Abu Dhabi Occupational

Safety and Health

System Framework
(OSHAD SF)

Executive Summary
 Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework

We are committed to protect the health and safety of all

workers and to improve the performance of workplaces
to the best and highest levels in this area, in order to
contribute to preventing and minimizing incidents and
injuries and occupational illnesses.

Development and implementation of the Abu

Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Reasons for developing
framework was initiated in Abu Dhabi Emirate
since 2006, to address the risks arising from OSHAD SF
various activities and to manage all aspects related
to occupational health and safety at workplaces.
The first version of the system was launched in • The need to set occupational health
2008 (V1.0), and was followed by another updated and safety binding procedures in the
version in 2009 (V1.2). workplace.
Introduction
It became essential at that stage to have a
government body responsible for overseeing
the implementation of the OSH requirements
• The importance of providing
and standards. For this reason, Abu Dhabi
information about the potential hazards
Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD)
and risks for the various activities.
was established in February 2010.
OSHAD initiated another series of consultation
activities with different stakeholders to update the
standards, issued in 2009. The update was part of
the periodic review and continuous improvement, • The lack of data related on incidents
and the need for more integrated and uniform and occupational injuries.
requirements across the Emirate. This culminated
in issuance of Version 2.0 in March 2012.
This booklet summarizes the standards and
requirements of the current system (V2.01) titled: • The implementation of international
“Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System standards on voluntary and
Framework” (OSHAD SF), which has been the commercial basis.
subject of incremental amendment Since March
2012, in order to reflect changes in the regulatory
setting in the Emirate, incorporate lessons learnt
during implementation, and introduce a number
of changes advised by stakeholders.

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Following a Phased Approach in About OSHAD

implementation of OSH Standards and Benefits of Implementation
Requirements

OSHAD has adopted a phased implementation • Reduce Risks and control of incidents Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD) was established
approach of the OSH standards and requirements, and injuries resulting from them.
in February 2010 to ensure the implementation of a comprehensive and
given the developing nature of OSH issues within
most entities in the Emirate. integrated management system for occupational safety and health (OSH)
Initially, it was recognized that there was a need • Improve the health of workers and all
and to oversee all OSH issues at Emirate level, to ensure reduction of
for education and awareness within the emirate members of the society. incidents, injuries and illnesses and provision of safe and healthy workplaces.
on OSH requirements, hence OSHAD has been
focusing on the provision of guidance on how to
improve OSH practices within entities, through • Provide workplaces for stimulating the
establishing regulatory frameworks, drawing up of development of human talent. Our Vision Our Mission Our Values
Codes of Practice, creating awareness campaigns
and so on.
Develop an integrated system designed
• Reinforce the status of the worker to provide safe and healthy workplaces, Cooperation, Commitment,
Following on from this, although education and Responsibility &
and his psyche as a key element in the Safe and Healthy and that keep pace with all the
awareness will continue to be a cornerstone of Accountability, Partnership,
development process. workplaces for all development plans and programs of Abu
OSHAD strategy, more direct intervention will Excellence, Transparency
Dhabi government, and complies with
gradually and progressively be implemented and Team work
and exceeds best international practices.
through inspection, auditing and, ultimately, • Reduce the cost of treatment and
enforcement. the period of absence from work and
The purpose of all OSHAD’s activities is to improve increase productivity.
the levels of occupational safety and health Our Strategic Priorities • Promoting OSH Regulatory Tools.
throughout the Emirate, improve maturity of the
• Effective Implementation of OSH Requirements in the Emirate.
overall safety culture in Abu Dhabi, and promote • Enhance the reputation of employers.
Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a forward-thinking • Ensuring notification and investigation of occupational incidents.
global leader in all fields of expertise. • Building OSH capacities.
• Promoting awareness and spreading the OSH culture.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Developing and updating Abu Dhabi Occupational • Setting and implementing a system for assessing,
Safety and Health System (OSHAD SF) and overseeing registering and monitoring OSH practitioners in
Working in Partnership its implementation by relevant parties through: coordination with relevant Authorities.
- Ensuring the integration of OSH management and • Developing and implementing training programs for
OSHAD SF requirements with relevant Authorities OSH practitioners.
OSHAD believes that one of the key factors of success is consultation and communication with requirements.
stakeholders. OSHAD has worked very closely with the private and government sector to develop a •
Developing and implementing OSH awareness
- Developing and implementing the necessary plans
programs.
system framework that is practicable and achievable whilst setting best in class standards to improve to update OSHAD SF.
Occupational Safety and Health and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. - Coordinating with relevant parties on all issues • Setting an incentive system to encourage sound
related to OSHAD SF in order to raise the level of OSH practices at Emirate level.
OSHAD holds regular workshops, trainings and forums with our partners to update on our current
OSH performance in the Emirate. • Developing a central and unified database for OSH
projects and to ensure we capture ideas and initiatives that will help build upon the current successes.
-
Following-up implementation of OSHAD SF data at Emirate level.
OSHAD also works in close partnerships with relevant international organizations and government requirements of concerned entities.
• Conducting OSH Surveys and questionnaires in
bodies to harness the knowledge and lessons learned within their own jurisdictions. -
Developing and implementing integrated coordination with relevant parties.
mechanisms to review and approve OSH
management systems for high risk entities. • Developing strategic partnerships with local, federal,
regional and international parties.
- Monitoring the implementation of OSHAD SF in the
relevant authorities through inspection and audits. • Submitting performance reports to the Executive
Council.
• Setting and implementing a system for assessing,
registering and monitoring OSH professional entities • Providing all information and official releases related
in coordination with relevant Authorities. to the system.

