WAM Abu Dhabi, July 3rd, 2012 (WAM) -- In line with its ongoing commitment to apply the highest standards of environment and public safety, and adopting global programs in the field of environment and safety management; the Ministry of Finance (MoF) organised recently a workshop on Environment, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The workshop aimed to provide MoF staff with the required skills for planning, implementing and following up with environmental and internal auditing, according to EHSMS, which is adopted by the Ministry and is consistent with the Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS) 18001: 2007 and Environment Management System (ISO 14001). In addition, it illustrated the prominent role of the System's requirements in supporting the Ministry's ecosystem.

Musabah Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Assistant Undersecretary of Support Services Sector at MoF, highlighted the importance of organising a workshop on EHSMS, which reflects MoF's attentiveness to internal environmental and health matters. He said: "MoF relies on raising awareness and educating its employees to improve the quality of work in addition to providing the best service to the UAE community." "The workshop focused on clarifying the best ways available to improve the performance of MoF's staff in managing and controlling the risks that negatively affect the safety and health of employees and customers. This includes improving MoF's buildings and equipment, which enhances its staff capacity in technically dealing with any unforeseen circumstances that may cause harm in the short or long term," he added.

Moreover, the workshop included training supervisors and coordinators of Health and Safety Management, enabling them to participate in applying EHSMS in MoF. The System reduces and prevents accidents and losses of lives, equipment, time or environmental damage.

It is worth mentioning that MoF applies an integrated program of workshops with positive return on the Ministry's scope of work. It also has a prominent role in supporting the UAE society directly or indirectly through various financial, social and cultural aspects.

WAM/ES/AM