Worker calls accident ‘God’s will’, forgoes compensation

sharjah — A man, who suffered a fracture in his leg after he fell off an eight-metre-high scaffold, has waived his right to claim compensation from the erring company, stating that the “accident happened because of God’s will”.

A Sharjah court heard the case of the Arab worker who met with the mishap at a site of an underconstruction building in Siouh.

After investigation, the Sharjah Public Prosecution charged the company with not providing adequate safety measures at the work site. It accused the company of causing the accident due to its negligence, failure to take precautionary steps, and violating safety norms. Taking into view the injury inflicted on the worker, the prosecution called for strict punishment against the firm.

The Egyptian victim, who was brought in with the help of his colleagues

The company did not commit any “moral” mistake and did not flout safety procedures at the work site.” Worker, Egyptian national

in a wheelchair, testified before the court. He said he worked as a carpenter under the company’s sponsorship.

On the day of the incident, he arrived early at the site and got busy in his job. He told the court that he had put on the helmet but did not wait for the store official to give him the belt. He said he stood on the 8-metre-high scaffold and tried to pull a piece of wood, when he lost balance.

Later, his colleague contacted ambulance. The police immediately arrived at the site and investigated the cause of the fall.

The victim said he underwent surgery and stayed in the hospital for a month. After his discharge, he took two months off so that he could recover from the injury. However, he is still unable to perform his normal activities. He told the court he needed three more months to be able to work again according to his medical examination.

While saying that the “accident” happened because of ‘God’s will’, the man waived his right to claim payout for his injury. He said the company did not commit any “moral” mistake and did not flout safety procedures at the work site.

The owner of the company, who attended the court hearing, submitted a letter received from the victim, which stated that he had relinquished his right to claim compensation from the firm.

He also confirmed before the court that the company follows all security and safety measures, and that the worker did not wear belt when the accident happened. The judge adjourned the hearing.