James Baker panel expert to address 4th ASSE International Health, Safety, Environment Conference

On March 23, 2005, the BP Texas City refinery experienced a catastrophic process accident. It was one of the most serious U.S. workplace disasters of the past two decades, resulting in 15 deaths and more than 170 injuries. In the aftermath of the accident, on recommendation from US government BP formed an independent panel to conduct a thorough review of the company's corporate safety culture, safety management systems, and corporate safety oversight at its U.S. refineries. The panel headed by James Baker, ex-Secretary of State, issued its findings and made specific and extensive recommendations. Jack McCavit served as an expert by the panel.

The American Society of Safety Engineers - Kuwait Chapter (ASSE) is organizing the 4th International Health, Safety, Environment and Loss Prevention Professional Development Conference & Exposition which is going to be held in Radison SAS Hotel in Kuwait between April 15th and 17th, 2007. The Conference and Exhibition will bring together industry leaders, experts, regulatory authorities and practitioners under one roof to facilitate knowledge exchange and raise the profile of the HSE profession in the area. In addition, the event is working to encourage public involvement by initiating different awareness programs through out the conference activities.
The organizing committee President Ujwal Ritwik informed that the conference titled "Business Excellence through HSE" will be held over two days period. The event program involves delivering technical sessions which will occupy three parallel rooms.

Technical topics to be covered are:
HSE Management Systems
Risk Management
Business and Environment
Occupational Health
Loss Prevention

Apart from McCavit, the event will be addressed by several well known international and Kuwaiti experts in the HSE field such as Dr. Ali Khuraibet, a registered United Nation Environment Program environmental expert, Dr. Jas Singh of American Industrial Hygiene Association and Dr. Wate, Director of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.
The exhibition associated with the conference will feature some of the well known industry leaders that will bring to the table best available technologies and practices.

A number of pre-conference work-shops are going to be organized to allow industry practitioners to improve their skills and knowledge. Giving out the details of the conference Mr. Ritwik further emphasized the value of the training workshops. Some of these are for the first time in this region, for example the next generation developments in process safety management. The last day of the conference will also feature an exclusive symposium on Kuwait laws on health, safety and environment. The event will make Kuwait proud and Mr. Ritwik hoped the local and regional industries and institutions will utilize the opportunity.