Scaffolding collapse caused by high winds, unsafe equipment

A lack of 'proper support and fixing' allowed the structure to collapse in high winds, investigation reveals.

ABU DHABI // An accident at a demolition site last week that destroyed several balconies and windows on a neighbouring building was caused by high winds and unsafe equipment, an accident investigation has revealed.

A "lack of proper support and fixing on the scaffolding" allowed the structure to collapse when 35kph winds blew through the two buildings, a report by the health, safety and environment department of the municipality said.

The scaffolding was not properly attached to the building, near the junction of Salam and Khalifa streets in the capital. No injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing.

The municipality has requested more documentation from the demolition project's main contractor, Al Showeihat Contracting.

The scaffolding collapsed at about 10.30am on February 2, taking several balconies with it. Windows in the nearby building were also smashed.

The preliminary accident investigation report also notes that the scaffolding was erected in August, though demolition had only recently begun.

Scaffolding should not typically be erected for more than three months, municipal officials said.

Al Showeihat has not been cited or fined for any offence. The company is listed as one of the municipality's registered demolition companies.

Atram Zaarour, a staff engineer for Al Showeihat, said the scaffolding was put up by another company that was not properly trained.

"I told my company that people must be trained," Mr Zaarour said. "The scaffolding must be inspected, and people must be trained to properly erect this."

Yesterday, the contractor completed an accident report that will be submitted to the municipality. The report lists heavy winds as the cause of the accident.

It was the second major scaffolding accident in the capital in a month.

In January, one worker died after five men fell from a building under construction next to the Euro Hotel on Muroor Road. The scaffolding had allegedly collapsed for the second time in two days.

Ten people died in 29 accidents on building sites in the capital last year, according to statistics released by the municipality, withworkers falling one of the most commonly reported accidents.

The municipality has recently prioritised heath and safety, particularly on building sites.

In the capital, more than 20 municipal workers carry out daily inspections, and about 3,000 random inspections have been completed this year.

Offenders will initially be warned and the municipality may shut down the part of the site in violation in serious cases.

Fines can range from Dh1,000 to Dh50,000.