Sustainability and fire safety were key topics of discussion at Intersec Saudi Arabia’s Fire Protection and Technology Summit. On the exhibition's opening day, leading experts from the region presented insights on the future of sustainable practices in fire safety.

During the session titled ‘Green Technologies for Fire Prevention and Control: Promoting Sustainable Practices in Fire Safety,’ industry specialists such as Mohammed Al Saeefan, fire protection engineering specialist at Saudi Aramco; Abdulaziz Alkhuder, senior project manager at Rua Al Madinah Holding; Dr Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, VP of health, safety, and environment at International Maritime Industries; and Khalid Al Mandil, deputy fire commissioner at Red Sea Global, discussed the use of non-combustible materials, energy-efficient design, and sustainable fire suppression systems in giga project developments.

The panel, moderated by Hani Adnan Abdel Razeq, director of sustainability at AESG, highlighted emerging trends affecting the industry.

Key insights

Alkhuder noted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in fire and life safety systems, stating, "The growing prominence of AI is leading to the development of integrated fire and life safety systems, enabling the earlier detection and differentiation of fire-related hazards."

He further added, “Sustainability is also a key focus, with projects showcased today emphasising environmental impact alongside fire and life safety. By combining sustainable practices with advanced safety systems, we can enhance the safety of buildings while positively contributing to environmental and economic goals, ultimately creating safer living spaces for all occupants."

Al-Ghamdi highlighted the importance of balancing AI and human expertise, “AI will be a crucial future trend, especially in identifying system risks and enhancing integration. However, the human element – experience and talent – must be seamlessly integrated. This balance is vital, and once achieved, I believe we have a bright future.”

Al Mandil emphasised the need for sustainability in project design, especially in giga projects, saying, “From a giga project perspective, it is very important for sustainability to be a big part of the design phase. As we all know, designers are pushing the boundaries in terms of the incredible projects they are developing, so sustainability must remain an important part of these developments.”

Al Saeefan also weighed in on the impact of AI, explaining, “Trending this year has undoubtedly been AI and its positive impacts, but we also have to be aware of the unknown. As part of our various digital transformation teams at ARAMCO, strategically teaching your AI system carefully is incredibly important. This creates a great opportunity for all systems to be aligned.”

Riham Sedik, show manager for Intersec Saudi Arabia at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, "After an incredibly successful opening day, the scene is set for the remainder of the show, in what will undoubtedly be another two days of groundbreaking insights from some of the most respected experts from the fire, safety, and security industries."

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, added, “We have already welcomed thousands of visitors to this sold-out show and look forward to welcoming many more industry professionals as they tap into the latest knowledge from world-leading experts.”

The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) recently convened more than 130 key stakeholders from both government and private sectors to discuss safety, compliance, and the future of the petroleum products industry in light of forthcoming regulatory changes.

The workshop, held under the theme Petroleum Products Safety and Compliance, is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the sector adheres to the highest safety and compliance standards for the well-being of the public.

Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director-General of Regulatory Affairs at DoE, stressed the importance of collaboration between both sectors in fostering growth while maintaining stringent safety protocols.

“Safety is a united effort; it is the collective responsibility of our entire sector,” Al Qubaisi said. “As a regulator, we work with both government and private sectors to create an environment conducive to growth, but never at the risk of safety. Safety is, and always will be, our number one priority.”

He also noted that voluntary compliance with safety standards offers multiple advantages, including safer communities, enhanced operational efficiency, cost savings, and a stronger sector reputation.

The upcoming regulatory changes, set to take effect in Q4, will impact all non-ADNOC petroleum products and gas-related activities in Abu Dhabi. The new rules will specifically focus on gas systems in buildings, as well as the manufacturing, trading, transportation, and storage of petroleum products.

The DoE has called on all sector participants to commit to the new regulations, ensuring the sector’s growth while keeping Abu Dhabi safe.

When discussing risk management and workplace safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often regarded as the last line of defence. This traditional approach, doesn’t account for the most basic protective measures, especially those involving mechanical or kinetic energy.

The role of reflex actions in preventing incidents is a critical factor which is often overlooked. Understanding and leveraging the benefits of reflexes offers a powerful opportunity to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

The traditional model of safety management follows the hierarchy of controls, which places PPE as the last line of defence, a final measure after other controls have failed. However, in certain cases, PPE functions as an escalation control, protecting workers after an incident has already begun. Seat belts, fall arrest harness and similar gear do not prevent accidents but aim to reduce the severity of injuries once an error has occurred. While PPE plays an important role, reflex actions serve as the true last line of defence and the first line of protection in many scenarios.

