Media outlets carry news stories about the death or injury of workers as common incidents. They only publish brief reports on them. Meanwhile, such incidents recur without resonating in the media and without the media handling them and discussing their details.  

The fall of workers from high places is the most common occurrence. Statistics by the Social Security Corporation for 2013 indicate that a work accident occurs every 33 minutes and that a death resulting from a work accident occurs every five days. According to a report published by Al Rai newspaper in January 2015 headlined "Work Injuries Deplete Financial and Human Resources," there were around 3,455 cases of fall. The report spoke about injuries of workers in general and included opinions by some concerned people, but it did not genuinely address the issue of the fall of workers, which constitutes a phenomenon, according to the report.  

According to Mousa Sbeihi, press spokesman for the Social Security Corporation, there were 3,746 injuries among workers in 2014 due to falling from high places, which resulted in 145 deaths. In a statement to AKEED, Sbeihi noted that the problem lies in the construction sector due to lack of regulation, absence of awareness of occupational health and safety, and the fact that some businesses that hire workers do not comply with standards that ensure the safety of workers. He pointed out that the problem in this sector is that workers are not covered by social security. Consequently, they do not receive treatment and compensation. He stressed that media persons must play a role in revealing shortcomings concerning the protection of workers. 

Since the beginning of the current year, the Jordanian Media Credibility Monitor (AKEED), by observing the content produced by Jordanian media, has monitored seven deaths due to work accidents, mainly falling from high places. Meanwhile, there have been eight injuries. These were the cases reported by the media. It was not possible to obtain official statistics for this year.  

AKEED did not see in the news in-depth handling, which reflects a qualitative media effort to discover the reasons for the continuation of these accidents and the failure to reduce them despite the fact that the Labor Law stipulates penalties and standards for occupational health and safety of workers. Besides, the fundamental role of the press profession lies in revealing the details and aspects of issues that are of interest to society.

The role of the press is not only to report news; in fact, it is to examine its details, circumstances, and causes, especially if the news involves the loss of life of a human being. In the case of the death of workers, many details can be revealed here with in-depth efforts by the press, out of commitment to the duty and role of the press in society and state.  

What is it that the press has missed? 

- Media outlets have not made an effort, while reporting the news, to reveal dereliction of duty to help reduce these accidents.

- Most media outlets have reported news about these accidents without elaborating or doing any follow-up. 

- Media outlets have not reported the measures taken by official agencies, which are assigned law enforcement, whenever an accident occurs. 

- Media outlets have not reported on the degree of compliance by the parties concerned with the application of occupational health and safety during the performance of work, including workers and their employers.

- Media outlets have not made this issue one of their main concerns and have not turned it into an issue of public opinion related to the life of citizens and migrant workers. 

The Labor Law stipulates in Chapter Nine, which is related to occupational health and safety, that "the employer shall provide the necessary precautions and measures to protect workers from the hazards and diseases that may result from the work as well as from machines used therein; provide workers with means of personal protection and prevention from the hazards of work and occupational diseases, such as clothes, eyeglasses, gloves, shoes and the like, as well as instruct them on the method of its use, maintenance and cleaning." It also stipulates that the worker must be informed, prior to engagement, of the risks of his occupation and methods of protection to be taken by him. Instructions and directives showing the occupational risks and methods of protection therefrom, according to the regulations and decisions issued in this respect, shall be posted in a conspicuous place. This is in addition to providing the means of medical aid and equipment for workers at the establishment in accordance with the levels specified by the minister after consulting with the competent official agencies.

AKEED maintains that when media outlets perform their main functions, besides the news function, this will strengthen their ability to win the confidence of the public. This is also linked to how much the media adopt the various issues of segments of society and communicate their voice to everybody, particularly vulnerable segments.  Specifically, observing workers" issues and the environment and conditions of work means essentially observing human rights issues since the worker is entitled to have a safe work environment that protects his right to life. 

