Safety

Introduction

There has been an increasing concern across the globe for a better safety environment in the construction industry. The construction industry is one of the highest risk industries and has an unacceptably high level of workplace fatalities and injuries. In 2009, 5.6 people were killed in Dubai out of 100,000 workers compared to 10.8 fatalities per 100,000 in the US and 3.7 fatalities in the United Kingdom (Gulf News 10th March 2009)

In developed countries, construction safety is managed through stringent documentation regime implied by local health and safety authority. Predominantly safety performance measures are based on document compliance and outcome indicators such as accidents or injuries. The outcome indicators are reactive and well after the event. More recently the focus has shifted to positive performance indicators.

Measuring safety management based on positive indicators has several advantages. Firstly, it is based on proactive positive efforts at the workplace. Secondly, it provides a basis for continuous improvement of safety environment throughout project life cycle. Lastly, it is simple to use and can act as motivational tool for the workforce.