The Bowtie Model helps illustrate this by mapping sources of hazardous energy—whether mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, or biological—and categorising controls into prevention and mitigation. In most cases (over 90%), mechanical or kinetic energy is the source of serious workplace injuries and fatalities, and as a result reflexes or whether the person will get the benefit of their reflexes becomes a critical factor in terms of the potential severity of the outcome. Outside the controlled work environment, where situations are more unpredictable, reflex actions often determine the difference between a close call or near-miss and a fatality. For instance, a reflexive movement could help a pedestrian avoid being hit by an oncoming vehicle.

Traditional safety practices tend to focus on high-risk activities through rules, procedures, and PPE. However, the majority of serious incidents occur during medium or low-risk tasks. Data from over 400 fatal workplace incident reports shows that 47-71% of these fatalities could have been avoided or lessened had the workers benefited from reflexive responses.

The data also reveals that in over 95% of incidents, the unexpected event that caused the injury stems from the individual themselves. Whether it’s due to rushing, fatigue, frustration, or complacency, human factors play a critical role in workplace safety. Reflexes are key to mitigating incidents in these medium to lower-risk scenarios, where more traditional controls may not be as effective.

The role of reflexes in preventing serious injuries

Reflexes are innate to humans and tested at birth to ensure they function properly. However, whether someone gets the benefit of their reflexes is influenced by human factors such as rushing, frustration, fatigue and complacency, which can cause eyes not on task and mind not on task. If a person’s mind is not on task due to complacency, their reflexes can still help prevent accidents, even if the reflex is a bit slower. But if their eyes are also off task, then they might not get a reflex at all, which can significantly increase the risk of a serious injury or fatality.

External factors like technology can exacerbate the issue. Mobile phones and fast-paced environments condition our brains to experience shorter bursts of focus, leaving us vulnerable to distractions.

This highlights the importance of critical error reduction techniques, such as self-triggering on states like rushing, frustration and fatigue, as individuals can feel and identify these states in the moment and then quickly think about keeping their eyes and mind on task. Complacency, on the other hand, is more passive and harder to detect.

One way to counteract complacency is to build strong safety-related habits, such as maintaining visual awareness before moving hands, feet, body or machinery. These habits ensure that employees will still get the benefit of their reflexes even if their minds are not on task, because they will still be looking at what they are doing.

At an organisational level, addressing human factors is crucial for reducing incident rates. Employers can help by ensuring workers have adequate rest, hydration, and a work environment that minimises unnecessary stress. When examining the Bowtie Model, it becomes clear that human factors like rushing, frustration, fatigue, and complacency need to be considered along with the various forms of hazardous energy as these factors lead to critical errors such as "eyes not on task" and "mind not on task," which can severely impact reflexive responses. By understanding and implementing critical error reduction techniques, organisations and individuals can add an extra layer of protection, leveraging reflexes as both a preventative and mitigation tool in workplace safety.

In conclusion, the role of human factors and reflexes and their significance as the real last line of defence and first line of protection has been largely overlooked in workplace safety. Organisations that focus on enhancing cognitive effectiveness and reflexive responses have a much better chance of preventing serious incidents or reducing their consequences.

To explore the full insights from Larry Wilson and Dr Waddah S Al Hashmi on workplace safety and reflexes, read the complete article at https://ae.safestart.com/article/the-hierarchy-of-controls-and-the-bowtie-model/

At a recent seminar on climate-resilient solutions, Dr. Jacinta Dsilva, research director at SEE Institute, emphasised the importance of health and safety in building sustainable urban environments.

As communities face mounting environmental challenges, particularly in the UAE and the wider Middle East, urban planning must prioritise both physical and mental well-being to ensure resilience against climate threats.

Dr. Dsilva explained the pressing need to integrate health and wellness into urban design, stating, “Sustainable urban planning enhances both physical and mental well-being.” She pointed out that walkable spaces, green areas, and cyclable routes not only make cities more livable but also improve the overall health of residents by reducing stress and promoting physical activity. In today's fast-paced, tech-dominated world, these spaces foster vital social connections, which are crucial for mental health.

Reducing environmental risks

She also touched on the role of community engagement in promoting health and safety. “Social connectivity…really creates a lot of social well-being,” Dr. Dsilva noted, explaining that bringing people together through community events and shared spaces can reduce isolation, a growing issue in modern urban life. In a world where social media often replaces face-to-face interaction, urban planners must design spaces that encourage real human connections.

Addressing the environmental risks that directly impact community safety, Dr. Dsilva spoke about the importance of mitigating climate-related threats like flooding and extreme heat. Nature-based solutions such as wetlands can reduce flood risks by “up to 40%,” while initiatives like cool roofs and urban forests can lower urban temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. These strategies not only make cities more resilient to climate change but also safeguard the health of vulnerable populations, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

Dr. Dsilva also emphasised the importance of waste management in ensuring a safe and healthy urban environment. She pointed out that “waste segregation and recycling programmes” can drastically reduce the waste sent to landfills, helping to prevent pollution and improve public health. By embracing circular economy principles, communities can reduce the environmental hazards that endanger both human and environmental health.

