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CW caught up with Intelex Technologies’ HSE and Sustainability Specialist Rahamathulla to explain about the growth of HSE management software in the region and the need to keep up with fast-changing HSE legislation.
Tell me a bit more about EHS software solutions.
HSE management software is a powerful tool where businesses want to ensure employee safety and compliance with legislative standards. Organisations tend to have fewer safety-related incidents, more streamlined HSE processes, as well as clearer corporate HSE performance metrics.
It can also help companies manage their environmental impact, particularly useful to construction companies. For example, they can monitor air emissions and wastewater effluent discharges, track waste from the cradle to grave, check their own compliance with standards and report on and analyse environmental parameters. It also helps companies keep up with legal standards.
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How do the systems fit in with the new health and safety regulations coming into force in Abu Dhabi?
Our systems are built on global best standards like ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and regulatory standards like OSHA, US EPA and HSE Executive. Recently, we mapped Intelex features and functionalities with Oman Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety. In the future, we plan to analyse and map the Abu Dhabi regulations with Intelex and configure the reporting templates into our system.
How cost effective are they?
Pricing depends on modules, business area and company size. It ranges from US $15,000 to US $ 700,000 depending on a company’s individual requirements.
Are they easy to implement and use?
Nowadays, solutions tend to be web based, allowing the implementation to be done within weeks or months (not years). Employees do need training on the system but that is all included in implementation. The HSE Manager will decide who has access to the system but there are some reports which everyone can have access to.
How are companies managing without these systems?
Most companies are still using paper based systems or spreadsheets to manage health and safety, but this can cause problems when collating information from different departments or projects.
It also means the information is not secure, and there are no notifications to let remind HSE managers when training is due. Generating and analysing reports manually can also be tough and time consuming.
Surely other products and services need to be prioritised?
Tracking HSE performance has become a priority now for a number of reasons. Firstly, information needs to be reported to shareholders and stakeholders and this can be inaccurate without the right systems.
Second, translation of HSE data into management key performance indicators, especially those related to risk (costs) and opportunities (revenue) can be difficult without effective reporting.
More obvious reasons are the increasing pressure on companies to comply with local regulations and standards and to improve health and safety practices for the sake of their company reputation.
Where are your biggest markets within the ME?
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Are many companies taking advantage of your solutions?
Yes. Occasionally companies are reluctant to purchase these types of systems typically because they’re used to the “old way” of doing business, and they don’t realise that their approach makes it more difficult to comply with rapidly changing legislation. Sometimes they don’t have the time to conduct an assessment of HSE vendors or prepare packages for management, as they are literally too busy putting out fires - fires that HSE software would reduce or eliminate!
Any market segments you plan to target in the future?
The Middle East is still an untapped market and we have plans to expand into the North Africa region.
What do you expect for H2 of 2010?
So far this year has been really exciting with some big projects, but there is still a lot to come. We are in a much better position than last year.
When will you next be showcasing your products?
We are hoping to exhibit at the Middle East fire and safety conference in Dubai this September.
About Intelex Technologies Inc.
Intelex Technologies Inc. has been a global provider of health, safety, environment and quality software for 17 years. The firm’s main role is to help organisations comply with government regulations and industry standards. Intelex is currently growing its Middle Eastern portfolio, its biggest clients in the region including Laing O’Rourke, Dubai Supply Authority and Sarooj Constructions.
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The man behind Barik/Intelex Technologies and also one of the reasons for change in attitude towards safety across Major