The safety of workers must be considered at all times, as this is mandated by the UAE Labour Law. This includes window cleaners, who risk their lives everyday as part of the job.
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The morning of Wednesday, November 20th, started out just like any other day for two window cleaners in Ajman. However, they got the fright of their lives when strong winds struck their platform, which was positioned high outside a residential building!
Window Cleaners Rescued Atop Dangling Platform
Based on a statement from the Ajman Civil Defence, two cleaners had been cleaning the glass facade of a residential building along Ajman Corniche, when strong winds suddenly caused their platform to swing violently, Khaleej Times reported.
According to the Deputy Director of the Centers of Ajman Civil Defence, Lt. Colonel Raed Obaid Al Zaabi, their operations room received an incident report at 9:00 am. Apparently, two workers got stuck on a scaffolding that had stopped working due to strong winds.
Fortunately, two residents — a Greek and a Moroccan woman — saw what happened and were able to act quickly. They reached out from the window and held onto the ropes, thereby stabilising the platform that the cleaners were standing on.
The two women held onto the ropes, causing injury to themselves. Soon, however, the Ajman Civil Defence Team arrived to help everyone get to safety. The windows cleaners were saved, while the women who helped them were treated immediately for their wounds.
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Kudos to the two expat women who helped save the lives of the window cleaners! Indeed, safety should be a top priority among all kinds of workers, especially during unstable weather conditions. In addition, we should keep in mind these safety reminders from Dubai Police.