Latest news with #InternationalSOS
eNCA
5 days ago
- Health
- eNCA
Is vaping healthier than smoking?
JOHANNESBURG - On 31 May 2025 marks World No Tobacco Day. The day aims to raise awareness of the harmful tactics employed by the tobacco industry. Experts are saying that despite widespread health warnings, many individuals continue smoking. They say the nicotine industry is now targeting younger people with flavoured vaping products, which are misleadingly promoted as being less harmful. According to International SOS's Global Health Advisor for Clinical Governance, Dr. Chris van Straten, the risks associated with smoking and vaping are the same, hence neither should be encouraged.
India.com
24-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
Rise In COVID 19 Cases In India: Precautionary Measures Indians Should Take Amid Rising Cases
India is once again witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases, a reminder that the virus never truly disappeared. It merely receded into the background, aided by natural immunity, mass vaccinations, and widely adopted COVID-appropriate behavior. However, the evolving nature of the virus and fluctuating immunity levels in the population necessitate renewed vigilance and responsible public health practices. Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director, International SOS shares precautionary measures Indians should take amid rising cases. With newer variants emerging, the threat of periodic surges persists. While the rise in cases is not alarming just yet, complacency can quickly change the situation. It is important to understand that COVID-19 has transitioned from a pandemic to an endemic. This means instead of one-time protocols, we must now adopt sustained 'health practices' to protect ourselves and our communities. Vaccination Remains Key COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer substantial protection, especially against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even with the newer variants. Booster doses are being updated to enhance cross-protection, and it is essential for vulnerable groups—including the elderly, those with chronic conditions, and immunocompromised individuals—to stay current with their vaccination schedules. Vaccination does not completely prevent infection, but it significantly reduces the severity of outcomes. Testing and Early Detection Even if vaccinated, individuals must get tested if they show symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, or if they have been in close contact with a confirmed case. Testing plays a critical role in limiting community spread and enables early intervention, which is particularly important for those with underlying health risks. The Mask is Still a Shield Wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places continues to be an effective way to reduce transmission. Public transport, healthcare settings, and indoor gatherings are high-risk areas where masking is strongly recommended. Workplace Preparedness and 'Health Practices' Organizations must shift focus from temporary protocols to long-term health practices. This includes promoting respiratory hygiene, monitoring indoor air quality, facilitating access to testing, and ensuring that employees can shift to remote work if required. A robust contingency plan can prevent workplace outbreaks and maintain business continuity. An emerging concern is 'immunity debt'—the reduced natural stimulation of the immune system due to prolonged hygiene practices. As a result, other respiratory illnesses like flu are resurging with greater severity. This can increase absenteeism and decrease workplace productivity. Hence, employers should also promote annual flu vaccinations and adopt flexible sick leave policies to ensure recovery and prevent further spread. Long COVID is Real Persistent symptoms after recovery, known as 'long COVID', can affect both adults and children, although less frequently in the latter. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain can significantly affect quality of life. Recognizing and supporting those with long COVID is an emerging need for both public health authorities and employers. In conclusion, as India deals with this current rise in COVID-19 cases, the goal is not fear, but preparedness. Practicing vigilance, updating vaccinations, wearing masks when needed, and fostering supportive health environments—at home and in the workplace—will go a long way in keeping us all safe.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
International SOS reopens enhanced Dubai Assistance Centre amid rising regional risk demands
Dubai – As organisations across the Middle East and Africa face growing complexities in health, security, and operational risk, International SOS - the global leader in health and security risk management—has announced the reopening of its upgraded Dubai Assistance Centre. The relaunch marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the Group's 40th anniversary, and underscores its four-decade legacy of safeguarding workforce wellbeing and delivering critical support during times of crisis. Serving as a command hub for a vast and volatile geographical region - including the Gulf, Levant, Central Asia, North Africa, and parts of Eastern and Southern Africa, the Dubai Assistance Centre monitors and assesses situations inmore extreme and high-risk countries than any other in International SOS's global network of 28 Assistance Centres. International SOS has a multilingual team capable of communicating in over 110 languages and dialects worldwide, with 24 spoken at its Dubai Assistance Centre alone. It now includes a dedicated Telehealth Suite that showcases International SOS's remote site telemedicine capabilities, demonstrating how cutting-edge healthcare delivery can reach even the most isolated locations. The renovation was guided by key operational goals such as to modernise the facility, enhance collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, and offer a state-of-the-art environment for providing the best services to organisations. It now includes a dedicated Telehealth Suite that showcases International SOS's remote site telemedicine capabilities demonstrating how cutting-edge healthcare delivery can reach even the most isolated locations. 'The enhancement of our Dubai Assistance Centre is a strategic investment in our ability to better serve organisations in one of the most dynamic regions of the world.,' said Sebastien Bedu, General Manager - Middle East, International SOS. 'This centre is the operational backbone for hundreds of organisations who rely on us for rapid crisis response, health and security insights, and the tools they need to protect their workforce and operations.' Over the past year alone, , the Assistance Centres around the world have managed more than 300,000 cases, offering 24/7 support in medical and security emergencies, real-time information and analysis, consulting services, and tailored training. Its critical role in safeguarding employees and operations makes it a lifeline for companies prioritising Duty of Care, business continuity, and talent retention in unpredictable environments. Another significant enhancement for the centre is the integration of real-time risk intelligence through a strategic alliance with Ontic, a leading provider of Connected Intelligence software for threat management. This collaboration will integrate Ontic's advanced security technology with the global assistance capabilities, intelligence network, and decades of travel risk expertise of International SOS. The partnership aims to deliver unified solutions that empower security professionals to proactively manage threats, activate crisis response, and ensure the safety of their workforce worldwide reinforcing the Centre's position as an essential business resilience asset. Operational resilience as a focus is underpinned by robust mitigation and response to health, wellbeing and security risks. The enhancement of the Dubai Assistance Centre serves as a reminder of how vital reliable infrastructure and intelligence are to businesses today - particularly in regions where crises are not a question of if, but when. About the International SOS Group of Companies; 40 years of saving lives The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability. Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group has been saving lives for 40 years. Headquartered in London & Singapore, it is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500, a. As well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices. To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips;
