A number of world-renowned experts presented papers on risk management principles, health and safety management and professional standards, among others.
Barry Holt, head of Health and Safety Consultancy at UK-based Cardinus Risk Management, discussed the concepts of the risk management in his presentation.
He pointed out that risk arises from the operational activities and affects business performance. He stressed the need for applying brainstorming techniques to identify the threats in an organization.
Holt called for emergency response and business continuity planning to prevent accidents.
Keith Scott of Royal Mail UK talked about the social responsibility of business firms.
He observed that businesses exist within society and profits are generated from members of that society.
"Thus businesses should be seen to be contributing to the betterment of society," he said, adding that the main advantage of health and safety management is that it prevents death and injury.
Professional competency is a must, said Brian Nimick, CEO of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
He added that safety professionals must have qualifications and experience to deal with incidents and disasters.
They should be able to ensure that proportionate actions are taken to help maintain the balance between safe operations and business continuity.
Yassin Al-Hussein, CEO of Dhahran-based CPS-Arabia was present at the occasion.
The company mainly provides services to the manufacturers of spare parts and equipment. It offers technical support for overhead lifting equipment and integrated solutions.
