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Sharjah Construction HSE checklist

Tasks quoted from Sharjah's official codes, each with its clause number (§). Up to 30 per code — always read the full code.

Interactive checklist Construction HSE Worker welfare Fire safety Environment

OSHJ-CoP-02 – OSH Management in Construction

§4.1(1) Appoint a consultant who is qualified and approved by relevant authorities in the Emirate to undertake the project.Appoint a principal contractor/contractor to manage the project to ensure that construction is planned, organised, controlled, monitored, and reviewed and is qualified and approved by the relevant authority in the Emirate.
§4.1(2) If the client/developer fails to appoint a consultant to supervise workplace OSH obligations, the client/developer will be responsible for all OSH obligations of the consultant.
§4.1(3) If the client/developer fails to appoint a principal contractor/contractor to manage workplace OSH obligations, the client/developer will be responsible for all OSH obligations of the principal contractor/contractor .
§4.1(4) If the client/developer is an individual (eg. building a personal villa, very small individual building project), they cannot be expected to fulfill all obligations of the client/developer. The consultant shall provide appropriate mechanisms to ensure the appointment of a principal contractor/contractor process is implemented.
§4.1(5) The client should ensure the legal agreement with the consultant has the following responsibilities, including but not limited to: o Make suitable OSH arrangements for managing the project’s safety and health matters. o Ensure that the principal contractor’s/contractor’s OSH systems are appropriate for the scope of the construction project. o Obtain all the relevant licenses, permits, and non-objection certificates for the project from the relevant authorities. o Provide the relevant information to the principal contractor/contractor for carrying out their OSH responsibilities at different stages of the project. o Aware the client/developer of their responisbilities related safety and health in Emirates in accordance with regulations.
§4.1(6) The client should ensure the legal agreement with principal contractor/contractor have following responsibilities, including but not limited to: o Develop an OSH system appropirate to the scope of construction project, including OSH resources requirement. o Develop safety and health plan for project implemenetation which is reviewed throughout the project. o Carry out the project safely without risk to health employees at work and others. o Notify SPSA prior to the commencement of the construction project using the OSHJ electronic platform o Report any reportable incident related safety and health in the project to SPSA and relevant authority
§4.2(1) Ensure they are competent with the adequate resources to address the safety and health issues likely to be involved in the design.
§4.2(2) Ensure the client/developer is aware of their OSH responsibilities in the Emirates in accordance with regulation, if not advice the client/developer.
§4.2(3) Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate the pre-construction stage.
§4.2(4) Assist the client in preparing pre-construction information.
§4.2(5) Assess the design and ensure that, where reasonably practicable, foreseeable risks to those involved in the construction and future use of the structure are avoided.
§4.2(6) Ensure risk from the hazards which can reasonably be identified through design work are eliminated or controlled.
§4.2(7) Provide adequate information about any significant hazards associated with the design and pass information to contractors and others so that they can be made aware of the risks.
§4.2(8) Prepare the safety and health plan which shall contain information relating to the project which is likely to be needed during any subsequent construction work, such as the significant residual risks, to ensure the safety and health of any person.
§4.2(9) Ensure cooperation and coordination with others involved in the project in order to improve the way in which risks are managed and controlled.
§4.2(10) Make suitable OSH arrangements for managing the project’s safety and health matters during implementation.
§4.2(11) Ensure that the systems, procedures, and policies implemented by the principal contractor/contractor comply with occupational safety and health requirements and are appropriate for the scope of the project.
§4.2(12) Ensure that the safety and health plan for the project implementation is developed by the principal contractor/contractor and in place and reviewed throughout the project.
§4.2(13) Ensure that all the relevant licenses, permits and non-objection certificates for the project are obtained from the relevant authorities.
§4.2(14) Ensure principal contractor/contractor and others appointed are competent and adequately resourced to carry out OSH and other responsibilities.
§4.2(15) Ensure arrangements are made for the project work to be carried out without endangering the safety and health of workers and affected individuals.
§4.2(16) Provide the relevant information to the principal contractor/contractor for carrying out their OSH responsibilities at different stages of the project.
§4.2(17) Ensure clarity, specification, and assignment of occupational safety and health responsibilities within the contractual relationships related to the project.
§4.2(18) Request OSH details from the principal contractor/contractor of the arrangements they propose to implement throughout the project.
§4.2(19) Ensure the principal contractor/contractor has notified SPSA before starting the project through the electronic platform of the Sharjah Occupational Safety and Health System, which includes the main project information.
§4.2(20) Ensure the principal contractor/contractor is reporting any reportable incidents related to safety and health in the project to SPSA as specified by the regulations of Sharjah Occupational Safety and Health System.
§4.2(21) Appoint a qualified OSH practitioner to manage the OSH system of the project.
§4.2(22) Ensure the principal contractor/contractor has appointed a qualified OSH practitioner to manage their OSH system related to the project.
§4.3(1) Notify SPSA of the project using the OSHJ electronic platform
§4.3(2) Plan, manage, and monitor construction work in liaison with all sub-contractors involved in the project.

