Participating Head of Civil Engineering Department, Dr. Barham Haidar to present Safety Culture at CHP Show 2023, Advocates for Safety in Construction Industry

In Sulaimanyah, Iraq, on September 26th, 2023 – Dr. Barham Haidar, Head of the Civil Engineering Department at Tishk International University, delivered a compelling address at CHP Show 2023, organized by Vira Expo and hosted at the Hotel Grand Millennium. The conference, entitled “Cultivating Safety: A Holistic Approach from Community to Construction Industry,” highlighted the fundamental importance of safety within construction projects and advocated for the implementation of complete safety measures.

The event showcased a diverse audience consisting of engineers, academics, members from the Engineering Union of Kurdistan, students, and several construction companies. This diverse representation demonstrated the widespread concern regarding safety within the construction industry. The need of including safety subjects into engineering curriculum was emphasised by the speaker, with the aim of equipping future engineers with a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols. This approach seeks to establish a safety-oriented mindset among engineers right from the outset of their professional journeys. The safety programme was implemented into the curricula of the Civil Engineering department at TIU in 2016.

The speaker stressed the substantial impact made by the building industry and emphasised the need for engineers who prioritise safety in their education. This emphasis on safety should be maintained as a primary concern in all construction endeavours. The significance of strict compliance with safety legislation and regulations in the building industry was also highlighted as a major aspect in Dr. Haidar’s presentation, explaining how the implementation of this approach will foster a culture of accountability and contribute to the mitigation of hazards and incidents inside construction sites.

Dr. Haidar highlighted the Boulevard Project as a notable illustration of effective safety planning, establishing a standard for construction endeavours in the area. The project functions as a source of inspiration for emphasising the importance of safety in construction methodologies.

The panel effectively conveyed to the audience a strong and impactful message, emphasising that safety should not be viewed merely as an obligation, but rather as a pervasive culture that should be ingrained within both our communities and our industry. By means of educational initiatives, steadfast dedication from many industries, and rigorous enforcement measures, it is possible to construct a future that is characterised by enhanced safety for all individuals.

The safety panel at CHP Show 2023 has sparked conversations around the crucial necessity of cultivating a safety culture within the construction sector. This discourse underscores the significance of education, industry dedication, and regulatory compliance as fundamental elements in facilitating this paradigm shift.