In The Spotlight
Ali Abdulla Al Ali, UAE country chair at Petrofac
In a Q&A with Health, Safety and Environment Review, Ali Abdulla Al Ali, UAE country chair at Petrofac, talks about workplace safety in the UAE and the importance of instilling safety principles from the get-go. Read on:
Can you tell us more about your approach to promoting employee safety and wellbeing and how it has evolved over time?
Safety has been at the heart of my career since the late 1980s, thanks to some incredible mentors like John McFarth. Back in 1980, when I was at Amoco, John drilled three key principles into me: thorough risk assessment, careful planning, and strong supervision. These became my foundation in health and safety, and more recently employee wellbeing.
I’ve built on these values by focusing on the power of training and engagement. Throughout my career at Petrofac in particular, workshopping - for both our teams and clients – has helped make sure safety isn’t a mere checklist, but rather a mindset that is lived every day. I’m also a firm believer in taking time to recognise and reward good safety behaviours. Even small things, like handing out certificates for internal training, can make a big difference.
Over the years I’ve expanded my approach beyond traditional safety measures to include overall wellbeing. One such initiative that I’m involved with is our ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign, where thousands of our people have taken advantage of free screenings to monitor key health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI. I am also a certified mental health first aid provider and have led multiple awareness sessions to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.
Beyond that, we ensure colleagues are physically prepared for their roles through our ‘Fitness to Work’ programme, which includes health assessments, surveillance for high-risk roles, and return-to-work support for employees recovering from illness or injury.
How do you see your role as an Emirati leader who connects with the subcontinent workforce? What value does this connection bring to your projects and teams?
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the diversity of our workforce. We employ more than 70 nationalities in total. But a great number of our people come from the Indian subcontinent, and when they realise I can speak Hindi or Urdu, it immediately breaks down barriers, builds trust, makes conversations easier.
When people feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to speak up, whether it’s about a concern or an idea for improvement. That kind of openness is crucial in our industry. And on a bigger scale, as an Emirati leader, I see it as my responsibility to foster inclusion and lead by example.
What do you consider to be the biggest health and safety risks in your industry, and what proactive steps are you taking to mitigate them?
Our role is to design and build big energy infrastructure plants. Its inherently dangerous work, but to give you a specific example, one of the biggest risks we face is during the commissioning and startup phase, especially when introducing hydrocarbons into a facility. This is a critical moment, if something goes wrong, it can have serious consequences.
That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to safety, from detailed start up reviews, regular drills to awareness workshops. Everyone on site needs to know the protocols inside out. We also place a huge emphasis on supervision and attention to detail.
Learning from the past is just as important. We record every incident, no matter how small, because that data helps us improve. We have an app where our people can log HSEQ observations and we look for trends in observations and make interventions before incidents occur. We also survey our staff to give us feedback on our processes, and we hold lots of open forums like town halls to keep communication regular, open and two-way.
What advice would you give to other HSE leaders looking to implement a more inclusive and multilingual approach to health and safety?
Instead of translating HSE materials as an afterthought, we design them from the start with different audiences in mind. That means using clear visuals, straightforward translatable language, and real-world examples that make sense to the people reading them. When safety feels relatable, people engage with it more.
It’s also important to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background or language, feels empowered to contribute to the overall culture of safety in an organisation.
How do you measure the success and effectiveness of your safety initiatives at Petrofac?
We believe in keeping things simple. Going back to basics is key to safe and reliable operations so we track our progress through hard data and real feedback.
Some of the key factors we look at include lost time injuries (LTIs), safety observations, audits, permits issued, kilometres travelled, and total man-hours worked. Beyond the numbers, we listen to our people. If employees feel safer, more engaged, and more empowered to take ownership of safety, that’s when we know we’re making an impact.
Side radars are primarily utilised for blind spot detection
Radars are playing an increasingly pivotal role in advancing autonomous driving technology, with front and side radars forming essential components of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
According to IDTechEx’s latest report, "Automotive Radar Market 2025-2045: Robotaxis & Autonomous Cars," innovations in radar technology are pushing autonomy to new levels, particularly with the growing adoption of Level 2+ systems in the US and Europe.
Front radars are fundamental for object detection, supporting key ADAS functions such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and automatic emergency braking (AEB). The push to enhance front radar capabilities is driving innovation in the sector, with angular resolution and range emerging as top priorities. These improvements are expected to significantly refine vehicle automation and safety features, taking precedence over factors like field of view and compactness.