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Executive Summary
 Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework

OSHAD-SF is based upon the principles of already

established OSH management system standards that
are used in other jurisdictions

such as in the United Kingdom, to enable an Distinctive Features

entity to control its OSH impacts and continually
improve its performance. Yet, OSHAD-SF is unique OSHAD SF is based on international standards relevant
in that it incorporates these principles into a much to occupational safety and health but is a standalone
elaborate regulatory framework that: system and has many distinctive features, including:

• Represents the world’s first mandatory

management system approach to regulating • Improve performance in the
government and private sectors. management aspects of occupational
Abu Dhabi Occupational • Allows OSHAD to identify sectors required
health and safety.

Safety and Health System to implement OSHAD-SF requirements and

specify the government authority to supervise
Framework (OSHAD-SF) implementation in each sector – the so-called
Sector Regulatory Authorities (SRAs).
• Enhance communication and
consultation between workers and
• Involves classification of entities into high, employers.
medium and low risk categories, and allows
for gradual and progressive nomination of high
risk entities to develop full OSH management
systems. . • Achieve effective partnerships between
the public and private sectors.
• Mandates quarterly performance reporting
from entities implementing full OSHMS, thus
providing OSHAD with robust information
on OSH performance within the emirate, and
allowing informed decisions to be made on
• Build and raise capacity in aspects of
future requirements.
occupational health and safety.
• Provides a well-defined and structured
Regulatory Framework that serves as a tool for
identifying, meeting and exceeding health and
safety objectives and goals of the Emirate of • Drives towards cultural change among
Abu Dhabi. the various categories of employees
and the community by providing a
safe and healthy workplaces.

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 Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework

The structure of OSHAD-SF was designed to be in

alignment with recognized international management
standards to ease the transition for entities nominated
to develop a management system in compliance with
the requirements of the OSHAD-SF.

The structure allows entities flexibility when developing management systems to fit the needs of their
business, however also ensure that critical components are embedded into organizations systems that
will drive continual improvement.

System Framework
OSHAD-SF Manual
Administration

Mandatory Management
Management System Elements
System Requirements
OSHAD-SF Structure

Mandatory OSHAD-SF
OSHAD-SF mechanisms
Implementation Requirements

Mandatory Technical OSH Standards & Codes of Glossary of

Requirements Guideline values Practice Terms

Guidance Documents Guidance

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Manual
The Manual is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide
to the OSHAD-SF documents and its requirements. It is an
excellent source for obtaining a high-level understanding of
the Emirates OSH requirements and the tools available to
meet those requirements.
The OSHAD-SF manual is a key reference because it includes
the guiding principles upon which the OSHAD-SF was
designed. It must be considered by entities when developing
their OSHMS.

Glossary of Terms
Within Occupational Health and Safety worldwide there is
a huge amount of terms and definitions that are used and
not all are standard in different locations or even in different
companies within the same location. As an example the
definition of a Lost Time Injury (LTI) is different across
the world and in Abu Dhabi evidence has shown different
terms being used in neighboring companies.
OSHAD-SF This contradiction was identified during the initial
development of the OSHAD-SF and highlighted the need
Manual & Glossary of Terms for a comprehensive Glossary of Terms to support the
OSHAD-SF.
Once the need for a Glossary of terms document was
agreed, OSHAD undertook a wide ranging study to
identify the most commonly used terms and definitions.
This included not only leading companies in the UAE but
also a number of international regulators and recognized
bodies.
This led to the current Glossary of Terms whose purpose
is to harmonize the definitions and understanding of
commonly used OSH technical terms within the Emirate
of Abu Dhabi. This is vital due to the diverse range of
cultural backgrounds and languages spoken within the
Emirate.
The OSHAD-SF – Glossary of terms is a mandatory
document and entities must ensure that they consider
this during the development of their systems.

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Executive Summary
 Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework

The OSHAD-SF Management System Elements are

the minimum mandatory requirements that entities
required to develop an OSHMS must incorporate into
their systems.

