The construction industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by increasing trade liberalization, globalization, and international cooperation. These changes have led to heightened expectations from stakeholders, including project owners and the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) community, for contractors to enhance efficiency and safety measures on construction sites.
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Challenges of Safety Standards
In a global context where no universally accepted international safety and health standards exist, construction contractors face considerable challenges in ensuring the safety of their workers. This is particularly critical in the Middle East, where the construction sector is rapidly expanding, and the demand for stringent health and safety protocols is rising.
The UAE government, along with other Middle Eastern nations, has prioritized the health and safety of construction workers. Reports indicate that the region’s construction industry is projected to undertake projects worth approximately USD $500 billion by 2015. This surge is expected to catalyze increased investment in EHS products and services, aiming to enhance workplace safety and reduce operational costs.
John Warner, category manager at Jotun Coatings, highlights the growing construction activities in key Middle Eastern countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, stressing the urgent need for enhanced Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards to protect workers.
Rising Incidence of Work-Related Injuries
The boom in construction has also led to an alarming rise in work-related injuries. A study conducted by UAE University revealed that roughly two-thirds of hospital visits in the region were due to injuries sustained on construction sites, with inadequate or inappropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) being a significant factor.
EHS professionals in the region must address more than just job site hazards; environmental factors, particularly the harsh climate, significantly influence PPE usage. To combat extreme temperatures, the UAE Ministry of Labour announced an extension of the midday work ban for several hours during the summer months, a practice that has also been adopted by Saudi Arabia.
Overview of Construction Projects in the UAE
The UAE has witnessed a construction boom over the past five years, with previously stalled projects resuming. The construction sector in Dubai is a vital contributor to the local economy, providing significant employment opportunities. The region is home to some of the world’s largest construction firms, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In Saudi Arabia, a report by Deloitte Middle East indicated that the country held a 38 percent share of construction projects in the UAE and was expected to secure contracts worth $86 billion in 2011. Notable projects include the Jumeirah Gardens City, budgeted at approximately $95 billion and anticipated to house 60,000 residents by 2024.
Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate, has leveraged its oil and gas wealth for substantial investments in infrastructure and development. The government plans to allocate about $200 billion to new projects over the next five years, including the ambitious Yas Island and Masdar City developments.
The Importance of EHS Focus
As the volume of construction projects rises, so does the necessity for a robust focus on EHS standards. Traditionally, PPE selection has relied on basic criteria—protection and functionality. However, aspects such as comfort, style, and wearability are equally crucial. If workers find their PPE uncomfortable or restrictive, they are less likely to wear it consistently, which increases the risk of injuries.
Diverse occupational safety regulations across emirates contribute to confusion among contractors and workers. With many international firms operating in the UAE, enforcing consistent PPE standards can be challenging. Peter Barnett Schuster of IOSH emphasizes the need for unified safety regulations, as discrepancies can complicate compliance.
EHS managers must navigate various regulations to ensure compliance. For instance, high-visibility clothing must meet EN 471 standards, and protective workwear must adhere to EN ISO 11612:2008. It is advisable for managers to collaborate with suppliers to determine the most suitable PPE for specific work environments.
Cultural considerations also play a critical role in selecting PPE. EHS managers should promote PPE that respects local customs and climate conditions to encourage consistent usage among workers.
Enforcement Challenges in the Middle East
The UAE lacks a dedicated statutory body for EHS oversight, with the Ministry of Labour tasked with enforcing health and safety laws. However, investigations into construction site accidents are often conducted by the police, who may not have the necessary training. This involvement can lead to a defensive rather than cooperative response among contractors.
Abu Dhabi’s code of practice advocates a preventative approach to safety, focusing on improvement notices rather than punitive measures. Despite its limitations, this approach suggests that proactive measures can be more effective than punitive ones.
The UAE operates under a dual legal framework of federal and local laws, but no specific federal legislation addresses health and safety in construction comprehensively. Existing labor laws provide general guidelines but lack the technical specifics needed for effective compliance assessment.
In response to the absence of a dedicated regulatory body, companies have formed initiatives like Build Safe UAE (BSU) to share health and safety information and best practices. Since its inception in 2007, BSU has grown to include 88 member organizations, promoting improved safety standards across the industry.
Conclusion
There is a growing consensus that safety conditions on construction sites in the Middle East are improving. According to Build Safe UAE, significant strides have been made in safety from 2008 to 2009. As noted by Peter Neville from Halcrow, the UAE is leading the region in terms of health and safety advancements due to its more comprehensive legislative framework.
Ultimately, protecting construction workers is a fundamental human right that employers must prioritize. Adequate PPE, tailored to local conditions and cultural contexts, is essential for ensuring worker safety and well-being, even in the absence of stringent regulations. The construction industry in the Middle East must continue to evolve and strengthen its commitment to health and safety to safeguard its workforce.
