The Supreme Committee

for Delivery & Legacy

& Building and Wood
Workers’ International
Joint Working Group
2017 Report

BWI
Building and Wood
Workers’ International
www.bwint.org
 Table of Contents

Foreword…………………………………………………………………………………….........……………….3

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Joint Working Group……………………………………………………………..…………………...9

Findings…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

Way Forward………………………………………………………………………………………………….21

2
 Foreword

Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee

for Delivery & Legacy

In November of last year, we signed a Cooperation Agreement We are committed to demonstrating our challenges and
on behalf of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy progress in a transparent manner. Our annual progress reports
(SC) with Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) are shared publicly and Impactt, our third party monitor
General Secretary Ambet Yuson. The agreement between publishes their own report independently.
the two parties plays an important role in ensuring that our
stadium sites and accommodation facilities are managed and In light of our commitment to transparency, this Report
maintained to the highest professional occupational health showcases the work carried out by our Joint Working Group
and safety standards. It also serves an ultimate purpose that (JWG), which is comprised of members from both parties. It
both our organisations share – making sure that the workers outlines the inspections that have been undertaken over the
on our sites are protected, respected, and that their working past year and provides detail on the recommendations made.
and living conditions are constantly being improved. It also includes status updates on the improvements made on
our programme, based on the JWG’s findings, obstacles that
Discussions between our respective organisations began in we may face in implementing some measures, and how we
2014. In the early stages of this relationship we had plan to work together to overcome any such issues.
contrasting ideas on the best way to work together. After a
period of healthy and constructive debate, differences were Our partnership with BWI is of the utmost importance to our
overcome through a shared commitment to transparency, organisation. General Secretary Yuson has worked tirelessly
openness and dialogue, underpinned by a spirit of compromise with us to build a relationship that is grounded in ensuring
and mutual understanding. that the health, safety, security and dignity of every worker on
our projects is respected and cared for.
Our Cooperation Agreement included a commitment to
conduct joint health and safety inspections at construction I am confident that BWI view the SC as a sincere and reliable
and accommodation sites. BWI also committed to providing partner that shares the same values and vision. With General
occupational health and safety training to the SC and its Secretary Yuson’s support and unwavering commitment, we
contractors, and to review the effectiveness of the Workers' have a strong foundation for a long-term partnership that
Welfare Forums (WWF), which form an integral part of our will serve to instill and develop the sustainable change and
grievance mechanisms. progress that we are steadfastly committed to in the sphere of
Workers' Welfare.

3 SC BWI JWG Report - Forward

 Foreword

General Secretary of Building and Wood

Workers' International

Following the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between and expects that it will lead to further progress in advancing
BWI and the SC in November 2016, the two organisations workers’ rights as we enter the next phase of the agreement.
conducted a series of joint inspections of stadiums and
accommodation facilities, starting in February 2017 and BWI is grateful for the support of its affiliates and in particular
concluding in November 2017. the unions who have participated in the joint inspections
and provided technical support to the BWI inspection teams:
This report marks a historic occasion for BWI, the SC, and most ACV-CSC-Belgium, Byggnads-Sweden, FFW-Philippines,
importantly, the construction workers on the SC programme. FILLEA-Italy, FILCA-Italy, Fellesforbundt-Norway, FGTB-Belgium,
The findings present a clear demonstration that we have FNV-Netherlands, GWU-Norway, IG-BAU-Germany, Prospect-
entered a joint process that is sustainable in a cooperative and United Kingdom, Rakennusliitto-Finland, SEK-Cyprus, UNIA-
transparent manner. Understandably, significant efforts were Switzerland, and UNITE the Union-United Kingdom. We look
required to get to this stage where the inspection process forward to their continued support as well as that of others as
evolved into a smooth efficient practice as is reflected in this we continue the agreement with the SC in 2018 to ensure the
report. However, it also shows that our common efforts and success of future inspections.
persistence can improve the occupational health and safety
conditions on the ground. BWI is also grateful for the commitment and willingness shown
by the SC and in particular, H.E. Secretary General Hassan Al
The BWI considers the joint agreement and the Thawadi who has demonstrated a genuine willingness to work
implementation as carried out by the JWG to be an excellent with BWI to meet a common goal of improving the working
starting point for our ongoing cooperation with the SC. The and living conditions of migrant workers in Qatar. All parties
good intentions of the Cooperation Agreement have been have ensured good faith and mutual trust has prevailed.
demonstrated during the joint inspections, in partnership with
one another. A cooperative, constructive, and pragmatic spirit For BWI, this is an important part of our global effort to
has been accompanied by excellent professional standards improve the occupational safety and health conditions of
focusing on occupational safety and health and a common workers in construction and in the other sectors where BWI is
commitment to reduce hazards on the job. The BWI hopes the most representative global trade union organisation.