Here, an important function, which falls under the criteria of verification that the AKEED Monitor adopts, is seeking to achieve public interest, following events, and not being satisfied with preliminary reports. This is in addition to publishing their repercussions, preparing reports on them, and exercising the role of oversight. This is done through paying attention to the substance of good governance, handling cases of corruption and its news and harm to public funds, and reporting news about negligence and dereliction of duty in public affairs.

The following are headlines monitored by AKEED of accidents that workers have had on the job:

1. Worker Dies After Falling From Construction Scaffold in Kerak (6/7/2015)

A worker died after falling from a scaffold at a construction workshop in the town of Damna in Kerak, according to a statement by the Civil Defense today, Monday. The statement said that paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the worker and then transported him to the Kerak Public Hospital. Upon arrival, the doctor on duty announced that the worker was dead. 

2. Worker Dies After Construction Bridge Falls at Tafila Technical (University) (16/6/2015)

Citizen (F."A), 33, died after the fall of an iron bridge used in constructing the ceiling of the gymnasium at Tafila Technical University, according to Civil Defense Director Colonel Naif Nawaiseh. In a statement to Al Rai, Nawaiseh said that while a Jordanian worker was connecting the iron bridges used in the construction of the ceiling of the gymnasium at Tafila Technical University, they fell on him. He was already dead when transported to Prince Zayd Military Hospital. 

This news report was followed by a clarification on 19/6/2015 headlined: Human Error Behind Collapse of Ceiling of Gymnasium at Tafila Technical University:

Tafila Technical University issued a statement, clarifying reports carried by some electronic sites about the death of a worker after the collapse of the ceiling of the gymnasium at the university. According to the statement, the preliminary report of the accident suggests that a human error caused one bridge to move and affect the other bridges, leading to the fall of five of them. This resulted in a critical injury to a technician working for the contractor, causing his death. The statement said that the university extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and prays to God Almighty to have mercy on him and give patience and solace to his family. 

3. Egyptian Worker Injured After Falling From Scaffold in Zarqa (18/6/2015)

A 29-year-old Egyptian construction worker sustained various fractures and injuries to the body after falling from a construction scaffold while doing construction work at a building in Musheirfeh in Zarqa. According to a statement by the Civil Defense today, Thursday, paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the injured and transported him to Prince Faisal Public Hospital. His condition is moderate. 

4. Migrant Worker Injured in Falling Accident in Jerash

Civil Defense personnel at the Jerash Civil Defense Directorate responded to the accident of the fall of a migrant worker from the second floor while carrying out construction work at a building under construction in Dayr al-Layyat. The worker sustained fractures and bruises all over his body. Paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the injured and transported him to Jerash Public Hospital. His condition is moderate.

5. Worker in Amman Sustains Serious Injury After Falling From High Place (28 May 2015)

A worker sustained fractures and bruises after falling from a high place in Amman. The following details were provided: Civil Defense teams at the East Amman Civil Defense Directorate responded to the accident of the fall of a worker from a construction scaffold while carrying out construction work in the Amman Governorate/Radio and TV Street. He sustained fractures and bruises all over his body. Paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the injured and transported him to Luzmila Hospital.  His condition is serious. 

6. Syrian Worker Falls From Fourth Floor in Amman (16/6/2015)

A 33-year-old worker, who is a Syrian national, sustained various fractures and bruises to the body after falling from the fourth floor while carrying out construction work at a building in Abu Nuseir, according to a Civil Defense statement on Tuesday. Paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the injured and transported him to Al-Bashir Public Hospital. His condition is moderate. 

7. Egyptian Dies After Falling From Third Floor in Aqaba (22 April 2015)

A 23-year-old Egyptian worker died after falling from the third floor while carrying out construction work at a building under construction in Al-Durra in Aqaba Governorate. According to a Civil Defense statement today, Wednesday, paramedics at Aqaba Civil Defense Directorate evacuated the deceased to Prince Hashem Military Hospital. 

8. Worker Injured After Falling From Construction Scaffold in Irbid Governorate (11/6/2015)

Civil Defense teams at the Irbid Civil Defense Directorate responded to the accident of the fall of a worker, who is an Egyptian national, from a construction scaffold while carrying out construction work in Al-Hay al-Janubi district. He sustained fractures and bruises all over his body. Paramedics offered the injured the necessary first aid and transported him to Princess Basma Public Hospital. His condition is serious. 

