ADOSH-SF Code of Practice CoP 53.0 - OHS Management during Construction Work

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Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and
Health System Framework
(ADOSH-SF)
Code of Practice
CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction
Work
Version 4.0
July 2024

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction Work
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 2 of 18
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Training and Competency ............................................................................................................................. 4
3. Requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Definitions ............................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Requirement for the Appointment of a Principal Contractor ............................................... 6
3.3 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Management of Construction Work.............................................................................................. 12
3.5 Management of Demolition / Decommissioning Work .......................................................... 12
3.6 OSH Performance and Incident Reporting Process ................................................................ 13
4. References ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
5. Document Amendment Record ................................................................................................................. 16

ADOSH-SF – Codes of Practice
CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction Work
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 3 of 18
1. Introduction
(a) This Code of Practice (CoP) applies to all employers within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
This CoP is designed to incorporate requirements set by Abu Dhabi Public Health
Center (ADPHC) and Sector Regulatory Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
(b) This CoP establishes the requirements and standards so that the risks associated with
the activities of contractors on a construction site are assessed, and that control
measures are implemented, in accordance with the hierarchy of controls, to prevent
injury, illness and disease to persons who might be exposed to risks arising from those
activities.
(c) This CoP provides specific management requirements for all persons/employers
involved in construction work, as per the definition of “construction work” provided
within
ADOSH-SF – Glossary of Terms.
(d) These requirements are in addition to those general requirements outlined within
ADOSH-SF– Element 3 – Management of Contractors.

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CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction Work
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 4 of 18
2. Training and Competency
(a) Employers shall ensure that OSH training complies with the requirements of:
(i)
ADOSH-SF – Element 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency.
(ii)
ADOSH-SF – Mechanism 7.0 – Occupational Safety and Health Practitioner and
Service Provider Registration.
(b) Every employer shall ensure that all persons within their organisations are competent
to undertake the specific roles and responsibilities as described within this CoP.
(c) Competency Assessments shall be undertaken, specific to construction work, on the
competence of contractors and individuals prior to engaging organisations / persons
to undertake task(s) within a construction project.
(d) Every employer shall ensure that each of his employees receives appropriate
instruction and training to undertake the roles they are engaged for within the
construction project.
(e) Every employer shall ensure that specialist training is provided to persons who,
through their roles and responsibilities, are required to undertake tasks which present
specific risks that are only present through the delivery of the said task.
(f) The employer shall maintain a record of training required under this section. The
record shall contain:
(i) employee’s name and ID number;
(ii) Emirates ID number;
(iii) name of person providing the training; and
(iv) date of training.
(g) The employer shall maintain employee training records required for the duration of
employment plus one year.

