Posted By M.B Hi Steve,I have been out here for a few years and may be able to give you a few contacts. Drop me an e-mail to discuss in more detail. Mike

Posted By Steven Walker Georgemt & MB thanks for your responses. I have now posted my CV with some agencies and a few companies. MB How do I get your email address?

Posted By M.B Hi Steve, Just log in and click on my name. Mike

Posted By Jim-F Steve, why dont you send me your Cv the company I work for are lloking for people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Posted By M.B Pete, Sounds as if you were one of the unlucky ones, because most positions out here are with reputable international companies who tend to look after their people. I would say to anyone thinking of working out here, especially Dubai, go for it. The experience you gain from such a multi-cultural workplace is invaluable and being involved in some of the most challenging and rewarding multi billion dollar projects in the world will give you something to tell the grandkids about. I had been doing safety for nearly 20 years before I came out here, and now after a few years realise this challenge was just what I needed to re-energise my thinking processes and remember what the job I signed up for really should be about. The focus is heavily on HSE out here now, with some good job opportunities for people seeking a challenge. Just make sure you use a reputable agent and you'll be ok. Mike

Posted By M.B Sorry Jon, it is now. Mike

Posted By bill strachan1 David, I have a fair bit of experience working in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia where on one project I worked there was two fatalities. No HSE manager nor any other manager was put in jail nor was it ever suggested. To be fair there has been cases where a westerner has been involved in a RTI resulting in the death of a local and has been remanded in jail until his sponsor contacts the police and certain protocols are carried out which may involve your company having to pay blood money to the relatives of the deceased. As for having fun! Well Ramadan has just started and guess what - Im still having a good time and enjoying the many cultural differences you would expect while working and living in the Middle East. The inflated salary and tax free status also helps.

Posted By Pete Sutton David...if you read my posting it was in the UAE not saudi. and i can assure you the normal procedure is to arrest the saefty guy and the project/site manager while investigations are carried out, and with the possibility of £30k blood money, there is a distinct possibilty of workers trying to fly without wings to provide a life of luxury for their family..

Posted By Andrew J I am just agreeing with previous posts - in the UAE - if there is an incident causing serious injury or of course a fatality the police are called to "investigate". This is due to the lack of any other investigation mechanism / body. The current laws call for the police to attend / investigate these sorts of incidents. The police of course are trained in criminal investigation so the first thing they do is arrest somebody "responsible" for the incident. I have meet numerous safety officers / managers who have been arrested and had their passports confiscated until the "crime" is investigated and settled - in one case 2 years (with family at home overseas - not an enjoyed time). And yes, including safety officers who at home in bed at the time of the incident. With safety starting to get a much higher profile here things will probably get better as new legislation is being developed......but it should be a consideration for anybody thinking of accepting a job here - from my experience the "Corporate Safety Manager" is pretty safe - it is the safety person at the site "responsible" for the area that the incident occurs that usually get taken by the police. It is true that "big" companies seem to support their staff - but it would be something I would discuss at interview / negotitation time with a prespective employer. My only other suggestion is ensure that a Safety Management System is in place, even if very basic, clearly stating everybodies roles and responsibilities in relation to safety. Protect yourself as well as the workers and the company!

Posted By Rob Jones Dear Sir, I represent a recruitment company working primarily working in the middle East. We have many Oil&Gas clients who are looking for Health & Safety Professionals to oversee shut down, construction works on refinery and pipelines throughout the region. If you feel we can of use to you then please call us: 01443 497160 or send your CV to us directly: info@vivo-international.com Kind regards, Rob Jones