Etihad Rail – the developer and operator of the United Arab Emirates’ national railway network – has surpassed more than ten million man-hours worked, with zero lost-time injuries.

This significant achievement is a clear indicator of Etihad Rail’s commitment to ensuring that safety remains a core value since the inception, construction, and soon during the commercial operation, of the UAE’s national railway network.

The Etihad Rail project is managed by a joint venture between Parsons and Aecom.

Commenting on the achievement, Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, acting chief executive, Etihad Rail, said: “At Etihad Rail, we believe that all accidents, injuries and work-related illnesses are preventable, with safety being a value and mind-set shared by all.

“From senior management through to the frontline, each of our employees and contractors is trained and empowered to eliminate unsafe conditions and implement the necessary corrective actions to make an area or situation safe.

“This has resulted in a common set of principles and behaviours that ensures working safely is part of daily business.

“This ten million-hours figure is a significant milestone for us, particularly considering the challenging desert conditions of the Western Region.” 

To this end, Al Mazrouei also added: “This achievement, which includes time dedicated to the testing and commissioning of trains since September of last year, reflects that the high safety standards of the rail industry have carried over into Etihad Rail’s activities prior to the launch of commercial operations.” 

Since its formation in 2009, Etihad Rail has implemented internationally recognised Health, Safety and Environmental standards and best practice throughout the construction and operation of the railway. 

The shared commitment and combined efforts of the Etihad Rail and Program Management Consultant teams, has seen the application of stringent HSE policies and standards enforced on-site for all partners, employees, neighbours, and other key stakeholders in the surrounding areas of the railway.