There are currently nine elements within the OSHAD-SF and these follow
the principles laid out in recognized management standards.
The elements themselves do not contain technical subject specific
requirements, as these are included within the Codes of Practice.
The OSHAD-SF Elements are as follows:

Element 1 – Roles, Responsibilities and Self-Regulation Element 6 – Emergency management

Element 2 – Risk Management Element 7 - Monitoring, Investigation and Reporting
OSHAD-SF Element 3 – Management of Contractors Element 8 – Audit and Inspection
Element 4 – Communication and Consultation Element 9 – Compliance and management Review
Management System Element 5 – Training, Awareness and Competency
Elements
All management System Elements are structured in the same manner to provide consistency:

Aims and Intent Requirements

This provides a brief overview of the objectives This section outlines the specific requirements
of the element and what it is intended to achieve. that must be incorporated related to the
management system element. It is important to
Application and Implementation note that entities must incorporate the minimum
requirements of each element, however where
This section describes what is required and some applicable they can include further requirements
of the specific contents related to the element. related to their own business.

The following pages will describe each Management System Element and some of the key requirements
within, however entities should refer to the published document on www.oshad.ae for a full list of
requirements.

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 Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework

Element 1 Self-Regulation

Roles, Responsibilities and Self-Regulation The second part of the element describes the requirements for Self-Regulation and how an
entity can demonstrate this.

Self-Regulation is a commonly misunderstood concept and is often mistaken for entities believing that
they can regulate themselves without any intervention from government. Entities should continue to
expect some level of intervention from government bodies, however based upon levels of compliance
this may be reduced. Further entities can protect themselves from prosecution if they can demonstrate
Element 1 has two clear sections: a culture of self-regulation within the entity.

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Self-Regulation
Tips
Roles and Responsibilities:
The purpose and intent of this element is to ensure that the OSH roles and responsibilities
within an entity are clearly defined and a systematic process is in place for communication of
these requirements.

The Element also sets out the OSH roles and • Employing competent people for managing
responsibilities of key stakeholders. OSH within the organization
The element firstly describes the key actions • Communicating and consulting with employees • Set specific roles and responsibilities for
entities must undertake following official on OSH matters your organization; don’t develop generic
nomination from a Sector Regulatory Authority, roles that are similar for everybody as that
The Element also sets out some general
and then throughout the implementation of their
system. Some examples of these key actions
requirements for employees of an organization, will have no impact on staff
including:
include: • Make them realistic
• Taking reasonable care of their own OSH
• Complying with the timescales set by the SRA
for submission of the OSHSM • Reporting incidents and work related injuries • Ensure that they can be measured – through
• Reporting of incidents • Reporting situations that could present a hazard
annual appraisals or other means
in the workplace
• Undertaking a Third Party audit following • Consider developing job descriptions for all
approval of the OSHSM The Element also sets out roles and responsibilities employees’ that include OSH requirements
for some key roles related to OSH such as:
Following on from the general requirements an
• Designers of buildings and structures
• Develop communication and consultation
entity must undertake, the Element then describes
some of the specific requirements related to the programs to make everyone aware of their
• Designers of plant and equipment roles and responsibilities
roles and responsibilities within the organization.
• The general community
These includes some general responsibilities for • Ensure accountability
each employer such as:
• Providing sufficient resources, such as budgets,
human resource, equipment etc. to achieve its
objectives for OSH

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Element 2
Risk Management The element also sets out a hierarchy for control that entities must follow when undertaking an
assessment of risk. The hierarchy of control starts with eliminating the risk through to the use
of PPE to protect people.

Tips

This Element sets the requirements for risk management within an organization. Risk
management is the cornerstone on which all robust OSH management should be built upon.

The process of risk management is one that is often complicated by organizations, however
unless working within very high risk complex process safety, it has been proven that simple,
easy to understand risk management programs are more likely to succeed. • Ensure the program is specific to your
organization and activities – generic risk
To demonstrate compliance to this element, entities should be able to demonstrate that a robust assessments provide very little value.
risk management program / procedure has been developed and implemented and that a full
review of the entities undertaking has been done. • Ensure that you involve your staff when
undertaking a risk assessment – they will
provide details that you may be unaware
regarding the process or task they undertake
and possibilities for their risk control.
The element has some very clear requirements that entities must consider when developing their risk • The more complex the process you are
management procedure, including: assessing, the greater level of detail you
should record. A risk register is a good
tool to summarize the results of your risk
• How risk assessment will be an integral part of • How the entity will ensure that procedures / assessments; however more details may be
all management processes within the entity program address all types of activities within
the organization
required.
• How the entity will ensure competency of the
• Always set timescales and ownership for
people undertaking risk assessments on their • How the entity will document and record the
behalf result of the risk management program control measures identified to reduce risk.