4 SC BWI JWG Report - Forward

 Introduction

Ensuring the health and safety of the workers building The JWG’s efforts also focused on enhancing the WWFs, and
stadiums and infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ several forums were attended by the team during the year.
is a process that takes commitment and collaboration at Two worker representative elections were also attended. The
all levels. JWG expressed their satisfaction with the way the elections
were run, and also with the number of workers involved. In
In November 2016, the SC signed a Cooperation Agreement all instances the level of communication and interaction with
with BWI to conduct joint health and safety inspections of SC management was also commended.
projects. A JWG was formed to manage and coordinate the
inspections and reporting obligations, and achieve the aims of As the first year of the partnership has come to an end,
the Cooperation Agreement. A fundamental provision of the the SC and BWI have taken time to review and assess what
Cooperation Agreement was a commitment to publicly release has worked well during this period and what areas can be
the findings of the JWG. improved. Hearing directly from workers has been identified
as the most effective way to deliver impactful change. That
This Report gives an overview of the work carried out in interaction has been afforded to the JWG and will remain a
2017 by the JWG across several SC stadium construction sites vital mechanism in ensuring continued success in the future.
and the accommodations of the workers attached to each
construction project. From the outset, a strategic decision was The Cooperation Agreement was originally put in place to
made to initially observe the occupational health and safety cover the period until 31 December 2017. Given the success
practices of companies based in the countries where BWI has a of the partnership, both parties have agreed to formalise an
presence – notably Austria, Belgium, Italy, India, and Turkey. extension to the Cooperation Agreement for 2018 so as to
build on the positive steps taken to ensure compliance across
These international contractors have committed, hand-in-hand all SC projects.
with their joint venture Qatari counterparts, to delivering their
projects in-line with the SC’s Workers’ Welfare Standards (the
WW Standards).

The BWI representatives of the JWG traveled to Doha on six

different occasions to undertake, with their SC counterparts,
accommodation, site and follow-up inspections. The main
findings, observations and non- compliances, are detailed in
the Findings section of this Report.

The issues identified by the JWG varied from changing the

serving times for lunch, to ensuring safety harnesses are
stored in the correct manner. A number of health related
recommendations were also made by the JWG including a
suggestion to incorporate better health record management
systems across site and accommodation clinics and the need
to provide ongoing training for medical staff to identify
work related issues. On accommodation sites, kitchens were
scrutinised to ensure international best practice was being
maintained with a focus on, in particular, food storage and
handling techniques, and cleaning apparatus.

No issue was considered too trivial as both parties focused

on creating a safe, healthy and decent working and living
environment for the workers. BWI and the SC worked together
throughout the year to ensure that contractors rectified
these issues.

5 SC BWI JWG Report - Introduction

 Introduction to the Supreme Committee
for Delivery & Legacy (SC)

In 2010, the State of Qatar won the bidding process to host Internally, the SC has a dedicated Workers’ Welfare
the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™. This will be the first World Department (the WWD), which reports directly to the
Cup to be hosted in the Middle East, a momentous event with Secretary General and is responsible for:
the potential to have a lasting positive effect on the region
and beyond. •Developing effective compliance and enforcement
mechanisms for the WW Standards.
To deliver the infrastructure required to host the event, the • Leading and undertaking audits and inspections of
State of Qatar established the Supreme Committee for Delivery contractors (including worker interviews and accommodation
& Legacy in 2011. The SC is primarily responsible for the and construction site inspections) and worker welfare tender
design, construction and upgrade of stadiums, training sites evaluations.
and non-competition venues (e.g. "fan zones"). Its work will • Delivering engagement, outreach and training activities;
contribute to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030, the conducting research to guide policy and decision-making;
country’s roadmap to sustainable development. and engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring the health and safety of workers’ at their
accommodation facilities and the welfare of workers onsite.
Workers’ Welfare at the SC
The WWD developed a robust regime for accommodation and
A key component of the SC’s mandate is the protection and construction site inspections, as well as ethical recruitment
promotion of the welfare of the workers responsible for audits. It is the second limb of a thorough four-tier auditing
the delivery of the SC’s projects. In 2013, the SC published system which is administered via: (i) regular self-audits by
a Workers’ Charter which outlined principles that the SC contractors; (ii) SC audits and inspections; (iii) independent
are committed to, i.e. protecting the health, well-being, audits by an external third party monitor – Impactt Ltd; and (iv)
safety, and security of the workers. The SC requires that periodic inspections and audits carried out by the Ministry of
its contractors and suppliers adhere to these principles in Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs.
their treatment of all workers. This was followed by the
publication of the WW Standards in 2014. Two years
later, in 2016, the SC published an updated version of the
WW Standards, following a consultation process with civil
society organisations. The WW Standards are mandatory for
contractors working on SC projects, and oblige contractors to
ensure compliance by subcontractors.

Health & Safety Information & Reporting Compliance & Audits Engagement & Outreach

Oversee workers’ H&S matters, Manage development of WW Lead and undertake workers’ Engage in a country-wide steering
including inspections research and assessments welfare inspections and audits group collaborating with
(accommondation, site, government entities to discuss
Set overarching WW H&S Collect and manage WW recruitment and employment critical workers’ welfare issues.
requirements information and tools practices)
Manage relationships with
Conduct workers’ welfare H&S Maintain up-to-date databases Conduct WW technical external parties, including
accommodation inspections on workers, contractors, evaluations of SC bidders embassies, NGOs and partners
audit details etc.
Conduct H&S Induction Training Manage enhancement of the Develop and manage WW
Manage development and WW Standards engagement and outreach
Manage business continuity, collation of WW reports activities inlcuding nutrition,
risk and crisis management Oversee implementation and cooling and others
enforcement of the WW
Coordinate H&S matters with Standards Carry out training &
Site HSSE teams up-skilling activities for
Manage the Other Contracting workers and contractors
Assess and advise on Emergency Parties (OCP) pre-approval process
Medical Response on SC sites and
accommodation

