Despite the oil price uncertainties, GCC economies are enjoying a strong fiscal position. The major contributor is the GCC region's construction sector which has observed continued investment from private developers and government clients in new infrastructure and real estate projects. Contracts worth USD 103 billion (an increase of 21 per cent over last year) are expected to be granted this year in the GCC. Saudi Arabia and UAE are the key countries that are witnessing an entry of large number of construction projects.

Increase in construction projects increases the concern for more OHS standards. Construction contractors find it extremely difficult to ensure safety of workers as there is no uniformly accepted international health and safety standards. The number of fatal injuries at construction sites have considerably reduced over the years. However, deaths due to fall from heights and falling objects at construction sites still remains the leading cause of emergencies in UAE and other GCC regions.

To ensure workplace safety at construction sites, Abu Dhabi City Municipality has issued guidelines for developing an EHS plan for the construction sector. Abdulaziz Hussni Zurub, Director, EHS Division at Abu Dhabi City Municipality will be throwing light on these EHS management plans which can be applied to the construction industry in other GCC regions at the upcoming 4th Middle East OHS Strategy Forum to be held in Abu Dhabi between 5 – 7 May 2015.

Leading trade association, the Institution of Occupational Health Safety, a chartered body for health and safety professionals and a supporting association for the forum, recently opened an office in Abu Dhabi in 2014. The institution has pledged to reduce the number of injuries at construction sites by conducting spot checks at sites and organizing training and workshops for HSE practitioners. Rob Cooling, Vice Chair, IOSH UAE, one of the speakers at the forum, is going to put forth the idea of proactively introducing HSE requirements at the planning stage and the importance of integrating HSE personnel with design teams to understand the functional and business requirements and constraints.

It has been observed that lack of PPE or inappropriate PPE was also a major reason for injuries in most cases in the region. Illness due to heat is another major concern faced by workers at construction sites. It is important for companies to provide specific PPE designed to beat the heat. As far as use of PPE is concerned, EHS managers need to follow the guidelines and comply with a variety of regulations set up by the regional government bodies. Dickies, one of the privately owned work wear company in the world will be exhibiting their latest work wear product line at the OHS Strategy Forum

Organized by Fleming Gulf, the summit is being supported by IOSH, WSO and ISHM. Medgate and Amplivox are the bronze sponsors, BST behavioral safety partner and Enablon visiting partner for the event.

Contact:
Ricky Khedekar