Health Benefits of Exercise – Health is Wealth

Exercise is described as an   activity that requires physical or mental exertion, especially when performed to develop or maintain fitness.  It is one of the important aspects of a healthy living. If we do regular exercise we maintain good health and are free from the ill effects of many potential diseases.  It helps in preventing the onset of many diseases and helps in maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance.

Many studies have been done to understand the health benefits of exercise.  Normally 30 minutes of exercise at-least three to five times a week is helpful in bringing good results to our well being.   There are various studies that show that aerobic exercise is good for health and some studies show that weights training are useful for better shaping the body.  There are many benefits of exercise but the following are understood by most of us.

Apart from 30 minutes time spent on exercise daily.  We should also see to it that we are highly active in our day to day lives in-order to get the maximum benefits to our healthy living.  

• Helps in controlling the Blood Pressure
• Useful in reducing stress, anxiety and depression
• Helps in maintaining and/or reduction of weight
• Useful in maintaining good skeletal structure
• Helps in delaying the effects of arthritis in the later life
• Useful in maintaining a healthy heart
• Helps in the building of strong bones
• Right exercise is useful in managing slipped disc/radiculopathy/back pain/herniated disc.
• Exercise helps in preventing and maintaining Osteosporosis
• Exercise helps in enhancing the energy levels and providing us with higher capacity of endurance
• People who exercise get a good night sleep
• Useful in the management of Sciatica
• It helps in controlling mild form of diabetes
• Apart from the physical benefits of exercise there are different types of psychological benefits of exercise

·        

Jinn in my office

One cloudy, misty, dusty and winter morning I woke up and found that the weather was bit chill in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.  Whilst going to office I could find that my visibility was restricted as the weather was similar to Transylvania, the birth place of dracula.  I could feel the bony dracula's moving about on the footpaths.  I tried to re-collect the count dracula's movies where in a cold blooded vampire used to roam in the streets looking for its prey.

I reached my office on time and found that it was colder than outside.  When I touched my seat I felt like standing for few more minutes before I took my seat.   There was a bit of commotion and whispers around.  Finally one of my colleagues, a typical Malayalee, who was over conscious of the situation, went on asking, who turned the temperature control knob.  Another colleague of our's, from the mountainous region of Indian sub-continent joined us and started complaining that somebody had reduced the temperature to 5 degree centigrade and the office seemed to have frozen.  He retorted that, "I had increased the temperature and now it is bit comfortable and this has happened earlier too".

Finally our first colleague got exhausted after checking with everyone and getting a negative response.  In his eagerness to find the culprit, he did his best by cross-checking with others and taking a print out of telephone numbers dialed station-wise and re-checking them. When all his exercises became futile, he proposed that it may be the Jinn which had fiddled with the temperature knob.

This proposition me nostalgic. I had heard about Jinee when I was 4 year old.  My mother used to tell us not to go near a tree, as she had seen light and commotion during night. Early in the morning she used to find empty boxes of sweets. She also told us that her great grandfather used to control a Jinn. Other stories flickered of Jinn being responsible for changing the place of a sleeping person from one room to another room.  Many a times Jinn had thrown persons from cot to a pit. People have become mad by seeing Jinn. They can change their form and can come in any living form.  They can come out of thin air and vanish into thin air. They have males, females and children. Their preferred forms are cats and snakes. The unforgettable story of Alladin and his magic lamp, generated a fresh hope.

The very thought of Jinn brought fear and hope in my mind. I tried to explain the characteristics of Jinn to my colleagues, who were a mix of Indians and Saudis.  Gradually the office closure time approached, on that particular day our entire office became empty due to the fear of Jinn. I was the only one to be left in the office.   Inspite of lingering fear, I had to stay beyond the office hours that evening due to my commitment to work.  Whilst sitting on my computer in eerie silence, I suddenly heard a violent noise in the reception area of my office.  My breathing reduced and my eyes focused at the reception door.  I felt that this may be the Jinn, who had fiddled with the temperature knob.  I could hear small commotion outside.  Suddenly the security door opened and I found a six footer entering our office in white robe.  He was my Saudi colleague and buddy.  But he did not speak to me, I thought that Jinn might have come in his form and kept quite staring pensively at my computer.  He straight away went to the bathroom.  I hurriedly tried to finish my job and was able to complete it, before the Jinn could come out.  Immediately I rushed towards the security door, I heard some sound in the reception area and once again fear gripped me. Finally I decided to take the Jinn head on, I opened the door and was bit amazed to see one of my ex-colleague, another Saudi gentleman.  Saying a hello in low tone I rushed out of my office.  Reading verses and thanking God for not bringing me into confrontation with those Jinns in my colleague and ex-colleague form. 

The next day, I found similar commotion in my office, as was there a day earlier.  On enquiring I came to know that the entire lights of the office were on for the whole night, this made me further nervous. 

Gathering courage I confessed to my colleagues that I was not the last person to leave the office. But there was one person after me whose job was to shut the lights off.  Hence I am blameless. Then my six-footer colleague in robe, indeed confessed that he had come to office the day before and forgot to switch off the lights.  This brought a big relief to me.  Ultimately I realized that the persons whom I had seen earlier were not Jinns but human beings like us.

Mr Mohammed Sadullah Khan, faculty member and a freelance writer.

He can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com

Swine Flu Dilemma

With the passing of each day lay man is more confused about the supposed to be a deadly virus.  In the current information age, lots of information is available in respect of the virus and its virulence.  Many theories have been propounded about the virus and the vaccine.  Almost all parents are worried about the health of their kids, who are back at school after a long holiday. In this time of crisis the health experts should come out with clear cut strategy to explain the real dangers of the virus, means to combat it and end the confusion. 

