Unilever Arabia holds in-house road safety campaign

The campaign; part of a wider behaviour safety initiative based on the Du Pont Behaviour Safety Model, was initiated by Unilever's SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) team in association with Bridgestone and Emirates Driving Institute (EDI). The campaign stressed on the benefits of seatbelt usage, head restraints and car seats as well as the importance of tire safety. The SHEQ team organized various activities, competitions and prizes over the two-day campaign.

After a brief and interactive presentation by both Bridgestone and EDI, it was time for the "real experience". According to Mohammed Saeed, Managing Director Unilever, Arabian Gulf and head of the Safe Travel sub-committee, GCC , "It was important for us to support the lectures with practical demonstrations and give our employees the opportunity to experience the benefits of wearing a seatbelt and learn how to change their tires in emergency situations."

EDI provided Unilever's employees with the opportunity to experience the 360° Roll-Over Car. The simulator helped demonstrate to drivers the dangers of not buckling up while driving. The sliding seat of the Seatbelt Convincer also allowed drivers to experience the jolt of a sudden stop at a low speed clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the seatbelt.

"Our focus was on the use of seatbelts; they are the single most effective piece of safety equipment in a vehicle but all too often are neglected resulting in needless loss of life or injury. We are delighted to have contributed to Unilever's Road Safety Campaign and applaud the initiative." highlights Peter Richardson, General Manager Technical and Operations, Emirates Driving Institute.

On the other hand, Bridgestone briefed employees on the importance of regular checks of their tires and also took employees through a step by step demonstration of how to change a tire as well as the tools they would need to change it. "We are keen to further support Unilever in spreading safety awareness in the Middle East in line of Bridgestone Corporate Social Responsibility of promoting tire safety" stated Mr. Shuji Itasaka, General Manager Marketing & Business Development, Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE.

Unilever's SHEQ team was delighted with the response from the employees to the campaign. "Honestly, we did not expect 179 employees to attend, given the short notice of the workshop", highlighted Mohammed Saeed.

The participants also found the campaign very interesting and informative. According to one participant, "The sessions were informative and the practical demonstrations really stressed the importance of safety belts. I always thought I knew all there was to know in this area, but again I learned some new things."

Members of Unilever's SHEQ team are already in the process of planning for their next "Value Life Value Safety" campaign. "We are committed to holding similar sessions in 2009 that cover safety, health and the environment" stated Mohammed Saeed.