Latest news with #constructionworkers
The National
12 hours ago
- Climate
- The National
The region's searing summer heat reminds us of changing climate realities
July temperatures in most of the Middle East are challenging every year, especially for people whose jobs require them to spend long periods outdoors during the day. But however used to the trials of summer the region's inhabitants may be, extreme weather is becoming more common. This is a new climate reality that countries and governments can no longer ignore. Other regions, like Southern Europe, are even less equipped to deal with record high summers, with temperatures in some Spanish and Portuguese cities exceeding 46 degrees Celsius this month. As UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has pointed out last year, when he called for an urgent international effort to address extreme heat, around 2.4 billion people around the world are at high risk from this issue. Governments need to continuously adjust to these realities. UAE authorities have had protocols in place for more than 20 years that mandate rest for workers – especially construction workers, delivery drivers, outdoor security personnel, among others – during the hottest parts of the day in the warmest months. This is intended to reduce their exposure to heat and any associated risk of fatigue and heat-related health issues. Other measures are in place across the country, such as Dubai and Ajman restricting working hours for government employees through the summer. Sensible and humane policies rightfully inform the labour laws of the country and also the standards companies set for themselves. The issue of responding to heat stress and climate-related challenges, though, is much larger than what can be tackled in labour law and HR offices. The challenges of tackling climate change vary from country to country, even as the overarching issue of addressing rising temperatures is common across the planet. Around 2.4 billion people around the world are at high risk from this issue Wildfires in coastal Syria this month raged on for more than a week. In Iraq, 46 million people are facing water crises after inadequate rains disrupted agricultural planning in the country that the UN has said is one of the five most vulnerable to certain effects of climate change. In Iran, a public holiday was announced as temperatures touched 50°C and residents were asked to limit their water usage. Rainfall in the Middle East and North Africa has been the lowest in five years. All of this points to a worrying future if strong measures are not taken urgently, and the Middle East is particularly vulnerable. A situation that is, however, increasingly precarious for much of the world requires foresight, planning, innovation and a sharing of expertise so that countries can work together to adapt to the challenges posed by a warming planet. In addition to federal plans already in place to tackle climate change and in recognition of the necessity of bracing for this uncertain climate future, Abu Dhabi launched a climate action plan yesterday for the next 25 years to bolster vulnerable environmental systems of groundwater, soil and biodiversity. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi called it "a science-backed, action-oriented road map'.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Baraka Real Estate Development convenes free health check-up camp for site employees
In a continuous quest for the well-being of the employees, Baraka Real Estate Development successfully has organised a free health check-up camp for the labourers at its construction sites, with the support of LLH Hospital Musaffah. The initiative underscores Baraka's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its efforts to elevate health standards within the real estate and construction industry. The event, held at one of Baraka's active sites, offered workers essential health screening services including blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, and face-to-face consultations with experienced medical professionals. The goal was to promote early detection of potential health issues, enhance awareness of personal wellness, and ensure frontline workers receive the care and recognition they deserve. 'Each member of our workforce is the backbone of what we construct,' said a spokesperson for Baraka Real Estate Development. 'This programme isn't just about health screenings - it's about honouring the hard work and humanity of every individual on-site, and treating their well-being as an intrinsic business priority.' The LLH Hospital Musaffah medical team delivered the programme with professionalism and empathy, creating a comfortable, informative experience for all participants. Beyond addressing immediate health concerns, the event emphasised the importance of long-term wellness through personalised guidance and preventive care. The initiative was met with enthusiastic participation and appreciation among workers - many of whom have limited access to routine health check-ups. For those requiring further care, timely referrals were arranged to ensure appropriate follow-up. 'Working with medical professionals enables us to provide meaningful value beyond the construction process,' the spokesperson added. 'We see this as a vital part of setting a new benchmark for employee welfare within the real estate development sector.' As the UAE continues to emphasise ethical labour practices and private sector responsibility, Baraka's approach serves as a clear example of how companies can contribute meaningfully to national development goals. The company has confirmed that similar CSR-driven projects are planned as part of its broader commitment to social impact.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
South Africa building collapse that killed 34 was 'entirely preventable', minister says
