• Am I focused on what I am about to do?

• Is there activity in the area that might effect me?

• If something unforeseen did happen, what are my plans?

Some things to consider prior to beginning any task, especially a common task that we have perhaps preformed many times and feel somewhat comfortable in doing.

Focused on the task at hand, but aware of one’s surroundings

The following slides are an illustration of an incident where being aware of one’s surroundings, and a quick, safe reaction no doubt saved many lives

Infinity Tower, Dubai Marina Hundreds of workers on-site are said to have had a lucky escape. The excavation work of “the tallest building with a twist”, the Infinity Tower, was almost nearing completion.A loud sharp sound was heard. Later, sand was noticed pouring down on all sides. The Eighty storey tower, worth Dh.700 million, is said to have a ninety degree twist.

The incident happened as the workers were assisting the project owners and the piling contractor with the foundation works on site 20 meters below Ground level.

The supervision team noticed a slight movement and cracks in the diaphragm wall adjacent to the Dubai Marina and alerted the management who ordered an immediate evacuation of the site.

The diaphragm wall collapsed and crumbled within 2 minutes from being noticed as the workers were scrambling over safety ladders up to the ground level. The whole site was totally flooded within 4 minutes.

• Am I focused on what I am about to do?

• Is there activity in the area that might effect me?

• If something unforeseen did happen, what are my plans?

Focused on the task at hand, but aware of one’s surroundings

R.Evans JH&SC