23/10/2009 Mohammed Sadullah Khan. 

Communal Riots

India is one of the countries having maximum number of communal riots.  The riots are usually the handi-work of politicians and the goonda elements. However the innocent people of both the communities become the victim of it.  During riots most of the personal and political scores are settled as the aggressors are sure of escaping the punishment.  A country huge as India with diverse cultures, it may not be possible to curb the tendency of friction of cultures but a stringent punishment to the perpetuators of the violence will go long way in saving the lives and properties of the innocent victims. 

Mohammed Sadullah Khan. 

Fire Prevention

The Kuwait fire incident during wedding was really unfortunate. It is being suspected that the cause of fire may be the malicious intent. Irrespective of the cause of fire had the Fire Prevention appliances were in place most of the lives could have been saved. The lack of adequate number of exit doors is also one of the major reasons for deaths. To avoid these types of incidents the premises for weddings should be adequately ventilated, tiles should be preferred instead of carpets, with sufficient number of fire exit's, kitchen should be at a safer distance from the partying area, good fire safety equipments should be available along with necessary training for safety. The guests should also be made aware of the safety facilities as a part of the Preventive measures. (17-08-2009).

Mohammed Sadullah Khan.

Bubbling Controversy

Coverage on "Burqa" seems to have overshadowed the demise of "King of Pop" in Media.  It is heartening to see the huge response in the media to the remarks made by the French President, who in his usual ignorance and unbaked curiosity has opened the Pandora's Box.  He might have never imagined the reaction to his ignorant remarks from all over the world.  For some ignorance is bliss.

The word Burqa is usually used to describe the black outer garment worn by the Muslim women.  Burqa, is preferred by many women because it is easy to wear and easy to take-out.  It is designed to adhere to the Quranic guideline of coverage for women. However it is preferable to use the word Hijab instead of Burqa. Burqa is one of the Hijaab.

Like most of the controversies and misconceptions related to Islam, which time and again erupt and give a chance to the gullible ignorant to balloon it up further.  Islamic dress code is being followed for over 1430 years and it has been prescribed in Quran when it was revealed.  Dr. Zakir Nair, one of the famous Indian Islamic Scholar, who is also famous for his verbatim quotations of various World religions,   has identified 20 of the most common mis-conceptions among non-Muslims. His presentations on the same and articles has helped many people to over-come their misunderstanding of Islam and appreciate the beauty of Islam. Few years ago he had listed the Burqa related misconception under his list at No.3. He dispels this as follows,

"Misconception # 3: Islam subjugates women in a veil.

Reply: If you look at history, to ancient civilizations, you will find that women were the oppressed people. They had no individual merit. The Babylonians used to punish the woman for her husband's mistakes. The ancient Egyptians did the same. Ancient Arabs buried their newly born daughters.

It was Islam that uplifted the status of women. It gave women rights they never had before. Surah Nissah exhorts believing men to lower their gaze if a lady is passing by. Similarly, there are exhortations for women to lower their gaze if strange men are around. The Quran also speaks about the hijab for men and women to protect the modesty. The hijab for men is to cover their bodies minimally from their navel to the knees. The hijab for women is to cover their whole bodies except for their faces and hands below their wrists. There are descriptions for a female hijab, that it should cover the endowments including head, not be tight, not be transparent, not be like the clothes of non-believers, and not be like the clothes of the other gender, etc. Women got the right to own, inherit property, and to dispose it of at will.

Let me ask you a question: Suppose two identical twin sisters are walking down a street, and one of them is dressed in revealing clothing, while the other one is wearing a hijab. Who will be boys in the street whistle at or tease: the one who is scantily dressed in a mini-skirt, or the one who is modestly attired? The answer is obvious. The hijab is designed to prevent women from being molested. It brings peace to society and prevents mischief. "

All non-Muslims should be given an opportunity to go through these fully listed misconceptions; there will be lesser number of controversies.  Media should also take care to highlight these, whenever a similar controversy erupts.

Islam as a religion gave undeniable rights to women. Burqa is not a symbol of imprisonment but it is a symbol of freedom.  Burqa, has proven to give women freedom from exploitation, harassment, subjugation and eve teasing. It elevates the women.  A vast majority of reverts are women and they have voluntarily adapted to Burqa.  The reverts Yvonne Ridley, a former Christian and Kamala Surayya, a former Hindu, both well educated women and have been fully aware of the rights and freedom of women.  These women have accepted Islam on a free will and adapted to burqa (veil) voluntarily.  No one coerced them to do so.  Islam as a religion prescribes dress code to its followers both men and women. The western societies should not imprison women with their views of freedom. The Muslim women should be given a choice of what she wants to wear in a free society.

First Saudi Insurance Symposium on 22, 23/02/2011- Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Professional Insurance Education

Mr. Mohammed Sadullah Khan, Faculty Member, Insurance Studies Unit, Institute of Banking, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia addressing the gathering of Insurance Professionals from the Insurance Industry at the First Saudi Insurance Symposium on 23/02/2011.

Mr. Mohammed Sadullah Khan of Institute of Banking with Mr. Bruce C. S. Aitken, Chief Executive Officer of ACE Arabia Insurance Company.

Mr. Mohammed Sadullah Khan, Faculty Member, Institute of Banking, addressing the queries raised by the Insurance Executives. Mr. Samy Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Al-Ahlia Insurance Company and the Chairman of the session is beside him.

