Dubai accident crackdown third most

Dubai: Dubai's Building Control Department has said it will fine construction companies and shut down construction sites if safety procedures are not implemented.

The first part of the initiative will be a series of three training courses to improve safety awareness. There will be one course for the Department's own engineers and inspectors, one for consultants and a third for contracting companies.

According to the Department's technical co-ordinator, the authorities will come down “hard”on companies that complete the course but still fail to follow safe procedures.

“I'd like to think we're doing this step by step,”he said. “It's important to educate and provide awareness. Then if we see somebody doing something wrong we give them the chance to get it right. Finally, we will fine companies - we are even prepared to shut down building sites.”

Dubai is thought to have more than 5000 construction sites, and the industry relies heavily on immigrant workers.