Manama, Feb. 25 (BNA): Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the fifth National Occupational Safety and Health Conference and Exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Labour under the slogan "Occupational Safety and Health Future: Challenges and Opportunities."

Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, Minister of Labour; Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture; Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works; Yousef Abdulhussain Khalaf, Minister of Legal Affairs; and Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, were present.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah affirmed that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, holds a leading position in adopting and implementing occupational safety and health standards and requirements to ensure sustainable growth in various productive sectors.

He noted that Bahrain is keen to implement occupational safety and health requirements in workplaces that coincide with the necessary legislation and administrative procedures, which reflects the humanitarian dimensions that the kingdom works through its integrated human rights system to always provide a safe and healthy work environment.

The Deputy Premier commended the efforts of the Labour Ministry in organising the event, which brings together occupational safety experts and professionals, to build capacities and keep abreast of developments in this area, that run in parallel with the growth of industrial and technical markets in the region.

In his opening speech, Minister Humaidan affirmed Bahrain is keen on occupational safety and health and protecting the work environment, as it follows the system of human values which are a part of the vision of HM the King and are followed-up by HRH the Crown Prince, Prime Minister.

The minister noted the importance of this conference as it highlights the most prominent challenges that face occupational safety and health initiatives, promotes the best practices in this field; to achieve a safe and stable work environment in which workers enjoy the highest levels of protection from work risks and occupational diseases and raising awareness of the importance of safety and protection of humans, property and the surrounding environment.

In his opening speech, Fayez Ali Al Mutairi, Director-General of the Arab Labor Organization (ALO), praised Bahrain’s efforts in promoting basic principles and rights in the workplace, developing human resources, and caring for the rights of the working class in line with international labour standards that reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to providing a safe and stimulating work environment.

He stressed that the path towards a safe and healthy work environment requires joint efforts and cooperation between all production parties, including relevant organisations such as ALO.

M.I.