A look at the most recent safety campaigns in the UAE

Safety in construction and industrial sectors remains a top priority for the UAE, with numerous government bodies and private companies launching initiatives to safeguard workers and maintain high safety standards.

From municipal campaigns to industry-specific programs, the emphasis is on creating safer environments, improving compliance with regulations, and fostering a culture of safety across all sectors.

Dubai Municipality’s safety drive

Dubai Municipality recently launched a comprehensive safety campaign focused on ensuring a secure working environment at construction sites across the Emirates. The initiative highlights structural safety and the well-being of workers while aiming to improve contractor awareness. In 2023 alone, Dubai Municipality conducted over 35,000 inspections across 134,858 construction sites to enforce safety standards. Similarly, Abu Dhabi Municipality has rolled out campaigns and workshops targeting safety at construction and demolition sites.

Abu Dhabi DoE's focus on LPG safety

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has also prioritised safety through its annual summer campaign, which promotes the safe use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. This initiative involves engaging directly with restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and large industrial plants to enhance compliance with safety regulations and raise awareness of proper LPG handling.

Oil and gas industry leading the way

The UAE’s oil and gas sector remains at the forefront of health and safety standards, adhering to internationally benchmarked management systems and embedding a zero-harm culture. National oil companies in the region have introduced numerous initiatives to improve safety outcomes.

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) reported its best personal and process safety records in 2023, driven by targeted initiatives like the “Boots-On-The-Ground” programme, which provides expert frontline support, intensive training, and additional resources to close safety gaps.

Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco achieved a 16% reduction in total recordable cases per 200,000 hours since 2022. This improvement is attributed to its training investments and a comprehensive Lessons Learned Program, which addresses recurring incidents. To further improve contractor safety, Aramco introduced the ‘Line of Fire’ campaign, targeting construction site workers and focusing on identifying hazards and improving safety behaviours.

Through these concerted efforts by municipalities, government agencies, and industry leaders, the UAE is setting a benchmark for workplace safety in construction and industrial sectors. The campaigns and programs not only aim to minimise risks but also foster a culture of proactive safety, ensuring the well-being of workers and the integrity of operations across the region.