Latest news with #occupationalHealth
Gulf Business
03-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Midday Break in UAE: Here's what companies need to know
Image credit: WAM/ Website The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the implementation of the Midday Break, which prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30pm and 3:00pm, from June 15 to September 15, 2025. Read- Now in its 21st consecutive year, the Midday Break reflects the UAE's sustainability-driven approach and commitment to providing a safe working environment. It aligns with international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by high summer temperatures, 'The Midday Break has achieved a record compliance rate of over 99 per cent for several years in a row, clearly reflecting the deeply rooted social and humanitarian values within the UAE's business community. It also demonstrates high awareness of the importance of protecting human capital—the most valuable resource in any company—and underscores the people-centred labour practices embraced in the UAE,' Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection & Compliance at MoHRE said. Al Nassi emphasised the ministry's commitment to raising awareness among employers and workers through field visits to worksites and labour accommodations. These efforts help promote occupational health and safety and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. 'The Midday Break has become a leading example of successful partnerships between MoHRE, the private sector, and the wider community. Many partners have launched their own initiatives to support workers during the Midday Break,' Dalal Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Protection at MoHRE, added. She continued, 'This initiative reinforces social responsibility and supports the success of our awareness strategies, further embedding humanitarian values into the UAE's work culture, which welcomes over 200 nationalities to live, work, and invest in line with the goals of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.' Rest areas Alshehhi praised private sector companies that have proactively established fully equipped rest areas to ensure workers' comfort during the Midday Break. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to workers' wellbeing and help boost productivity. She encouraged all private sector entities to implement similar measures, citing their positive impact on both health and efficiency. Under the Midday Break rules, companies must provide essential supplies and arrangements, including shaded areas, cooling equipment such as fans, sufficient drinking water, hydration supplements approved by local authorities, and necessary first-aid supplies at worksites. Exemptions The regulations allow for exemptions where continuous work is required for public interest or technical reasons. These include activities like asphalt laying or concrete pouring that cannot be delayed, as well as urgent repair work affecting public utilities, traffic, or essential services. Work requiring permits from government authorities, due to its impact on public life and mobility, is also exempt. MoHRE monitors company compliance with the Midday Break via its inspection systems throughout the summer period. The ministry also encourages the public to report violations through its call centre (600590000), website, or smart app. Violating companies will be fined Dhs5,000 per worker per breach, with a cap of Dhs50,000 if multiple violations are recorded. MoHRE will intensify awareness campaigns and field inspections—coordinating with both public and private sector partners—to ensure compliance with the Midday Break regulations.
Malay Mail
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
AVIS Singapore Leads Car Rental Industry with ISO 45001 Certification
AVIS sets a safety precedent, becoming Singapore's sole car rental firm certified to ISO 45001, meeting global standards. AVIS Singapore personnel and their modern fleet, reflecting a commitment to safety, quality, and sustainable mobility solutions. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 May 2025 - AVIS Singapore is the only car rental company in the country to have achieved ISO 45001 certification in December 2024, an international standard equivalent to Singapore's bizSAFE Star, demonstrating its commitment to the highest levels of occupational health and attainment of ISO 45,001 reflects AVIS Singapore's dedication to robust health, safety, and operational standards, aligning with its "Driven by Better" brand promise. This certification was enabled by implementing structured internal safety systems for proactive risk management across vehicle handling, premises, and customer interactions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety.A key enabler was a leadership-driven culture prioritising the safety, well-being, and accountability of all stakeholders. This was actively supported by systematic employee engagement through regular training and feedback mechanisms. Furthermore, comprehensive adherence to local regulatory requirements and globally recognised best practices in occupational health and safety management was ensured through a strategic partnership with certified on its priority of safety, AVIS Singapore also adheres to recognised standards in other key areas. Holding ISO 9,001 for Quality Management and ISO 14,001 for Environmental Management, the company affirms its focus on providing reliable car rentals with a continuous emphasis on service quality, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for its employees, and proactively working to minimise its carbon line with its environmental responsibility, AVIS Singapore is actively integrating vehicles with enhanced fuel efficiency into its fleet. This includes an increasing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), a focus aimed at offering customers renting cars in Singapore sustainable mobility solutions with reduced emissions and improved fuel Singapore's ISO 45,001, ISO 9,001, and ISO 14,001 certifications assure customers of high standards across all services. Whether you require short-term car rental with well-maintained and reliable vehicles from a diverse fleet, car leasing with consistent quality for extended transportation needs across Singapore and into Malaysia, or chauffeur service ensuring secure and professional transport throughout the region, AVIS Singapore's commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability benefits every more at AVIS Singapore's website Hashtag: #CarRental #Avis #ISO45001 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. AVIS Singapore AVIS Singapore, part of Avis Budget Group since 1961, leads the local car rental market. Located strategically at Changi Airport (Terminals 2 and 3) and Havelock Road, AVIS offers reliable rental solutions. As a member of the globally recognised Avis Budget Group — operating in 180 countries with over $12B in revenue — AVIS Singapore embodies the group's commitment to innovation, customer focus, and sustainable mobility.
