The HSE UAE Forum 2021 held from 6-7 April in Dubai, was an enriching amalgamation of industry updates and impactful presentations on the latest in optimising HSE practices, providing interesting perspectives on health and safety, especially in the new work environment
The in-person event, which commenced with the opening address delivered by Mick Coleman, enterprise account manager, MENA Wolters Kluwer, Enablon, progressed through a series of presentations by industry experts from government entities and the private sector, focusing on regulatory updates, best practices post-COVID-19, sustainability, digital transformation and working in hazardous environments.
Eng Raed Al Marzooqi, section manager of studies and systems, and Eng Mohamed Al Marzooqi, from the Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, highlighted the common causes of accidents in manufacturing industries, citing real-life situations encountered and providing valuable recommendations for improving safety. “The leadership in organisations should help employees feel they are part of the safety management process,” said Eng Raed.
An in-depth analysis on improving productivity and working safely on mobile elevated platforms, was delivered by Jason Woods, regional manager Middle East, IPAF, and a talk by Dr Waddah S Ghanem Al Hashmi, hon. chairman, Energy Institute Middle East, focused on the approach towards process safety management.
Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafee, director health and safety department, Dubai Municipality, helped educate the audience on the best practices and extensive measures taken by the Dubai government to ensure business continuity. She stressed on the need for close collaboration within the community as a whole, to maintain the best safety standards. The private sector undoubtedly has a huge role to play in this regard.
Sutharson Sathaiah, senior manager, HSE and risk, Global Village, UAE provided industry insights for organisations to build a successful HSE strategy.
Extending the discussions on safety and health to encompass sustainability, the panel discussions and presentations on Day 2, included both actionable suggestions as well as thought-provoking analysis.
“The onus of a smooth transition to sustainability in the UAE, is on each one of us,” reiterated Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group.
Highlighting the role of enterprises in the progress towards sustainability, Cherian Varghese, founder and CEO of Vin Technologies, provided valuable insights on health optimisation for improved productivity and workplace environment.
Leigh Hayman Founder, regional manager, Socotec 4see Consultancy highlighted the need to take a multidisciplinary approach including cladding, water proofing, energy efficiency and fire safety, for improved health and safety standards in the UAE.
The role of digital transformation in optimising HSE included a presentation by Tobias Maeir, CEO of Middle East and Africa, on DHL Forwarding’s strategies.
The panel discussion on HSE training during the new normal, fuelled an interesting discussion on the benefits of online tools to optimise the new work environment.
Dr Rahaf Ajaj, asst. professor EHS, College of Health Services Abu Dhabi University, highlighted the importance of implementing engineering control measures and technologies to increase workplace productivity.
The conference provided opportunities for networking and to showcase products and latest technologies of vendors and service providers including Enablon, Lloyds Register, Vinner, Socotec, Anthem Safety and Protective Wear and Sanilives.
Feedback from speakers and delegates was extremely positive.
“Our participation in the Health, Safety and Environment Forum helps highlight the role of the Dubai Municipality in maintaining safety and mitigating accidents as well as our initiatives in inspection, disinfection and other measures through the pandemic,” said Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafee, Director Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality.
