‘Be Safe SOHAR’ initiative ensures workplace safety

MUSCAT: SOHAR Port and Freezone recently completed their 3rd Annual Safety Week Programme. The initiative saw SOHAR employees and stakeholders engage in seminars and practical ‘hands-on’ workshops related to general safety and first-aid in and around the port, reaffirming the goal to ensure workplace safety for all and careful preservation of the local environment.

Highlighting the success of the programme, Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO of SOHAR Port and Freezone noted, “We are absolutely committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our tenants, our visitors and the surrounding community.

“The annual ‘Be Safe SOHAR’ programme ensures that everyone in and around the port is aware of the correct response procedures that must be taken in the case of an emergency, and to recognise and report risks wherever possible.”

During the course of the programme, seminars and workshops were conducted by leading safety experts on the subjects of health and safety best practices at SOHAR Port and Freezone. Additional workshops included the handling of dangerous and heavy goods, safe terminal operations, ship-to-shore operational safety, heat stress, DROBS standard and environmental preservation.

In conjunction with the overall theme of the programme, a defensive driver training and first aid training course took place; alongside a blood donation drive, safety exhibition and mock drills. The courses highlighted the need for road safety and developing lifesaving skills.

Suwaid Al Shamaisi, executive manager of Corporate Affairs stated, “At SOHAR Port and Freezone, we hold the safety of every individual both within and around the surrounding community in the highest regard. We are extremely grateful for the support of our employees and stakeholders to make this week possible, and we would like to extend our gratitude to all the organisers of the workshops and seminars. Lastly, we thank each and every one that took part in this safety programme, making it a huge success and we hope they will join us again for similar events in the near future.”