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Name: Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee
Country: United Arab Emirates
Country: United Arab Emirates
About Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee
I am Dr. Naseem Rafee, serving as the CEO of the EHS Agency at Dubai Municipality and holding the position of Health & Safety Department Director since 2019. With a wealth of experience spanning over 17 years, I possess dual Ph.D.s in Total Quality Management and Public Health, along with a master’s degree in public health sciences.
In addition to my role in the esteemed UAE universities as an assistant professor, I hold significant responsibilities in occupational, public health & safety, environmental health, and crisis management domains. These roles showcase my expertise in leading innovative initiatives and ensuring the well-being of over 4 million residents. Notably, I am recognised for pioneering groundbreaking projects such as "Montaji" for product safety. Furthermore, my leadership excellence was acknowledged with the "Emirates Women Award 2022" in the leadership category.
List the Safety and Health achievements/contributions you have achieved in 2023.
In 2023, my dedication to elevating safety and health standards at Dubai Municipality yielded significant results. I took the lead in implementing comprehensive safety protocols across various sectors, conducting safety management tours to ensure compliance with international standards. This proactive approach resulted in a notable reduction in workplace accidents and a considerable enhancement in overall employee well-being.
Furthermore, I introduced an advanced air quality monitoring system by conducting regular inspections within municipal buildings. This initiative substantially improved indoor environmental quality, mitigating health risks associated with poor air quality. It received commendation for its innovative approach to promoting employee wellness.
My initiatives also encompassed mental health awareness sessions, where I established a peer support network in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority. This not only boosted morale among employees but also contributed to heightened productivity, as individuals felt more supported and valued.
Additionally, in the realm of community health and safety, I led a campaign aimed at enhancing public awareness of preventive health and safety practices for school students. This campaign reached over 270 schools in Dubai, playing a pivotal role in bolstering public health responses and fostering greater community engagement with municipal health and safety initiatives.
Outline the Workplace Safety and Health initiatives that have been implemented by you in your workplace in 2023.
In 2023, I initiated several groundbreaking safety and health initiatives at Dubai Municipality, markedly enhancing both community and workplace safety. Here are the key accomplishments:
- Digital Transformation of Services: I spearheaded the adoption of a smart inspection system, in line with the Dubai Paperless Strategy. This system streamlined health and safety inspections across diverse sectors such as industrial establishments, residential buildings, and public venues. By harnessing digital tools, we ensured strict adherence to safety regulations and enabled proactive management of health risks.
- KPI Achievements: Reduced occupational injury rates and fatalities from workplace accidents, meeting our KPI targets.
- EXPO 2020 Safety Oversight: I supervised the safety management of the EXPO 2020 site, conducting nearly 5,000 inspection visits to uphold health, safety, and food standards. My team played a vital role in day-to-day operations, swiftly responding to incidents and maintaining continuous safety vigilance.
- Enhanced Training Programs: I introduced the NEBOSH leadership excellence training course for the leadership team and section managers. This initiative significantly bolstered their ability to effectively manage health and safety in the workplace.
- Sustainability and Safety Integration: I led the integration of sustainability practices into our safety protocols, promoting sustainable work practices. This integration has been pivotal in enhancing safety across operational processes.
Describe and support in detail on how your influencing capability has assisted in the successful implementation of these initiatives.
My ability to influence stakeholders has played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of our safety and health initiatives at Dubai Municipality. Through effective communication and collaboration, I garnered support from key decision-makers, department heads, and frontline staff, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and objectives. By emphasising the tangible benefits of these initiatives, such as improved employee well-being, reduced risks, and enhanced productivity, I secured buy-in from all levels of the organisation.
Moreover, my leadership style prioritises transparency, empathy, and inclusivity, cultivating a culture of safety and health throughout the workplace. I actively engage with teams, soliciting their input and feedback to customise our initiatives to their specific needs and challenges. This participatory approach not only fosters ownership and commitment but also nurtures a sense of shared responsibility for safety and health.
Furthermore, I leverage my expertise and credibility in the field to advocate for best practices and innovation, inspiring others to embrace change and adapt to evolving safety standards. By serving as a role model and mentor, I empower individuals to take ownership of safety in their respective roles, driving continuous improvement and sustainability in our safety and health management efforts.
Describe and provide support on how your initiative impacted the Safety and Health management and performance of your workplace/community/industry that was above and beyond.
The initiatives I spearheaded in 2023 at Dubai Municipality brought about a transformative shift in safety and health management, surpassing conventional standards and establishing new benchmarks for excellence. A standout accomplishment was the digital transformation of our services through the introduction of a smart inspection system. This innovation revolutionised our safety management approach, facilitating real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and proactive risk mitigation.
As a result, we observed remarkable enhancements in safety performance indicators, including a significant decrease in occupational injury rates and fatalities. Our proactive measures not only safeguarded the well-being of employees but also bolstered public trust and confidence in our capacity to uphold safety within the community.
Furthermore, our initiatives went beyond mere compliance-driven endeavours to integrate sustainability principles into our safety protocols. By advocating for eco-friendly practices and resource optimisation, we not only minimised environmental impacts but also cultivated a culture of holistic well-being that encompasses both people and the planet.
In your opinion, what are the attributes of a safety influencer? Do share with us on how you have demonstrated these attributes in your daily work that will earn you the recognition of a WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award Winner in your workplace/community/industry.
As a safety influencer, I embody a fusion of leadership qualities, technical prowess, effective communication skills, and a genuine dedication to fostering a culture of safety and well-being. It's imperative for a safety influencer to proactively identify and tackle potential risks while motivating and empowering others to prioritize safety in every facet of their professional and personal lives.
During my tenure at Dubai Municipality, I have consistently showcased these attributes through my initiatives and actions. As a leader, I've spearheaded safety as a fundamental organisational principle, nurturing an environment where safety is embraced by all. I lead by example, upholding the highest safety standards in my own tasks and motivating others to follow suit.
My technical proficiency, supported by dual Ph.D.s in Total Quality Management and Public Health, equips me to offer evidence-based counsel and innovative resolutions to intricate safety dilemmas. I utilise my expertise to devise and execute pioneering schemes that not only meet regulatory mandates but also surpass industry norms.
Effective communication stands as another cornerstone of my approach as a safety influencer. I engage with stakeholders across all echelons, from frontline workers to senior management, ensuring lucid comprehension and alignment of safety objectives. I leverage diverse communication avenues, such as training sessions, workshops, and digital platforms, to disseminate safety insights and nurture a collective commitment to continual enhancement.
Through these endeavours, I've been honoured with the WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award in both my workplace and community. My unwavering advocacy for safety, coupled with tangible outcomes in mitigating risks and augmenting well-being, has positioned me as a revered leader and catalyst for positive transformation in the realm of safety and health management.