9. Worker Injured in Gas Cylinder Explosion and Fire at Gas Dealership Below Residential Building in Um Nuwwara (5 May 2015)

A fire preceded by an explosion broke out at a warehouse of a dealership for selling and distributing gas cylinders located below a residential building in Um Nuwwara east of the capital, Amman. Witnesses said that the fire broke out after the explosion of a gas cylinder was heard inside this dealership. This caused panic among the residents. One of the workers at the dealership sustained various burns. They added that the cause of the fire was that the worker at the dealership was about to prepare a teapot, using one of the cylinders. The hose of the cylinder was damaged, which caused gas to leak from it and the cylinder to explode. Civil Defense teams rushed to the scene of the accident and controlled the fire. They transported the worker, who sustained moderate degree burns, to hospital for treatment. 

10. Sahab: Worker Dies After Rock Fell on Him (20/5/2015)

A 31-year-old Egyptian migrant worker died after sustaining serious fractures and bleeding injuries all over his body after a rock fell on him while working at a stone factory in Sahab. Paramedics at the East Amman Civil Defense Directorate evacuated the deceased to Al-Bashir Hospital.     

11. Irbid: Worker Dies, Leg of Another Worker Amputated in Accident at Stone Factory (16/3/2015)

An accident that occurred at noon today, Thursday, at a stone and marble factory in the Industrial Estate in Irbid resulted in the death of an Egyptian worker and the injury of another. A Civil Defense source told Roya that one of the machines at the factory fell on the workers, causing the death of a worker. Another worker sustained injuries, which caused the amputation of one of his legs. He was transported to Princess Basma Hospital. Security agencies arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. 

12. Worker Dies of Electric Shock in Southern Shuna (5/1/2015)

A security source said that a man died this morning after suffering an electric shock in the Southern Shuna district. The source added that the death occurred while the deceased, an Egyptian national, was working on electrical installations on a farm, adding that the Civil Defense transported the deceased to Southern Shuna Hospital. 

13. Worker Dies at Al-Hassan Industrial Estate (2/6/2015)

An 18-year-old died at Al-Hassan Industrial Estate while carrying out maintenance work. He was not an employee of the estate. The ministry of Labor said that he was working with the help of a crane brought from outside the Industrial Estate. He had an accident that caused his death. The ministry added that the youth is not considered a child or a juvenile, as some media outlets had reported. Besides, he is not an employee of the Industrial Estate, which does not agree to hire anyone udder the legal age for employment. The ministry"s inspection teams carry out inspection rounds regularly at the site and adopt all the necessary measures when observing any violation of laws. 

This was followed by a news report that had the headline: 

Circumstances of Death of Worker at Al-Hassan Estate

The Ministry of Labor has confirmed that while citizen (H."A) was carrying out maintenance work inside Al-Hassan Industrial Estate, having enlisted the services of a crane from outside the Industrial Estate, with whom the deceased was working, the 18-year-old suffered an accident that caused his death. The competent agencies are still investigating the accident. 

In a press release, the ministry added that "the youth (H."A) is not a child (juvenile). Besides, he does not work inside Al-Hassan Industrial Estate, which does not hire anyone under the legal age for employment. The inspection teams of the ministry carry out inspection rounds regularly at the site and adopt all the necessary measures when observing any violation of the laws in force."

Based on the criteria that AKEED uses, all these news reports relied on one story, which is the story of the medical services or the Civil Defense. In few cases, there was clarification of the circumstances of some accidents, such as the one at Al-Hassan Estate and the accident at Tafila Technical University. This is not enough. The lack of research and investigation into these cases turned the victims into just numbers of dead and injured. 

One of the most important criteria is that of comprehensiveness and completeness, which means that the news story must be comprehensive and complete, rather than partial and selective. The news story should be followed from beginning to end and all its elements must be accounted for, whether through original sources or information departments.  

