ADPC Launches “Safety in the Heat” Campaign

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) is rolling out the annual UAE Ministry of Labour and the Abu Dhabi Emirate Environment, Health and Safety Management System (AD EHSMS)”Safety in the Heat” campaign in its ports and the Kizad industrial zone.

The ADPC campaign will run from 2nd June until 15th September 2014 at all ADPC ports and is using the “Safety in the Heat” campaign messages and awareness material, developed by the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD).

ADPC’s campaign which is being held for the second year is designed to raise awareness about – and help prevent – heat-related illnesses over the summer months.

The ADPC campaign will raise awareness amongst ADPC employees and Abu Dhabi ports users, as well as truck drivers visiting the ports and Kizad industrial zone. The campaign will highlight the importance of healthy life style; balanced diet, sleep hygiene and hydration for workers during the hottest months of the year. It will also help workers and employees identify the signs of heat-related illnesses in their colleagues, so as to catch any incidents that may occur and provide them with the required initial treatment as early on as possible.

ADPC’s Health & Safety staff will distribute parcels which will include a summer hat, a bottle of water, electrolyte fluids, reusable water bottles, and information flyers. In addition, a new video about the “Safety in the Heat” will be shown in all ADPC’s offices and ports, and shaded areas will be provided along with plentiful water at all times.

Commenting on the campaign, Sultan Al Jaberi, VP Regulations, HSE and Security, ADPC said:
“We hope that this campaign will mean that everyone can keep safe and hydrated and that we will have no Lost Time Incidents as a result of heat related illnesses. This campaign will ensure that everyone in our ports and the industrial zone will know how to stay safe by recognizing the early signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses and can seek treatment accordingly.”

“The safety of our employees and all those using our ports and industrial zone is our top priority. The hot summer months can be very dangerous for anyone working outside who is unprepared or unaware of the risks”.

Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Director of Public Health and Research Division, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi said: " The Safety in the Heat Programme was developed to equip employers, health and safety professionals, supervisors and workers with necessary information on the health associated risks of working outdoors in the summer, and to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related diseases so they can take the necessary precautions and control measures.

“The program which was launched six years ago - not only helps to reduce the number of heat related incidents, but also supports a range of Abu Dhabi HSE initiatives and activities in the emirate through increased awareness of occupational hazards and by helping employers comply with the law. We provide them with the necessary resources to educate, monitor and to reduce occupational hazards."