OHS conference stresses on 'prevention' in 2014 edition Globalisation has brought in new opportunities for industries, accompanied by emerging risks and challenges for workers. In recent reports by ILO, 2.02 million people die each year from work-related diseases and 321,000 people die each year from occupational accidents. Although there has been a decline in traditional risks and steps have been taken to minimize occupational diseases, prevention is the key for achieving goal zero. Themed under "Prevention through Protection", the 3rd Annual Middle East OHS Strategy Summit is scheduled to take place on 7-9 April 2014 in Le Meridien Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

The conference will hear from Abdul Aziz Hussni Zurub from Abu Dhabi Municipality addressing on how to improve conformance check and establish quality HSE managements systems. Occupational accidents and diseases in industries like oil & gas, petrochemical, mining and construction impose enormous costs. It has been a common sight of workers on scaffolding without the appropriate gear and protective clothes. A recent report in Saudi Gazette stated that companies have taken a lax view towards their workers’ safety and they have been forced to work under hazardous conditions which led to a worker falling off the scaffold and suffering permanent disability. Is this is due to bad design or human error and behavior? will be answered by Thomas Kramer from International Society of Fall Protection. In his session on Slips, Trips and Falls, he will talk about the best and safe work practices.

The second edition witnessed senior level industry professionals deliberating on leadership commitment, pressing issues in occupational health and safety, latest technological advancements for protection. The 3rd Annual will focus on key topics like preventing heat-related illness, coping with health challenges for expatriate and learning the art of sickness absence management. The prestigious speaker panelist addressing  OHS issues in the region include Dr. Ahmad Al Shatti, Ministry of Health, Dr. Ali Salem Al Alili, Ministry of Labour, Dr. Jens Thomsen, Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), Dr. Kashif Afzal, BP and Dr. Syed Z. Hussaini, RasGas. With 8 million migrants', Fleming Gulf takes the event to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to further broaden and explore OHS issues and better serve the OHS community in the region.