PROPERTY NEWS

Construction industry experts will explore best ways to ensure the health and safety of workers in the sector during the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Construction Industry coming up in June in Abuja.

The federation consists of building and civil engineering contractors operating in the country with combined asset base of over $4bn, including equipment and machinery, and are currently handling construction works worth over $8bn in both the private and public sectors.

The FOCI President, Chief Mobolaji Williams, said that experts in health and safety would look into all areas of safety in construction in view of increasing activities in the sector.

The theme of the forum, which holds between June 22 and 24 is, "Health and Safety Management in the Construction Industry." It will also feature an award ceremony and exhibition of products.

Williams said that with the bill on safety currently at the National Assembly about to be passed into law, there was need to look into all areas affecting the construction industry.

According to him, different topics will be discussed by speakers drawn from related professional organisations, government agencies, tertiary institutions and manufacturers of safety equipment.

He noted that at most construction sites, workers were expected to comply with safety regulations regarding the kind of apparels they wear, shoes and helmets and nose pads to put on while on sites.

The FOCI president said that awards would be given to deserving individuals and corporate organisations for their unique contributions to the growth of the construction industry over the decades

The meeting, he said, would be a unique forum to exhibit construction equipment and products, noting that the federation had made ample space available for exhibitors.

The AGM, he added, would provide opportunities for networking and marketing, increase in products, services and brand awareness, investment and expansion opportunities, and for participants to source new customers.

Among the expected exhibitors are equipment manufacturers, support service providers, institutional and financial investors, government agencies, storage and facility support services, related associations, groups and organisation and chambers of commerce and industries and bi-lateral trade groups.

Apart from key personnel of member firms of FOCI, other visitors being expected include government officials, contractors, consultants, funding agencies, equipment leasing organisations, architects and interested members of the general public.