Calls for better safety standards in construction

Dubai: The region's fascination for constructing super highrise buildings (500 metres and higher) has increased the risks for the construction sector, experts said at a recent seminar.

Mattar Humaid Al Tayer, chairman of Oman Insurance Company, has underlined the need for adopting global best practices and higher safety standards in an effort to position the UAE construction industry as a centre of excellence.

"The UAE in general, and Dubai in particular, are witnessing a continuing boom in the construction sector, with a host of new iconic mega projects. These massive developments are exposed to enormous risks such as fire, collapse, natural calamities and other accidents due to negligence," he said at a seminar on Risk Awareness and Protection in the Construction Industry.

Al Tayer called for heightened awareness in the construction industry of risk exposure in construction projects and insurance protection available.

These, he said, were two crucial factors for successful completion of projects.

A host of renowned speakers and insurance experts addressed the issue of risks in the construction sector through detailed presentations.

Steve Seaber, Associate BRE at Global Loss Prevention Certification Board, singled out the rising number of fires and worksite accidents in the Gulf and urged measures such as action through legislation, corporate responsibility, effective site management, supervisory management and personal responsibility.

Case study

Presenting a case study of a Dubai-based company, Seaber recalled how the company, working 13 million man-hours in 1998, lost 48,057 man-hours through industrial accidents.

He revealed how by focusing on safety improvements and investing in the right equipment and tools, the company reduced accidents to 6,600 man-hours and raised productivity to 28 million man-hours by 2006.

"The risks in the construction phase include new technologies and techniques, unprotected steel exposed, hot working, partial completion, potential ignition sources in completed areas, limited fire protection in completed areas and poor escape routes," he said.

Michael G. Morgan, underwriting and claims manager at Infrassure, spoke about Advanced Loss of Profits, which involves protecting against delays arising from physical damage.

He underlined the need for good project management, revealing that there was a pronounced increase in demand for ALOP, which has now become more a standard line of business.