ABU DHABI, 16th July, 2017 (WAM) -- Health, Safety and Environment Department (HSED) - Industrial Development Office (IDF) supervised by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has approved 16 applications submitted by the industrial facilities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi to obtain occupational safety and health management systems during the first half of 2017. The department received 24 other documents and nominated 25 industrial facilities to develop health and safety management system. The biannual report for 2017 on the occupational safety, health, and environment performance in the industrial sector has stated that occupational safety and health management systems for 26 facilities that have already been approved were reviewed; while 5 other applications have been rejected. During the period, 19 accreditation certificates for occupational safety and health management systems were approved. Ahmed Bilal AlBlushi, Industrial Development Office Acting General Manager, has said that the IDF is the regulatory authority for Occupational Health and Safety, OSH, in the industrial sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, who is responsible for enforcing decision No. (42) for 2009 in addition to law No. (8) for 2013 on developing, managing and supervising the industrial sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. AlBlushi pointed out that the Offices authority is to implement the industrial sector related policies, plans and programs by providing the necessary environmental, legal and regulatory frameworks to set up industrial projects in the emirate. He has also mentioned that the decree authorises the IDF to carry out the regulatory authority for occupational safety and health for the industrial sector in the emirate. That is because the Environment, Health and Safety department Industrial Development Office plays its regulatory and supervisory role through several key activities and duties. Moreover, he has also made it clear that implementing occupational safety and health related instructions and rules can take place through designation and registration of industrial facilities for developing occupational health and safety management system. This could also include the technical review of the entire process, submitting reports on this matter and approving occupational safety and health management system at the facilities meeting the required standards. The report says that there are 256 industrial facilities that submitted occupational safety and health performance reports for the first quarter out of 278 industrial facilities approved by the occupational safety and health management system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. 59 notices about occurrence of accident at the industrial facilities operating in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and 192 reports on accident investigation were received and reviewed as well. The Office also conducted 49 external audits on occupational safety and health systems during the period for the industrial facilities having an approved system as per the overall framework for the emirate of Abu Dhabi occupational safety and health system. In this respect, the Office received 143 audit reports on the occupational safety and health management systems at industrial facilities that were prepared by a third party through implementing "Adaa" online application belonging to Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD), where 151 reports were reviewed, noting that majority of its results were found to be satisfactory. The department received 366 applications for obtaining environmental licenses and permits. The Office received two studies that were reviewed and approved. The Office held several coordination meetings and participated in technical committees with related government and semi-government agencies that are concerned with environment, health and safety. Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.
