This collaboration will help strengthen AD EHS Center's role and prove beneficial to the Emirate in the long run

Abu Dhabi, December 12, 2010: The Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety (AD EHS) Center signed an agreement with the UK's Institution for Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Both organisations will now be cooperating and exchanging information on issues related to occupational health and safety.

On this occasion, H.E Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Chairman of the EHS Higher Committee, commented, "Through this agreement, the AD EHS Center will be benefitting from the expertise of the world's biggest professional health and safety organization."

Areas of cooperation with IOSH will include the organization of seminars, workshops and conferences, the development of standards for the registration/evaluation of occupational health and safety specialists in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, contributing to the development of awareness programmes for youth on health and occupational safety issues, in addition to participation in technical meetings organized by the IOSH's Middle East Chapter.

H.E Al Mansouri added that the AD EHS Center plans to continue liaising with other international organizations in a bid to adopt world-class best practices that are fit for the UAE working environment.

In July 2010, a delegation from the AD EHS Center visited the headquarters of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) in the United States, where OSHA officials praised the Abu Dhabi Government's efforts for initiating the Abu Dhabi Emirate Environment, Health and Safety Management System. Currently, the Center is coordinating with OSHA to sign a similar agreement.

H.E Steve Granger, President of IOSH UK, affirmed that they look forward to working with the AD EHS Center to help provide healthy, safe and sustainable work environments. IOSH Middle East Branch, which is going to liaise this cooperation, was established in 2006 to help local and international health and safety professionals promote workplaces that enable people to carry out their jobs free of injury or ill-health. He added that through working with key governmental agencies like the AD EHS Center, they will be equipped to make that happen.

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About the Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Center (AD EHS)
The Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate issued a Decree approving the establishment of 'Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Center" on 2nd February 2010,  for the purpose of overseeing and monitoring the implementation Abu Dhabi Emirate Environment, Health and Safety Management System as well as managing occupational Health and Safety Issues. The EHSMS is based on the concept of risk assessment and performance management by working with various government entities responsible for sectors such as: industry, transport, energy, health, construction, tourism and waste. The Center also aims to ensure integration of requirements across sector and to build capacities in the EHS field.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), UK
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is a Chartered body for health and safety professionals.  With more than 37,000 members, IOSH is the world's biggest professional health and safety organisation.  ISOH sets standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training.  IOSH is the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

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© Press Release 2010