Dear Editor,

The recent death of Clifton James, a supervising engineer on the Montego Bay Bypass near Granville, St James, is a tragedy that should cause all of us to think seriously about safety on construction sites.

Reports indicate that he was struck by a reversing truck while carrying out duties on the project. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, so it is important not to jump to conclusions or assign blame before all the facts are known.

However, one thing is clear: Construction sites can be dangerous places, and safety must remain a priority from the beginning to the end of every project.

Road construction involves the movement of heavy trucks, excavators, graders, rollers, and other equipment. At the same time, workers, engineers, supervisors, inspectors, and other people may be moving around the same areas. When large equipment and people are working in close proximity, even a small mistake or misunderstanding can have serious consequences.

Reversing vehicles are a particular concern because drivers may not always have a clear view of what is behind them. This is why construction sites need clear traffic arrangements. Workers should know where they are expected to walk and work, while drivers and equipment operators should know where people are located.

When necessary, trained individuals should assist drivers when reversing, particularly in areas where visibility is limited. Warning alarms, cameras, lighting, and other safety equipment can also provide additional protection.

But safety is not only about equipment and rules, it is also about communication and attitude. Workers should feel comfortable reporting unsafe conditions without fear of being blamed or punished. Supervisors and managers should take these concerns seriously. Contractors and project managers also have a responsibility to ensure that safety arrangements are practical and are actually followed on site.

There can sometimes be pressure to complete work quickly, especially when projects are behind schedule; however, a project deadline should never be more important than a person’s life.

Jamaica needs roads and other infrastructure. These projects support economic activity, improve transportation, and help communities. But the people who build and maintain this infrastructure must receive the same attention as the roads, bridges, and other structures they are helping to create.

Every serious accident should, therefore, lead to questions: What happened? Were the risks properly identified? Were safety procedures understood? Were they followed? What can be done differently to prevent a similar incident?

The purpose should not be to find someone to blame before the facts are known; it should be to learn, improve, and prevent another family from experiencing the pain of losing a loved one at work.

Construction will always involve risks. The responsibility is to manage those risks as carefully as possible and make sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the working day.

Denton Moore

dentonmoore2002@yahoo.com