Construction safety performance in the United Arab Emirates

Authors: Al-Kaabi N.; Hadipriono F.

Source: Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems, Volume 20, Number 3, September 2003 , pp. 197-212(16)

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Abstract:

Rapid growth of the construction industry in the United Arab Emirates is often accompanied by frequent occurrences of construction accidents. A survey to determine how safe construction companies operate their site activities was conducted through questionnaires and site interviews. Over 120 construction companies in the two largest cities in the country have participated in this survey. The types of accidents that have frequently occurred are falls from higher/same elevation, struck by equipment/objects, natural causes (primarily illness), electrocution, caught by equipment/material, and drowning and fire-related accidents. The findings of this study suggest that several companies are deficient in providing worker's benefits, site orientation, personal protective equipment, accident prevention, and health and hygiene. To a certain extent, violations by foreign workers contribute to the occurrence of these accidents. Lack of regulations and codes required for safe construction operations exacerbate the problems. Suggestions to improve the situation include a reform of the current organization or the creation of a new one dedicated exclusively to workers safety.

Keywords: Accident; Construction accident; Construction safety; International Construction; United Arab Emirates

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1028660031000081536

Publication date: 2003-09-01

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