We are all responsible for health and safety

As parents, we have an expectation that our children will be provided with a safe environment, in which they can be nurtured and grow. School is a unique environment because children require a high duty of care. With this in mind, educational institutions must ensure that health and safety is embedded as a core value. Having worked in the UAE for the past 10 years, I have witnessed the improvements made in health and safety, most prominently within the education sector. I am fortunate to work for an organisation where health and safety is of paramount importance and as one of the largest providers of education in the world, we are setting a benchmark for health and safety in the UAE. A proactive health and safety management system promotes a safer working environment and results in the avoidance of accidents and incidents. In addition to reducing costs, it increases morale among students, staff and parents and reduces staff absences due to injury or occupational ill-health.

Health and safety should begin at the top. But this can be particularly challenging in large global organisations, where significant cultural and awareness differences relating to health and safety are often prevalent. In such cases, it is best to have a team of designated health and safety professionals on board. But ultimately we are all equally responsible for health and safety and this should never be forgotten.

Paul Slater, vice president health, safety & environment,

Gems Education