Amend laws to include broad criminal negligence standard

Fines are not an effective deterrent (Tough fines and enforcement needed in UAE buildings to boost fire safety, August 20). Amending the laws to include a broad criminal negligence standard would offer a deterrent for any number of public-safety hazards in the UAE, not the least of which is the risk of fire due to improperly installed or maintained electrical wiring and building panels.

One could argue that it could also apply to car safety and driving, giving law enforcement another tool in their attempts to cut down on road deaths.

I’m sure such an approach would be extremely effective and welcomed by those who work to keep this country safe, despite many challenges. At least the law should be on their side.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

Is it not mandatory to have risk assessments done every day? (Call for owners, developers to assess fire risk on older UAE buildings, August 20.) I have worked here for 22 years and in the past 15 years risk assessments have become part of our statutory framework. My question is, how do companies not have risk assessment policies in place?

Tanya Milbourne, Dubai

Until today, we don’t know what started the fire. However, while a building might have the most sophisticated fire alarm and firefighting systems, its occupants ought to adhere to safety standards and rules. Failure to do so could result in a catastrophe like this.

Ben Kaziz, Dubai