Qatar Chamber (QC) Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani
Doha: Qatar Chamber (QC) Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani said Qatar has made great progress in the field of occupational health and safety through concerted efforts from all parties concerned, including the private sector.
Speaking at Occupational Safety and Health Conference organised by the Ministry of Labour yesterday, Sheikh Khalifa said the private sector has taken upon itself the creation of a healthy and sound professional environment. He noted that the welfare, safety and health of workers contribute to ensuring societal productivity and economic development.
Sheikh Khalifa said laws and legislation obligate employers to inform workers about work risks and means of prevention, and to set detailed instructions on occupational health and safety means to protect workers from the dangers they may be exposed to while performing their jobs, in addition to laws on defining and regulating services and precautions necessary to protect workers at work from dangers that are associated with works, machinery, means and levels, and the organisation of means of prevention from occupational diseases.
He stressed that Qatar’s interest in creating a healthy and sound work environment and maintaining the safety and health of workers is an essential pillar and part and parcel of comprehensive development within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Sheikh Khalifa pointed out that employers are entrusted with an important role in ensuring a safe work environment in workplaces and workers’ housing, based on them being partners of the State in the national responsibility in the field of occupational safety and health.
He explained that most of Qatar's private sector companies and institutions succeeded in implementing the requirements of occupational safety and health within the workplace and workers’ accommodation, especially with the commitment of company owners to implement the requirements of the Qatari Labor Law in order to provide a healthy and professional work environment.
The Chairman underlined Qatar Chamber’s keenness to educate business owners and private sector companies to provide the necessary training and qualification for workers, and to raise the level of awareness and commitment to occupational safety and health requirements for the worker and the employer in order to achieve productive efficiency and reduce the burdens caused by accidents and occupational diseases.
Sheikh Khalifa added that the Chamber has intensified its collaboration with the official authorities in the country with the aim of promoting occupational safety and health requirements, urging companies to improve living and working conditions, and applying the highest standards with regard to workers’ rights.
He extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Labour for its keenness to organise this conference on a regular basis, as well as for all its fruitful efforts that enhanced the work environment in Qatar and contributed to providing an appropriate and dignified work environment for all workers, pointing out that the conference reflects the commitment of the State of Qatar to achieving the highest levels of safety and occupational health of workers.