OSHJ-CoP-03 – OSH Control of Contractors

§4.1(1) Ensure a detailed scope of work is provided for all work activities to be conducted by the contractor and any specific OSH requirements associated with the work activities are identified.
§4.1(2) Ensure that contractors selected are competent to perform the work activities safely and without risks to the health of those involved.
§4.1(3) Evaluate the OSH procedures of contractors before the engagement of their service begins.
§4.1(4) Ensure the contractor is provided with information on all known significant risks associated with the scope of work.
§4.2(1) Plan, manage and supervise all work activities under their control.
§4.2(2) Provide employees with information, instruction, supervision and training on any significant risks present in the workplace.
§4.2(3) Inform the client of any safety and health related concerns.
§5(1) Identifying OSH tender requirements.
§5(4) Contract award and mobilisation.
§5(6) Contract close out. OSHJ-Cop-03
§5.1(1) A detailed scope of work activities.
§5.1(2) The minimum OSH requirements.
§5.1(3) A list of known significant OSH risks and hazards.
§5.1(4) Where high risk work activities are identified the entity may specify the criteria for contractors to manage these risks.
§5.1(5) The competency requirements for OSH management and supervision.
§5.1(6) Specific training requirements for the contractor’s employees.
§5.1(7) Other requirements, such as periodic OSH site inspections and audits.
§5.1(8) Any requirements for sub-contracting.
§5.2(1) Competent to do the job safely and without risks to health. The degree of competence will depend on the work the contractor will be undertaking.
§5.2(2) Comply with the OSH requirements contained in the tender documentation.
§5.2(3) Comply with legal requirements.
§5.2(4) Have a system to adequately manage risks.
§5.2(5) Are able to demonstrate that adequate OSH resources are available to implement risk control measures.
§5.2(6) Have emergency procedures.
§5.2(7) Have a procedure for incident investigation.
§5.2(8) Can demonstrate previous safety and health performance, such as providing references/completing a pre-qualification questionnaire.
§5.2(9) Can verify safety and health training, certification and licensing, where required.
§5.2(10) Are registered in the SPSA System.
§5.4(1) Nominate a competent employee with adequate experience to be the main point of contact to communicate with and manage the contractor.
§5.4(2) Ensure all contractor employees have been provided with all relevant OSH information.

