HSE Officers face Jail sentence in Gulf countries

I would like to share with you three incidents in which the HSE officers faced jail sentences in the Middle Eastern countries. These should serve as examples as to what the safety officer should do in such cases. We will also discuss what documents are mandatory for them to keep to get out scratch-free of such problems. But wait till I post more details about these incidents and safeguards to be followed by safety officers.

Incident 1

Feliciano Siquian was just two days into his job as a safety officer on a building site in a large city when a colleague fell to his death.
As the safety officer on duty that day, Siquian was arrested, convicted of negligence and jailed.
He served two months in jail.

Incident 2

Five men were sentenced to three months in jail each for causing a worker’s death whose skull was smashed after a poorly-maintained forklift’s arm fell on him at the site.
The Court convicted the five defendants: a Canadian project manager, a Syrian workers’ supervisor, his compatriot project manager and site engineer, an Indian forklift operator and his compatriot safety officer, of negligence and failing to apply precautionary measures.

Incident 3

Two labors died and another was seriously injured when scaffolding collapsed at a construction site in the industrial area.
Four labors responsible for health and safety at the camp have been immediately arrested in connection with the incident by Police, where proceedings were put on hold awaiting the results of an investigation into the cause of the accident.

How to Protect Yourself?

Many HSE officer face legal issues especially in gulf countries, many have gone to jail, many terminated, many paid hefty amounts as Blood money for the deaths of workers

First rule – keep your side safe

So here it is:
1. Always be aware and make sure your company has HSE plan, Policy and procedures and they follow government rules. There is a very nice short story to illustrate the importance of paperwork.
2. Always report issues to higher management, HSE Manager, Project Manager, Engineers with proof.

“I told him” doesn’t work.

3. Ensure PTW system is available and followed, this will keep you safe.
4. Ensure 3rd party certificates available, valid & check with certification body (if possible) whether the certs are authentic.
5. Ensure people have given work-specific training with attendance proof before they go to work. ( eg: Crane Op training for crane operator)
6. Always use time-stamp on the pictures you take.
Remember,

• Your job is to make sure people are Safe, have specific training, following safe working systems.

• Paperwork will not make work safer, but it will save you in case of an incident.

Safety Officer is only an Advisor.

If you think that you are not in control and no chance of getting support from management, then you have 3 options:

1. Report, Report, Report
   

   1. to Management (written)

   2. to Authorities (written)

2. If above doesn’t work – Search for another job

3. or Go to jail anytime

Please share your experiences and suggestions