As part of Zagazig University's efforts to enhance awareness of occupational safety and health procedures, the Faculty of Specific Education organized a specialized workshop entitled: "Foundations of Occupational Safety and Health - Emergency Evacuation Experience", on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in Hall (B) of the Home Economics Building at 10:00 am. This event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Prof. Dr. Khaled El-Drandali, President of the University, and His Excellency Prof. Dr. Jihan Youssef, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Hani Helmy, Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Badie, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, and organized by Asst. Prof. Dr. Amani Samir, Director of the Crisis and Disaster Unit at the Faculty. The workshop witnessed a wide turnout from faculty members, students, and staff of the Faculty, as Dean Dr. Hossam El-Din Gouda Abu Mandour gave a specialized lecture that addressed the basic concepts of occupational safety and health, and ways to reduce risks within educational institutions, with a focus on safe evacuation mechanisms in emergency situations.
The workshop included a field evacuation experiment, during which an emergency scenario was simulated to test the speed of response of the attendees, and to familiarize them with the procedures that must be followed to ensure a safe evacuation without any injuries. The experiment showed great success in raising awareness and practical interaction with safety principles.
In this context, Prof. Hani Helmy, Dean of the College, expressed his happiness with the positive interaction of the attendees, stressing that such events contribute to enhancing readiness and preparedness to confront emergencies, which enhances the efficiency of the safety system within the university. He also praised the awareness-raising role played by the workshop in developing the skills of students and staff, which contributes to creating a safer and more sustainable educational environment.
For his part, Prof. Ahmed Badie, Vice Dean of the College for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, confirmed that the workshop came in response to an urgent need to enhance the culture of safety within the university campus, stressing the importance of spreading awareness of the correct practices that protect individuals and facilities from potential risks. He explained that the event was a valuable practical experience, reflecting the college's commitment to providing a safe educational environment equipped to confront emergencies. In the same context, Prof. Dr. Amani Samir, Director of the Crisis Unit, confirmed that the workshop successfully achieved its objectives, noting that the practical evacuation experience was pivotal in consolidating theoretical concepts among the participants, as safety strategies were applied in a realistic manner, which enhanced their awareness of the importance of quick and thoughtful action in emergency situations.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants stressed the importance of continuing to organize such events within the college, while working to conduct periodic training to ensure everyone's readiness to face any emergency, and to enhance the culture of safety as an essential part of university life.
The workshop received wide acclaim from the attendees, who confirmed that they greatly benefited from the theoretical information and practical applications presented during the event. They expressed their appreciation for this initiative, which enhanced their awareness of the importance of occupational safety and health, stressing their desire to participate in more future training workshops.
Thus, the College of Specific Education continues its path in supporting applied and awareness education, and consolidating safety standards, which enhances the level of safety and readiness in the university environment.