A SUSPENDED platform from which a worker fell 17 storeys to his death after a cable snapped had only just been repaired, according to his son. Muhammad Shakeel said his father Mohammed Shafique Siddique had only just resumed work on cleaning the Al Rossais Tower, in the Diplomatic Area, after a four-month break when the accident happened on Sunday.

He revealed his father had been cleaning windows at the property on the side for the past eight to 10 years.

"The lift was not functional for the last four months and had been repaired only three days before," he told the GDN.

"My father was asked to start work again since the lift had been fixed.

"The cable snapped and he fell almost immediately after he stepped in."

A representative of the company managing the building confirmed Mr Siddique had been working for them.

However, he claimed Mr Siddique did not inform anyone he would be going to work on the day he died.

He also claimed they had "everything on record" and would produce "all paperwork" at an appropriate time.

If the company was found to be responsible, he added it would pay compensation to the dead man's family.

"My father was paid BD250 for each cleaning of the building every four months," said Mr Siddique's son, adding it would take 15 days to complete the task.

He revealed his father spent between two and three hours every day on the job alone, but did not work when it was windy.

"Since his own regular work required him to be on duty only after 4pm, he was free (to clean windows) during the day," he said.

Mr Siddique's remains were repatriated to his hometown of Lahore, Pakistan, last night accompanied by his two sons and son-in-law.

Labour Ministry labour inspections head Ahmed Al Haiki earlier confirmed a probe was underway.

Mr Siddique was officially under the sponsorship of Alia Buildings as a full-time employee, but the company says it had no knowledge of his work outside the firm.

His two sons, brother-in-law, cousin and son-in-law live in Bahrain, while his wife and daughter live in Lahore in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Alia Buildings manager Adnan Saleh previously said the company was not liable to pay out insurance money as Mr Siddique violated the terms of his employment, but pledged to help his family. mandeep@gdn.com.bh