Question and Answer Session -

Ali-Al Subaihin, Chief Executive Officer of Tawuniya - commenting on the presentation of Mr. Mohammed Sadullah Khan.



Mr. Hisham Yasin, Business Development Manager making his comment on the presentation.


 

Mr. Basem Odeh, General Manager, Arabian Shield Insurance Company making his comment.

From left to right - Mr. Alfredo Soares,Senior Associate, Mercer, Mr. Tal Nazer, Managing Director, BUPA Arabia, Mr. Mohammed Sadullah Khan, Faculty Member of Institute of Banking, Mr. Samy Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Al Ahlia Insurance Company, Mr. Hisham A. Yasin, Business Development Manager of Institute of Banking

Mr. Mohammed Sadullah Khan, Faculty Member, Institute of Banking with Mr. Syed Kaleemullah Hussaini, Manager, Arab Commercial Enterprises Ltd. and Mr. I. Bader, Senior Surveyor/Manager,Arabian Inspection & Survey Co. Ltd.

1st Saudi Insurance Symposium 2011
Riyadh 22nd-23rd February, 2011
Day & Time Topic Speaker

Day 1

8:30am Registration, morning refreshments

9:00am Welcome note Mr. Jamaan Al Wagdany, Director General, IOB

9:05am Official Opening H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Alhamidy, Vice Governor , SAMA

9.15am Session 1: The Insurance Industry in the Kingdom

15 min. The existing paradigm shift - Competition vs. Survival Mr. Ali AlSubaihin, Tawuniya

15 min. The hidden challenge - Solvency margin requirements Mr. Harvey Duckers, GAD

15 min. Is merger our destiny? Saleh Alhnaki, Actuscope

30 min. Q&A Panel Discussion Panelist: Mr. Paul Adamson, AXA, Mr. Omar Bilani, Watania, Chairman: Mr. Ayman El Hout, Med Gulf

10:30am Coffee Break

10.45am Session 2: Insurance experience - Mega Projects

15 min. Aramco Experience Mr. Tariq M. Malak, Aramco.

15 min. Sabic Experience Mr. Naser Al Jarba, Sabic.

15 min. Brokers' Perspective Mr. Nabil Kokash, Aon Saudi Arabia

30 min. Q&A Chairman: Mr. Mousa Al Rubaian

12:00PM Prayer time and Coffee Break

12:30 PM Session 3: Market Regulation - Regulators' Perspective

15 min. The Transition from Regulation to Supervision Mr. Mohammed Al Shayea, SAMA

15 min. Compulsory Health Insurance / Way forward Dr. Abdullah Al Sharif, Council of Co-operative Health Insurance

15 min. Governance CMA

30 min. Q&A Chairman: Mr. Ali Al Ayed, Malath

01:45 PM Buffet Lunch

Day 2

8:30am morning refreshments

9:00am Session 4: Enterprise Risk Management Governance and Compliance

15 min. Successful Implementation of ERM in the KSA Insurance Sector Mr. James Peacock, S&P

15 min. Implementing Risk Management Governance & Compliance Mr. Mark Stephens, Milliman

15 min. Business Benefits of Compliance Mr. Basem Odeh, Arabian Shield

30 min. Q&A Chairman: Mr. Debo Ajayi, Milliman

10:15am Coffee Break

10.30am Session 5: Natural Risks

15 min. Natural Disasters - Regional trends Dr. Morten Karnuth, Munich Re

15 min. Mitigation of natural disasters Mr. Mike Barnes, McLarens Young Saudi Co. Ltd.

15 min. From Business Interruption to Business continuity - Case Study Mr. Ayman El Hout, Med Gulf

30 min. Q&A Chairman: Mr. Yassir Al Baharna, ARIG

11:45AM Prayer time and Coffee Break

12:30 PM Session 6: The Human Aspects of the Insurance Industry

15 min. Developing People in emerging market Mr. Alfredo Soares, Mercer.

15 min. The IOB's Contribution towards Professionalism Mr. Sadullah Khan, IOB

30 min. Q&A Chairman: Mr. Samy Al Ali, Al Ahlia

15 min. Wrapping & Close of Days 1&2 Facilitator: Mr.Tal Nazer, BuPa Arabia

01:45 PM Buffet Lunch

Type of Insurance Policies available in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. India and world over.

(Professional insurance education).


All risks insurance,
Automobile Insurance,
Aviation insurance,
Accidental Insurance
Business interruption insurance,
Construction insurance,
Construction All risks insurance,
Car Insurance
Casaulty Insurance,
Credit Insurance,
Credit Guarantee Insurance,
Directors and Officers Insurance,
Domestic maid insurance in saudi arabia,
Employee dishonesty insurance,
Erection insurance in saudi arabia,
Fidelity guarantee insurance in saudi arabia,
Fire insurance,
Fisheries Insurance,
Group life insurance,
General insurance,
Health insurance,
Insurance education in saudi arabia,
Liability,
Life insurance in saudi arabia,
Loss of profit Insurance,
Poultry Insurance,
Public Liability Insurance,
Plant and equipment Insurance,
Machinery insurance,
Machinery Breakdown Insurance,
Machinery all risks insurance in saudi Arabia,
Marine ,
Medical insurance in saudi arabia,
Medical malpractice insurance,
Money insurance in saudi arabia,
Motor,
Personal possession insurance,
Personal Accident Insurance,
Professional insurance education in saudi arabia,
Property insurance in saudi arabia,
Property all risks insurance,
Third party insurance in saudi arabia,
Third Party Liability Insurance,
Travel insurance in saudi arabia,
Major types of Insurances
Re-insurance in major classes,
Workmen compensation,

Umra and the Ugly virus H1N1

For over a year my family was pestering me for taking them to Mecca for Umra.  But due to various circumstances I was unable to take them for Umra.  Finally a decision was taken in late April to visit Mecca and perform Umra (popularly known as lesser Pilgrimage) in the last week of July.  

