'Protect your people,' construction industry urged

Delegates at a series of workshops being hosted for the first time at The Big 5 - the biggest and most important exhibition for the Middle East building and construction industry - will learn about the latest in workplace health and safety from the prestigious British Safety Council (BSC).

As many as 249 accidents took place at construction sites in Dubai alone during 2007, a majority of them involving workers who fell from various heights due to absence of safety belts.

In addition, in the wake of the recent fire that claimed the lives of the 11 men housed in a 30-room villa complex, Dubai Municipality announced that more than 400 out of a total of 1,033 labour camps in Dubai face closure for failing to meet minimum health and fire safety standards.

The eight workshops at The Big 5 expo, which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23 - 27 November 2008, are aimed at senior management as well as supervisors and line managers.

The courses will offer a robust overview of British Safety Council methodology and techniques and participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

The workshops will cover aspects of safety in the workplace, from risk assessment to fire safety, control of hazardous substances, accident reporting and investigation and environmental awareness.

The British Safety Council is one of the world's leading occupational health, safety and environmental organisations with a mission to support a healthier, safer and more sustainable society.

Founded in 1957, it now has 10,000 member companies in over 50 countries. Its courses are ISO 9001:2000 certified.

A wide range of companies including BP, ExxonMobil, Saipem, Drydocks World, Saudi Aramco, Nakheel, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Gasco, RasGas, Wade Adams, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, Dodsal and others have utilised the British Safety Council to assist with professional development, audits and development of robust safety management systems.

Working across the Arabian Gulf, the council has professional programmes and multiple in-house projects including the review and update of management systems, policies, procedures and organisational structure.

Michael Cox-Hill, British Safety Council General Manager, Dubai, said:

"The workshop seminars offer an excellent overview for key stakeholders to review their corporate HSE policies, procedures and objectives. These seminars present an opportunity to review various health and safety elements such as risk assessment or COSHH awareness that can then be implemented within businesses. It is imperative that decision makers are committed to supporting the region in achieving health and safety best practice to maintain a safer and sustainable society. Actions speaks louder than words and the challenges ahead need immediate address."

Simon Mellor, Vice President Construction for dmg world media, The Big 5 organisers added: "The workshops will provide employers with skilled, qualified health and safety practitioners who can help reduce accidents and increase productivity and morale. They offer advice, training and support for organisations that wish to improve their management of safety and risk, occupational health and environmental performance."