude of the violations related to occupational safety and health whereas some penalties relate to the number of workers.