13th January 2003: More than 1,000 employees have attended safety lectures in the first two days of the company's Safety Week. Many more have participated in the safety drills and on-the-spot competitions around the plant as well as seeing safety equipment demonstrations in the specially-erected tent.

Health issues are also being highlighted throughout the week as part of Alba's commitment to the health, safety and general well-being of its employees. Free eye tests and hearing check-ups are being conducted at the Alba Medical Centre (with the assistance of Bahrain Opticians and Delmon Audiological and Speech Therapy Centre) and first aid demonstrations are boosting employees' knowledge of how to respond to emergency situations both on and off the plant.

Safety Week Steering Committee member Ebrahim El Yassi, speaking at an event held today to honour 39 employees who have recently qualified as First Aiders, said: "Health and safety go hand-in-hand and I am delighted that there are now more than 420 employees at Alba who have received their First Aid certification from the Bahrain Red Crescent Society. This shows a tremendous willingness to be equipped to save the lives of others in any situation - at work, on the road or at home."

Eleven Alba ladies were presented with their First Aid certificates on Sunday and a further 16 employees from the Calciner/Marine will receive their certificates on Tuesday as part of recognising the commitment of Alba's First Aiders.

The Medical Centre has also arranged for blood donations to be made over the first four days of the week - enabling employees to show another way in which they can support health care in the community. More than 200 are expected to give blood to boost the supply of the Salmaniya and BDF hospitals.

Safety Week Steering Committee member Hassan Ali Shaikh said: "We are encouraged to see all the lectures are fully attended and to see employees participating in so many activities as well as taking the safety message home with them. All employees have received a special gift set which includes a booklet on safety which asks their spouse to make a commitment to improve safety in the home. Many children of employees have also entered a competition to produce posters to help promote the message of safety first in all areas of our lives. This Safety Week is, therefore, very much aimed at the Alba Family as well as the community at large."

As part of Safety Week, Alba is issuing daily tips for safety at work, on the road and at home.

Safety tips on the road

  • Always wear your seat belt and make sure your children are properly strapped in.

  • Speeding is the fastest way to kill yourself and others. Don't speed - give yourself time to reach your destination.

  • Always adhere to road signs. They are there for your safety.

  • Don't drive whilst using your mobile phone. Concentrate fully on your driving.

  • Never weave in and out of traffic and don't tailgate.

    -Ends-

    • © Press Release 2005