In advance of the MENA HSE Forum, taking place from 6-7 September 2022 in Dubai, Dr Eng Hani Hossni, EHS director, Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer), discusses Tadweer’s approach to safety management
What are the main process safety hazards you face at Tadweer?
The main safety hazards in waste management result from the improper handling of hazardous waste, which might cause harm to human health. To minimise such risks, the UAE government has launched major initiatives to handle waste management, which include recycling, converting waste to energy and resources, utilising new technologies, and improving waste separation and collection systems. This limits the risks that might result from improper waste disposal.
What are the most important factors for delivering a successful and effective process safety management programme?
Complying with regulatory requirements is key for delivering a successful and effective process safety management programme. At Tadweer, we ensure we adhere to the highest local and international standards in health, safety, and environment management. During our operations, we ensure we are safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of our employees and the public, and ensure that our operational activities are effectively controlled with regard to the protection of the environment. Tadweer’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) policy highlights the importance of putting preventive measures in place to avoid and mitigate occupational health and safety risks. It also outlines the company’s commitment to reviewing, monitoring, evaluating and improving our OSH performance. Challenges in EHS management include pollution and excessive noise, improper handling of material, health issues, and more. At Tadweer, we develop the required systems for managing waste including collection, transport, treatment, safe disposal and pest control services through the use of environmental service providers and technology, to preserve the environment. We have also set a list of health and safety requirements for our contractors, to limit any
potential risks caused by waste management. For example, the contractor and subcontractors are required to supply all workers with the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to protect them from any potential risks. In addition, all workers on site must attend an EHS induction by the contractor. We make sure that all our contractors comply with our EHS requirements, through controlling noise, displaying safety signage, having storage for hazardous material, and preventing pollution.
What do you think is the role of technology in promoting safe and efficient operations?
Tadweer is keen to invest in the latest technological advancements that maximise efficiency and promote safety. The Center has provided a wide range of electronic services. These services include providing all recycling services on the Unified Digital Platform (TAMM), providing an access feature using digital IDs, linking with the SADAD Payment System, linking with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health through digital documentation services, as well as providing a dashboard to reduce waste production, and a new version of the licensing and tariff system.
Last year, we introduced Internet of Things (IoT) technology at the construction and demolition waste recycling station in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, a first-of-its-kind step in the Middle East. The implementation of this technology increases operating time to the maximum limit, while also improving energy efficiency by smart remote movement sensors, which will monitor the station’s assets and machinery. The internet has also allowed the incorporation and use of iAuditor application which is a comprehensive solution for carrying out inspection, monitoring the findings, assigning actions, and is interlinked to the department members’ email identification for the ease of analysing and tracing.
How important is it to instil a good safety culture and ensure employee engagement?
As part of our strategic plan, Tadweer is promoting a sound health and safety culture among its various stakeholders. We identify, study and evaluate the applicable industry best practices and are continuing to identify challenges develop roadmaps and review both improvement and development strategies and best practices in the field of occupational safety and health. Last year, the Center achieved a compliance rate of 95% of its occupational safety and health management system in line with the requirements of the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System in 2021. This achievement came after the completion of the project for the development of Tadweer’s occupational safety and health management system, as well as playing the role of Regulator for the waste sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; this covers 146 entities comprising 100 low and medium-risk entities, and 46 high-risk entities, with a total of approximately 23,000 employees. The Center also completed an employee training plan for environment, health, safety, and business continuity, recording a total of 3,300 training hours in the waste sector during 2021.
For further information about the MENA HSE Forum and to register, see the website at www.hse-forum.com