Media outlets carry news stories about the death or injury of workers as common incidents. They only publish brief reports on them. Meanwhile, such incidents recur without resonating in the media and without the media handling them and discussing their details. 

The fall of workers from high places is the most common occurrence. Statistics by the Social Security Corporation for 2013 indicate that a work accident occurs every 33 minutes and that a death resulting from a work accident occurs every five days. According to a report published by Al Rai newspaper in January 2015 headlined "Work Injuries Deplete Financial and Human Resources," there were around 3,455 cases of fall. The report spoke about injuries of workers in general and included opinions by some concerned people, but it did not genuinely address the issue of the fall of workers, which constitutes a phenomenon, according to the report.  

According to Mousa Sbeihi, press spokesman for the Social Security Corporation, there were 3,746 injuries among workers in 2014 due to falling from high places, which resulted in 145 deaths. In a statement to AKEED, Sbeihi noted that the problem lies in the construction sector due to lack of regulation, absence of awareness of occupational health and safety, and the fact that some businesses that hire workers do not comply with standards that ensure the safety of workers. He pointed out that the problem in this sector is that workers are not covered by social security. Consequently, they do not receive treatment and compensation. He stressed that media persons must play a role in revealing shortcomings concerning the protection of workers.

Since the beginning of the current year, the Jordanian Media Credibility Monitor (AKEED), by observing the content produced by Jordanian media, has monitored seven deaths due to work accidents, mainly falling from high places. Meanwhile, there have been eight injuries. These were the cases reported by the media. It was not possible to obtain official statistics for this year.  

AKEED did not see in the news in-depth handling, which reflects a qualitative media effort to discover the reasons for the continuation of these accidents and the failure to reduce them despite the fact that the Labor Law stipulates penalties and standards for occupational health and safety of workers. Besides, the fundamental role of the press profession lies in revealing the details and aspects of issues that are of interest to society.

The role of the press is not only to report news; in fact, it is to examine its details, circumstances, and causes, especially if the news involves the loss of life of a human being. In the case of the death of workers, many details can be revealed here with in-depth efforts by the press, out of commitment to the duty and role of the press in society and state. 

What is it that the press has missed?

- Media outlets have not made an effort, while reporting the news, to reveal dereliction of duty to help reduce these accidents.

- Most media outlets have reported news about these accidents without elaborating or doing any follow-up.

- Media outlets have not reported the measures taken by official agencies, which are assigned law enforcement, whenever an accident occurs.

- Media outlets have not reported on the degree of compliance by the parties concerned with the application of occupational health and safety during the performance of work, including workers and their employers.

- Media outlets have not made this issue one of their main concerns and have not turned it into an issue of public opinion related to the life of citizens and migrant workers.

The Labor Law stipulates in Chapter Nine, which is related to occupational health and safety, that "the employer shall provide the necessary precautions and measures to protect workers from the hazards and diseases that may result from the work as well as from machines used therein; provide workers with means of personal protection and prevention from the hazards of work and occupational diseases, such as clothes, eyeglasses, gloves, shoes and the like, as well as instruct them on the method of its use, maintenance and cleaning." It also stipulates that the worker must be informed, prior to engagement, of the risks of his occupation and methods of protection to be taken by him. Instructions and directives showing the occupational risks and methods of protection therefrom, according to the regulations and decisions issued in this respect, shall be posted in a conspicuous place. This is in addition to providing the means of medical aid and equipment for workers at the establishment in accordance with the levels specified by the minister after consulting with the competent official agencies.

AKEED maintains that when media outlets perform their main functions, besides the news function, this will strengthen their ability to win the confidence of the public. This is also linked to how much the media adopt the various issues of segments of society and communicate their voice to everybody, particularly vulnerable segments.  Specifically, observing workers" issues and the environment and conditions of work means essentially observing human rights issues since the worker is entitled to have a safe work environment that protects his right to life.

