The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has launched the ‘Guide of Health, Occupational Safety and the Environment in the Government of Dubai,’ in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
His Highness commented: “Government’s mission is to create conditions conducive for happiness of individuals, and to promote positivity.”
The guide was prepared with the objective of cultivating a culture for effectively managing risks of occupational health, safety, and 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.
The guide was created by the Department 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.
Further, the DGHR is responsible for implementing the manual and providing the resources required to achieve the objectives of various significant programs and initiatives.
His Excellency Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of Dubai Government Human Resources Department, explained 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).
These KPIs will be used to assess the impact of implementing health, occupational safety, and environmental policies, carrying out initiatives and programs, enhancing institutional capacity building, as well as introducing a culture of health, occupational safety, and environmental risk management in the Department.
HE 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 within 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 result in the establishment of 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, and 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.
Further, the manual includes seven main pillars – including legislative and regulatory compliance, the provision of system-related resources, establishment of an occupational and environmental health and safety culture, awareness-raising and training, stakeholder engagement, accountability, and transparency.
It also outlines the roles and responsibilities of several stakeholders involved, including the Department of Human Resources, the relevant organisational unit, and the employee.