6 SC BWI JWG Report - Introduction

 Construction Health & Safety at the SC
The Assurance team, with the support of all parties, provides
The SC’s Technical Delivery Office (the TDO) is directly H&S assurance that design, construction, operations and
responsible for delivery of the stadiums, non-competition deconstruction into legacy, will meet the SC’s requirements,
venues and infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and comply with Qatar codes and standards. With the support
Qatar™. of the supply chain, the H&S Assurance team seeks to:

Whereas the WWD’s Health & Safety (H&S) team is responsible • Set a minimum standard complying with the health and
for ensuring that the workers’ accommodations and site safety requirements of the TDO programme, as well as the
related welfare are in compliance with the H&S Standards, Qatar Construction Specification (QCS) 2014.
TDO’s H&S function is exclusively responsible for health and • Reduce and prevent accidents, incidents, and illness
safety on construction sites. This responsibility includes: acrossthe programme by:
›› targeting the main causes of accidents, incidents and ill
i  D eveloping and implementing a “Safety Management health; and
System” to ensure health and safety is managed effectively ›› developing specific minimum health and safety standards
across the programme’s construction sites; including setting minimum levels of competence for
ii Establishing and reporting on key health and safety supervisors.
performance indicators across the programme; and • Reduce design, construction and operational risks by:
iii Monitoring safety performance on-site through audits and › a pplying the “principles of prevention” in all phases of the
inspections. programme life-cycle;
› following a detailed design risk management process; and
In 2013, the TDO established its internal safety management › applying a zero tolerance policy for infringements.
processes which identified and developed a number of key
themes and deliverables, providing the focus and tools to
deliver a safe and healthy working environment.

The TDO’s H&S responsibilities are cascaded down through

the supply chain in a structured manner. The health and
safety function is directed by the Site Construction H&S
Assurance Manager and administered by the H&S Assurance
Team. The Assurance team provides support and oversight
at the programme level, as well as support and oversight to
the supply chain and employees on each individual project.
This responsibility extends to establishing and reporting on
key health and safety performance indicators across the
programme, and monitoring safety performance onsite
through regular audits and inspections.

7 SC BWI JWG Report - Introduction

 Introduction to Building and Wood
Workers’ International

The BWI was founded in December 2005 in Buenos Aires, One of the key elements of both agreements is the participation
Argentina as a Global Union Federation. It groups free and of BWI and its affiliates in joint inspections focusing on
democratic unions with members in the building, building occupational health and safety. This is due to the long-lasting
materials, wood, forestry and allied sectors. impact of BWI’s work in South Africa where it conducted joint
safety visits with South Africa’s FIFA LOC. Noting this, BWI has
BWI brings together around 334 trade unions representing more been pushing FIFA and the Russian LOC to similarly carry out joint
than 12 million members in 130 countries. The headquarters labour inspections. This has been one of the core elements of
are in Geneva, Switzerland and the regional offices and project BWI’s advocacy work to ensure safety and health for construction
offices are located in Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, India, Kenya, workers building the World Cup tournament projects.
Malaysia, Panama, Peru, Russia and South Africa.
A key pillar in BWI’s global sports campaign has been the
Our mission is to promote the development of trade unions in consistent support and active involvement of BWI affiliates in
our sectors throughout the world and to promote the protection all facets of the campaign. This has included a wide range of
of and respect for workers’ rights in the context of sustainable involvement, from direct organising on the ground, to facilitating
development. engagements with construction companies with whom BWI
could sign global agreements, and mobilising mass support to
Construction is one of the world’s most hazardous industries influence all stakeholders to ensure that all current and future
and BWI has been supporting unions to establish safety World Cup tournaments will not only embody the spirit, but truly
representatives and health and safety committees in as many and actively ensure and display a commitment to human and
workplaces as possible. BWI also tries to improve occupational labour rights.
safety standards and conditions in other forestry and building
materials. Our recent extensive survey in the cement industry The implementation of the agreement with the SC would not
showed that workplaces are safer if workers have representation, have been possible without the participation of technical experts
and through our experiences on the ground, the truth of these and safety and health officers from a number of BWI affiliates
findings have also been demonstrated in other sectors. including unions that have presence in companies which are the
main contractors of the 2022 World Cup Tournament projects in
Ten years ago, BWI launched the global “Sports Campaign Qatar. These experts provided the necessary technical expertise
for Decent Work” in the lead up to the 2010 South Africa in not only occupational health and safety but also occupational
World Cup™, recognising that the high-profile event was an illnesses as well as providing awareness amongst workers about
opportunity to improve working conditions for the workers in the health and safety.
construction sector in South Africa. Since then, the initial pilot
campaign inone country has grown into a global BWI campaign In addition to health and safety experts, trade union officials
covering a number of countries hosting Mega-Sporting Events familiar with grievance mechanism procedures and strengthening
(MSE). The crux of BWI’s campaign has however been focused on workers’ participation provided valuable input in the discussions
World Cup Tournament Projects. around strengthening the WWF, in particular the participation of
workers in the forums and developing the capacity of the WWF
BWI has made significant progress in its engagements with representatives.
international sporting bodies such as FIFA; construction
companies; and other stakeholders to ensure decent work, safe
working and living conditions for all workers, including migrant
workers, in relation to MSEs.

