Fire and Rescue, Occupational Safety and Health Expo opens

BELGRADE - The 2014 international Fire and Rescue, Occupational Safety and Health Exhibition, also known as 112 Expo, opened in Belgrade on Tuesday with the message that investment in safety is not an expenditure, but something that could save lives.

The crisis response department of the Interior Ministry and the occupational safety and health department of the Ministry of Labour sponsored the event.

Labour Minister Aleksandar Vulin said at the opening ceremony that 35 people on average died at work in Serbia each year, so employers should follow instructions given by health and safety inspectors regarding and thereby alleviate or prevent accidents.

The Minister said the occupational health and safety law would be amended to improve the situation in that field.

The floods and other natural disasters that have happened this year have caused great property damage to many families in Serbia and claimed lives, so the signifance of crisis prevention and response has become clear, Secretary for the Interior Milosav Milickovic said.

The Interior Ministry wants to improve the ability of all agencies to react properly in such situations, he noted.

The expo will be used to present the legislation related to this field and hold workshops, discussions and a demonstration by the Interior Ministry, he pointed out.

The slogan of this year's 112 Expo is: "Prevention first."

More than 70 exhibitors from around 20 countries will present some 150 brands of equipment during the expo.

Photo Tanjug - Dragan Stankovic