Since early June the Swine flu hype was escalating and it actually started spreading throughout the world with each and every case being reported and monitored by the World Health Organization.  This caused a flutter and nightmare in me. The swine flu had already reached the jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia.  I was more concerned visualizing the impact it may have at the holy places.  With fear in heart and faith in God, I did not want to disappoint my family members.  I went to the local transporter for booking the seats and hotel for Umra, the rates were comparatively cheap.  On enquiring about the swine flu and restrictions, I was informed that there is no problem so far.  Money was paid to the transporter and the seats were booked. 

On the day we were supposed to leave, it was reported in the Newspapers that a women who had come to perform Umra, had died of swine flu.  The news made me jittery.  Some of my colleagues feared for my visit and requested me to carry masks. I explained to them that the virus can enter our body from any source even by handling a knob at the door, touching the office desk or trolley at a super market. Finally I told them that Allah Karim.  Later on I contacted my brother, who is a Medical doctor about my visit to Mecca for Umra and the case of the Egyptian women.  He encouraged me to proceed without worry as we have come to an advanced stage of travel and explained about the types of Flu and their precautions.

With initial confidence, I was hoping for the last minute rescue by imagining that the government will cancel all the buses to Mecca or advise the pilgrims not to travel to Mecca, but nothing of that sort happened.  When we saw the bus, it was bustling with pilgrims.  Two Indian families, two Sudani families, two Pakistani families and rest of them were bachelors.  Among bachelors almost eighty percent were Pakistanis, the rest were Bangladeshis and Indians.

As the Bus started moving ahead my fear galloped and was mindful of any kind of sneeze or cough.  But fortunately in the entire journey no one sneezed or coughed.  Finally we reachedMecca.  Still my mind was acting like a surveillance camera, installed at the airports, scanning for persons with red eyes, temperature, cough or sneezing.  Fortunately this time I did not see anyone coughing or sneezing nor suffering from fever. 

The moment we stood in front of Kaaba, we were overjoyed, filled with excitement, felt fully blessed and forgot about everything related to the journey.  It was a real breathtaking experience after a long time. The feeling was liberating and pulsating. For two days we were engrossed in prayers with attendance to minimum daily needs. During our visit to Kaaba, it was being washed and the door was open, we had a rare opportunity to have a glimpse inside the Kaaba.

Our successful mission was over. Unlike in the past, I used to get flu after going to Umra, this time I did not have any symptoms of Flu. After our return, we realized the havoc caused by the virus. Day after day the virus was becoming more virulent. The spread of Swine flu really got out of control.  The WHO had decided not to count the number of affected persons. Restrictions were being imposed by certain clerics and countries in-respect of Haj and Umra. The Swine flu Pandemic was going ahead unabated with more infections and deaths being reported on daily basis. A new challenging question was lingering in our minds, whether to proceed on our annual vacation?

Mohammed Sadullah Khan is a Faculty Member and a Freelance writer based in Saudi Arabia and can be contacted at mosakhan40@gmail.com.

Time to understand Muslims

The recent statement of the mufti of Lebanon's Sunni Muslims to Pope Benedict XVI that he would consider "any attack on a Christian as an attack on all Muslims”, needs to be highlighted. This is not a bold statement but a true view of Islam.  Muslims are guided by Quran, which is the holy book of Islam and it is the most read book in the World today.  I have not come across similar statements from any other religious leaders of the world.  

The production of the film titled “Innocence of Muslims” by Nakoula Basseley Nakoula under the alias name Sam Bacile with the sole intention of provoking and inciting Muslims is highly condemnable.  Muslims love their Prophet (PBUH) more than their own selves.  Hence anything against prophet (PBUH) is bound to inflame the passions of Muslims.  Nakoula, being an Arab knew very well the reaction of Muslims to his film.  Since he made the film with bad motive, he should be convicted for premeditated Murder of innocent victims and destruction of properties throughout the world.   Along with him all the people who are associated with the film like by funding, acting and promoting should also be prosecuted. On this controversial issue the Islamic view in nutshell is very clear and the Quran clearly guides all the Muslims by its verses.  The Holy Qur’an says: “Revile not ye Those whom they call upon Besides Allah, lest They out of spite Revile Allah In their ignorance.” [Holy Qur’an 6:108].  Hence Muslims do not indulge in such acts as has been committed by this man and his friends. There may be guidance in almost all the religions of the world about not ridiculing other religions and communities, which should be highlighted and propagated to avoid such incidents in future. There is a greater responsibility of the religious leaders and community leaders in educating their flocks about the mischief mongers on the fringes, out to cause trouble in the society. 

On the violence post movie, again there is a clear-cut guidance from Quran. No amount of unjust policies of America, no amount of discrimination and no amount of hate mongering will ever allow the Killing of any innocent human being as it is against the teachings of Islam.  According to the Qur’an, killing any person without a just cause is as big a sin as killing the whole humanity and saving the life of one person is as good deed as saving the whole humanity. This beautiful guidance is the best guidance anyone can produce on protecting the lives of human beings.   If all the humanity follows this beautiful guidance then the whole World will become a better place to live in.  

