FALLS from heights remain the most common and the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities and major injuries at construction sites across the UAE, according to Build Safe UAE, a non-profit organisation.

“The constant breach of safety regulations by construction stakeholders is undermining efforts to build a safer UAE,” says Elias McGrath, assistant project manager, Bovis Lend Lease International, which is also member of Build Safe UAE group. “A combined initiative is vital to bring about a change with respect to improving health, safety and welfare in the sector.”
Build Safe UAE aims to improve overall safety and welfare of all construction industry stakeholders through sharing information between construction companies and contractors in the UAE.
In 2008, Build Safe UAE recorded eight out of 20 fatalities and 81 lost time injuries (LTIs) relating to falls from heights. A considerable number of these accidents could have been prevented if proper safety standards had been implemented.
Build Safe UAE has developed a free guidance document that outlines the best practice guidelines for ‘working at heights’ in the UAE construction industry. The document contains photographs of all forms of best practice witnessed and implemented within this region and has links to existing regulations and international standards. This practical and feasible guide can be used by any organisation to reduce and eventually eliminate falls from heights, the group said.
According to McGrath all employers have a legal obligation with respect to the health and safety of their employees and premises.