Affirming the industrial sector's vital role in supporting a stable working environment, the Damascus Chamber of Industry and its Countryside participated in the opening of the 9th Annual Occupational Safety and Health Conference. The event was held at the National Library in Damascus under the patronage of Hind Kabawat, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, and organized by the General Organization for Social Insurance in cooperation with the General Federation of Trade Unions and the Chamber of Industry.The conference coincides with World Day for Safety and Health at Work, under the theme "Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Work Environment," highlighting the importance of promoting mental health alongside physical safety in the workplace.The opening was attended by several officials and representatives of official and union bodies, including Muhammad Ayman al-Mawlawi, Chairman of the Damascus Chamber of Industry and its Countryside; Hassan Khatib, Director-General of the General Organization for Social Insurance; and Hamad Barkal, representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor; along with representatives from the Federation of Trade Unions and various economic entities.In his speech, Al-Mawlawi emphasized that the worker is the fundamental pillar of the production process, noting that maintaining their physical and mental safety is an investment that reflects on production continuity and quality improvement. He also stressed the need to provide a supportive work environment that reduces stress and distraction, calling for occupational safety to be adopted as a daily methodology within industrial facilities and for enhanced training programs to raise awareness of professional risks.On his part, Hassan Khatib explained that the concept of occupational safety is no longer limited to traditional preventive measures but now encompasses psychological and social aspects. He emphasized that a healthy work environment contributes to reducing burnout and lowering accident rates, noting that the organization's role extends beyond compensation to spreading a comprehensive culture of prevention.Hamad Barkal stressed the importance of integrating the roles of the government, employers, and workers to achieve a balanced and safe work environment. He pointed out that psychological stability contributes to improving productivity, reducing labor turnover, and enhancing institutional loyalty.The conference featured an intensive scientific program with the participation of experts and academics, covering several topics, most notably psychosocial risks in the work environment, international policies to reduce them, and ways to prevent occupational burnout. The event also showcased successful national experiences and concluded with a discussion session on best practices for protecting workers and promoting their well-being
5/5/2026
