Recognizing the need for continuing awareness on health and safety issues Emirates Steel, the largest integrated steel maker in the UAE, held on November 4, 2010 a Health and Safety Day. The objectives of the day were to reinforce the knowledge of the employees in all aspects of health and safety, to add force to the correct procedures in place, and to build on the Company's excellent track record of lost time accidents and injury rates within its plants.
The initiative, the first in a series, aimed to reinforce awareness on health and safety issues, provide useful information and practical advice, encourage activities that have a positive impact in the workplace, and identify and recognize good practice. More than 750 of Emirates Steel's employees participated in the activities, alongside Company management, Government authorities, dignitaries and other officials.
"We are pleased to see our employees actively participating in this initiative and supporting it. Taking a day to enrich our employees knowledge of health and safety issues, or to reassure them that we are not overlooking any health or safety concerns within our plants, is for us a valuable business investment," said Mr. Gregor Munstermann, Emirates Steel's CEO.
Safety equipment displays and first aid demonstrations highlighted the event, alongside firefighting training by the Civil Defense and road and traffic safety advice by the Traffic Department of the Abu Dhabi Police. In addition, Tawam Hospital organized a voluntary blood donation facility, while the Abu Dhabi Health Authority instructed the audience on various health awareness issues. Emirates Steel's own clinic staff made presentations on first aid basics and provided general instructions on occupational health hazards.
"The coming years will see increasing challenges for Emirates Steel with our major expansion programs. As our business grows and becomes more complex it is imperative that we keep health and safety issues at the very top of our agenda. Further, our excellent health and safety performance in the past years must not lead to complacency. We acknowledge the challenges in our workplace but we also believe that they can be surmounted by all of us working as a team. We encourage all of our employees and contractors to continue to exert their very best efforts to ensure that our excellent health and safety record is maintained in the future," said Mr. Tariq Basandwah, Vice President - Standards and Audit.
In fact, Emirates Steel has an enviable health and safety record within the industry. "Emirates Steel is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its workforce and firmly believes that all accidents and incidents are preventable. Everyone working for the Company is responsible for protecting our people and our property," said Mr. Basandwah.
"The long-term plans of Emirates Steel envisage an increase in health and safety investment which will maintain the Company's ranking among the best GCC companies in terms of employee protection, thus strengthening its competitive advantage and contributing to the its sustainable development. All this will ensure that the Company adheres fully to globally recognized health and safety standards," concluded Mr. Basandwah.
