Du recertified to ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 accreditations

This follows a successful audit done by DQS a standard industry practice repeated every three years. The announcement coincides with Du's support to the World Energy Forum as a lead sponsor, which was held recently in Dubai.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) OHSAS 18001 certificate is the world's foremost assessment specification for occupational health and safety management systems, while the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) 14001 certificate acknowledges a rigorous corporate commitment to environmental management.

"Being able to renew internationally-recognised certifications in our health, safety and environment practices is a testament to our intense efforts in these areas. We have dedicated our efforts to ensuring a superior working environment for our colleagues, so that they spend their time in a safe, healthy atmosphere. This inspires them and empowers them to be more productive, by knowing that we consider their well-being to be an utmost priority," said Rashid ElSheikh, Executive Vice President - Corporate Services, Du.

"We consider occupational safety and environmental stewardship to be the basis of not only our exceptional customer service success, but of our responsibility to the UAE community. By setting a benchmark within our own company we can encourage our colleagues and community to aspire to similar standards."

Both certifications are reviewed by the awarding institutes every year, to ensure continued compliance.

A company that attains ISO 14001 certification provides assurance to its employees, customers and corporate partners, as well as to the general public and regulatory agencies, that it pursues a systematic approach to environmental responsibility.

The ISO 14001 program enables organizations to measure the environmental impact of their activities, to set environmental objectives, and to implement assessment and reporting processes to ensure environmental performance is continually improved.

BS OHSAS 18001 certification demonstrates a company's commitment to the highest standards of occupational health and safety through formal application of risk management, operational controls, emergency preparedness and response, legislative compliance and training/awareness programs.

OHSAS 18001 puts a considerable emphasis on overall health and thus complements ISO 14001 through recognition that a gentle impact on the environment is closely linked with a healthy work atmosphere.