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CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction Work
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 5 of 18
3. Requirements
3.1 Definitions
3.1.1 Construction Work
(a) Construction Work includes:
(i) work to erect, construct, extend, alter, convert, fit-out, commission, renovate,
repair, refurbish, disassemble, demolish and/or decommission a structure /
building / services infrastructure, or part of a structure / building / services
infrastructure; or
(ii) work connected with site preparation, earthworks, land reclamation, excavation,
piling, provision of services infrastructure or landscaping for works mentioned
in paragraph (1); or
(iii) the assembly or installation of prefabricated components to form a structure /
building / services infrastructure, or part of a structure / building / services
infrastructure for work mentioned in paragraph (1); or
(iv) the disassembly of prefabricated components for work mentioned in paragraph
(1) that, immediately before the disassembly, formed a structure / building /
services infrastructure or part of a structure / building / services infrastructure.
(b) Construction Work is deemed complete when control, operation and possession of the
workplace is officially returned to the developer / client through the contractual
arrangement process.
3.1.2 Developer / Client for Construction Work
(a) The developer / client for construction work is the person / entity who finances and/or
commissions the construction work; and
(i) may engage a project manager / client representative / supervising consultant
to plan, manage and monitor the project / development on their behalf; and
(ii) may appoint a principal contractor to manage, supervise and perform the
construction work.
3.1.3 Project Manager / Client Representative / Supervising Consultant /
Resident Engineer for Construction Work
(a) The project manager / client representative / supervising consultant / resident
engineer for construction work is the entity appointed by the developer / client to
carry out the management, planning and monitoring of the construction work on
behalf of the developer/client.
(b) If the developer / client fails to appoint a project manager / client representative /
supervising consultant / resident engineer to a workplace the developer / client is
taken to be the project manager / client representative / supervising consultant /
resident engineer and assume all obligations of the project manager / client
representative / supervising consultant / resident engineer.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 6 of 18
3.1.4 Definition of the Principal Contractor for Construction Work
(a) The principal contractor for construction work is:
(i) the person / entity appointed by the developer / client to manage, supervise and
perform the construction work; and
(ii) the entity who is in control of the site, site access and all construction works at
the work site, including work performed by sub-contractors.
(b) If the developer / client fails to appoint a principal contractor to a work site the
developer / client is taken to be the principal contractor and assume all obligations of
the principal contractor.
3.1.5 Definition of a Sub Contractor(s)
(a) A Sub Contractor is any contractor on site where “Construction Work” is taking place
who are not the officially appointed “Principal Contractor”, regardless of contractual
arrangement.
(b) The subcontractor shall report to and be managed by the principal contractor.
3.2 Requirement for the Appointment of a Principal Contractor
(a) If “Construction Work” is to be undertaken the Developer / Client shall obtain the
relevant approval / permit / license / no objection from the Building and Construction
Sector Regulatory Authority (SRA).
(b) Refer to
OSHAD SF – Mechanism 9.0 – Appointment of Principal Contractor for
Construction Work.
3.3 Roles and Responsibilities
3.3.1 Responsibilities of the Competent Authority
(a) Monitoring the implementation of the principal contractor process and mechanism by
the Building and Construction Sector Regulatory Authority.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 7 of 18
3.3.2 Responsibilities of the Building and Construction Sector Regulatory
Authority
(a) The Building and Construction SRA shall ensure implementation, monitoring and
enforcement of the appointment of principal contractor process and mechanism by:
(i) ensuring all relevant requirements of the
ADOSH-SF are met as part of the
approval process, including but not limited to:
1. Risk Assessments;
2. ADOSH-SF – CoP 53.1 – OHS Construction Management Plan (OHS-CMP);
3. Demolition and Decommissioning Plan;
4. Appointment of a Principal Contractor;
5. Hazardous Material / Asbestos Management; and
6. Monitoring and Reporting.
(ii) monitoring clients / developers and principal contractors compliance to
requirements of this CoP; and
(iii) enforcement of the provisions of this CoP, including penalties for non-
compliance.
(b) If the developer / client is an individual (eg. building a personal villa, very small
individual building project), they cannot be expected to fulfil all obligations of the
developer / client. The consultant shall provide appropriate mechanisms to ensure the
appointment of principal contractor process is implemented.
3.3.3 Responsibilities of the Developer / Client
(a) The developer / client of a project / development where construction work is to be
performed shall:
(i) appoint a principal contractor to the work site of the project / development, if
applicable;
(ii) ensure that all roles, as listed in Section 3.3.3/3.3.4/3.3.5/3.3.6, are competent
and have appropriate OSH resources considering the scope of works and risks
and hazards associated with the project / development;
(iii) ensure the principal contractor’s OSH Management System, including OSH
resources, are appropriate for the scope of works and risks and hazards
associated with the project / development;
(iv) use the approved mechanism in appointing a principal contractor (ADOSH-SF
Mechanism 9.0 – Appointment of a Principal Contractor for Construction Work);
(v) ensure there is only one principal contractor appointed for the construction work
at any particular time;
(vi) obtain all relevant licenses, permits, non-objection certificates from all relevant
government agencies;

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 8 of 18
(vii) prior to any construction work commencing ensure the principal contractor has
developed a OSH construction management plan that is appropriate to the scope
of works and risks and hazards associated with the project / development and it
has been reviewed and approved by the Building and Construction Sector
Regulatory Authority;
(viii) consult with:
1. the designer about how the construction work in connection with the
design shall be undertaken in a way that prevents or minimizes all risks to
occupational safety and health;
2. the project manager / client representative / supervising consultant (if
appointed) about how the construction work shall be planned and managed
in a way that prevents or minimizes all risks to occupational safety and
health; and
3. the principal contractor about how the construction work shall be
undertaken in a way that prevents or minimizes all risks to the occupational
safety and health.
(ix) If the developer / client is aware of any information about hazards and risks
relating to the site at which the construction work is to be undertaken, the
developer / client shall provide this information to the designer, project manager
/ client representative / supervising consultant / resident engineer and principal
contractor. Examples of hazards and risks relating to a site:
1. underground services;
2. access and egress difficulties;
3. hazardous and/or sensitive adjoining neighbours; and
4. presence of asbestos containing materials.
(b) The developer / client is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance to all OSH
legislative requirements at the work site and shall implement appropriate monitoring
programs to ensure compliance is being achieved on the project / development. The
appointment of a project manager / client representative / supervising consultant /
resident engineer does not absolve the developer / client of their obligations.