• How the entity will ensure that all staff involved • How the entity will review risk assessments and
• Ensure risk assessment is considered when
in the process being assessed are consulted ensure they are always suitable and sufficient to undertaking change within an organization.
with the organization
• Communicate the results of your risk
• How the entity will define the risk assessment • How the entity will define acceptable risk (as assessment program.
methodology low as is reasonably practicable)

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Element 3
Tips
Management of Contractors

This Element sets the requirements that entities must ensure are implemented for the
management of contractors. • Engage with your contractors and ensure
When engaging a contractor, many entities believe that they can also hand over the management
they are aware of your requirements
of risk to the contractor at the same time. When you engage a contractor to do some work on
• Tender requirements are critical to the
your behalf, it is important to remember that the work being done is part of your own entities
undertaking and therefore the responsibility to manage the risk remains with the entity. That successful outcome on a project – the more
said, the entity can pass over to the contractor the management of the risk, however the entity information you can give to a contractor at
must ensure that, through their process, they monitor the contractor to ensure they follow this stage the more he will be able to build
agreed standards. It is important that this is considered when developing procedures to manage into the project. If you require specifics
contractors within your entities. within a project, such as weekly inspections
It sets out nine key steps that entities should consider and build into their processes to manage or full time OSH people on site, this should be
contractors and suppliers. clearly identified in the tender documents;
otherwise the contractor will not include
this in the price to deliver the project.
These steps include:
• Demanding a full OSH management system
• Establishment of Project OSH Requirements • Monitoring Performance – the process of defining
measures that are used to periodically evaluate from the contractor is not always the best
– the process of pre-qualifying contractors
contractor OSH performance and compliance strategy. Risks of relatively simple projects
and/or including project OSH requirements in
tender / specification documentation; against legislative and project specific OSH / works / contracts may be effectively
requirements and goals; managed by simpler OSH management
• Evaluation / Selection – the process for
evaluation and selection of contractors that • Commissioning – the process of ensuring OSH tools / requirements embedded in tender
possess OSH management tools commensurate management during the commissioning of and contractual documents.
with the scope of works; buildings / machinery / plant / equipment;
• Always ensure that contractual documents
• Contractual Agreement – the contractual • Demobilization / Decommissioning – the process
of ensuring OSH management is implemented are robust and contain requirements for OSH.
agreement process between the client and the Requirements that have been identified in
contractor (once selected) with a clear scope during demobilization / decommissioning
of works and the project specific requirements activities, including transportation of personnel, the tender requirements should also be part
for health and safety management; equipment and supplies/materials not used, of the contract alongside penalties for non-
including the disassembly, removal and site compliance.
• Co-ordination and Communication – the cleanup of any offices, buildings or other
process of agreeing on the method of co- facilities assembled on the site; and • Never just assume contractors will follow
ordination of contractor(s) activities, with clear
• Contract Close-Out – the contractual agreement requirements. As the client or owner of
arrangements for communicating the OSH
information and requirements to all relevant process at the completion of scope of works. the project, you have a duty to ensure that
stakeholders; This step is particularly important for contracts standards are being followed.
that contain construction work. This is when
• Mobilization / Work in Progress – the process official “control” of the site is returned to the
of ensuring OSH management is implemented Entity / Client / Developer.
during mobilization to the workplace / site and
during work activities to achieve the successful
completion of the scope of work;

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Element 4
Communication and Consultation

One of the requirements within Element 4 is the need to establish an OSH committee. This
requirements is mandatory if the entity has more than 50 staff or if a risk assessment identifies the
need. Regardless of the mandatory requirements, all entities should consider this as it is proven to
be integral to successful OSH management

The establishment of an OSH committee should not be confused with the committees to oversee
implementation of the OSHMS or other management committees. The OSH committee is a forum for all
staff to put forward issues and receive feedback. The element has very clear requirements on how an
Communication and Consultation with relevant stakeholders, particularly with employees is
OSH committee should be structured and also the timescales for its meetings.
required under the OSHAD-SF when developing, implementing and maintaining an OSHSM.

Through consultation, employers can become more aware of hazards and OSH issues experienced
by employees, and receive employees’ suggestions on how to solve OSH problems. Participation Effective consultation and communication can result in:
enables the employees to contribute to determining how the work can be undertaken effectively
while providing increased safety and protection within the workplace.
• Demonstrating management commitment;
Effective communication requires mechanisms for information to flow top-down, bottom-up
and across functional lines. Since employees are on the “front line,” they are an excellent source • Ensured understanding of roles and expectations;
of information, issues, concerns and ideas. • Improved management decisions through gathering a wider source of ideas about OSH;

• Greater employee commitment to OSH through better understanding of OSH decisions and employee
ownership of the outcome of the consultation;

• Greater openness, respect and trust between management and employees through developing an
understanding of each other’s points of view;
The element has some very specific requirements that entities must ensure are part of their procedures
to be in compliance with the OSHAD-SF. These include: • Higher employee morale and job satisfaction through the employer demonstrating that employee
views are valued and taken into account;

• Healthier workplaces and increased productivity;

• Development of an Annual OSH performance report • Opportunities for learning through sharing of information, concepts and ideas; and

• Process to communicate internally and externally • Reduced injury and disease with consequent savings to the employer, employees and the general
community.
• How the entity will communicate with its visitors and suppliers

• What information the entity will communicate

• How the entity will ensure employees are consulted with

Meaningful and effective consultation involves drawing on the knowledge, experience and ideas of
• How the entity will consult with other interested parties employees and encouraging their participation and input to improve the systems the employer has in
place for managing OSH.

