Good safety, good sense

Good health & Safety can help save money and worker's lives.
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CW finds out how implementing safety systems can save money, as well as lives

It is common knowledge in the construction industry that good on site health and safety practice is paramount. The importance of the issue is drummed into us by leaflets, posters, presentations and seminars. And, reports of fatalities and injuries on site make us think seriously about putting plans into place to prevent such events.

However, like many plans packed with good intentions, they tend to be put on hold and the financial crisis has given many construction companies an excuse to invest in healthy and safety at a more ‘convenient’ time.

What is not common knowledge among the construction industry is that implementing safety initiatives will not burn a whole in your wallet and actually makes good business sense.

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“One cause of injury is the perception of the management team that safety is a cost (and not a saving), which during tight economic conditions, can be eliminated,” says Bruce Shahabi, director of operations for Combisafe Gulf, a developer of safety solutions for construction sites.

“In truth, accidents cost time and money, as well as human lives, which are the last things you need during tough
economic climates.”

Fortunately though, it becoming increasingly common for most construction heavyweights in the region to see the benefits health and safety initiatives can bring to their businesses.

“We’re not looking to cut into safety budgets – a healthy, safe and happy site is a more productive site,” insisted Six Construct general manager Phillipe Dessoy at the Construction Week Dubai Conference in November.

Damac Properties also reported last week that it has doubled its safety performance record for 2009.

“At the end of the day we have put quite a lot of pressure on our contractors but ultimately this has benefited everyone by minimising risks and reducing accidents,” says Damac health, safety and environment manager Ekarath Raveendran.

And, Arabtec has so far proved it is taking safety seriously at its Infinity Tower construction site. By the time 3.7 million man hours had been completed, there had been just seven lost time injuries.

The latest figures from Build Safe UAE (BSU) also show that contractors made significant improvement in safety performance last year compared to 2008.

According to the new report, there were 10 on site fatalities in the emirates last year – a 50% decrease from 2008’s statistics. There were also 530 lost time injuries compared to 690 in 2008.