OSHJ-CoP-04 – Working at Height Safety

§4.1(1) Avoid working at height wherever possible
§4.1(2) Where such work cannot be avoided, select the most appropriate equipment for the work and to prevent falls
§4.1(3) Ensure all work at height is adequately planned, risk assessment based, organised and supervised
§4.1(4) Ensure employees that work at height are trained and competent for the work activities
§4.1(5) Ensure adequate information, instruction, supervision and training is provided to employees
§4.1(6) Ensure work equipment used for working at height is adequately inspected, maintained and suitable for the purpose and conditions for use
§4.1(7) Ensure that emergency procedures are in place to deal with work at height related emergencies.
§4.2(1) Not endanger themselves or others
§4.2(2) Follow precautionary control measures to ensure work activities associated with work at height are performed safely and without risk to health
§4.2(3) Cooperate with the entity and receive safety information, instruction, supervision and training
§4.2(4) Report any activity or defect relating to work at height which they know is likely to endanger the safety of themselves or that of any other person.
§5.2(1) Avoid work at height where it is reasonably practicable to do so
§5.2(2) Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where working at height cannot be avoided
§5.2(3) Where the risk of a fall cannot be eliminated, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall. Further information on identifying hazards and how to conduct risk assessments can be found in OSHJ-CoP-01: Risk Management and Control.
§5.3(1) The nature, frequency and duration of work equipment use
§5.3(3) How long the equipment will be in use
§5.3(5) Whether there is level ground at the work site
§5.3(6) Whether there are any obstructions
§5.3(9) The distance of a potential fall and the risk of injury
§5.3(10) The need for easy and timely evacuation and rescue in an emergency
§5.3(12) Any additional risk posed by the use, installation or removal of that work equipment. Work equipment that is selected shall provide the following, including but not limited to:
§5.3(13) Give collective protection measures priority over individual control measures
§5.3(14) Be of sufficient dimensions to allow the safe passage of employees and the safe use of any equipment and materials
§5.3(15) Be capable of supporting the weight of the employees using it and any materials and equipment they are likely to use or store on it
§5.3(16) A safe and secure working area for work activities to be carried out
§5.3(17) A safe surface, free of hazards that could cause trips, or gaps through which employees or materials could fall
§5.3(18) Be constructed to prevent objects falling over the edge which could injure people below by installing toe boards or edge protection
§5.3(19) Be kept clean and tidy and not allow the dirt and debris to build up on platforms
§5.3(20) The working platform is capable of carrying the load it was designed for, and not be overloaded to prevent the risk of collapse.
§5.4(1) OSHJ-GL-02: Mobile Elevated Working Platforms.

OSHJ-CoP-23 – Scaffolding

§4.1(1) Undertake a risk assessment, identify hazards, assess the risks to safety and health and introduce adequate control measures, prior to the design, erection, use and dismantling of scaffolding
§4.1(2) Ensure that the scaffolding is designed for the intended purpose of use
§4.1(3) Ensure that before using the scaffolding, it is safe and suitable for the work activities being conducted
§4.1(4) Ensure that during the use of the scaffolding, it continues to be safe for all users by conducting regular inspections and maintenance by a competent person
§4.1(5) Ensure that scaffolding is erected, maintained, and dismantled by a competent persons, the scaffolding must be routinely and regularly inspected by a competent person and declared safe for use
§4.1(6) Ensure that adequate control measures identified during risk assessment are in place to prevent users from falling from working platforms
§4.1(7) Provide employees who use scaffolding with safety information, instruction, supervision and training and ensure they are competent to use scaffolding
§4.1(8) Provide employees with personal protective equipment
§4.1(9) Ensure that emergency procedures are in place to deal with emergencies and employees are trained on these procedures.
§4.2(1) Not endanger themselves or others
§4.2(2) Follow precautionary control measures to ensure work activities on scaffolding are performed safely
§4.2(3) Cooperate with the entity and receive information, instruction, supervision and training regarding the erection, use, maintenance and dismantling of scaffolding
§4.2(4) Report any activity or defect which they know are likely to introduce risks to the safety and health of themselves or that of any other person.
§5(1) The entity, who must ensure the design, use, maintenance and dismantling of scaffolding is carried out by competent employees under the direction of a competent supervisor; or
§5(2) Appoint a competent scaffolding contractor to design, erect, maintain or dismantle scaffolding. There must be agreement between the entity and the scaffolding contractor that clearly states who is responsible for scaffolding modification, maintenance and inspection and the fulfillment of other specific duties.
§5.1(1) The nature of the work activities to be conducted
§5.1(2) The intended purpose of the scaffolding
§5.1(3) The delivery and unloading of scaffolding components onto site
§5.1(4) The scaffolding support structures, surfaces and ground conditions
§5.1(5) The erection, modification, maintenance and dismantling of scaffolding or access equipment
§5.1(6) The load of the scaffolding from employees and materials that will be used
§5.1(7) Access and egress of scaffolding
§5.1(8) The potential for impact from cranes, vehicles, mobile plant and machinery
§5.1(9) Overhead electrical services
§5.1(10) The potential wind load from adverse weather
§5.1(11) The use of personal fall protection
§5.1(12) Loading from the site when removing scaffolding components. The entity should adopt a safe system of work based on the risk assessment for employees performing work activities on scaffolding to ensure work is conducted safely. The safe system of work, including an emergency plan, should be communicated effectively to all employees involved and within the vicinity of work activities. All managers and supervisors should be familiar with all aspects of the safe system of work. They should also review and revise the system as work progresses and inform and instruct employees accordingly. Further information on risk assessment can be found in OSHJ-CoP-01: Risk Management and Control.
§5.2(1) The shape of the structure
§5.2(2) The environment that the scaffolding is to be erected in
§5.2(3) The nature and load capacity of the foundations

