Dear Colleagues

Petroleum Development Oman is proud to announce the first Regional Occupational Health Conference in Muscat, from 11th – 13th December 2006. The event will bring together international and regional experts to promote Occupational Health (OH) and its relationship to employees’ productivity and its workforce.

The conference will benefit healthcare and HSE professionals as well as all interested in the healthcare of the workforce and the company.

Health like Education is a form of human capital and is a fundamental requirement for economic development. Sound OH infrastructure promotes healthier standards of workers, thus increasing their participation rate and productivity. Moreover, a healthy working life increases the experience level and hence increases the overall returns in Education invested by the Nation. The bottom line is “Healthier is Wealthier”.

At the global level the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has estimated that the overall economic losses resulting from work related diseases, illnesses and injuries account for approximately 4% of the world’s gross national product. The Occupational Health Conference – Oman will address, among other issues, Fitness To Work standards and the growing burden of sickness absence and ill health retirement and its impact on economic development.

The conference will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions and workshops to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and debate on possible solutions.

Looking forward to meeting you in Muscat !

Dr. Nasser S. M. Al-Maskery
Conference Chairman
Chief Medical Officer
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)