What is your role at IOSH?
My key role as chair is to implement the organisation’s vision and strategy in IOSH’s Oman branch. This includes liaising with government authorities and businesses on occupational health and safety initiatives. Along with the other IOSH members of the branch committee I help to organise branch events and visits which are aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of our members. In turn, they can then take that back to their own organisations and use it to safeguard themselves and their colleagues.
Tell us more about your organisation, its mission and purpose.
IOSH’s aim is for a world of work which is safe, healthy and sustainable. We assist our members across the world in making this vision a reality. Forward-thinking businesses are increasingly viewing safety and health as a priority and realising that this leads to improved reputation, resilience and results. It is our intention to continue this positive drive and ensure that all workers in all industries are covered by a culture of care. This includes looking after their health as well as their safety. We aim for every individual working in industry to remain pain free, with no occupational injuries and illness and that he or she can go back home safely every day.
Where in the region is IOSH present?
IOSH has over 1,000 members in the Middle East. It has three branches – UAE, Oman and Qatar – but has members in other countries.
What are some of the top challenges for the industry right now in terms of occupational health and safety?
Safety and health professionals must convince CEOs and other senior leaders within their organisations of the value of protecting workers. This does not just include keeping them safe, they must also consider their health as well. That means they must put in place practices which reduce worker exposure to anything which could harm their health, for example cancer-causing agents.
Are you seeing health and safety standards improve in the GCC?
Standards are improving. Increasing numbers of organisations are recognising the benefits of good safe and healthy working practices. This is great to see. Everyone should be able to go to work with the knowledge that they will return home fit and well. However, there is also room for improvement; we should not rest on our laurels. Crucial to this is sharing best practice. Countries in the GCC can learn from others and also others can learn from countries in the GCC. That is why IOSH holds networking events which bring together safety and health practitioners to share ideas which can be used to safeguard staff.
What’s the importance of collaboration between industry and organisations like yours in enhancing and promoting health and safety practices in the region?
Partnership working is very important if we are to realise IOSH’s vision. Through working together we can have a much greater impact. That is why IOSH works with governments in different countries and other bodies to enhance health and safety. Sharing best practices and learning from others’ mistakes and correcting them helps to enhance health and safety standards.