OSHJ-CoP-37 – Barricading

§4.1(1) Undertake a risk assessment to determine the risks and introduce adequate controls to reduce exposure to hazards
§4.1(2) Identify locations where barricading is required to control the risk of hazards
§4.1(3) Ensure adequate barricading is installed where required to protect employees and others.
§4.2(1) Not endanger themselves or others
§4.2(2) Follow precautionary control measures to ensure work activities are performed safely and without risk to health
§4.2(3) Cooperate with the entity and receive safety information, instruction, supervision and training
§4.2(4) Report any activity or defect which they know are likely to introduce risks to the safety and health of themselves or that of any other person.
§5(1) Being struck by falling objects
§5(2) Being struck by moving plant
§5(3) Fall from height, including falling into open excavations, penetrations, and falls from unprotected edges such as removed flooring, walkways, stairs and/or hand railings.
§5(4) Exposure to hazardous chemicals
§5(5) Restricting entry into a confined space or work area.
§5.1(1) When there are no other practical control measures available
§5.1(2) As an interim measure until a more effective way of controlling the risk can be used or the hazard is no longer present
§5.1(3) To supplement other control measures or as a secondary control measure.
§5.1.1(1) Risks associated with the hazard
§5.1.1(2) Which hazard and how is the barricade going to control them
§5.1.1(3) The visibility of the hazard
§5.1.1(4) The required strength of the barrier
§5.1.1(5) The amount of clearance required by the barricade from the hazard
§5.1.1(6) The length of time the barricading is expected to stay in place
§5.1.1(7) The hazards that arise during work activities within the barricaded area
§5.1.1(8) The risks associated with the installation, use, maintenance and removal of barricading.
§5.2.1(1) Scissor/expanding barricade
§5.2.2(1) Mesh or hoarding fencing panels
§5.2.2(2) Scaffolding tube and fitting to construct temporary walkways and handrails
§5.2.2(3) Road traffic control barricade
§5.2.2(4) Free standing A-frame barricades.
§5.3(1) Encompass the entire potentially affected area of the workplace hazard
§5.3(2) Erected to separate hazardous areas by integration with existing structures or a stand alone installation

Official sources

General reference only, not legal advice. Confirm current authority, client and consultant requirements before relying on this list. Where more than one code applies, follow the strongest applicable code (the most protective requirement) and check the current official text.