Abu Dhabi, Mar 29th, 2012 (WAM)--The Abu Dhabi EHS Center launched today the second version of Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Management System (AD EHSMS), in a ceremony attended by nearly 180 representatives from various Sectors and Government entities in Abu Dhabi Emirate.

Majid Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Chairman of the EHS Higher Committee delivered an opening speech, in which he extended his thanks and appreciation to the efforts of the Government of Abu Dhabi, represented by the Executive Council, for their continuous support of the programs directed towards providing safe and healthy work environments and which has led to the development of AD EHSMS.

He stated that the AD EHSMS documentation improvement process was based on the concept of integration in relevant regulatory requirements at sector level and at Emirate level, for the purpose of avoiding duplication and for effective coordination of efforts.

Al Mansouri stressed that the main objective of updating AD EHSMS was the pursuance of continual improvement, filling gaps and integration of requirements at Emirate level, and ensuring alignment with all developments in this field, to ensure effective implementation by all entities in the private and government sector in a unified manner. In addition to promoting and building the culture of EHS management in the workplaces in a comprehensive and integrated manner, due to its positive impacts on the workers and all members of the society, which will result in providing safe and healthy working environment, and in improving the quality of production and promoting the national economy as well as achieving sustainable development.

He added that it is important at this stage that all entities in the private and government sector commit to the requirements of the new system due the positive expected outcomes: minimization of incidents and injuries, provision of safe and healthy working places, increasing organizational efficiency, reducing rates of absenteeism and increasing production, improving the psychological health of workers and raising the level of job satisfaction with enhanced self-confidence of workers, in addition to reducing risk and claims within the institutions as a result of neglecting the rules of safety and security.

Dr. Jaber Al Jaberi, Deputy Secretary General of Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, Director of AD EHS Center, highlighted in his speech, the objectives and scope of AD EHSMS which cover occupational health and safety and the impacts resulting from working places.

He added that the updating process form version 1.2 of AD EHSMS that was issued in July 2009, was initiated in October 2010, under the supervision of the EHS Higher Committee, and in cooperation and consultation with all relevant sectors. And that this was part of the continual review and improvement process in alignment with best practices and for the purpose of facilitating the implementation by all entities in integrated and unified manner.

Accordingly, the Center set a comprehensive action plan that was based on the minimum requirements of international standards and the regulatory requirements at Emirate and UAE level, though coordination and consultation with all relevant sectors.

The Structure of the new version, includes in addition to the Policy, Decree and Manual, a series of documents that include the Elements, Mechanisms, Codes of Practice, Technical Guidelines and Guidance Documents as well as occupational air and noise standards.

Dr. Jaber also focused on the improvements to the new version which included raising the level of consultation and coordination among relevant parties, avoiding duplication and alignment with best international standards.

He indicated that 30 April 2012 will be the last date for submission of any EHSMS in accordance with Version 1.2 of 2009 and that 1st November 2012 is the date for full compliance with the new version (Version 2.0 of 2012).

Reem Al Nuaimi, Deputy Director of the Center and Manager of Corporate Services, stated that 11 Sectors were awarded during the launch ceremony and these included (Industry, Building and Construction, Energy, Tourism, Health, Transport, Education, Food, commercial, waste water, and waste sector).

A pledge was also signed by all sectors as a commitment to ensure full and effective implementation of AD EHSMS and to work with the EHS Higher Committee and the Center to ensure compliance of all entities with the requirements of the system. Sectors also pledged to contribute to improve health and safety outcomes at work, work towards reducing incidents in workplaces and promote the occupational health and safety culture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

She stressed that the Center is planning to organize a series of training workshops and field visits to all government entities in the coming period, in order to raise awareness and build capacities in system implementation.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.