Sharjah 24: In a resounding testament to its commitment to fostering safer and healthier workplaces, the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA) has emerged as the recipient of Accela’s coveted annual users’ award for 2023 in the “Best Community Engagement” category for the Middle East for their Sharjah Occupation Safety and Health System “OSHJ.”

This accolade was awarded to the Authority during Accelarate, in the heart of Washington, D.C., a conference renowned for its dedication to connecting industry leaders, government staff, and technology innovators to enable more elevated government experiences.

Launched at the International Government Communication Forum in 2022 in Sharjah, this visionary system has been instrumental in ensuring the safety and health of workers across various sectors within the Emirate. Offering a comprehensive, fully automated framework that mandates standard operating safety and prevention procedures for government and private entities within the Emirate.

This innovative system is a beacon of progress, enabling employers to comply with 18 essential requirements. These encompass not only the safeguarding of workers but also extend to contractors, visitors, and all those affected by an employer’s activities. In a commendable display of commitment, OSHJ goes beyond the norm by incorporating robust risk assessment and control measures, as well as thoughtful considerations for the working conditions of individuals with disabilities, expectant mothers, and new mothers. The overarching objective is to cultivate a safe, sustainable, and healthy working environment, aligning with the vision encapsulated within UAE’s “Year of the 50th” for security and safety.

OSHJ is a testament to Sharjah’s aspiration to become a paragon of investment-friendly environments. By offering unparalleled protection to the Emirate’s workforce, it extends its invaluable support to the industrial sector, which contributes a substantial 48% of the UAE’s industrial output, as well as its rapidly evolving construction sector. In parallel, OSHJ further cements Sharjah’s stature as a thriving educational hub, benefiting over 22,000 students enrolled in higher education institutions.

The system is also instrumental in elevating the Emirate’s standing on the global stage in terms of labor safety by collaborating with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and through its seamless integration with key institutions within the Emirate. These collaborative efforts streamline operations, validate input data, and facilitate the exchange of vital information through the Government of Sharjah  - Department of eGovernment.

Sheikh Khaled bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority and distinguished head of the delegation at the conference, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “Winning this award reflects the extraordinary efforts and stride we have made in the realm of digital transformation. It underscores our unwavering commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technologies to deliver a streamlined, simplified system that provides secure and reliable operations. The Authority has successfully engaged the local community to introduce the Sharjah Occupational Safety and Health System, a pivotal step toward achieving our vision of creating a safe and hazard-free community.”

Beyond the accolades, the Authority’s participation in Accelarate signifies its commitment to perpetual learning and growth. By actively engaging with leading countries and their invaluable experiences in investor services and by remaining at the forefront of the latest advancements in smart government services and digital transformation, the Authority continues to chart the course for a safer and healthier future.