Side radars: improving blind spot detection
Side radars are primarily utilised for blind spot detection (BSD), with lane change assist (LCA) serving as an advanced extension of this technology. LCA helps vehicles assess approaching traffic before executing lane changes, enhancing overall safety. Cross-traffic alert (CTA) is another crucial function, particularly useful when reversing out of parking spaces. Additionally, junction pedestrian AEB combines input from front and side radars to detect pedestrians at intersections before a vehicle completes a turn, demonstrating the collaborative potential of radar systems in improving road safety.
Unlike front radars, side radars require a wide field of view to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings effectively. Compact design is also a priority, allowing for seamless integration into vehicles without compromising aesthetics or functionality. However, long-range detection is less critical for side radars, with an effective range of up to 50 metres being sufficient for their primary tasks.
IDTechEx describes Level 2+ as a bridge between Level 2 and Level 3 autonomy, allowing drivers to operate vehicles hands-free while maintaining focus on the road. This level of automation has gained significant momentum, particularly in the US, where Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ and Ford’s ‘BlueCruise’ systems are already in operation.
Following its European debut in 2023, Ford’s BlueCruise now operates in 15 countries, according to IDTechEx. Meanwhile, Tesla is targeting 2025 for the launch of fully self-driving vehicles in China, a move expected to accelerate the adoption of Level 2+ systems worldwide. The requirement for driver supervision in Level 2+ systems may be a key factor in their rising popularity over Level 3, as they provide a blend of automation and security, easing liability concerns for manufacturers.
4D radars and the path to higher autonomy
The future of vehicle autonomy hinges on the development of 4D and imaging radars, which offer enhanced elevation and azimuth resolution. These advanced radars will be instrumental in refining vehicle perception, enabling more precise planning and adaptive responses. As a result, they are expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the transition to Level 3 and Level 4 autonomy, bringing fully autonomous vehicles closer to reality.
With radar technology continuing to evolve, its role in autonomous driving is set to expand, reinforcing safety and accelerating the transition towards self-driving vehicles on a global scale.
Integrating flame detection into safety systems can create a safer and more reliable environment. (Image source: MSA Safety)
MSA Safety discusses the benefits of a layered defense incorporating both gas and flame detection for safety in industrial environments
In industrial settings, safety is paramount, especially in environments where flammable or toxic gases are present, such as the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.
A robust gas detection system is an important line of defense, but it is not the whole story. Integrating flame detection into your safety setup can create a safer and more reliable environment.
The role of gas and flame detection systems
Gas detection systems are designed to identify harmful gases in the air, whether combustible, toxic, or asphyxiating. They provide early warnings, helping to enable preventive action before conditions become dangerous. However, gas detection alone doesn’t account for what happens when a gas leak ignites.
Flame detection systems complement gas detectors by identifying the presence of fire, which may occur even where gas concentration hasn’t yet reached detectable levels. Together, these systems can contribute to a more comprehensive safety net that addresses both potential and actual hazards.
Why include flame detection in gas detection systems?
1. More comprehensive hazard mitigation
Gas detectors and flame detectors work hand-in-hand to prevent accidents and mitigate risks. While gas detectors alert you to the presence of a leak, flame detectors respond to fires that could result from undetected or ignited gases.
2. Faster response to fire emergencies
A gas leak can ignite in seconds, turning a potential hazard into an active emergency. Flame detectors react in real-time to the presence of a flame, helping to enable prompt action to contain the fire and prevent escalation.
3. Helps eliminate blind spots
Gas detection systems can only monitor specific zones. In scenarios where a leak occurs outside the detection range or a minor leak ignites directly, flame detectors can be an important second layer of protection.
4. Tailored for high-risk industries
In industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing, the risk of fire due to flammable gases is ever present. Flame detection helps protect these high-stakes environments against both minor and catastrophic ignition events.
5. Meeting regulatory standards
Safety regulations often require both gas and flame detection systems for compliance. Adhering to these standards not only protects your team and assets but also ensures your operations meet legal and industry benchmarks.
6. Minimising damage and downtime
Early flame detection can activate suppression systems, limit the spread of fire, and enhance the safety of personnel. By containing incidents quickly, businesses can avoid costly equipment damage and extended downtime.