Last year, BWI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA

and the Russia Local Organising Committee (LOC) related to the
2018 Russia World Cup™, and a Cooperation Agreement with
the SC focusing on the 2022 Qatar World Cup™.

8 SC BWI JWG Report - Introduction

 Joint Working Group

Mandate & Objectives

The Cooperation Agreement between the SC and BWI was

signed on 15 November 2016, following a series of discussions
between both parties that began in March 2014. The
Cooperation Agreement was signed in an official ceremony in
Qatar at the SC’s Doha headquarters by SC Secretary General
H.E. Hassan Al-Thawadi and BWI’s General Secretary Albert Emilio
(Ambet) Yuson. It covers construction site and accommodation
health and safety inspections, training, and a review of the
SC’s current grievance mechanisms, including the WWF. The
Cooperation Agreement expired on 31 December 2017 and has
been extended for a further year for 2018.

The joint site inspections focus on projects being built by

multinational companies headquartered in countries where
BWI currently has representation. This includes companies from
Austria, Belgium, Italy, India, and Cyprus.

In addition, the Cooperation Agreement included a requirement

that the SC and BWI form a JWG to manage and coordinate the
inspections and reporting obligations, and achieve the aims of the
Cooperation Agreement. The JWG operates in accordance with
an agreed “Terms of Reference.”

The JWG’s remit is as follows:

• Organisation of occupational health and safety inspections

related to workers:
a) Engaged in construction activities for SC projects.
b) Who are employed by international companies operating in
countries where BWI has a presence, and is recognised as a
representative within the respective international company.
• Assessment of the effectiveness of SC’s WWF and other
existing grievance mechanisms.
• Review and assessment of existing health and safety training
curriculum and making recommendations for enhancement.
• Coordination of “train the trainer” training conducted by
BWI for professionals working on SC projects.

The JWG met six times during 2017 in Qatar to carry out joint
health and safety inspections of SC construction sites and
workers’ accommodation facilities. They generally focused on one
stadium site and its associated accommodation facility per visit.
The JWG also undertook follow-up inspections to ensure that
contractors are rectifying the non-compliances and observations
identified during the initial inspections.

9 SC BWI JWG Report - Joint Working Group

 Members

The JWG has 14 permanent members who are supplemented

on an ad-hoc basis by subject matter experts, and also allows
for observers to participate on a case-by-case basis. During
this past year, the FIFA LOC Sustainability Senior Manager
participated in this capacity on at least three inspection visits.

The JWG is organised into four areas and includes the

following members:

Operations, Oversight and Organisation and Conduct of Health and Safety Training Workers’ Welfare Forum and
Stakeholder Liaison Inspections Grievance Mechanisms
Mahmoud Qutub (Chair) (SC) Brian Maynard (SC) Brian Maynard (SC) Mahmoud Qutub (SC)
Payvand Vahdat (SC) Nigel Valvona (SC) Nigel Valvona (SC) Payvand Vahdat (SC)
Theologia Kostopoulou (SC) Stephan Van Dyk (SC) Gordon Penney (SC) Stephan Van Dyk (SC)
Karen McGrath (Secretary) (SC) Jin Sook Lee (BWI) Jim Kennedy (BWI) Rajeev Sharma (BWI)
Jin Sook Lee (BWI) Jim Kennedy (BWI) Fiona Murie (BWI) Marco Polo Ferrer (BWI)
Jim Kennedy (BWI) Rajeev Sharma (BWI)
Tos Anonuevo (BWI)

Methodology

The JWG developed a project plan which sets out the The JWG convened immediately after the inspection to discuss
schedule and timing of inspections and assigns responsibilities findings and observations, key points for improvement, and
to members of the JWG and, where required, other any lessons learned. The plan for the following inspection was
representatives of the SC and/or BWI. also discussed and agreed amongst the JWG.

Each inspection began with a kick-off meeting where the JWG Finally, the JWG prepared a report following each inspection
was presented with a progress report on the rectification of that was agreed and signed by both parties. The report
issues arising from past inspections, followed by a general report was then provided to the contractor or accommodation
overview presentation of the construction site and management to allow them to rectify any outstanding issues.
accommodation facilities that were the subject of the The JWG has prepared this yearly Report based on the findings
inspection. of all the inspections undertaken in 2017.

Each inspection was carried out with inspectors from both the
SC and BWI. Inspectors toured the site and accommodation
facilities and identified any health and safety non-compliances
with the SC’s construction health and safety requirements
and the WW Standards. In addition, the inspectors noted any
observations, whether positive or negative1. Interviews with
workers were undertaken during the inspections and the
inspection team were able to speak to workers either on-site
or at the accommodation facility. Feedback was then provided
to the contractor’s site management or, for accommodation
inspections, to the management team of the accommodation
facility.

1
For the purposes of the inspections, the JWG determined that a non-
compliance was considered to be a finding that violates either the SC WW
Standards, SC H&S contract requirements, QCS 2014 or Qatari law,
whereas an observation was categorised as a suggestion for improvement.

