Construction Safety in Kuwait

Abstract

In gulf region countries like Kuwait, the construction process can become very challenging. In this paper, we analyze construction-related accidents in Kuwait including type of accident, type of injury, body part injured, and accident outcome for the years 1996–2007. We present examples of recent cases and evaluate these cases presenting current Kuwaiti rules and legislation and providing suggestions for ensuring a safer construction environment. As this research shows, the construction industry is the most hazardous industry in Kuwait. On average, falls are the major type of accident (33.2%) followed by being crushed or struck by a falling object (25.2%). Use or misuse of tools caused the third largest number of accidents in Kuwait (18.1%). The most frequent type of injury is fractures (52.6%) and the most common injured body part is the upper body (53.4%). An average of (82.7%) of victims of construction accidents in Kuwait sustain permanent disabilities. It is clear that the Kuwaiti construction industry has a safety problem and that there is a pressing need to change current practices and legislation in construction and building sites.