UAE laws protect workers from work injuries and hazards

UAE's laws regarding work relations have laid down basic requirements for prevention systems that protect workers from risks of work injuries, fire and occupational health hazards, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, has said. The legislations, he said, provide protection for workers from other risks caused by tool and machines. The minister was speaking at the opening session of Occupational Safety '&' Health Middle East (OSHME) Conference held today as part of the International Exhibition for Security and National Resilience (ISNR) at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event assembled about 400 safety and health governing officials, policy makers, facility supervisors '&' managers, human resources specialists, construction managers and contractors, legal advisors as well as safety officers '&' professionals to discuss health and safety regulations, issues, techniques and practices from within the region and with selected experts from the sector leaders across the globe. Organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Centre (OSHAD), the inaugural Occupational Safety and Health Conference Middle East (OSHME) provides a valuable opportunity for like-minded professionals to discuss new approaches, technological developments, and raise awareness among decision makers to help meet the workplace safety challenges of today. In his keynote address, Dr Jaber Al Jaberi, General Director of OSHAD), said safety is an individual conscientiousness but ensuring implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) is an organizational liability. He stressed the role of ADEHSMS in supporting regulatory authorities, employers and workers to develop and maintain an effective OSH Program in Abu Dhabi. Judith Hackitt, Chair, Health and Safety Executive, HSE, UK, spoke about Globalizing Safety: Cultural Influences on OSH Driven Attitudes and Behaviours. OSH concepts, she said, had evolved over the years, where it was once just a concept of providing a safe and healthy environment and how it has moved to be an OSH practice by individuals. She discussed the evolving consciousness in people and managements highlighting awareness on how the attitude and behaviour in different countries and sectors to drive effective changes in the organization. The goal of the conference is to foster the national and regional networking of stakeholders and professionals in order to promote the development of a culture of prevention. The program will cover key factors affecting safe workplace environment, challenges in policy making both at national and enterprise level, local OSH regulations and initiatives, international standards '&' best practices, regulatory expectations, and an organizations obligations towards a safe workplace. This conference and its associated workshops will offer guidance to develop effective occupational safety and health (OSH) policies, through its programme subject matter and accredited* training sessions from the participating sectors and entities.