The construction sector has become one of the Kingdom’s most lucrative industries over the past years but lack of safety measures at construction sites have also resulted in making it one of the most dangerous.

Construction companies’ negligence of taking appropriate precautionary measures and the use of safety equipment can cause grievous injuries to the workers and even result in their death. Many workers continue to work in hazardous conditions without safety harnesses, hard hats or protective masks.

Mohammed Saleh, an engineer in Jeddah said: “It’s the small companies which flout safety rules whereas the big firms ensure that they comply with safety regulations especially with regard to their workers.”

Construction workers are still being forced to work in high temperatures although many companies have agreed to abide by the strict rules of giving their employees a mid-day break.

“I have seen workers at construction sites working in the heat and without safety gear. This is due to companies placing priority on completing projects by deadlines given them and so they also compromise on safety standards. On the other hand, workers are equally at fault for not asking to be protected from work hazards,” said Sayeed, a Jeddah resident.

He added that it is important for the company and inspection officials to spread awareness among the workers on safety at construction sites and avoid injuries.

A resident not wishing to be named complained that he saw a laborer falling down from the scaffolding of a flyover under construction and was shocked to note that the worker was not wearing any safety gear even while working at such heights. He said that it is important for the people in charge to take special care of their laborers and that there should be stricter vigilance and inspections on construction sites.

Mohammed Niyaz, an Indian laborer, said that he had sustained a severe injury in his back while at work which forced him to take bed-rest for six months. His company sent him home instead. He said that it is important for laborers working outdoors to be aware about working safely as a slight accident can cause problems for life.

Another resident, Hamid Ali, was surprised to see a wire lying across the stairs of a building under construction and that some of the workers were not wearing the correct kit which includes safety shoes, helmets and gloves. He could not believe this carelessness on the part of the workers.

However, the GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) has taken a serious view of this and is meting out heavy penalties to companies which fail to comply with safety standards. The occupational hazards subscription fees of companies have risen and can only be removed if they execute the safety recommendations. The GOSI has been working intensively on the safety of laborers at construction sites and deployed inspectors to monitor these sites.

In response, the companies have also started to educate their employees on proper precautions and safety measures at work.

It is hoped that an increase in awareness relating to the work environment, workers’ health and safety will prevent the incidence of any serious injury or casualty during construction activity.