RoSPA Honours Excellence and Celebrates Safety Champions in Bahrain
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), a globally respected authority on health and safety, has recognised four trailblazing companies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for their exceptional commitment to workplace safety.
These organisations, all based in Bahrain, have been honoured with the prestigious Life Presidential Awards, cementing their status as industry leaders in health and safety excellence.
Recognising Leaders in Safety
RoSPA has been at the forefront of accident prevention and occupational safety for decades, striving to create safer communities worldwide. With their Life Presidential Awards, RoSPA underscores the importance of leadership in safety and the value of setting high benchmarks.
These awards were personally presented by RoSPA’s Life President, Lord Jordan of Bournville, highlighting the remarkable efforts of these organisations to safeguard their employees and elevate safety standards regionally and globally.
Let’s take a closer look at the awardees and their noteworthy contributions to health and safety.
- Aluminium Bahrain (Alba): Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, stands out for its unwavering support of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards. With a production capacity exceeding 1.6 million metric tonnes annually, Alba not only drives Bahrain’s economy but also prioritises the safety and well-being of its workforce. Over its 50-year legacy, Alba has consistently demonstrated how industrial giants can lead by example, advocating for safety as a cornerstone of sustainable growth. Its high-quality aluminium products are exported globally, symbolising excellence on multiple fronts.
- BAPCO Gas: As RoSPA’s longest continuous entrant, BAPCO Gas—formerly known as Banagas—has been a stalwart supporter of the organisation’s mission for over 40 years. With an unbroken record of achieving Gold-level recognition or higher, this company exemplifies consistency and dedication. BAPCO Gas plays a pivotal role in Bahrain’s energy landscape, promoting oil production from the Bahrain Field, treating associated gas, and supplying surplus gas to local industries. Its safety-first approach is a model for energy companies striving for operational excellence.
- BAPCO Refining: BAPCO Refining has earned its accolades through an unwavering commitment to safety during the ambitious Bapco Modernisation Programme. This transformative initiative will boost the refinery’s output from 267,000 barrels per day to an impressive 380,000 barrels per day, further solidifying Bahrain’s position as a regional energy hub. By prioritising health and safety throughout this complex project, BAPCO Refining showcases how innovation and risk management can go hand in hand.
- Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co. (GPIC): For over two decades, Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co. (GPIC) has been a trusted partner of RoSPA, advocating for workplace safety and health. As the only petrochemical-producing company headquartered in Bahrain, GPIC produces ammonia, urea, and methanol, contributing significantly to the national economy. Jointly owned by entities from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, GPIC has set benchmarks in safety culture, earning the coveted Sir George Earle Trophy in 2005. Its recognition by RoSPA reinforces its status as a trailblazer in petrochemical safety.
Voices of Recognition
Lord Jordan of Bournville, RoSPA’s Life President, praised the achievements of these companies, statin:, “The dedication and commitment of these companies to health and safety are truly commendable. Their efforts not only safeguard their employees but also set a high standard for others to aspire to. By prioritising safety and fostering inclusive environments, they are paving the way for a future where every workplace is a model of excellence and care. It’s inspiring to see such passion and dedication in action, and I am proud to honour these outstanding achievements.”
Rebecca Hickman, RoSPA’s CEO, echoed these sentiments, adding: “RoSPA has praised the significant progress the country has made in worker protection. Bahrain has achieved a 60 per cent reduction in occupational injuries since implementing the midday work ban. This milestone underlines the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing workplace safety and aligns with RoSPA’s mission to promote safe and healthy working environments worldwide.”
Building a Safer Future Together
Earlier in the week, RoSPA’s delegation actively participated in the 15th Professional Development Conference & Exhibition, hosted by the American Society of Safety Professionals – Middle East Chapter (ASSP-MEC) at the Gulf Hotel in Bahrain. Themed “Building a Safer Future Together,” this conference served as a hub for industry professionals to exchange innovative ideas and best practices in health, safety, and environmental management.
Rebecca Hickman’s keynote address at the event highlighted the importance of inclusive and safe workplaces, a message that resonates deeply within the GCC’s forward-thinking industries. The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment of organisations in the region to foster environments where safety is not just a priority but a shared responsibility.
RoSPA’s Vision for a Safer World
RoSPA continues to lead the charge in accident prevention and occupational safety, with a mission to create a world free from avoidable injuries. Through initiatives like the Life Presidential Awards and active participation in global safety forums, RoSPA amplifies the voices of organisations that prioritise the well-being of their people.
By setting benchmarks, lobbying governments, and offering industry-recognised qualifications, RoSPA inspires a culture of safety across industries and borders.
A Bright Future for Workplace Safety
The recognition of these four Bahraini organisations is a testament to what’s possible when safety becomes a core value rather than an afterthought. Their commitment not only protects their employees but also inspires others to raise the bar. As Lord Jordan so aptly put it, these companies are paving the way for a future where every workplace prioritises excellence and care.
Their achievements stand as shining examples of what can be accomplished when safety takes centre stage.
