Egypt
Introduction
Building Safety on the Fast Track: Transforming OSH Standards in Egypt’s Construction Sector
The project seeks to significantly enhance occupational safety and health standards in Egypt’s construction sector, with a particular focus on workers involved in building the country’s ambitious high-speed rail system. This initiative, backed by Siemens AG in collaboration with the Vision Zero Fund, addresses critical safety challenges in one of the nation’s most hazardous industries. Construction, a cornerstone of Egypt’s economic growth, accounts for a significant share of employment but is marred by poor working conditions and outdated regulatory frameworks. With an 18-month timeline beginning in January 2025, this project aspires to set new benchmarks for worker safety while contributing to the sustainable development of the sector.
Central to the project are its three strategic objectives: assessing the drivers and barriers to OSH improvements, enhancing the capabilities of training centers, and strengthening workplace safety management systems. By collaborating with Siemens and its local partners, the project will refine and expand training curricula to better equip workers with the skills and knowledge to mitigate OSH risks. It will also work to establish or reinforce safety committees within workplaces, ensuring ongoing compliance with OSH standards. These interventions aim to protect not just the high-speed rail workforce but also to create ripple effects that uplift safety standards across the entire construction sector in Egypt.
This initiative is carefully aligned with other ongoing efforts to promote safe working environments in Egypt, ensuring efficiency and cohesion through shared resources and unified strategies. Collaboration with key stakeholders, including government bodies like the Ministry of Manpower, worker organizations, and industry leaders, will be instrumental in driving systemic change. Beyond its immediate safety goals, the project is expected to contribute to Egypt’s broader economic and social objectives by fostering a healthier and more productive workforce, strengthening labor market resilience, and enhancing the overall sustainability of the construction industry.