By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
Qatar Chamber (QC) yesterday highlighted the country’s commitment to providing workers with the highest standards in health and safety with the launching of a book titled “Qatar’s achievements on vocational safety.”
Speaking at the event, QC chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said that awareness on spreading statutory safety laws for skilled workers in Qatar has increased significantly, promoting a culture of safety in workplace.
“This celebration illustrates our keenness to encourage businessmen and the private sector to provide their companies with the necessary safety trainings and qualifications,” he noted.
The book launching was organised on the occasion of World Day for Occupational Safety and Health at Work, celebrated on April 28.
Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar also established the National Committee for Health and Safety in a bid to help raise awareness on workers’ welfare and safety.
“We spare no effort to help the government find formulas and appropriate regulations to protect workers in Qatar as well as all professionals that require protection and safety of personnel from accidents at workplace,” he pointed out.
Sheikh Khalifa said the need for more workers (due to the ongoing infrastructure development) also requires taking care of them.
Qatar adheres to highest quality standards in production and delivery of services as it complies with international labour standards, according to the Qatar Chamber chairman.
He stressed that the Qatari government is fully aware that work-related incidents and injuries cause huge losses to the global economy. It is estimated that the cost of these accidents and injuries is about 4% of the global Gross Domestic Product.
Sheikh Khalifa also believes that keeping a safe environment for workers increases their productivity and efficiency, saving more money for the country’s economy.
“Within this framework, Qatar Chamber published this book which is a good opportunity to reiterate Qatar’s concern for expatriate workers and to highlight its full commitment to their rights and to provide a decent standard of living,” he said in his message.
He added that the book would “serve as a cornerstone in building a society, a clear expression of the State to promote occupational safety and health involving all the social partners who are keen to shoulder their responsibilities.”
The book launch also coincided with the start of the current phase of the country’s preparations to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
Sheikh Khalifa noted that the on-going development requires a large number of professionals and workers from different countries around the world. Currently, various businesses are also seen expanding especially in the construction sector.
The Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada echoed the statements of Sheikh Khalifa saying that the government developed a regulatory mechanism and legislation to ensure proper implementation and observations to occupational health and safety standards.
“These efforts have helped in reducing injury rates and improved the health and safety of workers, which made Qatar one of the countries with lowest injury level in the world,” he added.
Qatar Rail won the excellence award as the best company in health and safety practices for 2014. Hamad International Airport won the same award as the best project and Hamad bin Khalid Contracting Company won the best contractor award. Oryx GTL won the award as the best company in the oil and gas sector, the Primary Health Care Corporation got the award in the health sector, Al-Meera Consumer Goods Co for the retail sector, United Development Co for the real estate sector and Amwaj Catering Services for the hospitality sector.
Sheikh Khalifa presenting the award to Qatar Rail CEO Saad Ahmed al-Mohannadi at the event yesterday.
