Over 1,000 injured in worksite accidents last year, says SIO

Over a thousand people were injured in worksite accidents last year, it emerged. The statistics revealed by the Social Insurance Organisation (SIO) says 1,037 people were injured in worksite accidents, which includes 613 Bahrainis and 424 expatriates. In the public sector last year, 221 cases of worksite accidents were recorded, 198 involved Bahrainis while expatriates were the victims in 23 accidents.

However, Bahrain is on the right track when it comes to curbing the number of serious worksite accidents as the number of accidents that led to serious injuries or fatalities has reduced by more than 30 per cent in recent years, the SIO observed.    The reduction has been partly attributed to the rigorous awareness campaigns done by the Labour Ministry to bring awareness about the need to follow safety procedures when performing hazardous work.

“Various awareness campaigns have been made in recent years to reduce the number of worksite accidents and save lives. The campaigns have borne fruit as the numbers of such accidents have reduced in recent years,” a Labour Ministry representative said. According to the latest statistics, the ministry has carried out more than 10,000 inspection visits over the past few years. “The inspection campaigns play a great role in bringing adherence to the rules. The labour force is an important component of the nation and it is vital for us to ensure their safety.

“We urge workers to follow safety protocols so that they are protected at all times. We will continue the awareness programmes and inspection campaigns to further reduce the number of worksite accidents. “Workshops, seminars and conferences will also be held as part of the efforts,” the representative added. This year has seen a few fatal worksite accidents. Earlier this month, a man was run over by a truck. The deceased was identified as Indian national Raju, who was in his late 30s. He worked as a mason with a construction firm. Another construction worker who died last month in a worksite accident was a Bangladeshi national.

According to sources, he fell to his death from the 11th floor of a building in Juffair. The victim was later identified as 29 years old Sahadot who hailed from Pabna district in Bangladesh.