Here, an important function, which falls under the criteria of verification that the AKEED Monitor adopts, is seeking to achieve public interest, following events, and not being satisfied with preliminary reports. This is in addition to publishing their repercussions, preparing reports on them, and exercising the role of oversight. This is done through paying attention to the substance of good governance, handling cases of corruption and its news and harm to public funds, and reporting news about negligence and dereliction of duty in public affairs.

The following are headlines monitored by AKEED of accidents that workers have had on the job:

1. Worker Dies After Falling From Construction Scaffold in Kerak (6/7/2015)

A worker died after falling from a scaffold at a construction workshop in the town of Damna in Kerak, according to a statement by the Civil Defense today, Monday. The statement said that paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the worker and then transported him to the Kerak Public Hospital. Upon arrival, the doctor on duty announced that the worker was dead.

2. Worker Dies After Construction Bridge Falls at Tafila Technical (University) (16/6/2015)

Citizen (F."A), 33, died after the fall of an iron bridge used in constructing the ceiling of the gymnasium at Tafila Technical University, according to Civil Defense Director Colonel Naif Nawaiseh. In a statement to Al Rai, Nawaiseh said that while a Jordanian worker was connecting the iron bridges used in the construction of the ceiling of the gymnasium at Tafila Technical University, they fell on him. He was already dead when transported to Prince Zayd Military Hospital.

This news report was followed by a clarification on 19/6/2015 headlined: Human Error Behind Collapse of Ceiling of Gymnasium at Tafila Technical University:

Tafila Technical University issued a statement, clarifying reports carried by some electronic sites about the death of a worker after the collapse of the ceiling of the gymnasium at the university. According to the statement, the preliminary report of the accident suggests that a human error caused one bridge to move and affect the other bridges, leading to the fall of five of them. This resulted in a critical injury to a technician working for the contractor, causing his death. The statement said that the university extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and prays to God Almighty to have mercy on him and give patience and solace to his family.

3. Egyptian Worker Injured After Falling From Scaffold in Zarqa (18/6/2015)

A 29-year-old Egyptian construction worker sustained various fractures and injuries to the body after falling from a construction scaffold while doing construction work at a building in Musheirfeh in Zarqa. According to a statement by the Civil Defense today, Thursday, paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the injured and transported him to Prince Faisal Public Hospital. His condition is moderate.

4. Migrant Worker Injured in Falling Accident in Jerash

Civil Defense personnel at the Jerash Civil Defense Directorate responded to the accident of the fall of a migrant worker from the second floor while carrying out construction work at a building under construction in Dayr al-Layyat. The worker sustained fractures and bruises all over his body. Paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the injured and transported him to Jerash Public Hospital. His condition is moderate.

5. Worker in Amman Sustains Serious Injury After Falling From High Place (28 May 2015)

A worker sustained fractures and bruises after falling from a high place in Amman. The following details were provided: Civil Defense teams at the East Amman Civil Defense Directorate responded to the accident of the fall of a worker from a construction scaffold while carrying out construction work in the Amman Governorate/Radio and TV Street. He sustained fractures and bruises all over his body. Paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the injured and transported him to Luzmila Hospital.  His condition is serious.

6. Syrian Worker Falls From Fourth Floor in Amman (16/6/2015)

A 33-year-old worker, who is a Syrian national, sustained various fractures and bruises to the body after falling from the fourth floor while carrying out construction work at a building in Abu Nuseir, according to a Civil Defense statement on Tuesday. Paramedics provided the necessary first aid to the injured and transported him to Al-Bashir Public Hospital. His condition is moderate.

7. Egyptian Dies After Falling From Third Floor in Aqaba (22 April 2015)

A 23-year-old Egyptian worker died after falling from the third floor while carrying out construction work at a building under construction in Al-Durra in Aqaba Governorate. According to a Civil Defense statement today, Wednesday, paramedics at Aqaba Civil Defense Directorate evacuated the deceased to Prince Hashem Military Hospital.

8. Worker Injured After Falling From Construction Scaffold in Irbid Governorate (11/6/2015)

Civil Defense teams at the Irbid Civil Defense Directorate responded to the accident of the fall of a worker, who is an Egyptian national, from a construction scaffold while carrying out construction work in Al-Hay al-Janubi district. He sustained fractures and bruises all over his body. Paramedics offered the injured the necessary first aid and transported him to Princess Basma Public Hospital. His condition is serious.

