Friday, 27th February 2009 - 14:22CET

Updated: Woman injured by falling scaffolding

Photo: Mohamed Elaida

(Adds details)

A 32-year-old Indonesian woman who was walking in Gzira, was slightly injured this afternoon when a scaffolding, which served as a passage shelter for pedestrians next to Jubilee, collapsed on her, the police said.

The woman, who lives in Msida, was taken to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Monday, November 23, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

G. Giordmaina (on 15/3/09)

We build scaffolding that is called tube and clamp scaffold.
this is the safest scaffold possible . But unfortunately it takes time to build and the price is around 9 euros per square meter so some customers regret to use this type of scaffold because they want everything for free or pay minimum possible.
So what you pay is what you get.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PEOPLE DO COME NEARLY EVERY DAY where we build our scaffold ,
I don't know why and how this scaffold in gzira collapsed and no one took action it was in a busy road where everyone could see the type of lego scaffold.

L.Zahra (on 1/3/09)

Even the debris on the pavement is a danger to pedestrians, never mind the scaffolding not being secured up to a safe standard. I just cannot for the life of me grasp why this kind of
danger is shrugged off indifferently here, until some accident happens that is........but even then it's a one day's wonder! Why are safety inspectors never to be found?

A Bezzina (on 27/2/09)

Mhux ahjar twahlu Kameras ma kull 'Building site'. Jew il-construction cowboys ma jamlu hsara lill hadd! Speed cameras biss qeghedin 'to safeguard road users'. Heqq inkella 'we won't get donations for the Party before Christmas'

T Mifsud (on 27/2/09)

SUE THEM for your injuries!

G.Sinagra (on 27/2/09)

I think it is about time for a health & safety authority is established in the Maltese Islands.

victor caruana (on 27/2/09)

I did use the passage this morning. If any of my family get injured by such gross negligence and amateurism, I try to settle personally the score with those responsible. As we are mickey mouse country with an inquiries taking years and ending up inconclusive..

Keith D'Amato (on 27/2/09)

imagine it was a woman with her pushchair..... umbghad jajdulek li taht il bankina perikoluz timxi !!!! hahahaha

Alfred Mallia (on 27/2/09)

@ Alfred caruana Prompt action. That is what was expected of you. To be amazed only at the woman warden's disattention brought discomfort to this poor asian woman. Unlike the two constables who yesterday jumped into the cold waters to ascertain that no one was in the crashed van, you opted to accuse someone else for lack of service. You were there, it rang a bell but you didn't bother.

Ronnie Gauci (on 27/2/09)

I hope that once out of hospital she'll sue. Only this way, by introducing the suing culture, things will start to change in Malta like this did for other countries. In countries like Canada, USA and the UK they'll sue you for almost everything while here in Malta you need to almost be killed to even consider talking to a lawyer.

John Carmel Navarro (on 27/2/09)

This lady’s Guardian Angel must have been with her it is a miracle that she did not suffer fatal injuries. Is there such a thing as a Safety Inspector with the responsibility of checking the many building sites that seem to crop up out of any control all over the Island? Footpaths and roads obstructed at the whim of construction companies. Cranes toppling over scaffolding collapsing seem to be part of everyday life on our building site Country.

K. Vella (on 27/2/09)

This woman should well thank her lucky stars tonight for escaping almost unscathed. If these builders are not even capable of building a safe scaffolding, I shudder to think of the shoddy houses they've been building. Name and shame please, if you really care about public safety.

Sarah Attard (on 27/2/09)

Thank goodness the woman was only slightly injured. Nonetheless, it should be pointed out that had this incident proved fatal, there would probably have been a major inquiry held. Why do people have to die in such circumstances before we start taking these things seriously and look into them to prevent them from happening again? It's time to start being a little more proactive, instead of just REactive.

Stephen Cassar (on 27/2/09)

And to think that I walked through there, just 5 minutes before it fell! im feeling lucky!

tony abela (on 27/2/09)

I hope that it is legally obligatory to have scaffolding and any other structure erected in public areas certified by an appropriate Engineer. I also hope that legally, scaffolding has to be erected by qualified and certified tradesmen and not by just Tom, Dick and Harry. Another point is that there are different types of scaffoldings for different works. The one in the picture is what is known as 'H' Sections which is not meant for any weight bearing other than as a climbing rig for whitewashers and decorators. Surely not for masonry and structural works as the site indicates from the photo. If this is not covered by our Law lets legislate as soon as possible. Most people thought that on joining EU all these abuses will disappear. I think we are still living in Mickey Mouse Country.

Brian Fenech (on 27/2/09)

John Zammit (on 27/2/09)

Remember the adage: Do not walk under ladders

M. Elaida (on 27/2/09)

I heard the noise of the collapse. The woman was re-born today. One thing I would like the authorities to look into: Who gave these builders a permit to build a sheltered passage if this is only needed when some work (any work) was being done to the façade?. While, if I am not mistaking the building ( a 1 or 2 floors high) was being demolished. In this case the site should closed with some kind of Palisade or a wall.

v farrugia (on 27/2/09)

And to think that I walked through there, just yesterday evening... BRRRR!

E.Camilleri (on 27/2/09)

She must have rested against it ! Safety my hat ! Want to stay safe ? Stay 100metres away from any form of construction site ! Possibly at that radius you might manage to be safe also from Tower cranes.

c cachia (on 27/2/09)

This accident happened very close to two bank branches, a prominent insurance agency and a very popular restaurant. Do people have to die for authorities to start acting. Who erected it should be held responsible ... we don't need people to die to change things!

Mira Sammut (on 27/2/09)

only in malta.com. Health and safety in Malta can be very dangerous, please please do something about it. Thought being in the EU would avoid situations like this.

jcmicallef (on 27/2/09)

we'll probably later learn that business was back as usual after a couple of hours, at the max a few days. We've been expecting this - some months back a terrible tragedy was somehow avoided in Sliema. Don't expect any justice, guys, it simply does not exist. I'm going to start wearing a helmet while walking the streets.

Charles Micallef (on 27/2/09)

Regrettably there are too many cowboys erecting scaffolding all over the Island who do not have a clue how to...............This is a very specialised job !

Alfred Caruana (on 27/2/09)

I walked by just yesterday afternoon. Seeing the structure as it was, I decided to cross over to the other side of this busy street, as it did look less stable than a lego construction. What amazes me is that a woman warden was standing by. What's the use when laws and regulations are flaunted by the letter and in spirit and nobody does anything?

E. Pulis (on 27/2/09)

Slightly injured? Bionic woman or what? Thank god there were no serious injuries. So much to health and safety!

L.Cumbo (on 27/2/09)

Tower Cranes - Scaffolding - what next? Authorities please take note and have inspectors make sure that the general public are safe.

Janet Farrugia (on 27/2/09)

cool...

Would some expert from the Health & Safety Authority & Police Force tell us whether they will issue charges against (ir)responsible developer please?

Keith D'Amato (on 27/2/09)

wow security measures at their best !

Updated: Woman injured by falling scaffolding

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