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 Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework

Element 5
Training, Awareness and Competency

Tips

Robust training, awareness and competency procedures are vital to the success of an OSHMS.
Having competent staff will help reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring.

Element 5 has clear requirements that entities must incorporate into their OSHMS.

One key requirement is the need to develop a robust OSH training procedure that includes: • Consult with staff regarding training needs.

• How to identify training needs – normally done through a training needs analysis or job safety analysis • Ensure your training needs analysis covers
all levels of staff and undertakings within
• How to plan and source identified training needs
the organization.
• How to monitor training and ensure that it meets expectations, both from a delegate and entity
perspective • Link competency requirements to job
• Induction training requirements descriptions, so that identification of the
requirements can then be measured against
the persons holding the role. This can lead
to identification of training needs.
Further to training requirements, Element 5 sets requirements for ensuring that staff are competent for
the roles and tasks they are undertaking. Requirements include:

• The process the entity shall use to identify and set competency requirements
• How the entity will assess staff competency against set requirements
• How the entity will maintain and improve competencies

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Element 6 Element 7
Emergency Management Monitoring, Investigation and Reporting

One of the unique components of the OSHAD-SF is the requirement for entities to report
When developing procedures related to emergency management, entities must consider the quarterly performance to the relevant SRA.
requirements of Element 6 – Emergency Management. Element 7 has 4 distinct sections:

The Element requires entities to develop a robust procedure that is in compliance with Element • OSH Targets and Objectives • OSH Monitoring
6, however also ensures compliance with other related federal and local requirements such as • OSH Incident investigation • OSH reporting
the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code.

OSH Targets and Objectives OSH Monitoring

Setting of targets and objectives is a key part As part of any program for continual improvement,
of continual improvement. Element 7 sets clear monitoring of the system is required to ensure
Other requirements identified within the element include:
requirements that entities must incorporate compliance. Element 7 sets requirements that
into their management systems to demonstrate entities must consider when developing their
• Risk based identification of emergencies – these should be those that are specific to the entity, not compliance. procedures including:
general emergencies
As part of this entities must ensure that the • How to monitor targets and objectives
• Development of response plans for the emergencies that have been identified minimum Key Performance Indicators as set within • Monitoring the effectiveness of control measures
• Provision of appropriate resources to execute the response plans OSHAD-SF – Mechanism 6.0 are incorporated. and OSH programs
Following the setting of targets and objectives, • Monitoring compliance with applicable standards
entities are required to develop programs on how and legal requirements
they will achieve these. The program should include: Further to this, entities must identify how they will
When identifying potential emergencies, a common error is the identification of generic monitor occupational health and safety issues that
• Timescales • Monitoring requirements
emergency situations that have little or no bearing on the current situation within the entity. are relevant to their undertakings. The element
• Methods • Ownership identifies a number of issues that are mandatory and
This can often lead to true emergencies not being identified. The risk assessment process within
Element 2 should be used as a tool to identify potentials emergencies. must be monitored by each entity, including:
OSH Incident Investigations • Occupational noise, air and other relevant
amenities
Unfortunately incidents will continue to occur,
however it is the manner in which we manage • Ergonomic and workplace design
these that will determine future success. Robust • Health Surveillance
The response plans that entities are required to develop should be specific to the entity undertaking and investigation procedures are a key success factor in • Occupational illness
describe, in detail, how they will manage the situation through to return to normal operations this.

A major component of emergency management is ensuring that staff identified to undertake roles Element 7 sets clear requirements for entities on OSH Reporting Requirements
within the plan are trained. This can include basic training such as fire marshals or first aiders, however what to address in their procedures including:
When developing a procedure for reporting the
for more complex situations, further training will be required. The emergency response plan should • Competency requirements for those undertaking entity must address the minimum requirements set
identify this. investigations within Element 7. This relates not only to internal
• The Process to be used for recording, investigating reporting, but also to external reporting.
and analyzing incidents and for identifying and The procedures should address issues such as:
implementing required corrective and preventive • Timescales for reporting, both internally and
control measures externally
• How incidents and outcomes and lessons learned • Reporting requirements
from their investigation will be communicated • Responsibilities for reporting

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Element 8 Element 9
Audit and Inspection Compliance and Management Review

