Egyptian Labor Minister Hassan Raddad chaired a meeting of the National Center for Occupational Safety and Health's board of directors, focusing on strategies to enhance the center's performance and promote a culture of safety and prevention in the workplace. The meeting was attended by representatives from various stakeholders, including employers, workers, and government agencies. The center's supervisor, Reda El-Arabi, reviewed its recent activities, including training programs, studies, and risk assessments.
Minister Raddad emphasized the importance of intensifying cooperation with international organizations and programs specializing in occupational safety and health. He highlighted the need to leverage international expertise and best practices to develop Egypt's occupational safety and health system, ensuring compliance with relevant international labor standards. The minister also stressed the importance of promoting a culture of prevention and safety among workers, employers, and relevant authorities.
The meeting resulted in 10 directives to improve the center's performance and services. These directives include developing a comprehensive plan to enhance the center, expanding international cooperation, and improving training programs to address emerging workplace risks. The plan also involves enhancing the center's services, including risk assessments and studies, and promoting a culture of safety and prevention through awareness-raising initiatives.
The directives also focus on digital transformation, aiming to develop an electronic system for service requests, consultations, and measurements. This system is expected to facilitate access to the center's services for establishments and improve the efficiency of its operations. Furthermore, the center will develop a comprehensive database to track its services and activities, supporting informed decision-making.
The minister emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including employers, worker organizations, and government agencies, to develop tailored programs for different sectors. He also highlighted the need to expand the center's advisory and technical services, ensuring high-quality services and enhancing the skills of specialized personnel.
The center's development plan includes launching a nationwide campaign to promote occupational safety and health culture, targeting workers, employers, and relevant authorities. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and safety measures in the workplace, reducing occupational hazards and improving working conditions.
Minister Raddad concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to occupational safety and health, shifting from reactive measures to prevention and continuous risk assessment. He stressed that this approach would contribute to creating safer work environments, enhancing Egypt's labor market competitiveness, and aligning national practices with international labor standards.
Key points
- The Egyptian Labor Minister issues 10 directives to develop the National Center for Occupational Safety and Health.
- The directives aim to improve workplace safety, prevent occupational hazards, and promote a culture of safety and prevention.
- The center will develop a comprehensive plan, expand international cooperation, and improve training programs to address emerging workplace risks.
