Introduction
The UAE is a fast developing country that has already achieved a lot in the sphere of tourism, management, and constructing. One of the latest improvements that can be observed in the construction industry is connected with health and safety management at construction sites (Redfern, 2010). A number of explanations can be given to the question about the success of a safety management system (SMS) in the UAE companies. Maraqa and Mohamed (2013) admit that the attention to different aspects of SMS implementation is necessary.
For example, they identify the following spheres to be considered: technical, financial, external, organisational, procedural, and stakeholders’ involvement (Maraqa & Mohamed, 2013). In fact, safety management is crucial for the construction industry because of many occupational accidents that can bother employees and employers; people should learn the regulations and consider the standards according to which they can perform the required amounts of work in order to overcome the challenges caused by a lack of knowledge and skills.
The essence of Safety Management in the UAE
Safety management is the process that helps to define the principles of work and measure the processes to prevent different types of accidents and injuries that can lead to the negative outcomes for an organisation or its workers. As a rule, the success of such SMS implementation depends on the culture of teamwork and the abilities to cooperate at different organisational levels (Hoonakker, Carayon, & Loushine, 2010). Safety management means that the workers of a construction company know about the main precautionary measurements and understand how to behave in different situations. Redfern (2010) admits that almost all issues concerning safety on a site are too general in scope; that is why it is necessary to implement more perspective laws and provide the UAE people with safe working conditions.
Importance of Safety Management Programs
According to Shibani, Saidani, and Alhajeri (2013), the UAE is one of the countries that introduce the strongest and the most effective construction project management system. The evaluation of the current situation in the construction sphere shows that the number of injuries and accidents has been considerably reduced in the company where appropriate safety issues have been identified. This achievement serves as the best benefit that can be used to promote the adoption of safety management programs in different UAE organisations. Many contractors agree with the fact that legalisation of safety issues in the UAE can help to improve health, safety, and environmental performance of the country and prevent a number of misunderstandings (Redfern, 2010). Safety management is the ability to work better and earn more avoiding conflicts, accidents, and troubles. As soon as safety is provided to workers, they are eager to work more and demonstrate better results and achievements.
Conclusion
During the last ten years, the UAE government demonstrates a serious interest in the sphere of construction and provides its people with a number of safety measurements. The rising of construction projects is evident and cannot be neglected. As soon as a team starts working on a project, it is necessary to clarify the conditions under which all work should be done. UAE citizens pay much attention to the issues of safety and security (Maraqa & Mohamed, 2013). If these points are discussed, other aspects of the work can be good as well.
References
Hoonakker, P., Carayon, P., & Loushine, T. (2010). Barriers and benefits of quality management in the construction industry: An empirical study. Total Quality Management, 21(9), 953-969.
Maraqa, M.A. & Mohamed, A.M.O. (2013). Key drivers for the successful safety management system of construction activities in Abu Dhabi Emirate. International Journal of Advanced Fire, Explosive, Environment Safety and Disaster Management, 1(1), 1-17.
Redfern, B. (2010). UAE taking the lead on construction site safety. Middle East Business Intelligence. Web.
Shibani, A., Saidani, M., & Alhajeri, M. (2013). Health and safety influence on the construction project performance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology, 4(2), 32-44.