Dubai enriches occupational health and safety standards

Aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) launched the “Guide of Health, Occupational Safety and the Environment in the Government of Dubai”.

The launch of this guide echoes the department’s commitment to establishing a safe and healthy work environment, which considers factors such as environmental sustainability, employee satisfaction, and functional well-being. These factors have a positive influence on employees’ performance and society at large and contribute to achieving institutional goals.

The department created the guide under ‘The Government of Dubai Human Resources Management Law No. 8 of 2018’ and in accordance with the Military Human Resources Legislation in the Emirate of Dubai. It was prepared to cultivate a culture of effectively managing risks to occupational health, safety, and the environment.

It also aims to encourage departments to establish a safe and healthy working environment that complies with the pertinent conditions and standards to guarantee that relevant risks are ready to be addressed or reduced. DGHR is responsible for implementing this manual and providing the resources required for achieving the objectives of various significant programs and initiatives.

Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the DGHR Department, highlighted the significance of this guide, which mirrors the UAE’s innovative approach. He added that it also reflects the ambitious vision of the wise leadership to promote a positive workplace environment across various sectors that serves people and emphasises on happiness, quality of life, health, and occupational safety.

He also noted that this manual applies to all departmental employees and aims to create a unified reference for all Dubai Government employees’ health, occupational safety, and environment.

Additionally, Al Falasi stated that the guide aims to ensure compliance with pertinent laws, regulations, and standards, effective management of occupational health and safety risks, and the development of relevant key performance indicators (KPIs). He emphasised that these KPIs will be used to assess the impact of implementing health, occupational safety, and environmental policies, carrying out initiatives and programmes, enhancing institutional capacity building, and introducing a culture of health, occupational safety, and environmental risk management in the department.

Al Falasi said, “The launch of the ‘Guide of Health, Occupational Safety and the Environment in the Government of Dubai’ represents a significant step in line with our wise leadership’s ambitious vision for the future. Furthermore, it is part of our ongoing efforts to achieve excellence in government performance as well as enhance happiness and productivity in the working environment.

“This manual demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of quality and excellence, intending to deliver a secure and healthy work environment that upholds environmental sustainability and inspires innovation among employees. We are confident that implementing this handbook will establish a strong culture of prevention and risk management, making our institutions more equipped and prepared to handle future challenges and advance sustainable growth.”

“Investing in occupational health, safety, and environment is a significant investment in human capital, which is our most valuable resource. It emphasises Dubai’s position as a global city that seeks to achieve the highest standards of happiness and well-being for its citizens,” Al Falasi added.

The guide comprises six chapters, including the general framework of the Health, Occupational Safety and Environment Manual, Occupational Health and Safety Management, Risk Management, Job Well-being, Office Work Environment and Models. It emphasises the significance of the senior management’s commitment and fosters a supportive culture that enhances trust among employees and offers opportunities for professional development in the effective management of occupational health, safety, and environment.

WAM