In closing, Dr. Dsilva urged urban planners and communities to take proactive steps in creating resilient, healthy spaces. “We need to focus on sustainable urban design,” she said, “and ensure that health and wellness are at the core of these efforts.” Her call to action was clear: as climate challenges intensify, prioritising health and safety is essential to building thriving, resilient communities.

Paul Burns, who heads corporate HSSE training at ACWA Power, pens a piece for Health, Safety and Environment Review Middle East. Read on: 

There is a dual impact of HSE on people and businesses. At last year’s MENA HSE Forum, I emphasised the critical importance of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) practices in benefiting both individuals and businesses. Embedding comprehensive HSE strategies into an organisation's fabric is essential for transforming approaches to health and safety and enhancing business performance.

Robust HSE policies create a secure work environment for individuals, minimising risks and boosting well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity. Organisations also benefit from fewer disruptions, lower incident-related costs, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced reputation. 

It is important to enhance organisational culture and compliance through safety knowledge. At ACWA Power, 2023 marked a significant shift in HSE strategy, transitioning from traditional injury metrics to an accountability-driven approach. This realignment, focusing on people-based safety and proactive management, has been fundamental in embedding an advanced culture of safety and responsibility.

Safety training also empowers our workforce to identify potential hazards and take proactive measures – supporting regulatory alignment and promoting adherence to safety standards. At ACWA Power, a well-informed workforce is a crucial part of our organisational culture, instilling responsibility and collective awareness and making each member feel valued and integral to the process.

The role of the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation in HSE

These values of responsibility and inclusion are now significantly enriched by the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation. These technologies are revolutionising HSE operations by enhancing data collection, analysis, and response capabilities. Digital devices enable real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and employee health, facilitating initiative-taking risk management. 

Furthermore, automation technologies streamline safety processes, improve incident reporting accuracy, and minimise human error. ACWA Power's adoption of digital tools, including AI for data analysis, has set a new standard in data-driven safety management. Additionally,  Third-Eye AI at key ACWA Power sites has enhanced real-time hazard identification and intervention capabilities and provided greater reassurance and security while showcasing the potential of technology in improving safety.

Despite our progress, the MENA region faces significant HSE challenges, including diverse regulatory frameworks across countries and the need for improved safety awareness and training across industries. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between government bodies, organisations, industry groups, and thought leaders. As a leader in the field, we are proud to partner with external bodies to share our expertise as thought leaders in HSE.

ACWA Power’s outlook and the future of HSE

Our ability to lead by example was borne out in hard evidence in 2023 – with the company accumulating 72 million man-hours and reducing the lost-time injury rate to 0.01. This is 22% lower than in 2022, with no fatalities. This progress enabled crucial project milestones and implementation of the Reliability of Supply framework, boosting consolidated power availability from 87% to almost 92%.

Looking ahead, HSE will evolve as an operational imperative through the integration of disruptive technologies. Sustainability and resilience will become central to HSE strategies, with organisations adopting holistic approaches that integrate environmental stewardship with traditional safety measures.

The MENA HSE Forum provided a valuable platform for sharing insights, exploring developments in HSE practices, and networking with industry leaders. As a sponsor and speaker, ACWA Power demonstrated its commitment to advancing HSE practices across the region.

The MENA HSE Forum serves as a crucial platform for tackling HSE challenges and unlocking new opportunities. Through ongoing collaboration, investment in technology, and a focus on safety culture, we can drive meaningful progress and ensure a safer, more resilient future for all.

At InnoTrans, HIMA Group will present its digital safety solutions for the railway sector, including the Independent Open HIMA Safety Platform.

These solutions are designed to meet the needs of light, urban, and high-speed rail networks, focusing on safety, flexibility, and cost reduction.

HIMA will showcase its RaSTA implementation, which has been integrated into the Open Safety Platform, offering a cost-effective approach for SIL 4 railway automation solutions. The company will also feature solutions beyond safety, such as rail electrification and secure ecosystems.

Chris Elliott, global head of rail at HIMA, stated, “At InnoTrans, we are presenting holistic solutions based on our Independent Open Safety Platform, which avoids being tied to proprietary systems.”

HIMA’s solutions for traction power control, demonstrated through TrackLink SCADA, will also be on display. The company will highlight its mobile safety systems, including the TrackLink Overspeed Prevention System for tramways, and discuss cybersecurity challenges in collaboration with genua to ensure secure ecosystems for railway operations.

A new safe HMI (SIL 3) will be introduced, providing an advanced, touch-enabled solution for displaying critical safety information.

“At this year’s InnoTrans, we are presenting various new products and solutions with added value for our customers by enabling maximum flexibility, integration and cost efficiency,” said Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group.