30/5/2005

Saudi Arabia based petrochemical company SABIC received, on May 20, 2005, the international Safety Award for the year 2004 from the British Safety Council. SHARQ has won this prestigious safety award for its distinct efforts and for achieving highest performance rates in the field of industrial and environmental safety. Mohammed Al Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman & CEO congratulated Eng. Mohammed Ibn Mohsen Al Jabri, President SHARQ and all SHARQ employees for this outstanding accomplishment.

The British Safety Council stipulates stringent conditions. Only companies with below average accident rates are eligible to apply and they face tough tests in order to satisfy the independent Awards Panel. In addition to low accident rates, winners must also have good safety policies and safety plans and commitment to health and safety at the highest board level. They must detail their health and safety officers’ qualifications and provide details of significant advances they have made in health and safety for the year.

Mr. David Ballard, Director General of the British Safety Council, says: “The international safety Awards highlight organizations that demonstrate commitment to health and safety. They are a mark of a proven and significant achievement in safety standards. By making safety an important feature of everyday work practice. Eastern Petrochemical Company (SHARQ) is reducing accidents and ill health while improving productivity and profitability.”

Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a message to winners via his office: “At its best, sensible health and safety should be about managing risk, rather than trying to eliminate them altogether. Managing risks has a benefit not just to employees, but also to the economy as a whole, helping to tackle the 39 million days lost each year to ill health and injuries.”