IOSH opens branch in Qatar

A new IOSH branch is now open in Qatar with an inaugural event planned for Monday 1 October, in Doha.

The move builds on the success of the IOSH Middle East Branch, which was launched in 2006 and has quickly grown to be the Institution’s second largest international branch, with more than 900 members. Qatar now has over 190 members, where regular monthly meetings are held.  CRS is extremely active in Qatar too, where we teach twelve ‘Applied HSE Management Systems’ classes each year.

A committee chaired by David Hayes developed the business plan and application to form the new branch, which was approved last autumn. IOSH is now seeking a local government ‘champion’ to give the new branch official approval at local level.

David Hayes, IOSH Qatar Branch chair, said: “We believe we can make a big contribution to health and safety in Qatar, helping with knowledge about best practice that will drive up standards in workplaces across the country.  “This Branch is a fantastic development for IOSH and for members in the Middle East. Not only does it signify growth, it satisfies a need to provide a local hub for members in Qatar and shows that people are viewing health and safety as a higher priority in business.”  Qatar plays a significant role in IOSH’s work in the region and is set to host the IOSH Middle East conference in April 2013.

IOSH President Subash Ludhra presented a paper on stress management at the seventh HSE forum, in Doha, last year. Meanwhile, Qatar Branch incoming chair Olumide Adeolu will also chair this year’s HSE Forum in October and the Prosafe conference in September, both of which will be held in Doha.

The new branch demonstrates IOSH’s aim to reflect the needs of overseas members and to promote the legal and cultural issues that affect different areas while enabling a joined-up approach to shared issues across the region.  If you’re a member based in Qatar, we invite you to join the branch in order to receive tailored information about IOSH activities in Qatar through Connect and “MyIOSH”. To register, please contact membership@iosh.co.uk.

For more details of forthcoming branch meetings and information, visit the Qatar Branch microsite, or contact IOSH international officer Laurence Dufour at laurence.dufour@iosh.co.uk.