IOSH received an enthusiastic welcome at its first ever Middle East Conference on health and safety at InterSec in Dubai in January.
The day-long conference ‘Health and safety means business’, was chaired by IOSH president Lisa Fowlie and featured seven speakers representing major industry from across the Middle East.
Guests from many countries in the region attended to add their support, with many appreciating the opportunity to share information on best practice. IOSH had a stand throughout the three-days of the InterSec Exhibition, and there were many enquiries about the benefits of membership and health and safety training packages.
There was also a huge media presence at the event, and Lisa was interviewed by newspapers and magazines, including Gulf News, and appeared on Dubai-based City 7 TV station.
Lisa wasn’t the only one in the media spotlight, though. Middle East Branch chair Chris Horn was interviewed by Construction Week, while branch secretary Toby Hayward was interviewed and appeared on the front cover of Facilities Management Middle East.
Lisa and head of international affairs, Sarah Hamilton, paid a visit to Dubai Dry Docks, which hosted the launch of the Middle East Branch in June 2006.
“The interest in health and safety in the Middle East was immense,” Lisa said, “And it is clear that there is a real desire to improve safety standards. There is an opportunity for IOSH to make a big difference to many lives and to become the definitive voice on health and safety issues in the region.
“This first Middle East Conference is a major step towards achieving that, and I’m certain that our profile in the region will only have been enhanced because of it.”
Plans are already being made for a bigger and better Middle East Conference in January 2008. For more information on the Middle East Branch, visit www.iosh.co.uk/branches or email
