Egyptian Labor Minister Hassan Raddad recently presided over a meeting of the National Center for Occupational Safety and Health Studies and Work Environment Management. The center, which includes representatives from various production sectors, aims to promote collaboration and coordination among stakeholders in occupational safety and health. During the meeting, the center's supervisor, Reda Al-Arabi, reviewed recent activities, including training programs, studies, and measurements to assess the work environment.

The Labor Minister emphasized the need to intensify efforts to expand cooperation with international organizations and programs specializing in occupational safety and health. This cooperation aims to leverage international expertise and experiences to develop Egypt's occupational safety and health system. The minister also stressed the importance of promoting a culture of prevention and reducing risks in the work environment. These efforts are crucial in enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian labor market.

The meeting resulted in 10 executive directives, including the development of a comprehensive plan to enhance the center's capabilities. This plan involves setting clear objectives, timelines, and performance indicators to measure progress. The directives also focus on expanding international cooperation with organizations such as the International Labor Organization and other specialized international entities.

The center will develop its training programs to align with labor market needs and emerging risks. The content of these programs will be updated according to the latest international standards and practices. Furthermore, the center will expand its field measurements, studies, and work environment assessments. This expansion aims to identify and mitigate occupational hazards before they lead to accidents or injuries.

A new plan will be launched to promote a culture of occupational safety and health, targeting workers, employers, safety officials, and relevant authorities. This plan emphasizes the importance of prevention as a key element in protecting workers and improving the work environment. The center will also enhance its digital transformation by developing an electronic system for service requests, consultations, measurements, and studies.

The center aims to develop a comprehensive database of its services and activities, including measurement results, studies, training, and services provided to establishments. This database will support planning and decision-making processes. Additionally, the center will strengthen its partnership with production sector stakeholders, including business owner unions, trade unions, and government agencies.

The Labor Minister concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need to transition from a reactive approach to occupational risks to a proactive and preventive strategy. This approach involves continuous risk assessment to create safer work environments and support the competitiveness of the Egyptian labor market. The minister also highlighted the importance of aligning national practices with relevant international labor standards.

Key points

  • Egypt's Labor Minister Hassan Raddad chairs meeting to develop national center for occupational safety and health studies
  • The center aims to enhance occupational safety and health in Egypt through training programs, studies, and measurements
  • The minister emphasizes the need for international cooperation and a culture of prevention to reduce occupational risks

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.