Presight was awarded nine ISO certifications. (Image source: Presight)

Presight, a leading big data analytics company powered by Generative AI, has been awarded for its health and safety management system and environmental management system, among others

Presight has scooped nine ISO certifications, encompassing various aspects of organisational management, including corporate governance, risk management, quality, health and safety, environment, information security, privacy information, compliance management and business continuity management systems.

The achievement of these ISO certifications – which collectively enhance operational efficiency, data security, and resilience – reflects Presight’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and operational excellence, the company says, adding that these certifications will serve as a cornerstone of its strategy to drive sustainable success and deliver unparalleled value to its clients and stakeholders.

Maintaining the highest standards

Hamda Eid AlMheiri, board member of Presight, said, “Attaining these nine ISO certifications underscores a dedication to maintaining the highest standards across all facets of Presight operations. This accomplishment not only enhances the company’s credibility but also reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional value to stakeholders.”

Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, added, “Earning these ISO certifications is a testament to Presight’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Each certification represents a critical component of our robust management systems, ensuring we meet and exceed industry standards. This milestone propels us forward in our mission to leverage big data analytics for impactful, data-driven decisions.”

The award reflects Alba's safety leadership. (Image source: Alba)

Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest single-site smelter, has been awarded the British Safety Council (BSC)’s International Safety Award with merit, reflecting its safety leadership and exceptional safety record

The award was presented during the BSC’s International Safety Awards Gala Dinner held in London in June. Nezar Hameed, Alba’s senior safety and health manager received the award from Michael Robinson, CEO of the British Safety Council in the presence of Zainab Hassan, Alba’s head of Medical Administration.

Alba’s chief executive officer, Ali Al Baqali, commented, “At Alba, Safety isn't just a priority, it's a shared responsibility. A strong safety culture, where teamwork and prioritising safety are fundamental, is embedded throughout our organisation.

“By empowering our employees to prioritise safety in all aspects of their work, we've built a strong foundation for a zero-accident environment. This award from the British Safety Council is a proud testament to our entire team's dedication.”

Alba has received a total of 11 awards by the British Safety Council since 2014. In November 2023, Alba was the first smelter in the GCC to achieve the 4-star audit rating, following a successful Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit conducted by the British Safety Council.

This accolade was presented at the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards Ceremony. (Image source: BAC)

Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has received the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Award for the fourth year running, according to Bahrain Airport Company (BAC).

This award was granted during the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards Ceremony, which took place on June 6, 2024, at the Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai.

Eng. Hasan Farhan, BAC's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager, attended the ceremony and got the award.

The RoSPA Awards system, the longest-running of its kind in the UK, receives entries from organisations all over the world, making it one of the most coveted accomplishment awards for health and safety. Applications are rigorously reviewed by a team of safety professionals, providing essential comments for improving health and safety standards.

BAC CEO, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah commented, “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our HSE team. The award reflects the airport community commitment to safety and the diligent work our team members contributions to adhere to the best industry health and safety practices. At BAC, the safety of passengers and staff is a top priority, and we strive to work with our partners to maintain the highest standards at the airport.”

In the UAE, heat stress is a persistent issue for outdoor workers, especially during summer when temperatures can soar up to 50°C. (Image source: International SOS)

International SOS has advised UAE companies to prioritise workforce safety as global heat waves are predicted to intensify.

Workers face significant dangers in extreme heat conditions, such as heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. These risks can reduce productivity, increase accidents, and result in fatalities. Each year, excessive heat contributes to 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related deaths.

In the UAE, heat stress is a persistent issue for outdoor workers, especially during summer when temperatures can soar up to 50°C. To address this, the Ministry of Labour has enforced a nationwide ban on outdoor work from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM during summer months.

The Ministry also requires employers to clearly display working hours and provide rest areas with drinking water, first aid kits, and sun protection measures. In 2023, nearly 95.5% of employers complied with this ban, thanks to stringent inspections.

Various sectors are affected by extreme weather, with certain jobs being at higher risk due to physical demands and outdoor conditions. Indoor industrial workers are also vulnerable if factory and workshop temperatures are not properly regulated.

Warmer temperatures expected

High heat levels can make even basic office tasks challenging, leading to mental fatigue and reduced cognitive abilities. Excessive heat exposure poses serious health risks, including heatstroke and potentially death. Organisations must take proactive measures to mitigate these risks and ensure the well-being and productivity of their workforce.

Dr Ehab Chalabie, medical director, medical services, Middle East, International SOS, said, “...Organisations must go beyond basic heat stress prevention and integrate heat stress risk assessments into their health and safety policies. Furthermore, training employees to recognise early signs of heat illness is critical. Early intervention can prevent a medical emergency and long-term health consequences. By fostering a culture of heat awareness and encouraging frequent hydration and breaks during peak temperatures, organisations can empower their workforce to stay healthy and safe.

“It is also important for organisations to be able to distinguish the different stages of heat-related illness. Heatstroke, the most severe heat illness, is a medical emergency and can cause long term impact if prompt medical attention is not given. Symptoms include a core body temperature exceeding 40°C, nausea and/or vomiting, confusion and seizures. Recognising the early signs of heat stress, such as sweating, dizziness, headache and cramps, allows swift intervention to prevent escalation to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”

International SOS has provided guidelines for organisations to mitigate health risks from extreme heat events. These include conducting regular heat-specific risk assessments to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable employees. Organisations should integrate heat safety into their health and safety policies by providing shaded areas, hydration stations, and appropriate workwear. Training employees on heat stress awareness, proper hydration, sun protection, and recognising symptoms is crucial. Developing and communicating robust response protocols for heat-related illnesses is also recommended.

Additionally, organisations should continuously review and update their heat response plans to ensure they reflect the latest best practices. These measures aim to protect the workforce from the dangers of extreme heat, maintaining productivity and ensuring employee well-being.