All Management systems work on a plan - do - check - act cycle and as part of this there is a This Element holds a number of different requirements that entities must incorporate into their
need to undertake audits and inspections on the management system requirements. OSHMS. Each section requires the entity to develop appropriate procedures that cover the
specified requirements.
Listed below are some of the main requirements identified within Element 8 that entities must
address in their procedures. Requirements identified within Element 9 include:

OSH Audits and Inspection Non Conformance and Corrective Action • Develop, implement and maintain an appropriate OSH Policy
To demonstrate compliance to Element 8 – entities As part of Element 8 – entities are required to - The entity policy that is developed must be relevant to the nature and scale of the organization. Creating
are required to develop and maintain an appropriate consider how they will manage non conformances a policy with only a number of generic statements will not provide a huge value to the organization
risk based audit and Inspection procedure. The and corrective actions. When undertaking any audit - The OSHAD-SF also identifies a number of statements that entities must incorporate into their policy
procedure should include a number of requirements and inspection program, non-compliance will be statement.
such as: identified, however it is the manner in which they
are managed that will determine how successful the • Develop, implement and maintain appropriate Legal Compliance Procedure(s)
• The scope, criteria and objectives of the audit
entity will be in achieving their objectives. - One of the first steps to compliance is understanding what you have to be complaint to. Identifying
and inspection program
When developing a procedure to manage legal requirements that are applicable to your organization is fundamental to the development of an
• Roles and responsibilities OSHMS.
nonconformance and corrective actions, element 8
• Competency requirements requires entities to consider a number of issues such - Entities should ensure that they fully understand the legal requirements and also how they impact upon
as: their business.
• Monitoring of the audit and inspection program
• How to identify and implement corrective and • Develop, implement and maintain appropriate Operational Procedures(s)
The procedure should also address how the entity
preventive action - Operational control procedures are required for those activities that are of a higher risk or require step
will manage the requirement to undertake a third
party audit, against the requirements of the OSHAD- • How to investigate by step instructions to ensure conformity to a process.
SF, on an annual basis. - Operational control procedures must be linked to the risk assessment process.
• How to monitor the effectiveness of corrective
and preventive actions • Develop, implement and maintain appropriate Document Control and OSH Record Retention Procedure(s)
• How to communicate results of corrective and - Document control and record retention are crucial for all management systems. The integrity of the
preventive actions system and the processes within rely upon robust document control and records retention.
• Develop, implement and maintain an appropriate Management of Change Process
- Entities must ensure that any change that is being considered within the organization does not result
in increased risk. The entity should develop procedures that ensure change is managed, assessed and
controlled.
• Develop, implement and maintain appropriate Management Review Procedure(s)
- Entities are required to undertake a full review of their management system periodically, at least on
an annual basis. This review is to ensure that the system is still relevant, operational and achieving its
targets and goals.
- Element 9 includes key criteria that must be included within the review cycle

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The OSHAD-SF Mechanisms describe mandatory OSHAD-SF

implementation processes and procedures (e.g. OSH Incident
Reporting).

They include important information that entities must consider when

developing and implementing their OSHMS such as timescales for
submission of performance reporting and requirements for registration
with Qudorat as an OSH professional Entity or Practitioner.

The Mechanisms also include process maps and all the standard forms that are mandatory when
reporting or interacting with OSHAD or the relevant SRA.
One of the main purposes of the mechanisms is to ensure consistent requirements and implementation
OSHAD-SF of the OSHAD-SF requirements across all sectors.

Mechanisms The OSHAD-SF currently has 12 Mechanisms:

Mechanism 1.0 - Integration of OSH Mechanism 7.0 - OSH Professional Entity

Requirements in the Emirate Registration
of Abu Dhabi
Mechanism 8.0 - OSH Practitioner Registration
Mechanism 2.0 - Concerned Sector OSH
Mechanism 9.0 - Appointment of Principal
Requirements
Contractor for Construction
Mechanism 3.0 - Identification, Assessment and Work
Nomination of Entities
Mechanism 10.0 - Request to develop or
Mechanism 4.0 - OSH MS Submission, Review update OSHAD-SF Document
and Approval
Mechanism 11.0 - OSH Incident Notification and
Mechanism 5.0 - OSH Requirements for Medium Investigation
Risk Entities
Mechanism 12.0 - Notification Requirements for
Mechanism 6.0 - OSH Performance Monitoring OSH Awareness Activities
and Reporting

The following pages will describe some of the more important requirements within each mechanism.

