Egyptian Labor Minister Hassan Raddad has called for intensifying efforts to expand cooperation with international organizations and programs specialized in occupational safety and health. This move aims to develop Egypt's occupational safety and health system, ensuring a safer working environment. The minister made this statement during a meeting of the National Center for Occupational Safety and Health Studies.
The meeting, chaired by Minister Raddad, included representatives from various production sectors, promoting participation and coordination among stakeholders in occupational safety and health. The center's supervisor, Reda Arabi, reviewed recent activities, programs, and projects in training, studies, and workplace environment assessments. These efforts focus on developing services and enhancing the center's role in promoting occupational safety and health culture.
The meeting resulted in 10 executive directives, including preparing a comprehensive plan to develop the center. This plan involves clear objectives, timelines, and performance indicators, enhancing the center's role as a national expertise hub in occupational safety and health. The directives also emphasize expanding international cooperation with the International Labor Organization and other specialized international organizations.
Minister Raddad instructed the development of training and vocational qualification programs that align with market needs and emerging risks. The programs should be updated according to the latest international standards and practices. Additionally, the minister emphasized the importance of expanding measurement and field study programs, evaluating the work environment, and developing service delivery mechanisms.
The minister also launched a plan to promote occupational safety and health culture targeting workers, employers, safety officials, and stakeholders. This plan focuses on prevention as a key element in protecting workers and improving the work environment. Furthermore, the minister highlighted the need to enhance digital transformation in center services.
The center's services will be developed through an electronic system, allowing for service requests, consultations, measurements, studies, and follow-ups. This aims to facilitate access to center services for establishments and develop a comprehensive database of center services and activities. The results of measurements, studies, training, and services provided to establishments will support planning and decision-making.
Minister Raddad concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need to transition from dealing with risks after they occur to a proactive approach of prevention and continuous risk assessment. This approach aims to achieve safer work environments, support the competitiveness of the Egyptian labor market, and align national practices with relevant international labor standards.
Key points
- The Egyptian Labor Minister emphasizes the importance of expanding international cooperation to enhance occupational safety and health in the country.