10 SC BWI JWG Report - Joint Working Group

11 SC BWI JWG Report - Joint Working Group
 Findings

Overview

During 2017 the JWG carried out inspections on six separate

occasions consisting of eight initial inspections (across four
stadium sites and four accommodation facilities) and a five
follow-up inspections (across three stadium sites and two
accommodation facilities). Details of the inspections are set
out below:

February 2017: April 2017: June 2017:

Inspection of Al Wakrah Stadium Inspection of Al Bayt Stadium Site Inspection of Al Rayyan
Site and Accommodation Facility and Accommodation Facility Accommodation Facility
Contractor: Sixco (Belgium)/Midmac Contractor: Salini Impreglio (Italy)/ Contractor: Al Balagh (Qatar)/Larsen
(Qatar)/Porr (Austria) JV Cimolai (Italy)/Galfar (Qatar) JV & Toubro (India) JV

August 2017: October 2017: November 2017:

Inspection of Al Rayyan Stadium Site Inspection of Qatar Foundation Stadium Follow-up inspection of Al Rayyan
Contractor: Al Balagh/Larsen & Site and Accommodation Facility Stadium Site
Toubro JV Contractor: Joannou & Paraskevaides
(Cyprus) and Conspell Qatar

Follow-up inspection of Al Wakrah Follow-up inspection of Al Bayt Follow-up inspections of

Stadium Site Stadium Site Al Wakrah (Sixco) and Al Rayyan
(Challenger) Accommodation
Facilities

The main inspection findings relevant to each stadium project Most of the issues identified by the JWG inspectors were
is set out overleaf. The total number of non-compliances and predominantly observations. Typically, between 6 to 13
observations identified by the JWG and their current status observations were identified during construction site
is included in a summary table together with key statistics inspections. Non-compliances were less prevalent with the
relevant to each stadium project. The issues identified for the greatest number identified being 4, during the Al Bayt Stadium
purposes of this Report represent what the JWG view as Site inspection. In relation to accommodation facilities, the
having a key, positive impact on either each individual project JWG inspection team typically made 16 to 23 observations.
or across the programme. Beneficial observations relating to
topics such as the WWF and working at heights are examples
that have impacted the programme as a whole.

12 SC BWI JWG Report - Findings

 Al Wakrah Stadium

Inspection Findings No. Identified No. closed to date Contractor Sixco (Belgium);
Midmac (Qatar);
Site Inspections
Porr (Austria) Joint
Non-compliances 0 - Venture (JV)
Observations 12 12 No. Workers 2,329a
Inspection Findings No. Identified No. closed to date No. Other Contracting 24
Parties (OCPs)
Accommodation Inspections
Major Nationalities Indian (42%),
Non-compliances 1 0
Bangladeshi (33%)
Observations 48 33 and Nepali (17%)

Main Findings:

Impact Issue Status

Review notice boards promoting site awareness to streamline messaging. In addition, take steps to
ensure adequate translations are available for all ethnic groups represented onsite

Issues were identified in relation to the use and management of safety harnesses. Immediate
steps to rectify the issues included: removing any damaged harnesses; recalling all harnesses for
inspection and replacement as necessary; installing hooks for well managed storage; re-training
the store staff in their inspection duties; and re-training workers in the safe use of harnesses
Site

Next edition of the HSE Booklet for workers should focus on a smaller number of key messages. In Addressed by Contractor
addition, it should be fully translated to be more accessible and easier to understand
Workers’ Health and Safety Forum to be formed at the Al Wakrah Stadium Site, including elected
representatives from the workforce from particular trades and/or OCP
Review the efficiency of the process for serving lunch to reduce the wait times for workers
Introduce a procedure for the accommodation health clinic records to be reported to the health
and safety management teams at the relevant sites
Develop a procedure to allow medical clinic records to be shared with the health and safety man-
agement teams at the relevant construction site
Fire risks –alarm and hoses not Qatar Civil Defence approved; fire extinguishers to be replaced;
issues with evacuation routes as the site is in a remote area
Communication on notice boards should be translated into the languages as per the ethnic group
living in the accommodation
Install additional serving areas within the dining halls to speed up food serving
Addressed by Contractor
Accommodation (Sixco Facility)

Contractor to provide a room for WWF Representatives so as to allow private discussions to be

carried out between them and workers

Foodstuff should be separated as per ISO and HACCP requirements

Certain health and safety risks were identified in relation to the sewage treatment plan (e.g. work-
ing at height, ladder safety, electrical, chemicals)

Water treatment plant contains improper storage of acids and caustics and which could cause a
hazardous chemical reaction
Several issues were identified with the kitchen during the follow-up inspection. Examples include
In progress - Cleaning issues being addressed by
mops not being stored in the right place, no steam cleaning machine available, kitchen tiles have
Contractor, the kitchen tiles have been replaced
cracked under heavy weight. A comprehensive list was issued to the contractor for action
Clinic health records and site clinic records are not synchronized. Clinic staff require occupational In progress - Clinic doctor and staff to have
health awareness training weekly meeting with site clinic personnel in order
to share information. The Contractor will arrange
training for all medical staff
More shaded areas required around the accommodation facility In progress - JV partner has not installed enough
shaded areas
Install turf on the football pitch (currently dirt only) Not started
Review measures for mitigating the risks of working at heights to ensure compliance with QCS
Programme- wide