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Mechanism 1.0 Mechanism 3.0

Integration of OSH Requirements in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Identification, Assessment and Nomination of Entities

The purpose of this mechanism is to define the procedures to be utilized by OSHAD, Competent Mechanism 3.0 is mainly aimed at Sector Regulatory Authorities (SRAs) and provides the
Authorities (CA’s), Sector Regulatory Authorities (SRA’s) and Entities to manage the integration requirements for how they will identify and manage entities within their sector.
of OSH requirements throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The OSHAD-SF is designed to integrate all OSH requirements within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi into one
umbrella framework to provide the following benefits:

This mechanism provides standard criteria that each SRA will utilize for:
• Streamlined and harmonized requirements; • Clearly defined OSH obligations for all
• Regulatory transparency for government and stakeholders;
private sector business; • Drive improvement in OSH performance; and • Assessing the risk level of relevant entities, to • Gaining OSHAD approval to nominate / register
• Confidence for investors and private sector • Create a competitive advantage for the classify them in terms of risk and identify their specific entities within their concerned Sectors;
business by providing stable and harmonized Emirate of Abu Dhabi. respective OSH management requirements; and
OSH regulations;
• Identifying entities to be nominated to develop • Providing timescales that must be followed for
a fully compliant OSHMS within their concerned the development of an OSHMS.
Sector;

• Identifying entities to be registered to comply

with the medium and low risk requirements
within their concerned Sector;

Mechanism 2.0
Concerned Sector OSH Requirements

Entities will be classified as either:

• High Risk – Develop a full system

• Medium Risk – Comply with Mechanism 5.0

• Low Risk – Managed by the SRA.

This mechanism includes the SRA requirements including the OSH Sector policy and annual
action plan for the sector that has to be achieved in order to effectively implement OSHAD SF
in its relevant sector.

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Mechanism 4.0 Mechanism 6.0

OSH MS Submission, Review and Approval OSH Performance Monitoring and Reporting

One of the unique points of the OSHAD-SF is the requirement for entities to gain approval of their
The OSHAD-SF is the only regulatory system that requires entities’ to externally report performance
OSHMS prior to implementation of the system. The objective of this requirement is to ensure that
information on a regular basis. This mechanism sets out the requirements and timescales for both
all OSH management systems that are developed meet the minimum requirements set by the
entities and sectors on how to monitor and report performance.
OSHAD-SF.

This mechanism sets clear requirements on how the SRA will manage the process to review and approve Each entity is required to report against a number of pre-defined Key Performance Indicator’s (as
management systems. This includes timelines for the SRA’s to review systems and provide official discussed in OSHAD-SF – Element 7) on a quarterly basis. The information required to report includes:
feedback to each entity and criteria against which the OSHMS must be reviewed, thus providing a
consistent approach across all sectors when reviewing systems.
• Incident rates • Monitoring activities
• Training hours undertaken • Costs of OSH incidents and OSH management

A further unique requirement within the OSHAD-SF is the need to undertake an annual third party
audit by an approved professional entity. Mechanism 6.0 outlines the requirements for reporting this
undertaking and also how the SRA will monitor the results of the audit.

Mechanism 5.0 Mechanism 7.0

OSH Requirements for Medium Risk Entities OSH Professional Entity Registration

All entities delivering OSH services within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, must apply to register in Qudorat.
As the OSHAD-SF is a risk based system, it was recognized that not all entities’ will require a full
OSHMS to manage their risks. Accordingly, entities that are classified as medium risk still have
a duty to manage the risks that they create and will have to comply with requirements of this
mechanism. The categories currently open for registration as an OSH Professional Entity are:
• Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS)
• Occupational Safety and Health Specialized

It is very important to note that although medium risk entities are not required to develop a full And the OSH Professional Entity types currently recognized are:
management system, certain reporting requirements are still relevant and they must also comply with
• OSH Consultancy Office • OSH Certification Body
the technical requirements set out in the OSHAD-SF Codes of Practice.
• OSH Auditing Company • OSH Training Provider

Within each category and type, entities can choose to register for specific fields of work that apply
to their business. Each field of work has specific requirements that entities must meet in order to be
approved. For the specific requirements related to each field of work, refer to OSHAD-SF Mechanism 7.0
which is available at www.oshad.ae

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Mechanism 8.0 Mechanism 10.0

OSH Practitioner Registration Request to develop or Update OSHAD-SF Documents

All practitioners delivering OSH services within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, must apply to register The purpose of Mechanism 10.0 is to provide all parties the opportunity to pass feedback to
in Qudorat. This includes both practitioners working as consultants delivering services for clients OSHAD on the OSHAD-SF and request changes that may improve the system framework. Through
and those working within entities as an internal resource such as an OSH manager, officer or this mechanism, users can request OSHAD to review current requirements or, where it is felt that
advisor. a gap exists, request OSHAD to develop new requirements.

