The Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) planned a workshop on labour health and safety regulations during summer at the headquarters of the industrial organization ZonesCorp. The workshop was part of its annual safety awareness campaign aiming companies in registered industries in Abu Dhabi. Along with safety requirements, it tackled the effects of thermal stress on human performance and the governments resolution prohibiting work in outdoor areas at noon during the summer season.

The workshop formed a part of the Safety in Heat programme of the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD), launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The Programme is also pursuant to Ministerial Decree number 401 of 2015 on prohibiting work from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. from mid-June till mid-September of every year.

Nabil Al Awlaki, Director of IDBs Occupational Health and Safety Department, said that the workshop was organized predominantly for people in charge of occupational safety and security in industrial services. The aim was to urge business owners and labour supervisors to take the essential measures to protect all their employees, particularly their field workers, from the negative health impact of heat stress.

Along with the regular organization and hosting of workshops for the industrial sector, IDB also issues brochures printed in several languages during the workshops to increase awareness of concerned companies and give them guidance.

According to Al Awlaki, similar Safety in Heat sessions will be held in the coming weeks at the Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD), the Tawazun Industrial Park, and other industrial parks in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain region. These will take place in partnership with industrial facilities located in the target areas.

Fahd Al Briedy, Director of ZonesCorps Health, Safety and Environment Department, said, ZonesCorp is always keen to take part in OSHADs annual Safety in Heat Programme, which plays a key role in creating a healthy and safe work environment in Abu Dhabi. The programme shields laborers from risks and injuries that might occur due to exposure to extreme heat while working during noon time. We at ZonesCorp put the well-being and safety of our laborers as our top priority as we continue to recognize their contributions to Abu Dhabis sustainable development.

The recently concluded Safety in Heat workshop was attended by the representatives of different companies operating at ZonesCorp, the Abu Dhabi Industrial City, Mussafah industrial district, and Al Mafraq Industrial area.