XN000022-1972-08-21 — Page 9

Monday, August 21, 1972

BUILDING ACCIDENTS

Three-hundred-and-thirty workers were injured and seven killed

while working on building construction sites during July, according to

reports received by the Labour Department.

Of this number, 55 were injured and five killed as a result of

accidental falls.

The department's Industrial Safety Training Officer said today:

"The number of workers killed and injured due to falls involving workers

continues to be a source of concern. This type of accident is usually the

result of a combination of an unsafe physical condition and an unsafe act

by the individual,"

He added that the adoption of a few relatively simple and inexpensive

precautions could lead to a reduction in these accidents.

"Many of the injuries sustained by workers falling or tripping

on the level could be avoided if higher standards of housekeeping were adopted.

For example, raw materials should be stacked properly and safely; rubbish

and trade waste should be removed regularly from construction sites. Poor

housekeeping is probably the biggest contributory factor in accidents

involving 'falls of person'."

The officer emphasised that working platforms consisting of a simple

plank supported by empty oil drums or trestles made up of odd pieces of timber

should not be used. Openings in floors in partially completed buildings should

be either fenced or planked over. Staircases should be fitted with temporary

handrails and where necessary, adequately illuminated by artificial lighting.

He stressed the need for co-operation between management, supervisors

and workers to work together in organising safety programmes to reduce the

number of accidents which occur.

Release time: 6.45 p.m.