A building collapse that killed 34 construction workers and injured dozens in Western Cape province last year was "entirely preventable", South Africa's government says. A new report into the tragedy reveals that serious safety concerns had been raised well before the partially built five-storey apartment block collapsed in the town of George in May 2024. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said the collapse was the result of multiple failures including the use of substandard materials, structural cracks, and visible gaps. "There were a number of red flags that were continually raised about this project," said a visibly angry Macpherson. Some of the defects were detected a year before the collapse. The health and safety officer even resigned in protest but work continued, the report found. "The work should have stopped," Macpherson said. He added that these signs were a chance to turn back but instead, problems with the building were "covered up". Workers reported feeling vibrations in the structure, and being told to cover up holes with sand and substandard concrete, the report revealed. Following what the minister described as an "emotional and painful" private meeting with survivors and families of victims, he called for criminal accountability for those found to have been negligent. A police investigation is under way but no arrests have been made. Many survivors are still facing trauma, medical bills and struggling to put food on the table, Macpherson said. Electrician Delvin Safers was pinned under the tonnes of concrete and mangled metal for 28 hours. He sent voice notes to his family believing he might die. A colleague of his was killed instantly as the concrete fell on top of them. After his rescue Mr Safers told the BBC he had noticed no warning signs, but believed that if shortcuts were taken during construction, then those responsible "should be held accountable". He did not attend the minister's briefing but his father Deon, who did, told the BBC that he was impressed by the report. "We want justice," he said, adding that his son had received no compensation Another survivor of the disaster, Elelwani, tearfully told local media, that her life had changed in the last year. She lost many teeth, struggles to eat and has been the subject of bullying. She appealed for money from well wishers. Macpherson pledged to introduce regulations to improve oversight in construction and reform outdated legislation. The probe was conducted by the Council for the Built Environment and a parallel investigation by the Engineering Council of South Africa. Joy as son trapped in SA building collapse rescued Man trapped under SA building texting family, father says Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Africa Daily Focus on Africa Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
South Africa building collapse that killed 34 was 'entirely preventable', minister says
A building collapse that killed 34 construction workers and injured dozens more in the Western Cape, town of George last May was "entirely preventable", South Africa's government says. A newly released report into the 2024 tragedy revealed that serious safety concerns had been raised well before the partially-built five-storey apartment block came crashing down. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said the collapse was the result of multiple failures including the use of substandard materials, structural cracks, and visible gaps. "There were a number of red flags that were continually raised about this project," said a visibly angry Macpherson. Some of the defects in the building were detected a year before the building collapsed. The health and safety officer even resigned in protest but work continued the report found. "The work should have stopped" Macpherson said. Macpherson added that these signs were a chance to turn back but instead, problems with the building were "covered up". Workers reported feeling vibrations in the partially built structure, and being told to cover up holes with sand and substandard concrete, the report revealed. Following what the minister described as an "emotional and painful" private meeting with survivors and families of victims, he called for criminal accountability for those found to have been negligent. A police investigation is still ongoing but no arrests have been made. Many survivors are still facing trauma, medical bills and struggling to put food on the table, Macpherson said. One survivor of the disaster, Elelwani, tearfully told local media, that her life had changed dramatically in the last year. She lost many of her teeth, struggles to eat and has been the subject of bullying. She appealed for money from well wishers. Macpherson pledged to introduce regulations to improve oversight in construction and reform outdated legislation. The probe was conducted by the Council for the Built Environment and a parallel investigation by the Engineering Council of South Africa. Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Africa Daily Focus on Africa
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
South Africa building collapse that killed 34 was 'entirely preventable', minister says
A building collapse that killed 34 construction workers and injured dozens more in the Western Cape, town of George last May was "entirely preventable", South Africa's government says. A newly released report into the 2024 tragedy revealed that serious safety concerns had been raised well before the partially-built five-storey apartment block came crashing down. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said the collapse was the result of multiple failures including the use of substandard materials, structural cracks, and visible gaps. "There were a number of red flags that were continually raised about this project," said a visibly angry Macpherson. Some of the defects in the building were detected a year before the building collapsed. The health and safety officer even resigned in protest but work continued the report found. "The work should have stopped" Macpherson said. Macpherson added that these signs were a chance to turn back but instead, problems with the building were "covered up". Workers reported feeling vibrations in the partially built structure, and being told to cover up holes with sand and substandard concrete, the report revealed. Following what the minister described as an "emotional and painful" private meeting with survivors and families of victims, he called for criminal accountability for those found to have been negligent. A police investigation is still ongoing but no arrests have been made. Many survivors are still facing trauma, medical bills and struggling to put food on the table, Macpherson said. One survivor of the disaster, Elelwani, tearfully told local media, that her life had changed dramatically in the last year. She lost many of her teeth, struggles to eat and has been the subject of bullying. She appealed for money from well wishers. Macpherson pledged to introduce regulations to improve oversight in construction and reform outdated legislation. The probe was conducted by the Council for the Built Environment and a parallel investigation by the Engineering Council of South Africa. Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Africa Daily Focus on Africa