2014 and SC Minimum Standards. In particular, ensure adequate handling and storage of harnesses
Review SC health risk assessments for steel fixing tasks, due to the repetitive nature of the work
being undertaken Addressed by Contractor
Review risk assessments for tasks involving the use of vibrating tools and implement procedures for
managing the risk of contracting Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Electrical supply for tools and lighting should be 110v
a
All statistics in this table are correct as of 1 December 2017

13 SC BWI JWG Report - Findings

 Al Bayt Stadium

Inspection Findings No. Identified No. closed to date Contractor Salini Impreglio
(It- aly); Cimolai
Site Inspections
(Italy); Galfar (Qatar)
Non-compliances 4 4 JV
Observations 13 13 No. Workers 3,103b
Inspection Findings No. Identified No. closed to date No. Other Contracting 42
Accommodation Inspections Parties (OCPs)

Non-compliances 3 3 Major Nationalities Indian (34%),

Bangladeshi (33%)
Observations 22 20
and Nepali (26%)

Main Findings:

Impact Issue Status

Review and compare medical data from both work-site and accommodation to determine if there is a
recurrence of illness attributed to a particular trade or section to assess if any preventive measure can
be taken
Ensure the signage at both the site and pre-fabrication plant is multi-lingual
Site

Review and check workers are wearing necessary PPE

Addressed by Contractor
Carry out an immediate review of traffic management inside the stadium bowl area
Educate and publicise to workers the Programme WWF Representatives and their role
Institute a method for ensuring that exposure to vibrating tools is controlled and recorded
Provide refresher training on occupational health issues for medical staff
Provide hot water and soap in showers and basins
Accommodation (Al Bayt Workers’ Village)

Review the knowledge of the medical staff on occupational health issues and provide refresher training
where necessary
Key personnel in the accommodation show a lack of awareness of emergency procedure – appropriate Addressed by Contractor
training should be given
A first aid box, safety signs or safety communication about chemicals should be installed in the laundry
Shoe racks are blocking the fire exit routes and should be cleared
Wi-Fi signal is poor in certain sections of the accommodation facility and should be installed through- In progress - WWD is
out working with service
provider to identify
alternative solutions
for improving signal
strength as surrounding
telecommunications
infrastructure needs to be
upgraded
Workers have difficulty transferring money due to long queues at ATMs and exchange houses In progress - initiatives
rolled out by WWD to
streamline remittances
(e.g. Commercial Bank
app initiative)
Inform workers about the Project Workers’ Welfare Forum (PWWF) Representatives and the specific
Programme-

roles they have onsite related to occupational health and safety

wide

Review of the health risk assessments for steel fixing tasks needs to be undertaken
Addressed by Contractor
Review risk assessments for tasks involving the use of vibrating tools and implement procedures for
managing the risk of contracting Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

All statistics in this table are correct as of 1 December 2017

b

14 SC BWI JWG Report - Findings

 Al Rayyan Stadium

Inspection Findings No. Identified No. closed to date Contractor Al Balagh

(Qatar);Larsen &
Site Inspections
Toubro (India) JV
Non-compliances 3 3
No. Workers 2,818c
Observations 7 7
Inspection Findings No. Identified No. closed to date
No. Other Contracting 15
Parties (OCPs)
Accommodation Inspections
Major Nationalities Indian (41%);
Non-compliances 0 - Nepali (23%);
Observations 37 23 Bangladeshi (22%)

Main Findings:

Impact Issue Status

Safety harnesses in the main store were stored haphazardly and proper records were not being maintained

Access to the stadium bowl, and access from bowl to scaffolds, were found to be unsuitable and needed to be
corrected
Site

Electrical lighting and fittings were found inside the COSHH store that did not meet the IP-65 rating Addressed by Contractor
Eyewash station inside the main store was found on the ground and not yet mounted
Some electrical cables were found connected to or wrapped around metal structures
Mixed waste (flammable and non-flammable) were found in waste skips
Unused openings in electrical outlets greater than 1/8 inch should be closed
Adopt one common emergency number and display throughout the accommodation; develop an emergency
communication system
Develop a solution to reduce odours in accommodation corridors
Addressed by Contractor
Additional housekeeping efforts are needed to ensure serving lines in dining halls are kept clean at all times
during meal serving times
(Challenger City)
Accommodation

Emergency number display signage should be modified to accurately reflect emergency response procedures
within the accommodation
Clinic health records and site clinic records are not synchronized. Clinic staff require occupational health In progress - Clinic doctor
awareness training and staff to have weekly
meeting with site clinic
personnel in order to share
information. The Contrac-
tor will arrange training for
all medical staff
Some infrastructure issues were identified, e.g., the majority of the emergency lighting units in the dining hall In progress - to be repaired
do not work; the generator area generates a lot of noise, in some cases up to 125 dB and tested monthly

WWF election guidelines and procedures should be discussed and agreed by workers

Provide more awareness sessions and information to workers on the function of WWF, PWWF and and Health, Addressed by Contractor
Safety & Environment (HSE) Committee
Programme- wide