Independent Singapore
28-04-2025
- Health
- Independent Singapore
About 2.93M workers die from work-related diseases and accidents annually, yet 62% of the global workforce lacks OSH training
Photo: Depositphotos/ Shadow_of_light (for illustration purposes only) SINGAPORE: Today marks the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, putting a spotlight on the urgent need to better protect workers. New figures from health and security risk services company International SOS revealed that about 2.93 million workers lose their lives each year because of work-related diseases (89%) and occupational accidents and injuries (11%). Despite this, 62% of the global workforce has never received Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) training. More than 75% of work-related deaths came from circulatory, neoplastic, and respiratory diseases, with long working hours and exposure to pollutants as major contributors. The report also highlighted a 10% rise in assistance requests related to respiratory diseases in 2024 compared to the previous year. Still, more than 70% of organisations have now included mental health support in their workplace health and safety policies. Dr Olivier LO, group medical director, occupational health services, at International SOS, said, 'It is important to acknowledge that workplace harm, encompassing both physical and mental wellbeing of workers, frequently arises from limitations in organisational governance and resource provision. A fundamental duty of care is non-negotiable; organisational neglect in these areas carries substantial human and economic consequences. Addressing these issues demands a holistic structured approach, recognising that the health and safety of the global workforce are inextricably linked to the broader operational framework.' He added that as artificial intelligence (AI) and digitisation become more common in workplaces, there is a growing need to pay closer attention to new potential hazards. To help organisations create healthier and safer workplaces, International SOS suggested the following strategies: Conduct thorough health and safety risk assessments by identifying and evaluating potential hazards in the workplace, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks. Promote a culture of health and occupational wellbeing that values and supports the physical and mental health of workers, including access to health services, wellness programmes, and mental health support. Provide comprehensive training to equip employees with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely, including hazard recognition, safe work practices, and emergency procedures. Develop robust crisis management plans to respond effectively to emergencies, such as workplace incidents, natural disasters, and pandemics, minimising the impact on workers' health and safety. Implement mental health programmes that support workers' mental wellbeing, reduce stigma, and provide access to mental health resources. Mitigate the risks of excessive working hours by implementing clear policies and practices that prevent excessive overtime, including workload management strategies and time-off provisions. Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health and safety programmes as well as make necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing improvement. /TISG Read also: Can better office spaces attract Singapore workers who want flexibility amid the return to office (RTO) mandate by large corporations? Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Metro
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Top secret military unit to guard skies above Rome during Pope Francis's funeral
A secretive military unit specialising in drone warfare will be deployed to monitor the sky over Rome and the Vatican during the funeral procession of Pope Francis. As thousands of mourners descend on St Peter's Square, Italian authorities are enacting one of the most complex operations in recent Vatican history. The threat level has quietly been elevated – though not officially – which has prompted a series of heightened security measures across the capital. Among them is a special unit trained in drone reconnaissance operations typically used in conflict zones. Franco Fantozzi, senior security adviser at International SOS, revealed to Metro that they will be watching the Italian airspace for potential threats on Saturday. 'I cannot name the unit – and they are secretive – so they don't even have a name within the military, but they will be watching the sky for drones,' he said. He also said that a ban on flights of any aircraft will be introduced during the farewell to the pontiff. With more than 30 years of experience in the Carabinieri, with command roles in units involved in the fight against organised crime and terrorism, Fantozzi can get inside the mind of those policing the Vatican and Rome during the period of religious uncertainty. Alongside a watchful eye on the sky, authorities will be monitoring River Tiber that flows through the capital and focusing on the crowds made up of pilgrims and tourists. Fantozzi stressed that there are several factors raising the threat level – including the timing, as the pope died on Easter Monday, and the overflow of tourists in Rome. But this time the security challenge also extends beyond the borders of the Vatican. Unlike his predecessors, Francis will not be laid to rest beneath St Peter's Basilica in a break with centuries of tradition that represents his legacy as a more liberal leader. His remains will instead be transported to the Basilica of St Mary Major, on the Esquiline Hill, near Termini train station. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video This unusual final journey has triggered additional planning for the various police powers that are taking part in the operation. Though Italian authorities have not shared official numbers yet, Fantozzi said that thousands more officers – including plainclothes officers will be deployed in the days leading up to the funeral. This does not seem like an exaggeration as the parametre surrounding the Vatican is already swarmed with officers. So is virtually every major intersection in Rome, turning traffic into a long nightmare. This also means that every step during Francis' last journey will be under the watch of Vatican Gendarmerie, the Swiss Guard, and elite Italian units. Currently, the Italian government has the threat level of a terrorist attack in Italy as 'medium/high', also known as Level 2. While there have been no such incidents during papal funerals in recent memory, the risk profile is always high. More Trending The funeral of Pope John Paul II in April 2005 drew more than four million people to Rome and was one of the largest gatherings of heads of state outside the UN. Security appeared watertight, but about three hours after the funeral, an Italian F-16 fighter jet intercepted a suspicious plane heading to Rome's Ciampino airport. The aircraft was forced to land after intelligence sources warned it was carrying a bomb, but this later proved false. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: I met Pope Francis – he welcomed me as a Catholic trans man MORE: Why won't the Catholic Church allow a woman pope? MORE: Here's why Pope Francis's ring will be destroyed by a hammer
