FM contractors and experts from across the access and handling sector have called for greater industry cooperation to protect lives and ensure construction and building maintenance are more sustainable.
The Access and Handling Summit took place this week at the Habtoor Polo Club in Dubai, with a series of panels taking a deep dive into the challenges facing the sector.
A forum featuring representatives from facilities management firms Emrill, Farnek and Gracko sectors highlighted how effective collaboration early in the construction process is essential.
Other talking points during the day included equipment and team mobilisation best practice, planning for working in a construction and built environment, project stakeholder co-ordination and improving efficiency and value for the project and building owners.
The event, which doubled its audience from 2022, also explored the possibilities for wider use of electric equipment and emerging technologies such as AI and IoT.
“We wanted an event where people were able to really tackle the major issues of this sector and we had fantastic participation, especially from the audience,” said Stephen White, head of content, Construction Machinery Middle East. “Clearly this sector wants to reach out to as many stakeholders as possible – and it was great to see this passion for their work throughout the day.”