Health, Safety and Environment Review

DGHR launches guide for health, occupational safety and environment

H.E. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, director general of Dubai Government Human Resources Department. (Image source: DGHR)

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 its commitment to establishing a safe and healthy work environment, which considers factors such as environmental sustainability, employee satisfaction, and functional well-being

The guide was prepared with the objective of creating a unified reference for the health, occupational safety and environment of all Dubai Government employees, cultivating a culture for effectively managing such risks. Additionally, it aims to encourage departments to establish a safe and healthy working environment that complies with the pertinent legislation, regulation and standards to guarantee that relevant risks are ready to be addressed or reduced. It will ensure the development of relevant key performance indicators (KPIs), which will be used to assess the impact of implementing health, occupational safety, and environmental policies, carrying out initiatives and programmes, enhancing institutional capacity building, as well as introducing a culture of health, occupational safety, and environmental risk management in the Department.

DGHR is responsible for implementing this manual and providing the resources required for achieving the objectives of the various programmes and initiatives.

The guide emphasises the significance of the commitment of senior management, as well as fostering a supportive culture that enhances trust among employees and offers opportunities for professional development in the effective management of occupational health, safety, and environment.

Seven pillars

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 stakeholders involved, including the Department of Human Resources, the relevant organisational unit, and the employee.

His Excellency Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, director general of Dubai Government Human Resources Department, 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.