Abu Dhabi Ports now requires that visitors and workers undergo safety training before they can obtain port passes.
The ‘Day One Introduction’ course has been introduced with an initial investment of AED1m ($272,000), and targets those who visit and work at any of Abu Dhabi Ports’ premises, including staff, contractors, and truck drivers.
The training programme – which is available in Arabic, English, Urdu, and Pashto – features animated videos that address health, safety, and environmental (HSE) topics in an easy-to-understand manner.
“Safety is Abu Dhabi Ports’ highest priority,” said Sultan Al Jaberi, the terminal operator’s vice president for HSE, regulations, and security.
“We are totally focused on ensuring the wellbeing of our employees, partners, and port visitors, and to eliminating work-related injuries and incidents. The ‘Day One Introduction’ will help to enlighten people about safety hazards before they enter the port. [It] will improve awareness and create a heightened sensitivity,” he explained.
Each safety movie is 25 minutes long and covers various issues, from general safety guidelines and incident reporting to first aid, fire prevention, and the handling of hazardous materials. Following the training, visitors and workers are required to sit a short test to ensure that they have understood the subject matter.
The induction, which has also been made available in an online format, is now a prerequisite for the issuance of port passes at all Abu Dhabi Ports’ sites.