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3.3.4 Responsibilities of the Project Manager / Client Representative /
Supervising Consultant / Resident Engineer
(a) A project manager / client representative / supervising consultant / resident engineer
have an obligation, on behalf of the developer / client, to ensure construction work is
planned and managed in a way that prevents or minimizes risk to the safety and health
by:
(i) ensuring that prior to any “Construction Work” is undertaken all stakeholders are
fully aware of their OSH regulatory duties;
(ii) Reviewing the OSH plan developed by the principal contractor and ensuring it
is project specific and in compliance with OSHAD SF- Cop 53.1 - OSH
Construction Management plan before submission to SRA through Municipal
Electronic Permitting System (MEPS) for approval
(iii) actively participating in all OSH activities, for example;
1. work site OSH induction;
2. OSH training;
3. OSH promotional activities;
4. communication and consultation activities;
5. OSH monitoring; and
6. reporting OSH hazards and incidents.
(iv) monitoring and coordinating all OSH aspects during the design process, ensuring
that, risks and hazards are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable, as per
the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 2 – Risk Management;
(v) ensuring that information is provided to all relevant stakeholders on residual
hazards and risks;
(vi) monitoring the principal contractor and sub-contractor compliance to all
regulatory and site OSH requirements and notifying the principal contractor of
all hazards and OSH non-compliances identified on site;
(vii) periodically reporting to the developer / client the OSH performance and
compliance of the principal contractor and sub-contractors, as per the
requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 7 – Monitoring, Investigation and
Reporting; and
(viii) periodically auditing the OSH compliance and performance of the principal
contractor to ensure compliance to all regulatory and site OSH requirements, and
reporting the findings to the developer / client; and immediately reporting
identified continued non-conformance by the principal contractor and/or sub-
contractor to the developer / client.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 10 of 18
3.3.5 Responsibilities of the Principal Contractors
(a) A Principal Contractor has an obligation to plan, coordinate, supervise and oversee
construction and demolition work in a way that prevents or minimizes impacts to the
environment and risks to the health and safety of all persons at or near the work site
during the work.
(b) Develop and implement an appropriate project-specific OSH construction management
plan as per Section 3.4.
(c) Develop and implement an OSH demolition / decommissioning management plan as
per Section 3.5, if necessary.
(d) Develop, implement and maintain a project risk register that incorporates all known
risks, hazards and impacts from the project. The principal contractor shall also ensure
that risk assessments and method statements developed for the project are
appropriate, including those developed by sub-contractors and other persons working
on the project.
(e) Notify relevant stakeholders of any matter of which the principal contractor is aware
of, or as far as reasonably practicable shall be aware of, that may affect the capacity
of that stakeholder to comply with their obligations.
(f) Ensure that any subcontractors or other persons appointed to work on the project /
development are competent, in line with the requirements of
ADOSH-SF – Element 3 –
Management of Contractors.
(g) Consult and communicate with designers, project managers, employees and sub-
contractors who are involved in the construction / demolition work in relation to
identifying hazards associated with the construction / demolition work and assessing
risks that may result due to hazards.
(h) Monitor and enforce the compliance of all persons at the work site to all relevant OSH
obligations.
(i) If the principal contractor reasonably believes that a person / entity at the work site
is not complying with their OSH obligation:
(i) direct the person / entity to comply with the OSH obligations; and
(ii) if the person / entity fails to comply with the direction, ensure the person stops
work until they comply with their obligations.
(j) Investigate all hazards, incidents and OSH non-compliances identified.
(k) Ensure all appropriate incidents are reported to relevant authorities.
(l) Protect members of the public from injury or illness caused by work activities at or
near the workplace.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 11 of 18
3.3.6 Responsibilities of Construction Subcontractors
(a) Construction subcontractors have an obligation to comply with all provisions of this
CoP and to recognize the important supervisory and coordination role that the
appointed principal contractor has been granted on a site where “Construction Work”
is conducted under this CoP. See Figure 1.
Figure 1 – Typical Construction Site Hierarchy

