Environment Health & Safety Legal Reform in Abu Dhabi

Analysis

On 30 March 2012, the second version of the Environment, Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS) was launched in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In this update, Clyde & Co, take a look at the early days of EHSMS, the changes that have been recently introduced, and some issues EHSMS may face in the future, as it is adopted by entities in Abu Dhabi

Beginnings

Formally introduced by Decree in 2009, EHSMS aimed at providing a framework to assist public and private entities identify, control and reduce workplace risks and the impacts of their business activities on the environment, human health and the safety of workers and the community. Prior to its introduction, there was a lack of detail when it came to health and safety matters, with entities having to look to a raft of dated Federal and Emirate level legislation in order to find out what the overarching principles were. EHSMS adopted a more international approach, seeking to draw upon experience and best practice in health and safety issues from around the globe.