Reliable HSE Standards

Ahmed Zuhair Al Riyami, QHSE Officer, OPWP shares his thoughts on HSE and Waste Management practices of the Nama Group

How is Nama Group promoting Can you give us an overview of the HSE initiatives being undertaken at Nama Group?

From a sustainability perspective, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) is crucial in maintaining the wellbeing of people. To achieve this, we have implemented a range of initiatives, such as strengthening HSE audits and conducting regular inspections at construction sites and existing power plants, which have contributed to a decrease in accidents and injuries. Additionally, we have prioritized knowledge-sharing practices within our organization and have developed a comprehensive training program to ensure that all employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain high HSE standards. Overall, our commitment to HSE is fundamental to our mission to operate responsibly and sustainably while keeping our people, communities, and the environment safe.

How do strong HSE measures help from a customer point of view?

In today’s market, customers seek out products and services that prioritize safety, and companies that prioritize health and safety are more likely to gain customer trust. This is because customers believe that companies that prioritize the safety of their employees are more likely to prioritize the safety of their customers as well. Moreover, companies with strong HSE measures have a competitive edge due to their reputation for trust and safety.

Compliance with legal standards and regulations, such as Royal Decrees and Ministerial Decisions, is essential to avoid potential liabilities and business disruptions that may impact customers. Furthermore, Environmental responsibility is also a significant aspect of HSE, particularly given the growing concern for sustainability among customers. For example, adhering to a clear emission standard by power producers, particularly those operating gas-fired plants is crucial, to support the sustainability objectives of the Nama Group.

Safe disposal and recycling are an integral part of Sustainability. What kind of Waste management practices are being adopted at the Group to achieve these objectives?

Effective waste management is essential for the sustainable growth of any organization. Governments worldwide have implemented regulations and guidelines to ensure that waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly and safe manner. Oman’s

Ministerial Decision 286 in 2008 is an example of such regulations that mandate companies to have a structured waste disposal process and engage authorized disposal companies to dispose of waste safely.

Waste management companies have various mechanisms, such as recycling, to dispose of waste like paper, plastic, and glass appropriately, which contributes positively in the conservation of the resources. There are two critical considerations in waste management, reducing the amount of hazardous waste generated and reducing the toxicity of waste.

Reduction targets for waste have been agreed upon to ensure that the environment is not adversely affected. In addition to traditional waste management methods, waste-to-energy projects can also be employed to convert municipal solid waste into energy.