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CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction Work
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 12 of 18
3.4 Management of Construction Work
(a) A specific OSH Construction Management Plan, in compliance with the requirements
of
ADOSH-SF – CoP 53.1 – OSH Construction Management Plan that is appropriate to
the scope of works, risks and hazards associated with the construction activities is to
be developed then reviewed and approved by the Building and Construction Sector
Regulatory Authority before work is to commence.
3.5 Management of Demolition / Decommissioning Work
(a) Demolition / decommissioning work is considered a high-risk activity and as such
specific consideration shall be given to these risks prior to any demolition /
decommission works commencing.
(b) Prior to work commencing:
(i) a specific OSH demolition / decommissioning plan that is appropriate to the
scope of works, risks and hazards associated with the demolition / decommission
activities is to be developed; and
(ii) the demolition / decommissioning plan shall be reviewed and approved by the
Building and Construction Sector Regulatory Authority and the relevant SRA.
(c) The demolition / decommissioning plan shall include, but is not limited to:
(i) location of site and distance of structure from site boundary;
(ii) overall height and dimensions of buildings / structures;
(iii) description of buildings / structures and their structural support;
(iv) location of services, hazardous substances, underground structures and
adjoining retaining structures;
(v) description of methodology to be used including equipment and the movement
of equipment;
(vi) description of methods for collection, segregation, handling, recycling and
disposal of demolished materials/waste including hazardous substances;
(vii) proposed sequence / phases of carrying out the work and estimate of time for
each stage;
(viii) risk assessments;
(ix) details of control measures to be implemented (eg. dust control);
(x) location, extent and type of exclusion zones and other control measures;
(xi) traffic management plan; and
(xii) other documents as necessary to substantiate proposals for documented
methodology.

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Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 13 of 18
3.6 OSH Performance and Incident Reporting Process
(a) Principal contractors are to report relevant OSH performance and incident data to the
Building and Construction SRA (as per
ADOSH-SF – Element 7 – Monitoring,
Investigation and Reporting) for their operations and all construction subcontractors
that are not “nominated entities” as per ADOSH-SF.
(b) Figures 2 and 3 below indicate the OSH performance and incident reporting
hierarchies:
(i) all OSH incidents at the work site shall be reported to the principal contractor;
and
(ii) if a sub-contractor or project manager / client representative / supervising
consultant is involved in an OSH incident and they are nominated under the
ADOSH-SF, they are responsible for reporting the incident to the SRA using
ADOSH-SF – Form G – Serious OSH Incident Notification;
(iii) if a sub-contractor or project manager / client representative / supervising
consultant is involved in an OSH incident and they are not nominated under the
ADOSH-SF, the principal contractor is responsible for reporting the incident to
the SRA using
ADOSH-SF – Form G – Serious OSH Incident Notification.
Figure 2 – Reporting Process for OSH Incident involving PC Employee

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CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction Work
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 14 of 18
Figure 3 – Reporting Process for OSH Incident involving PM / CR / SC / RE / Sub Contractor Employee

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CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction Work
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 15 of 18
4. References
•
L144 – Managing Health and Safety in Construction – HSE Books - ISBN 978 0 7176
6223 4

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CoP 53.0 – OHS Management during Construction Work
Version 4.0 – 15 th July 2024 Page 16 of 18
5. Document Amendment Record
Version Revision Date Description of Amendment
Page/s Affected
4.0
15 th July 2024
System acronym updated from OSHAD-SF
to ADOSH-SF to accurately reflect
document title
Throughout
Change from OSHAD to ADPHC
Change of Logo
Minor editorial changes throughout the
document without changing requirements.
Title of Mechanism 7.0 updated to ADOSH-
SF – Mechanism 7– Occupational Safety
and Health Practitioner and Service
Provider Registration
OSHAD-SF - Mechanism 8.0 - OSH
Practitioner Registration deleted

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