Year-round safety programme launched

Engr. Hassan Makki, Assistant Director of Environment Department and Head of Waste Services Section at the municipality, said addressing a meeting safety coordinators of the section that "safety is a priority for the civic body".

"Human resources management is very important. We lay much emphasis on the safety of our men working in areas such as waste management. There have been constant efforts from the senior management of Dubai Municipality to enhance safety standards in the work place. We have issued a comprehensive safety manual for the staff and this programme now focuses on implementing the manual," he said.

"The safety coordinators role is important within the Waste Services Section. It will create a network to spread the message of safety and in the implementation of all safety programmes. This programme underscores the section's commitment to invest in the safety of its personnel."

As part of the programme all staff will undergo safety training. The section has also reviewed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for its over 2000 staff working in all areas of Dubai in a variety of functions ranging from waste management, street cleaning and waste water collection. It also intends to implement a safety inspection and audit system in the future.

Eng. Sultan Al Suwaidi, Head of Public Safety Unit at the Environment Protection and Safety Section (EPSS) at the Municipality also addressed the co-ordinators on the importance of safe work practices. He outlined ways to assess, manage and minimize risks in the workplace.