Overview
In 2022, International SOS embarked on a strategic collaboration with a leading energy contractor in Egypt. This contractor was engaged in constructing a large-scale project in a remote location, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. The partnership aimed to provide the contractor's 6,000-strong workforce with comprehensive health and wellbeing services. These services included medical staffing, an on-site clinic, multiple first aid stations, and ambulance services, ensuring that the workforce had access to immediate and effective medical care.
Problem
Shortly after the mobilisation of our medical professionals, a critical incident occurred. An employee on the site collapsed and lost consciousness, creating a potentially life-threatening situation. His colleagues, who lacked first aid skills, attempted interventions that could have been harmful. Fortunately, they also promptly alerted our on-site medical staff for support. This incident highlighted the urgent need for proper medical training and awareness among the workforce to handle such emergencies effectively.
Solution
Our on-site medical team swiftly intervened and determined that the individual was suffering from hypoglycemia, a condition associated with diabetes. The team administered necessary first aid, including vital signs assessment, IV cannula insertion, and the provision of 10% glucose fluid. This prompt and professional response was crucial in stabilising the employee's condition.
Following this incident, our medical staff collaborated with the organisation's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management team. Together, they launched a comprehensive diabetes awareness and prevention campaign. This initiative included educational sessions on recognising and managing diabetes symptoms, dietary advice, and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, pre-employment fitness assessments were introduced to identify potential health risks before deployment. First aid training sessions were also conducted for the site workforce, equipping them with essential skills to handle medical emergencies.
Impact
The diabetes awareness campaign successfully identified six workforce members with previously undiagnosed conditions, allowing for early intervention and management. The introduction of pre-employment fitness assessments enhanced safety measures during workforce deployment, ensuring that employees were fit for the demanding work environment. Furthermore, over 800 workforce members received training in essential first aid skills, significantly improving the site's overall safety and emergency response capabilities.
This collaboration has significantly improved workforce health and safety at the site, mitigated the costs of potential evacuations, and enhanced the workforce's lifesaving skills. Serving as a model for proactive health risk management in the energy sector, this partnership has yielded a win-win outcome. It has improved the workforce's health, ensured business continuity, achieved cost savings, and enhanced the organisation's reputation.