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News release

21 April 2011 - NR 18/11

World's largest health and safety organisation to host second Middle East conference

A conference devoted to tackling the latest health and safety developments for the Middle East will be held in Dubai on 4 May, by the world’s largest organisation for professionals in the field.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Middle East Branch’s Annual Conference is sponsored by the Abu Dhabi (AD) EHS Center this year. It will feature key speakers from the UAE, Bahrain and the UK, covering aviation, scaffolding, wellbeing and how companies can save money and prevent accidents.

Held at The Events Centre, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, the conference will be opened by IOSH President Steve Granger and welcome more than 150 delegates through its doors. The Ministry of Labour‘s Dr Ali Salem Al Alili is the event’s keynote speaker, while HE Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Chairman of the EHS Higher Committee, will discuss the key links formed with IOSH over the last 12 months.

Steve said: “Health and safety at work is an international issue, which is why we think it’s so important that we forge links with organisations and develop networks for our members in the Middle East and internationally.

“This region is a hub of industry and has some of the most ambitious construction projects in the world. Our members work across a broad range of sectors in the region and share best practice to drive up standards in health and safety.”

Last year, over 130 people attended the IOSH Middle East Branch’s first annual conference. With over 650 members of the Branch in total, IOSH is increasing the reach of its message, which pushes for a world of work that is safe, healthy and sustainable.

Branch chair Jonathan Pickering said: “We’re very pleased to have the AD EHS Center as lead sponsors, and to have the support of all the companies presenting on 4 May.

“This Branch was first established in 2006 in Dubai by one of IOSH’s past presidents, Neil Budworth. Since then, it’s seen real enthusiasm by local and international health and safety practitioners who work in the Middle East to integrate and come together to make the world of work a healthier and safer place, so much so that we now have over 650 members.

“We hope that this Conference will play a part in increasing the awareness of health and safety even further in the region.”

H.E Majid Al Mansouri said: “Co-operation with IOSH is considered very important for the AD EHS Center, due to its expertise in issues related to health and safety. Collaboration with such a reputable organisation on such issues will for sure strengthen the Center’s role and prove beneficial to the Emirate in the long run.”

The conference next month features talks from UK aviation company bmi, London-based architects Foster + Partners, Aluminium Bahrain, Abu Dhabi property development and investment company Aldar Properties PJSC, international law firm Clyde and Co LLP, and UK safety and training consultants, Simian Risk Management Ltd.

After the conference there will be a small exhibition running alongside the conference and a gala dinner taking place in the evening.

- Ends -

Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.