Build Safe UAE releases megaproject working paper

The sheer scale of megaprojects means HSE provision needs to be very carefully planned

Build Safe UAE, the non-profit organisation aimed at raising awareness of construction safety, has released a new working paper aimed at outlining a methodology for managing HSE issues on megaprojects.

Written by KBR health and safety manager Alan Bennett, ‘Managing Health and Safety on Mega Construction Projects in the Middle East’ aims to support firms working on projects valued in excess of US$20 million.

According to Build Safe UAE, such projects could have 60 large contracting organisations and 30 to 40 consulting companies, and the construction workforce could reach 45,000 personnel delivering over 10 million man hours of effort per month at peak periods.

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“In most cases, Middle East clients (developers) may not always have previous experience of large scale construction projects, and a significant percentage of the work force has never even worked on a construction site before. The general low level of understanding of health and safety of the work force presents enormous challenges to all directors, managers and supervisors of the organisations involved in the construction process,” said Bennett. “This paper suggests a practical way forward and may assist those tendering for work in the United Arab Emirates or greater Middle East.”

Build Safe UAE appealed for those in the industry to share their thoughts on such initiatives. “We would especially like to hear from regulators or developers to understand whether they support or oppose this way forward,” said Build Safe UAE group administrator Elias McGrath.

The document is free to download from www.buildsafeuae.com