Accidents spur safety warning

GDN: LABOUR officials have issued a new safety warning following two worksite accidents in a span of three days.

They are still investigating the death of a Nepali worker, who died on Thursday following to a worksite accident.

Sayed Kadhem Al Durazi and Sons group of company's mechanic Ram Kumar Karki was killed when he was trapped inside a loading machine used for collecting sand and rubbish.

This was followed by an unrelated accident at a Muharraq workshop, where an air conditioning mechanic temporarily lost sight in his eyes on Saturday.

The incident took place at around 1.30pm when Praveen Narayanan Prabha, 21, accidentally spilled chemical used to clean air conditioners.

A Labour Ministry occupational health and safety department spokesman said the accident took place because the worker ignored safety measures.

"We are investigating the accident and will hand over a final report to the public prosecution," he said.

"Most of the accidents take place because of negligence. Workers must wear the helmet and safety shoes, while working outdoor or indoor."

A company spokesman told the GDN the incident took place when the 28-year-old mechanic was fixing a faulty machine inside a compound in Jurdab.

"The machine got jammed at around 11.30am, so a worker informed the person in charge, who called the garage and requested mechanics.

"Two mechanics arrived and Mr Karki was one of them. He charged the battery and checked the main control of the machine by sitting inside the operator cabin.

"While doing so, the faulty cabin was locked and he was unable to open it. He pushed several buttons when various parts of the machine started to operate.

"The cabin dropped and while he tried to maintain its balance the arm continued moving towards him until it fell on him before breaking lose from the machine."

Officials from the Labour Ministry and Interior Ministry arrived at the scene and took evidence.

The spokesman said they would repatriate the body once legal formalities have been completed.

The Nepal Club is also arranging to raise funds for his family.

Mr Karki, from Bhojpur district in Nepal, came to Bahrain two years ago and is survived by a wife, a daughter and a son.

Meanwhile, the workshop employee was said to be recovering in hospital yesterday.

Roommate Praveen Kumar told the GDN that they had feared he would completely lose his sight following the incident.

"He took a chemical bottle from the store room, opened it and was coming inside the shop when he slipped," he said.

"The chemical fell all over his face, but as it wasn't very powerful, it didn't harm his body.

"I poured cold water into his eyes before he was rushed to Salmaniya Medical Complex, where doctors treated him.

"He was unable to see for some time, but is now recovering. Initially, we thought he may be unable to see again, but he is now able to recognise colours."

Mr Prabha came to Bahrain a month ago and worked for Al Mazaya air conditioning workshop in Muharraq.