Participants explored mechanisms to reduce the recurrence of occupational incidents in line with OHS standards in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 20 January, 2014: The Occupational Safety and Health Center Abu Dhabi (OSHAD), recently completed the first occupational safety and health incident investigation workshop for a number of regulatory authorised sectors that are compliant with Abu Dhabi's Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) system. The workshop was held over five days and addressed means to reduce the occurrence of work-related incidents and injuries, which will benefit both employees and businesses alike.

The workshop saw the participation of 20 OHS practitioners from regulatory authorised sectors that are compliant with Abu Dhabi's OSH system including the Department of Municipal Affairs, Industrial Development Bureau, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Health Authority, Regulation and Supervision Bureau, Centre of Waste Management, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Abu Dhabi Education Council.

OSHAD provides workshops and training programmes that highlight the importance of recognising, addressing and limiting the short-term and long-term impact of potential work-related incidents.

The incident investigation workshop was designed to develop the skills required to identify the nature of these incidents, and how to propose effective recommendations to reduce their occurrence.  It also included exercises that addressed the significance of a risk management division within institutions to oversee any risks, and the requirements for its success, in addition to exploring the various methods in addressing challenges through outlining a defined organisational structure and system for risk management.

Furthermore, it also reviewed how accidents are perceived and how to differentiate between hazards and risks. Their causes were explored through a demonstration of examples of incidents and how they were handled. Trainees also learned how to effectively gather witness statements and collect evidence, both of which are considered amongst the most complex and precise of stages. Other skills were explored that include investigative techniques, interviewing skills, evidence reviews, and means to identify the immediate, underlying and root causes of incidents. 

OSHAD provides support and assistance to all sectors through regular visits, meetings and interactive workshops in coordination with local sectors to ensure that Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) is being implemented and to offer solutions to any obstacles.

About OSHAD
OSHAD was established in 2010 to ensure the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated management system for OHS in the workplace, and to manage all aspects of OHS across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

OSHAD strives to provide a safe and healthy environment for all through the development of integrated frameworks and systems. These are designed to provide workplaces that keep pace with the development plans of the Abu Dhabi government and exceed international best practice. 

For more information, please visit the OSHAD website at: www.oshad.ae

Or, please contact:
Hamda Mohamed Abdulla
Tel: +971 2 404 3855
Email: hamda.naser@oshad.ae

© Press Release 2015