DUBAI — DP World, UAE Region has received a timely, boost to its efforts to combat the COVID-19 challenge by becoming the first Port and Free Zone operator in the Middle East to attain the updated transition of Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification (ISO 45001: 2018) for international best practices and standards from Lloyd’s Register. The certification was awarded for excellence in the operating functions of ports & terminals, parks & zones and security services, with a particular focus on the prevention of injuries and ill health among its people at the workplace. The achievement follows an independent audit of Jebel Ali Port, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and World Security operations conducted by assessors from Lloyd"s Register (LR), a leading independent provider of accredited certification and a maritime classification society to verify compliance practices. This makes DP World, UAE Region the first port operator and trade enabler in the Middle East to implement the highest levels of management related to occupational health and safety systems. Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and managing director, DP World, UAE Region and CEO of Jafza, said: “The current global challenges over COVID-19 underscore the importance of achieving the highest standards and resilience in our processes in order to keep trade flowing. “The Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification is a recognition that we are going in the right direction in ensuring the safety and health of our employees, customers and partners.” “As the premier maritime gateway and hub to a region of more than 3.5 billion consumers, the wellbeing of every stakeholder interacting with our business is important to us. For DP World, UAE Region, the ISO 45001:2018 certificate stands as an encouragement and reminder to always follow safety protocols and report unsafe conditions immediately. “We take this occasion to commit ourselves to work even harder for the wellness of our people, thus increasing the overall productivity and success.” The certification process includes evaluation of the performance of the existing health and safety system at the workplace and then provide practical solutions to improve it. The ISO 45001:2018 is a new standard that will replace the OHSAS 18001:2007 certification. It provides an outline to help organizations develop and implement an Occupational Health and Safety Management System. DP World, UAE Region became the first port operator in the Middle East to successfully implement the Regional Security Management System standards and achieve its regional ISO 28000:2007 certification from Lloyd’s Register (LR) in 2013. It was also the first port operator in the world to receive the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) 5-Star certification in 2007. — SG