DOHA: Work site deaths and injuries in Qatar are among the lowest in the world, a senior health official said yesterday.
Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, Director, Department of Public Health at the Supreme Council of Health, (SCH) said many developed countries have a much higher rate compared to Qatar.
Most deaths among labourers in Qatar are caused by heart attacks that happen outside the workplace, especially during sleep due to genetic factors.
Majority of workers come from areas of high latitude which lacks oxygen and are more susceptible to heart attacks, he added.
He was speaking at a press meeting to announce a conference on occupational safety and health SCH is holding in October in collaboration with a leading event management company.
He said workplace injuries in Qatar are declining gradually due to the state’s efforts to ensure safety regulations are followed at work place. He said authorities are working on a new health strategy for labourers and other employees, in partnership with a German company specialising in the field. The strategy will be launched by this year-end.
It is part of constant efforts to make Qatar one of the best countries in the world in terms of work environment and standards of living and health, he added.
Dr Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar has been witnessing unprecedented economic growth, which naturally increases the influx of foreign workforce and added that the state is keen to maintain a healthy and efficient workforce.
Saleh Al Muhannadi, Secretary-General, Qatar Red Crescent, spoke about the importance of the conference and said QRC will take part.
QRC has dozens of health programmes that benefit citizens and expatriates. It manages three workers-only health centres and seven such centres are under construction. The biggest health centre for workers will soon open in Mesaimeer. It will have all medical specialities and a branch of the Medical Commission, he added.
The Peninsula
