The large-scale elevated bridge project in Sharjah, undertaken by Guangjin UAE, has entered the initial phase of the superstructure works, resulting in an increase in the frequency of work at height. Furthermore, due to weather conditions and government regulations, night-time construction has gradually become the norm. In light of this, on 5 June, Guangjin UAE joined forces with CGC Group to hold a safety training session. The training focused on two high-risk scenarios: safety protection for work at height and risk management for night-time construction.
During the safety training session on working at height, the safety instructor provided a detailed explanation of topics including scaffolding erection, the operation of mobile elevating work platforms, and the ‘high-hang, low-use’ principle for safety harnesses. By presenting recent case studies of typical falls from height, the instructor analysed in detail the serious consequences of hazards such as the incorrect use of personal protective equipment, inadequate protection at the work surface, and working in hazardous weather conditions. Practical exercises were also organised on-site, covering the correct donning of safety harnesses and the selection of anchor points for safety ropes, to ensure that every worker operating at height is capable of ‘inspecting, using and responding to emergencies’.
In light of the complex nature of night-time construction environments, inadequate lighting and the susceptibility of workers to fatigue, the training session outlined the ‘six musts’ for night-time construction: a dedicated lighting plan must be drawn up; conspicuous warning signs must be erected; a dual-supervision system must be implemented; working hours must be strictly controlled; pre-shift safety checks must be carried out; and emergency communication equipment must be provided. In addition, the instructor used specific procedures such as night-time lifting and concrete pouring to explain coordination during concurrent operations, avoidance of machinery blind spots, and procedures for dealing with sudden power cuts.
This training session covered all on-site management and construction personnel. The CGC safety officer stated that, going forward, safety during work at height and night-time construction will be prioritised in daily inspections. The company will strictly enforce the requirements that ‘no one takes up a post without training, no work is carried out without protective equipment, and no night-time work is conducted without adequate lighting’, and will resolutely uphold the red line of workplace safety.