Occupational Health Conference

1
Occupational Health Conference

• Workshop C
• What Constitutes an Effective Occupational
  Hygiene Program?

2
How to Implement Occupational Hygiene Programs in
the Region?

• Governments include occupational hygiene
  provisions into risk based legislation
• Incorporation of multidisciplinary approach OHyg,
  OHPs, OHNs HSE Professionals
• Organisations integrate Hygiene into current
  Safety Mgt Systems (Policy Statement)

3
How to Implement Occupational Hygiene Programs in
the Region?

• Awareness and ownership rests squarely with
  Senior Management
• Provision utilisation of competent personnel
  (internal and external training (e.g. Technician
  University level)

4
Current Situation

• Occupational Hygiene awareness not widespread and
  confused with Public Health e.g. Food Hygiene
• Severe shortage of Hygienists/Specialists in the
  region
• Limited or No legislation in the Region
• Governments do not employ hygienists and no-one
  is advising SMEs

5
Current Situation

• No training in the region and Hygienists are
  trained abroad or are expatriates
• Only major companies have Occupational Hygiene
  programmes
• General lack of commitment to Occupational
  Hygiene

6
Proposals / Way Forward

• GCC States agree to strategy, adopt common risk
  based legislation and approve five year implement
  plan
• Establish regional independent OH Hygiene
  Advisory Body to GCC and member countries (how to
  apply legislation and adopt OH Hygiene
  programs)
• GCC accredited Occupational Hygiene Programs
  (University and Technician level)

7
Proposals / Way Forward

• Benchmark international programs for best
  practice
• 5. Governments employ qualified occupational
  hygienists to address need in SMEs