No doubt there has been demonization of Islam and Muslims, even-though the Muslims are the worst victims of terrorism and discrimination throughout the World.  Even the common Islamic words like Jihad and Kafir has been misused to create hatred and resentment among non-Muslims.   The root cause of all the major problems is moral corruption and not due to any religion. The energy spent on hating a particular religion or community should be spend on understanding that religion in right perspective or at-least in understanding own religion or ideology. One of the good features of human beings is that more than ninety nine percent of the human beings behave humanely irrespective of their religious or ideological affiliations, unless provoked and manipulated. Understanding the true Islamic view will dispel many myths surrounding the Islamic terminology, Islam and Muslims. It is the duty of religious heads, preachers, community leaders, different governmental and non-governmental organizations and media to understand the problem and address the issues causing provocation, manipulation, friction and declining moral values in the world. 

By Mohammed Sadullah Khan, based in Riyadh is a Faculty Member and Freelance Writer and can be reached  at mosakhan40@gmail.com

Safety First - Insurance of Construction Projects

Courtesy - By Shujaath Ahmed Khan

Safety at work and Safe driving is beneficial

As lot of construction activity is taking place around the world (USA -America, UK -Britain, India, China, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Latin America, Canada, Brazil,Malaysia, Indonesia, Spain, Australia, Newzealand, African countries, Asia, Europe, Turkey, Taiwan, Japan, Eriteria, Sudan, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Netherland, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy etc.). The following information will be useful to the Principals, Contractors, sub-contractors and other interested parties.

Contractors All-Risks, Erection All-Risks, Marine Insurance, Marine In-land Transit Insurance, Liability Insurance, Commercial General Insurance, Motor/Vehicle Insurance, Workmen Compensation, Property All- Risks Insurance, Plant and equipment all risks insurance,Group Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Money Insurance, Fidelity Guarantee Insurance, Engineering Insurance, Accident class, Medical Insurance, Fire Insurance, Project Insurance, Marine "A" Risk Insurance, Storage Risks, Contractors free supplies, Principals surrounding Property Insurance are some of the important insurances having exposure in any Construction Projects. Under Motor Vehicle Insurance, if the Motor vehicle is going on the road it is better to take a road risk policy. Whereas not going on road we need to have plant and equipment all risks insurance. Under Medical Insurance if the the injury is work related it is picked up by the Workmen compensation policy and if it is not work related then it will be picked up by the Medical Policy. Marine insurance can be taken in isolation or as a project Marine Insurance. If the heavy Machinery is working at site then we have to take a tools of trade extension in case of Motor Insurance Policy.

In most of the Civil Engineering or Machinery Erection Projects the Project Management faces the problem of fixing the responsibility for insuring the risks to which the project is exposed and for administering the insurance policies. The Project Manager and the Risk Manager has to assess the risks they face in the Project and shall have to make a decicion on the extent of insurance covers needed. Even when the other parties are obliged to insure various risks relating to the Project ultimately the cost will have to be borne by the Employer directly or indirectly.

2. THE EMPLOYER'S RISKS:

2.1. The Employer has the highest stake in completing the Project and hence in its insurance covers.

2.2. In most of the cases, contracts can be better dealt with by the Employer assuming the responsibility for insurance. The Employer should foresee contingencies such as insolvency of the contractor, default by the Contractors, suspension/ termination of the Contractor replacing him with another Contractor etc while providing the insurance requirements.

2.3. The factors in favour of the Employer carrying the insurable risks are:

(a) The Employer has to pay the premium either directly or indirectly (costs built in the contract price). By combining the insurance requirements of various Contractors the volume of premium will be high enough to secure better insurance terms from the market.
(b) The Employers has the highest stake in completing the project since his investment is exposed to the perils
(c) The Contractors tend to cover their exposure only
(d) Cover can be continued with the Fire Insurers for the completed sections
(e) No gaps or grey areas as in the policies procured by the Contractors
(f) Employer is protected in case of insolvency or termination of the Contractor and apponintment of another to complete the contract
(g) Employer is protected against under-insurance if the insurances are properly arranged
(h) Employer's insurance can take care of common facilities and utilities which may be used by many contractors
(i) Employer can cover the risks of price escalation and replacement escalation where as the Contractors will be unwilling to cover such escalation in price
(j) Coordination and completion of restoration works following a major loss to works carried out by different contractors will be easy if the indemnity is provided by one insurer
(k) Following major losses it may not be possible to replace a machinery with another one of the same kind due to changes in technology. Employer's policy will be able to deal with the situation better in such a contingency

(l) Employer is familiar with the local law and the import and customs law. Hence he can arrange protection needed to meet their reqirement.
(m) If the Employer purchases the materials and supplies the same to the Contractor for Erection disputes may not arise between the Marine Insurer (of the Employer) and the Construction Risk Insurer as to when the damage occurred (when the materials are not checked as soon as they land or at the site) if both risks are covered by the same insurer
(n) Administration of the insurance function will be easier and less expensive if the Employer effects policies including the interest of the Contractors and manages the risk using one centralised office for the whole project. Coordination will be easier with this type of centralised administration. This will also avoid time and effort spent on actions for recovery by different Insurers insuring different interests of the same subject matter affected.

