A world-renowned safety organisation has chosen Dubai as the location for its first international office.

The British Safety Council also chose to celebrate its 50th anniversary in style by officially opening the facility yesterday.

The company, which already has a presence in the region, works with some of the UAE's biggest corporate and government companies and departments including etisalat, Dewa, Enoc, Abu Dhabi Municipality and Nakheel to name a few.

It is hoped the new Dubai office will allow the services, training and expertise offered to reach more people in the UAE in the coming years.

Currently working with more than 50 companies worldwide, the British Safety Council offers health and safety training to employees in the workplace through a global network of training centres. Courses include IOSH, IEMA, and IIRSM accredited standards designed specifically for the international market.

Michael Cox-Hill, general manager for the company's Dubai office, said: "The initiative underpins our international growth strategy where we aim to further develop our Middle East business through the new regional hub office based in Dubai.



Qualification
"We aim to provide further training, qualifications and auditing services to our member companies who embark on a proactive HSE agenda that assists us in supporting a healthier, safer and more sustainable society."

As a mark of intent, the British Safety Council is delivering a free local initiative that will look to train and certify 1,000 workers to a basic level of Health and Safety Awareness.

Cox-Hill added: "We will look to develop this initiative in partnership with local businesses in order that every worker in any industry can receive a basic level of training and education. We believe that this initiative will raise safety standards throughout the region, as it will allow all workers and companies to implement the latest safety management techniques."

Chief Executive, David Ballard, said: "The Gulf region is a special place for us. Rapid development and industrial diversity combine to make our knowledge and experience particularly valuable.

"Together we can make the world a more safer and sustainable place. We look forward to working with the Gulf's safest companies over the next 50 years and beyond."