Build Safe UAE, a Dubai-based not-for-profit organisation, will partner with an upcoming plant, machinery and vehicles (PMV) expo to raise awareness of how the construction sector can benefit from investment in safety and welfare.

Construction safety will be highlighted at the Big 5 PMV from November 23 to 26 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). This will be the second year that Build Safe is joining forces with Big 5 PMV.

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 organisations are realising 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 organisations 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,” McGrath said.

Health and safety

“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,” he added.

The Big 5 PMV takes place alongside the Big 5, the region’s most influential construction and contracting event. This year’s show will be staged in a new world-class venue, bringing the Big 5 PMV under the same roof as the Big 5, for the first time. – TradeArabia News Service