Representatives of WWF and PWWF shall be elected by workers based on their nationality representation Addressed by Contractor
(note findings in WWF
section)

Workers’ Representatives shall conduct more meetings with their respective worker group/the nationality In progress - WWF and
which they are representing PWWF representatives are
being provided orientation
by the ABLTJV WW team
and the SC WWD. BWI will
support in the process

All statistics in this table are correct as of 1 December 2017

c

15 SC BWI JWG Report - Findings

 Qatar Foundation Stadium

Inspection Findings No. Identified No. closed to date Contractor Joannou & Paras-
kevaides (Cyprus) and
Site Inspections
Conspell Qatar JV
Non-compliances 0 -
No. Workers 2,614d
Observations 6 4
No. Other Contracting 14
Inspection Findings No. Identified No. closed to date
Parties (OCPs)
Accommodation Inspections
Major Nationalities Indian (48%),
Non-compliances 1 0 Nepali (25%) and
Observations 18 4 Bangladeshi (23%)

Main Findings:

Impact Issue Status

Rubble was found on top of the wire mesh used to secure the excavation wall which poses a risk of falling
materials
A small number of walls were observed not having suitable wire mesh in place Addressed by
Contractor
Shuttering props secured incorrectly using re- bar instead of the correct locking pins
Site

There is a lack of consistent application of scaffold wooden intermediate supports

Safety notice boards contained a lot of information which does not allow critical information to be readily In progress - notice
identifiable boards are being
addressed
Kitchen tiles are cracking and breaking and as the tile grout is missing it is allowing water to accumulate
underneath the flooring Addressed by
Accommodation (QF Stadium Workers’

Contractor
Existing floor tiles in the kitchen are creating slip hazards
There is a lack of a stringent deep cleaning programme for the kitchen In progress - catering
company to put in
place new cleaning
regime
Kitchen machinery (e.g., cutters, peelers) are only being washed – they should be steam cleaned and/or In progress - catering
Village)

boiled company will provide

appropriate cleaning
machinery
Unqualified staff are permitted to enter the kitchen In progress - catering
company will put in
place appropriate
policy
Inadequate system for the storage of food (e.g. there is no plan for the storage of rice, meats and In progress - catering
vegetables are stored together) company will put in
place segregation
procedure
Kitchens should be audited strictly based on ISO 22000 and HACCP standards
Programme- wide

In progress
Provide more awareness sessions and information to workers on the function of WWF, PWWF and HSE
Committee

All statistics in this table are correct as of 1 December 2017

d

16 SC BWI JWG Report - Findings

 Occupational Health

During the course of the inspection visits the JWG considered b. review the risk assessments and method statements for
occupational health and identified a number of areas where it tasks involving the use of vibrating tools and ensure that
could be further improved upon. All sites, and their associated procedures for managing the risk of contracting HAVS are
accommodation facilities, include suitable clinics which are implemented.
well-staffed. The clinics, doctors and nurses are all certified,
or if recently established are under the process of obtaining The above two points are being addressed by the SC.
certification by the relevant health authority. The general During the October follow-up inspection, the following positive
health services provided for the workforce are free and appear developments were noted by the JWG:
to be fit for purpose.
• amendment to ill-health recording system to highlight
The TDO have prepared a series of important documents occupational health issues;
including a “Health and Safety Manual” and the “Minimum • weekly discussions between site safety managers and site
Standards”. The documents provide a good framework for doctors to identify potential issues;
compliance by the contractors in establishing and maintaining • case management regime instituted for individuals suffering
health and safety standards. The Minimum Standards from ill-health; and
document states, “The standards included within this • more training undertaken for site nurses on occupational
document have been developed based upon international best health risks.
practice and incorporate or enhance QCS 2014 requirements.”
The Minimum Standards detail best practice for safety on
construction sites. It supplements QCS 2014, which in turn
provides general details on specific health issues (e.g. noise,
manual handling, and vibration risks).

The JWG made a number of specific health related

recommendations, including:

1. For health professionals:

a. institute a procedure for the accommodation health clinic
records to be reported to the health and safety management
teams at the relevant construction sites. This would enable
operational construction managers, who assess risk
assessments and method statements, to be aware of health
problems that might be developing as a result of the work
being carried out. This feedback management system has
been taken up by at least one site (Al Bayt).
b. carry out ongoing training for the medical staff to recognise
specifically work-related health problems and to take steps to
mitigate the effects. The training and awareness programme
is part of a wider training and development strategy which
WWD rolled out in Q3 2017. BWI is expected to provide
additional training to complement this in early 2018.

2. For the contractors:

a. review health risk assessments and design requirements for
steel fixing tasks to mitigate the risks of upper limb disorders
brought about by repetitive twisting hand movements.

17 SC BWI JWG Report - Findings

 Workers’ Welfare Forums

Observations relating to the WWFs have been highly

constructive. The JWG team recognised the free and fair
discussions that have taken place in WWF meetings during
their visits at Al Bayt, Al Rayyan and Qatar Foundation Workers’
Villages. The team noted that workers’ representatives were
discussing issues beyond food and accommodation with a
primary focus on additional sports and recreational activities.

