In a significant advancement for occupational and workplace health and safety standards, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is leading the way, setting new benchmarks globally.

This development is set to be a major focus at the upcoming Intersec 2024 Safety & Health Conference, scheduled from 16 – 18 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

UAE’s proactive approach to safety and sustainability

At the forefront of this initiative is the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, alongside ITALCO Aluminium.

They emphasize that safety strategies are integral to daily work, enhancing business value and preserving human life.

In December 2022, the Ministry introduced the voluntary UAE.S 5052:2022 standard, aligning with ISO 45001:2019.

This standard focuses on top management’s governance and leadership requirements, aiming to strengthen leadership engagement in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) within organisations.

Dr Waddah S.Ghanem Al Hashmi, Hon Chairman of the Energy Institute Middle East and Chairman, Federal Occupational Health and Safety Committee and HoD to the TC283 ISO 45001, remarked: “These updated standards are expected to drive a shift from mere compliance to a culture of value creation and sustainability.

Greater leadership involvement will elevate OHS performance and employee engagement and foster a reduction in incidents across industries.

I believe this standard will eventually be adopted internationally, and I see positive thinking developing in the region.”

Integrating safety into corporate strategy

Dr Hani Hossni, CEO, ITALCO Aluminium, Umm Al Quain, also spoke about the UAE’s continual improvement in workplace safety, aiming to set new global benchmarks and ensure the well-being of its diverse workforce.

The UAE’s commitment is further illustrated by specific laws and regulations dedicated to workplace safety, including NCEMA 6000-2016, Federal Decree for Employment Relationship Law 33-2021, and Ministerial Decree 32-1982.

Dr Hossni stated: “Businesses in the UAE prioritise adherence to safety regulations, integrating safety into corporate strategies, policies, and daily operations, demonstrating a proactive approach to ensuring a safe work environment.

In addition to self-regulation, culture building, and reinforcement approaches, technological advancements, including AI-enabled safety inductions, drone usage, GIS/GPS systems, and engineering controls, play a pivotal role in preventing accidents and ensuring workplace safety.”

Exploring trends and innovative solutions at Intersec 2024

The Safety & Health Conference will explore the latest trends, innovative solutions, and best practices in workplace safety and well-being.

Notable speakers include Dr Hadi Al Badi, HSE Director, Masdar; Salman Dawood, VP HSE and Sustainability, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA); and Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafee, Director of Health & Safety Department, Dubai Municipality.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the 25th edition of Intersec, the world’s leading trade fair for safety, security, and fire protection, will welcome 1,000 exhibitors from 60 nations, showcasing a diverse range of products, services, and technologies to a global audience of 45,000​​.

IFSJ Comment

The UAE’s leadership in enhancing workplace health and safety standards represents a pivotal moment in global occupational safety.

The introduction of the UAE.S 5052:2022 standard, aligned with international guidelines, signifies a proactive approach towards integrating safety into the DNA of business operations.

This move not only promises to elevate safety performance and employee engagement but also sets a precedent for other nations to follow.

The emphasis on technological advancements in safety measures marks a transition towards more sophisticated and effective means of risk management.

As the world focuses increasingly on sustainable and safe work environments, the UAE’s initiatives at the Intersec 2024 Safety & Health Conference could serve as a catalyst for global change, influencing safety cultures and practices worldwide.