In cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHAD), the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has honored food facilities implementing the Midday Working Ban law, at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The move comes to encourage these facilities to continue implementing this law to reduce negative health effects of heat stress, as well as raising awareness of employers and workers about risks resulting from exposure to direct sunlight.

In this regard, Thamer Rashed Al Qasemi, ADFCA's Official Spokesperson, affirmed that the authority has honored these facilities to encourage all food and agricultural establishments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to implement the law during the summer of 2018 from June 15 to September 15.

"In cooperation with its partners, ADFCA is keen on raising awareness of those in charge of food facilities about the necessity of applying Abu Dhabi occupational safety and health system to protect their employees from injuries resulting from exposure to direct sunlight or heat stress," said Al Qasemi.

Al Qasemi pointed out that maintaining the worker's safety and well-being is a necessity to increase his productivity and improve the work's efficiency, thus achieving a better economic return for establishments that are implementing the law, particularly in places where workers are exposed to direct sunlight.

"ADFCA will honor establishments that are keen on implementing the law. It would be working together with the competent entities to raise awareness of food and agricultural establishments' owners about risks resulting from exposure to direct sunlight while performing outdoor activities from 12:30 pm until 3:00 pm," he clarified.

This system is implemented in line with Law No.42 /2009 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, pertaining to the implementation of Abu Dhabi Environment, Health & Safety system for entities in the Abu Dhabi emirate. The law aims to implement an integrated environment, health and safety management system by providing a unified mechanism across the Emirate to streamline the implementation of legislation related to environmental protection and occupational health and safety.