Health and safety central to Big 5 PMV

Investment in health, safety, welfare and raising potential risk awareness can save lives and have a positive impact on a construction company's bottom line, Dubai-based not-for-profit organisation Build Safe UAE has claimed.

“Mindsets are changing and organisations are realising the true value of investing in health and safety, as a way of improving the bottom line. The benefits include completing projects on time, building a good reputation, ensuring quality of build and boosting the morale of workers,” said Build Safe UAE group administrator Elias McGrath.

“Downturns give organisations an opportunity to correct old, ineffective or non-productive business practices, and look for ways to be in a stronger position for the next upturn.”

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With this seemingly in mind, the Big 5 PMV – the specialist plant, machinery and vehicle exhibition taking place in Dubai, side-by-side with the main Big 5 event between November 23 and 26 – has placed health and safety concerns at the centre of the show.

“It is encouraging to see a growing emphasis on construction safety in the region. The Big 5 PMV provides a platform for exhibitors and visitors to discuss best practice safety solutions, and gives suppliers and manufacturers of plant, machinery and vehicles a chance to display the latest technology,” said Nick Webb, director of Streamline Marketing Group which organises the Big 5 PMV.

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide, has announced its full support and participation in the Big 5 PMV.

“There is plenty of scope to improve safety standards in this region and we’re seeing a clear desire from major contractors to raise these standards.  Industry events such as the Big 5 PMV are very important to showcase powered access as a safe and effective way to work at height,” said IPAF MD Tim Whiteman.

“The topic is making its way to the top of corporate agendas. I’ve noticed a clear improvement in recent years, but more needs to be done,” continued McGrath.

“We want to get senior managers to start doing business the smart way, and ethically the right way.

“Construction stakeholders in this industry will be taking an expressive interest in plant, machinery and vehicles that incorporate measures which reduce or eliminate risk of accident, injury or harm to a person.”