9. Worker Injured in Gas Cylinder Explosion and Fire at Gas Dealership Below Residential Building in Um Nuwwara (5 May 2015)

A fire preceded by an explosion broke out at a warehouse of a dealership for selling and distributing gas cylinders located below a residential building in Um Nuwwara east of the capital, Amman. Witnesses said that the fire broke out after the explosion of a gas cylinder was heard inside this dealership. This caused panic among the residents. One of the workers at the dealership sustained various burns. They added that the cause of the fire was that the worker at the dealership was about to prepare a teapot, using one of the cylinders. The hose of the cylinder was damaged, which caused gas to leak from it and the cylinder to explode. Civil Defense teams rushed to the scene of the accident and controlled the fire. They transported the worker, who sustained moderate degree burns, to hospital for treatment.

10. Sahab: Worker Dies After Rock Fell on Him (20/5/2015)

A 31-year-old Egyptian migrant worker died after sustaining serious fractures and bleeding injuries all over his body after a rock fell on him while working at a stone factory in Sahab. Paramedics at the East Amman Civil Defense Directorate evacuated the deceased to Al-Bashir Hospital.     

11. Irbid: Worker Dies, Leg of Another Worker Amputated in Accident at Stone Factory (16/3/2015)

An accident that occurred at noon today, Thursday, at a stone and marble factory in the Industrial Estate in Irbid resulted in the death of an Egyptian worker and the injury of another. A Civil Defense source told Roya that one of the machines at the factory fell on the workers, causing the death of a worker. Another worker sustained injuries, which caused the amputation of one of his legs. He was transported to Princess Basma Hospital. Security agencies arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

12. Worker Dies of Electric Shock in Southern Shuna (5/1/2015)

A security source said that a man died this morning after suffering an electric shock in the Southern Shuna district. The source added that the death occurred while the deceased, an Egyptian national, was working on electrical installations on a farm, adding that the Civil Defense transported the deceased to Southern Shuna Hospital.

13. Worker Dies at Al-Hassan Industrial Estate (2/6/2015)

An 18-year-old died at Al-Hassan Industrial Estate while carrying out maintenance work. He was not an employee of the estate. The ministry of Labor said that he was working with the help of a crane brought from outside the Industrial Estate. He had an accident that caused his death. The ministry added that the youth is not considered a child or a juvenile, as some media outlets had reported. Besides, he is not an employee of the Industrial Estate, which does not agree to hire anyone udder the legal age for employment. The ministry"s inspection teams carry out inspection rounds regularly at the site and adopt all the necessary measures when observing any violation of laws.

This was followed by a news report that had the headline:

Circumstances of Death of Worker at Al-Hassan Estate

The Ministry of Labor has confirmed that while citizen (H."A) was carrying out maintenance work inside Al-Hassan Industrial Estate, having enlisted the services of a crane from outside the Industrial Estate, with whom the deceased was working, the 18-year-old suffered an accident that caused his death. The competent agencies are still investigating the accident.

In a press release, the ministry added that "the youth (H."A) is not a child (juvenile). Besides, he does not work inside Al-Hassan Industrial Estate, which does not hire anyone under the legal age for employment. The inspection teams of the ministry carry out inspection rounds regularly at the site and adopt all the necessary measures when observing any violation of the laws in force."

Based on the criteria that AKEED uses, all these news reports relied on one story, which is the story of the medical services or the Civil Defense. In few cases, there was clarification of the circumstances of some accidents, such as the one at Al-Hassan Estate and the accident at Tafila Technical University. This is not enough. The lack of research and investigation into these cases turned the victims into just numbers of dead and injured.

One of the most important criteria is that of comprehensiveness and completeness, which means that the news story must be comprehensive and complete, rather than partial and selective. The news story should be followed from beginning to end and all its elements must be accounted for, whether through original sources or information departments.