An integrated Environment, Health and Safety Management System for Abu Dhabi Emirate (EHSMS) was launched today (Monday) by H.E Mohammed Al Bowardi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, at a national symposium, organized by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi at the Hotel Intercontinental - Abu Dhabi from 25-27 February, 2008.
Al Bowardi said at the Opening Ceremony of the Symposium, which is organized Under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of EAD, "EHSMS is not only a prime component of Abu Dhabi's Government Policy Agenda but also one of the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi's priority areas set in its Strategic Plan 2008-2012, which was approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council."
"EHSMS is considered an important tool that will help us in bringing the best available technologies and international standards, to develop our economy, and to contribute to the global efforts in minimizing the effects of pollution and conserving our natural resources" he added.
Al Bowardi noted that the Executive Council fully supports the implementation of this System at the Abu Dhabi Emirate level, due to the importance of maintaining a balance between economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and the health and safety of the community.
He stressed the importance of implementing this system, which requires capacity building, collective efforts and a higher level of awareness of environmental, health and safety issues so that all members of the community can carry out their responsibility in the development of Abu Dhabi.
Mr. Majid Al Mansouri, EAD's Secretary General, and Chairman of the EHS Higher Committee said in his speech during the Opening Ceremony "Abu Dhabi Emirate is undergoing such a rapid development, that the issues of Environment, Health and Safety are of utmost importance today. We need to act together today to minimize pollution and protect the health and safety of our community and workers in the different sectors" he added.
"It has been proven around the world that maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is a win-win proposition - companies remain productive and competitive, while workers are protected and remain healthy," he stressed.
Al Mansouri noted that the Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved the Environment, Health and Safety Policy in December 2006, where EAD were given the responsibility to follow up on the implementation of this Policy, while in June 2007, a Higher Committee for EHS was established and consists of the relevant organizations on the Emirate and National level". "Smaller technical committees were then formed to oversee the 7 sectors Construction, Industrial, Oil & Gas, Energy, Transportation, Health and Tourism" he said.
He noted that during the last quarter of 2007, the technical teams worked hard to set the requirements for the system, which includes a Manual for EHS Policy as well as guidelines to help the sectors improve their systems.
Towards the end of his speech, Al Mansouri stressed that implementing such a system requires us all to work together. "This unique experience will help the Emirate become a pioneer in this field," he concluded.
Dr. Basel Al Yousefi, Deputy Director, United Nations Environment Program/Regional office for West Asia, said in his speech that the project which is provided by EAD represents a serious attempt to respond to the needs of sustainable development and the development and modernization taking place in the UAE and strengthen competitiveness and achieve goodness, prosperity and well-being of our societies, by clarifying the principles of environmental management systems and health and safety requirements and applications and the benefits of integration within the broader concept of management modern companies and institutions.
-Ends-
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Environmental Education and Awareness Division
Laila Y. Al-Hassan or Sobhia El Masri
T: +9712 693-4638/637
F: +9712 681-7359
E: lalhasan@ead.ae or selmasri@ead.ae
www.ead.ae
© Press Release 2008