BWI JWG representatives observed WWF and PWWF elections at

Sixco’s Labour City accommodation in October 2017 and ABLTJV’s
Challenger City accommodation in December 2017. The JWG
representatives expressed satisfaction with the mechanism of
conducting elections and appreciated the turnout of a 100%
(285 out of 285) at Sixco and 80% (1,183 out of 1,384)
at ABLTJV.

Implementation of Nudge Element

The JWG team was briefed on SC’s partnership with the Qatar
Behavioural Insights Unit (QBIU) which aims to improve the
quality and frequency of workers’ grievances raised through the
WWF by undertaking behavioural experiments for selected WWFs.

As part of this experiment, QBIU provided ‘behaviourally designed’

notebooks to a select group of worker representatives in order
to facilitate their task of capturing and reporting grievances.
This experiment led to an increase in the number of reported
complaints in the treatment group when compared to the control
group.

18 SC BWI JWG Report - Findings

 Issues Identified

The JWG team identified the following key areas for • All workers’ representatives are now being provided copies of
improvement that were common across the WWFs: each meeting's minutes with status updates on issues raised
at previous meetings. Reasons or justifications are also being
• Lack of appropriate awareness of the grievance mechanisms provided to inform on issues that could not be resolved.
amongst workers at some sites, particularly Al Rayyan and • An updated election procedures and guidelines were finalised
Qatar Foundation. by the WWD, in consultation with BWI. TThe election
• Some of the workers’ representatives from the WWF needed procedures provide an appropriate representation of workers
support in terms of communication and leadership skills. in the WWF. The revised approach will be implemented at
• Meeting minutes from previous WWF meetings were not all upcoming WWF representative elections. The WWD will
distributed to all worker representatives, which impacted extend an invitation to the BWI JWG representative, along
how issues were being tracked and followed up on. with select contractors, to observe future elections.
• There was a lack of adequate representation depending on • The WWD will strategise on identifying a suitable name for
number of workers in the accommodation. the WWF (including developing dedicated branding) so that
• The term “Workers’ Welfare Forum” did not resonate with it is more easily identifiable to workers.
the workers and is not fully understood. This is primarily due
to the unfamiliarity of the term “Forum” amongst workers The SC is committed to delivering various soft and technical
from India, Nepal and Bangladesh (approximately 90% of the skills training to the workers on the SC programme. Priority
work force on the SC projects). will be given to the elected workers’ representatives to train
them on enhancing their communication and leaderships skills.
The training is scheduled to commence during Q1 2018.
Remedial action undertaken by WWD

Based on suggestions from the JWG, the following was

actioned by the WWD:

• In collaboration with the Welfare teams of the relevant Main

Contractors, WWD conducted a major awareness drive
across various sites, including Al Bayt, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah
and Qatar Foundation Stadium sites. Awareness sessions
were conducted in batches of 50-100 workers for a duration
of 20 minutes each, focusing on a three-tier grievance
structure - the WWO/PWWO at the first level, followed
by the WWF representative, and finally the SC Grievance
Hotline. Following the awareness campaign, the number
of grievances filed to the SC Grievance Hotline increased by
320% between August and December 2017.

19 SC BWI JWG Report - Findings

20
 Way Forward

The inspections and recommendations are a joint exercise that

have proven to be very valuable in terms of having competent
and experienced health and safety professionals from both the
SC and BWI, and receiving an external perspective of health and
safety compliance across the SC programme. As the SC-BWI
partnership moves into a second year, the JWG will have an
opportunity to identify what worked and what can be improved
upon in order to reflect progress.

During the initial inspections, several different approaches

were undertaken and “teething problems” were encountered.
Examples include translation issues, maintaining a consistent
team of inspectors, establishing inspection benchmarks, and
ensuring unimpeded access to workers. Towards the second half
of the year, having had the experience of undertaking several
inspections, the JWG, together with the contractors in some
cases, overcame these issues, reached a common understanding
and were able to work as a cohesive unit.

Some observations have had a positive impact on the programme

as a whole in the course of the first 12 months of the JWG’s
work. For example, an improved consistent system for issue and
storage of harnesses, in parallel with training for workers working
at heights, has been rolled out across all construction sites. In one
particular forum, JWG highlighted their concerns regarding the
running of the forum, the workers ability to speak openly about
their issues, and the workers awareness of the forums. This was
addressed immediately by the WWD and major improvements
were seen in the follow-up inspection. Workshops will also be put
in place to train elected representatives on topics such as how to
represent their constituency in the best way and how to lead a
meeting.

The fresh ideas that were injected throughout 2017 by the BWI
team, with little prior knowledge of the sites or Qatar, have
proven to help SC in a positive way.

Both parties have agreed to extend the Cooperation Agreement

for 2018 so as to build on the positive steps that have been
achieved by the JWG. The scope has been expanded by mutual
agreement and inspections will not be limited to international
companies affiliated to BWI. An additional stadium site has
been added to JWG’s remit - Lusail (the venue for the Opening
Match and Final Match), in addition to two Training Sites projects
and accommodation facilities for tier 1 OCPs. In parallel, BWI
will focus on their commitment to the SC to provide “train the
trainer” for WWD and TDO H&S teams.

All of these steps will build on the initial progress of the JWG and
ensure the health, safety and dignity of workers on 2022 FIFA
World Cup™ stadiums is always put first.

21 SC BWI JWG Report - Way Forward