South China Morning Post
26-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Are Hong Kong's penalties tough enough for contractors behind on-site accidents?
Hong Kong lawmakers have questioned whether existing penalties for contractors that fail to ensure workers' safety are tough enough, pointing to a business that was convicted 77 times over several years but was fined no more than HK$10,000 (US$1,280) on average. The concerns were raised at a Legislative Council meeting on Monday that discussed the ombudsman's investigation into occupational health and safety. According to the report, labour authorities last year conducted 74,410 safety inspections at various sites. They also issued 4,567 notices to employers for violating safety measures and launched 2,388 prosecutions. Figures from the document also showed that 7,371 industrial accidents were reported in 2024, a decrease of 9.4 per cent from 2023. The report found 28 workers had died on the job last year, with 22 of them counted as industrial fatalities. The number of fatalities in the construction sector last year stood at 14, down from 20 in 2023. Lawmakers pointed out that the punishment for employers who failed to ensure worker safety was 'too lenient'.
Arab News
08-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Meena Health launches Riyadh's first occupational health center
Meena Health has officially opened the Meena Occupational Health Center in Riyadh — the first dedicated facility in the capital to provide specialized healthcare services focused exclusively on occupational health and safety. The launch marks a major milestone in advancing preventive care for the Kingdom's workforce and aligns with broader national efforts to foster healthier, safer work environments. Coinciding with the center's inauguration, Meena Health also signed a series of strategic agreements and MoUs, reinforcing its leadership position in the field and its growing role within Saudi Arabia's evolving healthcare landscape. The Meena Occupational Health Center offers an integrated suite of services that includes pre-employment medical evaluations, periodic employee health checkups, and specialized assessments for high-risk industries such as aviation and maritime. The facility also provides rehabilitation services and disability assessments, all designed to foster a culture of prevention, support regulatory compliance, and elevate occupational health standards nationwide. To bring healthcare closer to the workplace, Meena Health signed a cooperation agreement to establish on-site clinics at company locations, allowing employees to access care conveniently within their work environments. Additionally, a new MoU will facilitate the delivery of medical fitness examinations for both new and existing employees, enhancing workforce readiness and reducing occupational health risks. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has designated Meena Occupational Health Center as a center of excellence. This acknowledgment highlights the center's role in preventive occupational healthcare and its contribution to building safe, sustainable workplaces in line with global best practices. Moreover, Meena Academy signed an academic partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The collaboration will focus on developing national talent through specialized training and education programs tailored to the occupational health sector. Dr. Suleiman Al-Towayan, CEO of Meena Health, emphasized the significance of this launch as a transformative step toward improving employee well-being across Saudi Arabia. 'Opening Riyadh's first specialized occupational health center sets a new benchmark for workplace health and safety in the Kingdom.' he said. 'It reflects our commitment to advancing the goals of Vision 2030 by promoting a proactive approach to healthcare through early screening, home care, telemedicine, and now, specialized occupational services.' He added: 'At Meena Health, we believe that prevention is better than cure. This belief drives everything we do.' With the launch of its first specialized occupational health center in Riyadh, Meena Health is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of workplace wellness in Saudi Arabia. The company remains committed to advancing preventive healthcare, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting the Kingdom's journey toward a more resilient and healthier workforce.
