Abu Dhabi City Municipality: The Abu Dhabi City Municipality ADM) highlighted to those in charge of building & construction trades the importance of ensuring the best occupational health and safety standards for all workers in different occupations. The move is in the context of the Municipality's drive to take precautionary measures to reduce accidents at occupational & construction sites.

The Municipality also urged consultants, contractors and construction workers to take the initiative and register in the ADM's Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) system in order to benefit from the services on offer and enhance cooperation in EHS applications & requirements in all projects. This would ensure the best and safest work environment, after registration in this system has become a prerequisite for obtaining the required project permits.

A workshop to this effect was held by the Municipality in cooperation with its strategic partners including the Public Safety and Emergency Department at Abu Dhabi Police, Musanada, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company and 3M Gulf Limited. The workshop also echoes the World Occupational Health and Safety Day.

HE Saif Bader Al Qubaisi, General Manager of Abu Dhabi City Municipality, gave a speech delivered on his behalf by HE Eng. Khalfan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Acting Executive Director of Town Planning Sector. "The workshop typifies the vision of our wise government aimed at nurturing the best, safest & healthiest working environment for all workers at all sites. The workshop also echoes the strategy of the Urban Planning and Municipalities Department that calls for providing the best standards at workplaces to ensure workers' safety & health and protect their lives. Through its EHS Office, the Municipality earnestly seeks to implement its monitoring, inspection, and educational program, which is aimed at not only minimising accidents at construction sites but also measuring up to the highest safety standards for workers, safeguard their lives & health and ensure their safety," said Al Qubaisi.

Al Qubaisi stated that the workshop reaffirmed the Municipality's keenness to increase the awareness of the expected dangers at workplaces and production sites. He underscored the importance of maintaining attention and vigilance, taking measures to prevent accidents and tackle workplace challenges. "It reflects the overall aim of protecting workers' lives and fulfilling the requirements of health and safety, which are both a priority and trust. Therefore, through this workshop and other educational programs, we look forward to combining efforts to achieve the best international standards in occupational safety and health."

Al Qubaisi spoke of his pride of the Municipality's achievements in occupational health and safety and the numerous international certificates awarded including, but not limited to, the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, and the OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. "Such certification underscores the Municipality's commitment to implementing the international quality management systems to nurture a safe and healthy work environment in all offices, facilities, operations, activities, projects, and sites within the precincts of Abu Dhabi City Municipality. The Municipality looks forward to enhancing these occupational safety and health achievements."

On the sidelines of the workshop, Engineer Khalfan Sultan Al Nuaimi opened the accompanying exhibition entitled "Your Safety is our Responsibility." The event was attended by many entities including the Public Safety and Emergency Department at Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, Star Safety Company, 3m Gulf Limited, Dhafra Recycling Industries (Tadweer), Advanced Oral Surgery Center, Advanced Centre for One-day Surgery, and Environment, Health and Safety Office. The exhibition also displayed first aid services, service projects for construction sites & related services, personal protection equipment at construction sites, construction sites waste and how to recycle it, in addition to medical tests, which included fatty liver test, body mass index test, medical consulting, oral and dental health services.

The workshop, which lasted for two consecutive days, included several working papers and lectures. On Day 1, Engineer Khaled Khamis delivered a lecture on occupational safety and health requirements at the construction sites; followed by Khalifa Al Suraidi who presented a working paper entitled: "Safe Work Requirements in the vicinity of Abu Dhabi Distribution Company Assets.” Musanada Company then delivered a working paper entitled "HSE Legal Requirements,” in addition to “Contractors & Consultants Management Mechanism” in Projects Undertaken by Musanada Company. The Public Safety and Emergency Department at Abu Dhabi Police also gave a working paper that included scenes First Aid for Victims of Falls at Construction Sites.

On Day 1, a number of entities were honoured for reaching the milestone of safe hours without a recordable accident, adhering to security, health and safety requirements and their care for workers at workplaces.

Day 1 concluded by giving participants the door for discussion and inquiries to discuss all theme on Day 1.

Day 2 was started by Sheikha Al Ali who presented a working paper from building and construction sector, followed by a working paper entitled: Registering and Approving Entities at Construction Sector according to the performance system of Abu Dhabi Occupational Health and Safety Center. Workshop organisers then played footage highlighting the potential hazards at construction sites and how to avoid them.

The Department of Emergency and Public Safety at Abu Dhabi Police also presented a working paper entitled (Scenario 2) for First Aid in the Cases of Fainting at Construction Sites. 3M Gulf Limited presented a working paper on Personal Protection Equipment at Construction Sites and other fields. Day 2 was concluded with a working paper presented by engineer Ibrahim Khalid on the Lessons Learned from Accidents at Construction Sites. Then a discussion was opened about the workshop's themes.

The Municipality called on all entities involved in building and construction (contractors, consultants and developers) who are not yet registered to register at Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System (OSHAD).

By contacting the Municipality by e-mail  hse@adm.abudhabi.ae  to complete registration procedures in the system.

© Press Release 2018