This refers to the report “Jubail contractors, suppliers learn more about ethics and integrity” (June 2). It is heartening to read that the Saudi Aramco Shell Refinery Company (SASREF) inaugurated its business ethics awareness symposium for contractors and suppliers in Jubail Industrial City.

Business ethics and professional codes of conduct play a pivotal role in the progress of a company. Taking a holistic view of the impact of these factors in risk control, for example, involves the establishing of risks control identification systems, considering the nature of the job through task analysis and selection of the right people. Human factors such as mental and physical requirements are also taken into consideration.

Lastly, organizations with an under-developed approach to health and safety may have the false perception that the solution to reduce risks is to provide individual protective measures such as warnings of the effects of hazards and provision of personal protective equipment.

A more developed and effective approach is to give priority, where possible, to collective measures that provide protection to all workers such as providing barriers around road construction sites or cleaning up spills caused by slippery substances. These measures, which apply the strategy of “a safe place is a healthy place,” would be far more effective than putting up warning signs. — Anees Lokhande, Alkhobar