The categories currently open for registration as an OSH Practitioner are:

• Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems
• Occupational Safety and Health Specialized
Mechanism 11.0
And the practitioners’ types currently recognized are: OSH Incident Notification and Investigation
• OSH Generalist • OSH Technical Specialist
• OSH Auditor

Within each category and type, practitioners can choose the specific field of work that matches their
current roles. Each field of work has specific requirements that must be met in order to be approved.
For the specific requirements related to each field of work, refer to OSHAD-SF Mechanism 8.0 which is
available at www.oshad.ae
Although all entities strive to reduce incidents within the workplace, unfortunately some will still
occur and it is how we manage these that will define how we improve and learn going forward.

Mechanism 9.0 Mechanism 11.0 sets a number of requirements for their investigation is complete) to OSHAD, and the
Appointment of a Principal Contractor for Construction Work entities when looking at incident notification and timescales for notification and reporting.
investigation, hence it is vital that this mechanism
Sector Regulatory Authorities also have a role
is carefully reviewed when developing procedures
in the management of incidents. Hence, this
to manage this subject.
mechanism defines the procedures that they are
In particular, the mechanism outlines incidents required to develop in order to manage incidents
that entities are required to notify (i.e., as soon as that occur at entities / workplaces within their
possible after occurrence) and report (i.e., after concerned sectors.
In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, construction work is still one of the highest risk industries. A common
factor when analyzing incidents within the construction sector is the lack of control or coordination
within a project. This is often seen where there are a number of contractors, sub-contractors
and consultants working on the same project. Following recognized industry practice, OSHAD
developed mechanism 9.0 to ensure that where construction work is ongoing, one entity is in Mechanism 12.0
overall charge of the project and is responsible for coordinating work of the other parties.
Notification Requirements for OSH Awareness Activities

The mechanism sets out clear criteria on when • “Construction Work” involving 100 staff or
and how this must be applied, including defining more on site at any time during the project; or
construction work (refer to the OSHAD-SF
• Project that consists of 1,800 man days or more
– Glossary of Terms for the full definition)
planned construction work. To ensure that consistent messages are being delivered when discussing occupational Safety and
and setting the following as triggers for the
appointment of a principal contractor: Construction projects that exceed the above Health or the OSHAD-SF, OSHAD developed this mechanisms to ensure materials are reviewed
parameters must submit OSHAD-SF – Form H to and approved by OSHAD prior to release to the general public. This mechanism also allows OSHAD
• “Construction Work” with a duration of 90 to coordinate awareness materials and remove any duplication.
the Building and Construction Sector as part of
days or more; or
their building permit application.

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The OSHAD-SF Codes of Practice are mandatory

subject specific technical requirements that each
entity, regardless of risk classification, must comply
with. Entities should make themselves aware of the
CoP’s and the subjects covered and identify those that
are applicable to their operations.

OSHAD-SF
The Codes of Practice were developed in coordination with the subject matter
Codes of Practice competent authorities

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Procedures for Handling Hazardous 25.1 Driver Fatigue Prevention

1.0 Materials
Management of Asbestos Containing 26.0 Scaffolding
1.1 Materials
27.0 Confined Spaces
1.2 Lead Exposure Management
Hot Work Operations (e.g Welding
2.0 Personal Protective Equipment 28.0 and Cutting)

3.0 Occupational Noise

29.0 Excavations
Lone Working and/ or in Remote
30.0 Locations
3.1 Vibration
30.1 Working in International Locations
4.0 First Aid
Working On, Over or Adjacent to
31.0 Water
5.0 Occupational Health Screening

8.0 General Workplace Amenities 33.0 Working On, or Adjacent to a Road

9.0 Workplace Wellness Safe Use of Lifting Equipment and

34.0 Lifting Accessories
9.1 New and Expectant Mothers
35.0 Portable Power Tools
9.2 Managing Work-Related Stress
36.0 Plant and Equipment
10.0 Rehabilitation and Return to Work 37.0 Ladders

11.0 Safety in the Heat 38.0 Concrete Placing Equipment

13.0 Violence in the Workplace Overhead and Underground

39.0 Services
14.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomics
40.0 False Work (Formwork)
Manual Tasks Involving the Handling
14.1 of People
41.0 Steel Erection
15.0 Electrical Safety
42.0 Pre Cast Construction
17.0 Safety Signage and Signals
43.0 Temporary Structures
Employer Supplied Accommodation
18.0 - General Requirements
44.0 Traffic Management and Logistics
Temporary Employer Supplied
18.1 Accommodation Underground Construction (e.g.,
46.0 Tunnels, Shafts, and Piling)
Occupational Food Handling and
19.0 Food Preparation Areas 47.0 Machine Guarding

20.0 Safety in Design (Construction) 49.0 Compressed Gases and Air

Abrasive Blasting and associated

50.0 Protective Coating Work
21.0 Permit to Work Systems
51.0 Powered Lift Trucks
22.0 Barricading of Hazards
52.0 Local Exhaust Ventilation
23.0 Working at Heights
OSH Management During
24.0 Lock-out / Tag-out (Isolation) 53.0 Construction Work

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