Overview
In 2022, International SOS embarked on a strategic collaboration with a leading energy contractor in Egypt. The contractor was constructing a large-scale project in a remote location. The partnership aimed to provide the contractor's 6,000-strong workforce with comprehensive health and wellbeing services. This included medical staffing, an on-site clinic, multiple first aid stations, and ambulance services.
Problem
Shortly after the mobilisation of our medical professionals, a critical incident occurred. An employee on the site collapsed and lost consciousness. 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.
Solution
After our on-site medical team swiftly intervened, it was quickly 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.
Following this incident, our medical staff collaborated with the organisation's HSE management team. Together, they launched a diabetes awareness and prevention campaign, introduced pre-employment fitness assessments, and initiated first aid training for the site workforce.
Impact
The diabetes awareness campaign identified six workforce members with previously undiagnosed conditions. Introducing pre-employment fitness assessments enhanced the safety measures during workforce deployment on the site. Furthermore, over 800 workforce members received training in essential first aid skills.
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 and ensured business continuity, cost savings, and an enhanced reputation for the organisation.