The Municipality of Abu Dhabi has issued warnings for construction and property companies to make sure they are complying with safety and security regulations following a spate of recent incidents.
Two window cleaners died last month after a motor which controlled their cradle malfunctioned. The men were trapped for four hours and eventually died after metal cables gave way at roof level, causing the cradle to plunge to the ground. Two weeks later, another pair of window cleaners had to be rescued from the 23rd floor of a building when wind speeds picked up, causing their cradle to swing violently.
Emirates News Agency WAM said the municipality has stepped up its surveillance and inspection campaign of high-rise equipment used by firms following the incidents.
Engineer Salah Awad Al Sarraj, acting executive director of the municipality’s Town Planning Sector, said: “Developing rules, regulations and programs to ensure the highest levels of safety and security at construction sites during the execution of various works and occupations conforms to the strategy of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City. “
Abdul Aziz Zu’rub, the municipality’s director of environment, health and safety, also called on companies themselves to deal strictly with breaches of health and safety rules, particularly when working on tower facades.
