Bahrain's strides in boosting occupational safety stressed

Manama, Apr. 25 (BNA): Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa stressed Bahrain’s big strides in boosting occupational safety through laws and practices to curb work incidents and protect workers from occupational risks in light of the ongoing technological progress. He described protecting workers’ safety as a cornerstone in the comprehensive development march spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and followed up on by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. The Deputy Premier was speaking as he opened today the 4th Occupational Safety Conference and Exhibition which is organised by the Labour and Social Development Ministry at the Gulf Hotel’s Conference Hall. The event, which brought together a host of experts, specialists and specialised Arab and international organisations, is held under the theme "Innovated Approaches in Occupational Safety and Health". The Deputy Prime Minister hailed holding the 4th edition of the conference which coincides with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, stressing that joining the world through the organisation of this key event reflects Bahrain’s celebration of its achievements in this respect and the care given to the workers. He said setting up the Occupational Safety and Health Council is the dividend of the efforts made in carrying out the general policy in this respect. He hailed the large-scale participation in the event which is considered as a global platform consolidating the kingdom’s status as a major host of specialised conferences and exhibitions. The Deputy Premier underlined the need for the participants in the conference to emphasise the importance of enforcing the occupational safety and health principles and complying with the international criteria in this respect. He wished the conference every success in mapping out applicable formulae by availing of cutting edge methods of protecting the work environment. He thanked the Labour and Social Development Minister and all the ministry staff for their efforts to organise the conference, lauding keenness of the Arab labour Organisation on its constant participation.  Labour and Social Development Minister Jamil bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, the Chairman of the Occupational Safety and Health Council, hailed the Deputy Premier’s patronage of the event which, he said, reflects keenness on protecting human resources and the work environment. He pointed out the need to exert more efforts to develop human resources and training in light of the fast-paced technological progress in the world. The Deputy Prime Minister honoured the sponsoring companies of the conference as well as Secretary General of the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) and Board Chairman of the Safety and Health Society Mustafa Sayed in recognition of his rich march in voluntary work and health safety. Three pioneers in this field were also honoured. Then, the Deputy Premier opened the associated exhibition which showcased the latest technologies in occupational safety and health.