Investment in health, safety and welfare, and raising awareness of potential risks can save lives and have a positive impact on a construction company's bottom line, said Dubai-based not-for-profit organization, Build Safe UAE. Elias McGrath, group administrator of Build Safe UAE, said contractors and property developers who devote time and money in the area of health, safety and welfare, and share knowledge and best practice with others can greatly benefit in the long-term. “Mindsets are changing and organizations are realizing 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 McGrath. While construction activity in the region may have slowed, contractors now have a chance to refine processes and become more cost-effective. “Downturns give organizations 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,” he said. Construction safety will be highlighted at the Big 5 PMV, the region's premier plant, machinery and vehicles exhibition on Nov. 23-26 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). For the second year, Build Safe UAE is partnering with the event to communicate to international contractors, suppliers and manufacturers, that the region takes health and safety issues seriously. “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,” said 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.” Nick Webb, director of Streamline Marketing Group, organisers of the Big 5 PMV, said: “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.” The event has also gained the attention of large global organisations, committed to reducing the incidence of construction related injuries and fatalities. The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has announced their full support and participation in the Big 5 PMV. Tim Whiteman, managing director of IPAF, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide, said: “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.”
