Just back from a holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Whilst waiting to go on the mini-bus from the airport I noticed the driver lean out of the rear/side window and climb onto the roof to collect the baggage from a colleague on the ground. My wife gave me a knowing look...I said nothing, but it's refreshing to see the indigenous people exhibiting their dexterity for the tourists.

I think it must also be compulsory for taxi drivers to use their mobiles whilst overtaking at extraordinary speeds along the freeway - not so refreshing!

Happy and...er, interesting new year to all.

Ray

I ventured to Egypt for a brief holiday last June and observed many accidents caused by unsuitable pool side flooring, poorly maintained swimming pools and various other negligent work practices. Children mainly suffered as a consequence, as well as those employed within the hotel complex.

Hence I reported the observations to the managment for their benefit, only to receive a rather cold response and negative attitude towards my party for the remainder of the holiday.

Won't be returning!!

Perfect examples of "mind your own business and don't interfere".

We have safety laws for UK workers and fully understand the principles. We do not understand other cultures and why they do what they do so we should just observe, keep ourselves safe when necessary and do not get involved.

It's just the same over here when, for example I see window fitters, roofers etc. working for domestic clients without proper fall protection, they are not working for me so I keep out of it.

I’m ex military and was once part of a small detachment working in a hot climate with the American forces and the local nationals (it was their base). Needless to say the mix of safety and fire standards were interesting. Way it worked was in your area of operations you applied your safety and fire procedures. The problem was when the lines where crossed and a tolerant attitude was a necessity (a local worker delivering some heavy equipment in flip flops was interesting and I noticed that he had a couple of toes missing – wonder why!). The one that I will always remember is on the motorway we had to swerve to avoid a car parked in the overtaking lane – the driver was stood in car’s open door dancing to some music on the radio.
These are just a couple of examples, there were a lot more – I’m glad I experienced this different culture as I learnt a lot from it. The worker with the missing toes could not afford a pair of safety boots and he certainly would not dare to ask his boss – one of our suppliers gave him an old pair of boots, he wore them for the day, the next day he was back in his dirty worn out flip flops. No one questioned him on this as he probably sold them and the supplier did not do that again.

Ah! Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

A very safe place to visit, lots of armed guards, screening into hotels, clear waters, tropical reefs, red sea, sun shine, and generally very pleasant.

I can assure you that there are many worse places in Egypt where the driving ensures a triplicate change of underwear is compressed into a hand or pocket, you will need it. You have to indentify the cast or region the egyptians are from, as it makes a difference. There is also a slight difference in the highway code.

6 HSE Managers ........they must have been of little substance and lacked tenacity.

If you want change you have to work at it, it doesnt happen over night or at all. How many can you convert at a project, maybe one or two?? Move on, but perhaps you have started something and 'bad apple in a barrel' hopefully. Did they expect total compliances with some standards that are perhaps OTT.

Welcome to the real world of HSE in the Middle East, little respect for life, little consequence for doing it their way, little discipline and they are still building high rise towers, we must remember they built the pyramids 4500 years ?
no hse,
just worked smarter,
buried the dead at night:)

Playing the devils advocate because it is nearing the new year, all the best to all members !

Why are their examples so wrong.

We are still kill 52 workers a year ............ injuring xxxxxxx costing the NHS ..............on british building sites, with every piece of legislation we can throw at them. Supported by wonderful institutions, providing exceptional facilities to learn and expand knowledge.

Are we right??

Policed and monitored by 32 000 iosh members .....well maybe not all in the UK .

Why do we not achieve zero accidents??




Wizard