2.4. Even if the responsibility for managing the risks is passed on to the Contractors and the Employer is named as an insured, the Employer will continue to carry the following risks:

2.4.1. MATERIAL DAMAGE AND LIABILITY:

(a) Loss, damage or liability arising out of faulty design of the works by the Engineer
(b) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by the "excepted risks" such as the war, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), invasion, act of foreighn enemies, revolution, insurrection or military or usurped power,civil war, riot, commotion or disorder, ionising radiations or contaminations by radio-activity from any nuclear fuel or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of nuclear fuel, radio-active toxic explosive or other hazardous properties of any explosive, nuclear assembly or nuclear component thereof, pressure waves caused by air craft or other aerial devices travelling at sonic or super sonic speeds, or any other operation of the forces of nature as an experienced contractor could not foresee, or reasonably make provision for (force majeure)
(d) Loss or damage arising out of riot, strike or civil commotion or disorder
(e) Loss or damage to the works or part of the works taken in to use or is occupied by the Employer
(f) Non disclosure or misdescription of any material fact affecting the risk or any material changes affecting the risk
(g) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by wilful act or wilful negligence of the insured (Employer) or his responsible representative
(h) Loss or damage arising out of or aggrevated by cessation of work whether total or partial
(i) Loss or damge occuring after commencement of tests on the second hand machinery installed

2.4.2. MATERIAL DAMAGE SECTION:

In addition to the above risks mentioned in paragraph 2.4.1, the following risk are also to the account of the Employer even if the responsibility for insurance is passed on to the contractor:

(a) Financial, consequential and trade losses such as the loss of anticipated profits due to delayed completion of the project, additional capital to be invested due to escalationin the project cost, penalties, fines, failure to secure special priviledges from the authorities due to delays (eg. concessional customs duties available during a period), loss of the targeted market etc.
(b) Faulty design or defective material if these are supplied by the Employer
(c) Loss or damage to materials supplied by the Employer due to normal wear and tear, corrosion oxidation or other normal atmospheric conditions

2.4.3. THIRD PARTY LIABILITY:

In addition to the above risks mentioned in paragraph 2.4.1, the Employer is exposed to the following risks in case of bankruptcy or closure of the Contracting Company the following risk are also to the account of the Employer even if the responsibility for insurance is passed on to the Contractor, unless each of the following risks is adequately insured by the party directly liable for the loss under specific policies such as the Workmen Compensation Insurance Property All Risks Insurance, Aviation Liability Insurance or the Motor Vehicle Insurance.

(a) Legal liability to pay compensation for damages consequent up on accidental bodily injury to or illness of third parties not connected with the project work (whether fatal or not) and accidental loss of damage to property belonging to third parties occuring in direct connection with the erection, construction or testing on the insured project work and happening on or in the immediate vicinity of the of the site during the period of the cover
(b) Legal liability to pay similar compensation for damages to one party involved in the construction work caused by another party involved in the same contract work
(c) Liability consequent upon bodily injury to or illness of Employees or Workmen of the Principal, Contractors or any other Firm connected with the Project
(d) Liability consequent up on loss of or damage to property belonging to or held in care, custody or control of the the Principal, Contractors and any other Firm connected with the Project
(e) Liability consequent up on any accident caused by vehicles licensed for general road use or by waterborne vessel or craft
(f) Liability assumed by agreement unless such liability would have attached also in the absence of such agreement

(A) DAMAGE TO MATERIALS USED IN THE PROJECT:

Construction Projects involving Civil Engineering Works and Machinery Erection are exposed to the following risks:

1. Materials forming part of the construction work:

(a) Construction/ Erection Risks while carrying out exploratory and/ proto type testing works such as drilling of test bore holes, exploratory excavations etc

(b) Storage risks at the suppliers' and manufacturers' premises for imported and locally supplied materials which have already been sold but not delivered to the Contractor/ Principal
(c) Marine/ transit risks from the suppliers'/ manufacturers' premises to the site of erection for materials to be imported including the risks of incidental & or intermidiate storages
(d) Storages in bonded warehouses and/ or Project warehouses near the port of entry
(e) Transits to and from the fabricators premises outside the construction site (for materials procured by the Contractor/ Principal and sent for fabrication/ assembly/ further process prior to Erection at site)
(f) Risks during storage and fabrication/ assembly/ process at the intermediate fabricators premises mentioned in (d) above
(g) Off site storages and inland transit from such storage locations to the site
(h) Storage at site
(i) Storage risks of materials procured for contracted/ subcontracted work but in custody of the Principal/ Contractor waiting to be handed over to the Contractor/ Sub-Contractor
(j) Normal construction/ erection risk at site
(k) Risks due to defective material and/ or defective workmanship
(l) Risks due to faulty design
(m) Completed portion of the work handed over to the Contractor but not handed over to the Principal
(n) Completed sections taken over by the Principal but not taken in to use due to delay in completion of other sections
(o) Risks during testing of each section of the Machinery on load
(p) Integrated final testing of the complete line of Machinery on full load resulting in achievement of commercial production
(q) The period of test run on load
(r) Risks during the Period Of Maintenance
(s) Risks during the Period Of Guarantee

2. Materials used for or inconnection with the Project but not forming part of the work (temporary works not fully written of in the Project, Constructional Plant, Equipment and Machinery and Temporary Buildings such as Stores, Labour Camp etc):

(a) Risks during transit from the storage premises of the owner to the site of Erection/ Construction
(b) Risks during storage off site
(c) Transit to and from such storage location to site and back daily/ periodically
(c) Risks during storage at site.

