ISLAMABAD: With the increase in cars and aeroplanes, accidents have also risen, whether the cause is mechanical fault or human error. Under these circumstances, safety of commuters and passengers needs to be given the highest priority.

This was stated by The Society for Air Safety Investigators (SASI) of Pakistan President retired Wing Commander Syed Nasim Ahmed during a press briefing on Sunday.

He also shared details of a conference to be held on June 25 at the Air University to create awareness on how air, rail, marine and road accidents could be prevented.Syed Nasim Ahmed, who has been an aircraft accident investigator, also introduced two guests from Canada — both accident investigators Caj Frostell and Mike Doiron.

Conference to focus on how air, rail, marine accidents can be prevented

They will be speaking at the conference and sharing their experiences about safety in all areas of air travel, marine accidents building fires and crashes on roads.

SASI is a voluntary organisation working on improving safety for the last one decade in Pakistan.

“It is a misconception that only experts can perform investigations. We try to build capacities by sharing knowledge and our experiences to empower common man. Accidents have life-long effects on families that even affect livelihood,” Syed Nasir said, explaining the mission of SASI which is safety education.

He stressed on the need for the government to invest in safety.

“By the time children are five years old, they already know how to stand in a lift, where to go when a fire alarm goes off, how to walk, work in the kitchen and operate gas to prevent accidents. This is why we need to make safety in all areas in schools,” said Syed Nasim.

Mike Doiron said to improve safety practices in Pakistan it was important to monitor international events and learn from them at the expense of professional organisations.

“We must take those lessons and incorporate them in existing programmes in Pakistan. We must continue to work with professionals to make sure that the future is ours,” Mr Doiron said.

He told the press briefing that he was pleased to be in Pakistan and pass on knowledge to safety inspectors in Pakistan International Airlines and Pakistan Railways as well as members from the trucking sector in the country. SASI has a presence in more than 70 countries with some 1,500 volunteers.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2019