The first national Occupational Safety and Health Month (OSH Month) held in Qatar under the theme of ‘Working together for OSH’ has come to a successful close.

Launched on 2 April 2019, by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) and Ministry of Public Health in partnership with the International Labour Organization, ‘OSH Month’ saw over 15,000 employers, workers, government officials, and students from more than 20 companies, organizations and colleges take part in a wide range of OSH activities.

These included safety demonstrations and drills, health checkups, awareness sessions and training. Students also got involved by taking part in SafeJam 2019  which saw them work together to design and build prototypes to tackle important OSH issues. 

During Osh month, A major conference  held on 28 April 2019 to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2019 brought OSH month to an end. Government officials, employers, workers and OSH specialists discussed key areas and concrete measures to further promote a preventative OSH culture in Qatar.

Discussion took place on a draft OSH Profile for Qatar developed by ADLSA and the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the ILO, which describes and analyses the national OSH situation and highlights priority areas for action.

Occupational health risks associated with high temperatures, and the measures being taken to manage those risks were discussed. Health promotion policies and practical steps relating to mental well-being at work were also covered.

Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, HE Yousuf bin Mohammed Al Othman Fakhro highlighted the State of Qatar’s commitment to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related diseases. In this respect, the Minister announced the adoption of a national labour inspection policy as well as forthcoming new guidance on heat stress.