3. Unless specifically insured a normal Contractors/ Erection All Risks Policy will indemnify the Insured the cost of rectifying or replacing the item affected to the extent insured provided the loss did not occur due to any excepted peril. Such cover is provided for items 1(g) and 1(i) above if only the total contract value is declared for insurance. Even for these the following losses and/ or costs are not covered unless specifically agreed at the inception of the policy:

(a) Architects, Surveyors and Consulting Engineers Fees to be incurred for reinstating the damaged property
(b) Riot, strike and civil commotion risks
(c) Cost of removal of debris following an indemnifiable damage to the contract work
(d) Express freight (other than air freight) for replacements/ spares following an occurrence
(e) Overtime, night work and holiday wages for repairs/ replacements following an occurrence
(f) Air freight for replacements and spare parts to be procured following an occurrence
(g) Additional customs duties for replacements/ spares to be procured following an occurrence
(h) Escalation in prices of replacements/ spares to be procured following an occurrence (escalation may be due to inflation, incresed demand, reduced supply, increased cost of production, exchange rate fluctuation, original discounts not available for replacements etc; estimation of this should be based on the replacement cost of the project following a major catastrophic loss at the end of the construction period)
(i) Escalation in the cost of the project due to the reasons stated in (h) above (limit of indemnity being the Escalated Project Value)
(j) Cost of new parts for repairing second hand machinery and equipments
(k) Loss of or damage to existing or surrounding property (not forming part of the contract work) caused by the construction work
(l) Cost of removal of debris following land slides/ erosions and the cost of repairing the erroded slopes
(m) Cost of replacement with newer/ improved model of the machine in the place of the destroyed (total loss) machine when the same model or its equivalent is not produced any more
(n) Financial losses such as the loss of expected profits to be generated caused by the delay in completion of the project on account of an indemnifiable material loss or damage
(o) Guarantee for the works following the maintenance period (5 years or 10 years guarantee for Buildings and Civil Engineering Works and additional 1 or 2 years guarantee for Machinery)
(p) Loss of or damage to the Material Handling Equipments and other Machinery when they are being used for the Construction/ Erection activity after such equipments have been installed unless such equipments are insured as "Construction Plant and Machinery" for the period they will be used for the erection work by the Contractor or the Principal. Such equipments should also be insured as part of the Contract Work (the Contract Work sum insured also should include the value of such equipments) if such equipments will be taken over by the Principal as a part of the Main Project). An example is a gantry crane installed in a production bay and used for lifting the production machinery during installation.

 (B) LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES ARISING OUT OF THE WORK:

Third party liability risks to which the Principal is exposed to are:

Liability for accidental bodily injury or illness and for accidental loss of or damage to property caused by

(a) The Principal or his representatives and employees to Third Parties and the Property of Third Parties not connected with the Project
(b) The Principal or his representatives and employees to other Parties engaged in the Contract Work and to their Property

Liability for accidental bodily injury or illness and for accidental loss of damage to property caused by

(a) The Contractors and other parties employed by the Principal in connection with the Construction/ Erection Work to third parties not connected with the project
(b) Any of the Contractor or the other parties employed by the Contractor in connection with the Contract Work caused to another party or another Contractor employed for the same project

Liability for loss of or damage to property in care, custody or control of the Principal

CHECKLIST FOR RISK MANAGERS OF CONSTRUCTION/ ERECTION PROJECTS:

DESIGN & CONSULT:

Insurance cover for Architects, Design Engineers and Consulting Engineers:

(a) Professional Indemnity cover to be producured by the Architects, Design Engineers and Consulting Engineers: limit of indemnity to be specified by the Principal depending on the exposure

Name of the specialist Period of cover Limit of indemnity

 (b) Personal insurances for these officials and their assistants:

Cover Period of Limit of Schedule of
required insurance indemnity items

Motor vehicle insurance
Workmen Compensation insurance
General liability insurance

Insurance covers for the employer/ principal:

(a) Contactors all risks and third party liability covers including the following extensions:

Risks to be covered: 

 Insurance covers for the contractors and the sub contractors:

(a) Marine/ inland transit cover for materials supplied
(a) Contractors all risks and third party liability covers including the following extensions
(b) Plant all risks cover
(c) Motor vehicle insurance
Cover to include:
(d) Workmen compensation insurance
(e) Medicare and personal accident covers
(f) Bonds
(g) Fire and perils covers for off site accommodation, offices, warehouse buildings etc (permanent buildings taken on lease and the contents not absorbed in the contract price)
(h) General liability cover

Booming Construction Industry in Saudi Arabia

New building under construction

The construction Industry is booming in Saudi Arabia.

The increase in the oil prices had an immense effect on all the sectors of th economy.

Apart from the Government investments there are international investors who are too willing to put their money into Saudi economy.

The construction is not restricted to domestic sector. Many new factories are coming up. The government is investing in repairing and re-building the highways. The development of industrial belts of Yanbu and Jubail along with other industrial estate development gives a positive look to the economy.

There is immense demand for Engineers and workers in the Kingdom. Lot of importing companies are getting order to provide supplies related to the construction industry.

Old buildings are being demonlished and new multi-storey buildings are being constructed

in different areas. This has given an opportunity to local as well as multinational labour force.

The over-all demand is expected to continue for another 5 years.

Benefits of Fruits

Benefits of Fruits - Good for Health

Fruits are one of the best foods on the earth.  Fruits come in different colors, tastes and textures.  They have different benefits for the human beings.  It gives instant energy for the person who is consuming the fruit.  It also satisfies the hunger.  Even some fruits are watery and they will quench the thirst. They are known as protective foods.

