Experts emphasize that occupational safety is one of the pillars of the project implementation plan and is part of project economics; its early integration into the design and strict adherence to preventive protocols prevent serious accidents and reduce costs.
Eng. Asaad Al-Fayfi: Early design anticipates risks and reduces subsequent modifications
Engineer Asaad Al-Fayfi, CEO of Mahawer Real Estate Development and Investment Company, confirmed that Integrating safety into the design early on is a highly cost-effective approach, as design that anticipates risks reduces the need for subsequent modifications and limits the direct and indirect costs associated with accidents and operational disruptions, noting that, in contemporary practice, safety is viewed as an indicator of urban design quality; investing in well-thought-out spatial solutions reduces accidents, improves operational continuity, and enhances the project’s overall long-term value.
Al-Fayfi explained that spatial planning represents a shift from «risk response» to «prevention through design» by separating traffic flows and reducing conflict points, all of which minimize the likelihood of hazards arising in the first place.
In the context of construction, Al-Fayfi highlighted the role of functional zoning, defining clear pathways, and creating buffer zones as design mechanisms that reduce reliance on reactive solutions and redefine safety as a direct result of quality planning.
Regarding the project’s surrounding environment, Al-Fayfi said: «Research in environmental psychology confirms that the characteristics of the physical environment shape patterns of behavior and attention; balanced lighting, good ventilation, and reduced visual strain contribute to heightened awareness and fewer human errors. From a user experience perspective, a carefully designed environment automatically promotes behavioral compliance with safety procedures, as safe behavior becomes the easiest and most natural choice given the characteristics of the space.»
Eng. Omar Al-Mansour: Safety protocols at work sites are weak
Engineer Omar Al-Mansour, a project consultant, said: «The effectiveness of providing protective equipment and implementing safety protocols at work sites remains very weak, with the exception of large companies or projects such as Roshen and entities contracted by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing; Otherwise, I see that there are many companies seeking to cut costs at the expense of prevention and safety.»
Al-Mansour explained that training courses help raise awareness but are insufficient, especially in the absence of a protocol for safety regulations; fines and rigorous follow-up may contribute to changing the reality of the workforce, as the imposition of effective fines by the relevant authority would significantly curb non-compliance with the guidelines provided by workplace safety awareness courses.
Al-Mansour emphasized that if companies applied safety standards in a disciplined and balanced manner, this would undoubtedly help reduce workplace injuries and delays in implementation and project completion, thereby lowering operating costs and accidents—the primary causes of which are the failure to implement safety andsafety.
Engineer Omar Al-Mansour noted that companies obtaining professional certifications in occupational safety and prevention, and including certified professionals on their teams, undoubtedly creates added value for the company and makes it more likely to be selected for projects due to the capabilitiesand their competence.
