ADPHC launches competency-based framework to strengthen workplace safety

The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has unveiled a new competency-based regulatory framework aimed at enhancing workplace safety and professional standards across the emirate. Introduced under the Qudorat Program, the initiative focuses on registering and assessing occupational safety and health (OSH) practitioners and service providers based on clear, approved benchmarks.

The framework is designed to evaluate and certify specialists in occupational safety and health, ensuring workforce readiness and strengthening regulatory compliance. By prioritizing competency and performance, the initiative marks a significant step toward elevating professional standards and fostering safer work environments throughout Abu Dhabi.

According to ADPHC, the new approach represents a qualitative shift in the regulation of the OSH profession. It emphasizes verifying qualifications and assessing the real-world performance of practitioners, ultimately improving service quality and raising workplace safety levels across sectors.

Commenting on the initiative, His Excellency Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said, “We believe that health begins not only in healthcare facilities, but also in the environments in which individuals live and work. The Qudorat program is designed to reinforce this approach by ensuring the preparedness and competence of occupational safety and health specialists, thereby contributing to the protection of community health and the enhancement of quality of life across the emirate.”

Under the framework, specialists will undergo qualification verification and competency assessments before being formally registered. The initial phase introduces key professional categories, including OSH General Practitioner, Senior Practitioner, and Auditor. It also underscores the importance of continuous professional development, ensuring practitioners remain aligned with evolving global standards and best practices.

Registration will be facilitated through the TAMM digital government services platform, offering a streamlined and accessible process for practitioners and service providers across Abu Dhabi.

By integrating workplace safety into the broader public health agenda, the initiative expands the concept of preventive healthcare. It underscores the role of safe work environments as a critical determinant of community well-being, supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable development and enhanced quality of life.

The framework forms part of ADPHC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the emirate’s public health ecosystem through proactive, preventive strategies that empower individuals and protect communities.