Policy matters

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Stephen Munn, regional HSS manager, Al Futtaim Carillion.

Helping hands

Given the complex nature of hazards and risks facing workers in the region, creating a comprehensive HSE policy can be a challenge. However, various organisations operating in the Middle East can provide advice and guidance.

Construction companies operating in Dubai are already well covered by the minimum standards set forth by Dubai Municipality. "[The municipality standards] are fairly comprehensive," says Grahame McCaig, chairman of construction industry safety collective Buildsafe UAE.

"If everybody implemented those minimum systems, we would have very few incidents and very few issues with health and safety in the construction industry in the UAE." However, the DM standards are a bare minimum, general standard. The most successful HSE policies are ones which take into account the specific risks facing a business.

"Off the shelf policies don't help. A policy must be practical, and the procedure must be credible," says Stephen Munn, regional HSS manager of contractor Al Futtaim Carillion. "If people don't see how a policy works, they won't make it happen."

Creating a specific HSE policy can be done with the help of organisations such as Buildsafe UAE, which acts as a forum for sharing best practice information, or groups such as the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). IOSH operates a chartership scheme which enables individuals to become certified experts in HSE.

Another option is to bring in an outside consultant, who can perform an audit of business processes and procedures and help a business draft a specific HSE policy.

Key policy points

Since a health and safety policy helps define how your business operates, it's crucial that it plays an active part in day to day operations.

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