Fruits boost our immune system.  They can be taken any time of the day.  Some people who are allergic to foods and people with diabetes should take care before consuming large amount of foods. Fruits are usually eaten raw.  There are more benefits of eating raw fruits.  It is also consumed as Salads, Juices, Jams and some times in the form of pickles.  Some fruits are also roasted and deep fried.

Most of the fruits contain nutrients and usually rich in vitamin C.  They act as anti-oxidants.  Some of the fruits are considered as super-foods.

Fruits being considered as protective food protect our health from different diseases, it helps in maintaining a healthy body.  They are also considered as food for anti-ageing.  In terms of taste also they are excellent.   It also used in detoxification and reduction of weight.  Some people have reduced their weights by consuming fruits as a major portion of their diet.  Many fruits contain fiber and water in good quantity which helps in digestion and preventing many forms of cancer.  It is also alleviating the problems of constipation.   Due to fiber content, it helps in reduction of cholesterol, which is a major cause of heart problems.

It is always recommended to go in for seasonal fruits rather than unseasonal fruits.  The seasonal fruits are cheaper and are high in nutrients.

Benefits of Garlic

Benefits of Garlic

The Garlic, Indian name “Laissan”, is Allium Sativum, its useful ingredients and have many benefits related to health issues. If eaten raw the Garlic causes bad breath due to its smell but has numerous health benefits. It is also available in capsule form to avoid the problems of taste and smell.

For times immemorial it has been used as a cure all remedy combined with other herbs.  We have also seen the utility of Garlic in Dracula movies. Apart from this various studies have been conducted and it has been found that the Garlic consumption on regular basis is useful in preventing different types of cancers, it helps in circulation of blood (it helps in thinning of the blood), removing cholesterol and triglycerides.  Some proponents have also given it stimulant and aphrodisiac properties. 

Garlic is also having antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal activity. Garlic is also beneficial in reducing Blood pressure, which is also known as Hypertension.  It benefits in the process of digestion. Many of the culinary preparations are done with the combination of Garlic and Ginger.

It has also helped some people in dealing with the issues of Acne.  It also helps in preventing the clotting of blood. Eating too much raw garlic may cause different types of problems. Using some drugs may also have problems. Few people may be allergic to Garlic.  Always better to consult the Doctor before embarking on any new regimen. Making garlic a part of diet is useful and definitely it will benefit the general health of the person. 

Benefits of Honey

Beautiful flowers aiding in honey production

Since times immemorial man is aware of the benefits of honey to the mankind. The honey provides enormous, amazing and astonishing benefits, which may be short of miraculous.

Honey is produced by the bees and they travel hundreds of kilometers to gather the nectar from the flowers.  Over a million of flowers need to be visited by the bees for honey which may be less than 1 Kg.  The cost of the honey also ranges on many variables like color, texture, area and benefits etc.  Overall the cost of honey is very reasonable. In-spite of consuming honey for over 2 decades I consider myself as an amateur as far as the selection of honey goes. Some of the major religious scriptures highlight the benefits of honey.  It is also used by the alternative medicine practitioners.

The honey is sweet and good to taste. It gives instant energy and it considered as energy booster. It is also used in many culinary delights. If we compare sugar with honey, the calories in the honey are lesser.  For weight reduction honey is better due to reduced calories.

New researches have confirmed most of the benefits of honey. It is a very good anti-oxidant, it has anti-ageing properties and some even have deduced that it has anti-cancer properties.  It is also considered as an immunity builder.  In olden times it has been used by the military personnel for application to the wounds as it helped in healing the wounds.  It has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties.  It is also used for detoxification. Much is discussed about Manuka honey and its utility and its medicinal properties.

It is soothing to the stomach and provides instant energy. I have a personal experience of having a good night’s sleep after consuming a teaspoonful of honey.  But one should be cautious while consuming honey.  The diabetics should take adequate medical advice and precautions before consuming honey.  Some people may also have allergy to honey. Certain types of people need to be generally cautious while consuming honey. It is better if adequate precautions are taken before utilizing it for health benefits. 

There are many discussions about honey and its benefits as a hibernation diet, the efficacy of which is not yet proven. Honey and its products are also considered to be useful in controlling bad breath, hair loss, sleep disorder, arthritis, acne, and yeast infection.

Some personal experiences with Honey has been as follows,

Benefits Lemon and Honey – The combination of lemon and honey was used but it did not reduce my weight but was helpful in maintaining my weight and health. 

Benefits Vinegar and Honey – In-order to reduce weight I tried vinegar and honey formula but was not successful and had to discontinue.

Benefits Honey and Cinnamon – This formula of honey and cinnamon was good and helped me in maintaining my weight but did not help in reducing the weight. However this is a good remedy for certain coughs and cold symptoms.

Benefits Honey and Milk - This is a good combination and benefits in the bowel movements and reducing acidity.

Benefits of Honey and Apple- This is supposed to reduce weight but in my experience it did not help me in reducing my weight.

Benefits of Honey as a hibernation diet – This did not help me in my fight with the bulge.

There are various studies which suggest that a combination of other herbs with honey cures arthritis, Flu etc. but one should be cautious while using any of the combination. Sometimes a person may have problem with using honey alone or with other combinations and there are certain disadvantages to certain people.

Nowadays it is difficult to get pure honey and it is better to get full information before getting into any regimen. For some honey may be beneficial and there are also certain disadvantages in honey. However it is useful when combined with milk/cinnamon/black pepper. It helps in controlling some allergies and cough due to cold or even dry cough. Honey is a good food and can also be considered as a super food. But it has its own limitation. It is not a magic cure or a magic formula. It should be used with proper precautions.