Health and safety developments to be highlighted at IOSH Middle East Conference

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) seventh Middle East Conference will highlight the latest developments in safeguarding workers in the region. 

The conference, taking place in Muscat, Oman, will be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Manpower and feature high-profile speakers. 

It will focus on the role of leadership in creating safe and healthy systems of work. There will be updates on developments affecting the region and information on initiatives across the industry.

Following the conference, the Oman branch will hold its annual general meeting, at which Neelesh Sogani will become its new chair, replacing Peter McNair. 

Neelesh, who is currently branch vice-chair, said: “I am extremely proud to become the chair of the Oman branch. 

“It is encouraging that organisations across Oman are increasingly placing emphasis on the safety and health of their workers. In doing so, they are experiencing improved reputation, resilience and results. 

“The Oman branch of IOSH is keen to keep this momentum going by expanding its focus on health and safety through educational institutions as well as industries.”

Neelesh added: “Our Middle East Conference will provide an opportunity for safety and health professionals and other leaders to interact with their peers and hopefully uncover even more ways of making sure employees can return home at the end of the working day fit and well.”

It is the first time IOSH has held its Middle East Conference in Muscat since 2013. At that conference the institution officially launched the Oman branch.

Since then, the branch has grown in stature and now has 109 members. The branch has established close ties across industries and with government bodies, including the Ministry of Manpower.

The Ministry proposes and implements general policies in line with the state economic and social objectives. A representative will give the opening address.

The Middle East Conference is being chaired by IOSH president Karen McDonnell, who will welcome delegates before the address from the Ministry. 

This will be followed by the keynote address, given by Musallam Al Mandhry, chief executive officer for the Oman Society for Petroleum Services. Topics of other presentations will include managing working at height, eliminating serious injuries and fatalities in oil and gas, and the barriers to workforce engagement.

The conference is being held at The Grand Hyatt Muscat from 8.30am to 4.45pm on Wednesday 27 April. It is supported by the Oman Society for Petroleum Services and the Oman Society of Contractors.