7. Enhanced operational safety and continuity
Combining gas and flame detection creates a more resilient safety framework that reduces the likelihood of accidents and enables a quicker recovery in the event of an incident. This reliability is key to maintaining trust and productivity.
A layered defense
Safety in industrial environments is not about choosing between gas or flame detection — it’s about understanding the benefits of both to build a layered defense.
While gas detectors prevent potential hazards by identifying leaks, flame detectors act as a safeguard when ignition occurs.
Safety managers may consider this combination a necessity in today’s high risk, high stakes industries. By integrating flame detection into your gas detection system, you help to ensure that your operations are protected from the full spectrum of potential hazards, safeguarding lives, assets, and your reputation.
MSA Safety is a North American manufacturer and supplier of safety equipment used in a range of hazardous environments, including construction, military, fire service, and chemical, oil, and gas production. The company has provided its products to sites all across the region, and also partnered with OSHA to highlight workplace safety in Houston.
In drilling activities, bp uses advanced surveillance systems. (Image source: Canva)
The Gulf of America, historically known as the Gulf of Mexico, remains a crucial region for offshore energy production, with companies like bp leading the way in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) improvements.
In recent years, bp has taken significant steps to strengthen its safety culture, implement advanced technologies, and refine operational protocols to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety.
bp’s approach to HSE in the Gulf of America is guided by its Operating Management System (OMS), which provides a consistent framework for managing health, safety, security, and environmental risks.
The OMS integrates bp’s safety leadership principles, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers’ (IOGP) Life-Saving Rules, and process safety fundamentals. These elements collectively drive a strong safety culture, ensuring that best practices are embedded across BP’s operations.
To reinforce this culture, bp has prioritised psychological safety among its workforce. Employees in operations are encouraged to voice concerns and report potential hazards without fear of retaliation.
Training sessions have been expanded to help employees integrate safety principles into their daily routines, fostering a more open and proactive approach to risk management.
Life-saving rules and digital solutions
The IOGP Life-Saving Rules address high-risk activities that account for the majority of serious industry incidents.
Since their adoption, bp has measured their effectiveness, conducting site visits and safety audits to assess compliance.
In 2024, operational safety teams visited production sites in Azerbaijan, refining facilities in Spain, and terminals and pipelines in the US to ensure adherence to these critical safety measures.
Technology plays a pivotal role in bp’s HSE advancements. Digital solutions such as the IRIS system (for health, safety, security, and environment reporting) and the LENS platform (for learning and knowledge-sharing) have enhanced BP’s ability to standardise processes and collaborate across sites.
Additionally, the company has deployed Nova, an integrated management tool that helps monitor risk controls and enforce safety measures.
Despite bp’s efforts, the company faced challenges in 2024, reporting a fatality and several life-changing injuries across its global operations.
These incidents have reinforced the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols. To address these concerns, bp has focused on leveraging lessons learned to prevent future occurrences, including a renewed emphasis on safe manual handling procedures and emergency response preparedness.
Process safety remains a priority, with bp implementing stricter mechanical integrity frameworks in refining and production activities.
The company has also integrated IOGP’s Process Safety Fundamentals, ensuring that risk awareness and operational reliability are at the forefront of daily activities.
bp’s offshore operations in the Gulf of America benefit from enhanced monitoring and AI-driven solutions.
In drilling activities, bp uses advanced surveillance systems that allow experts in Houston and Sunbury to detect early warning signs of potential hazards, enabling timely intervention.
Additionally, bp’s US onshore subsidiary, bpx energy, has adopted AI-powered driving safety measures, significantly reducing driver distraction and tailgating incidents.
AESG has reinforced its Fire & Life Safety section in the country. (Image source: AESG)
Saudi Arabia's building sector is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and the Kingdom plans to strengthen fire and life safety (FLS) standards by introducing new Saudi Building Code (SBC) and Saudi Fire Code (SFC) rules in mid-2025.
To prepare for these developments, AESG has reinforced its Fire & Life Safety section by hiring fire protection engineers, senior fire protection engineers, and principle fire protection engineers in Saudi Arabia.
This strategic expansion strengthens the firm's capabilities to assist complicated projects requiring extensive mechanical and electrical fire protection skills.
AESG is one of the few active Fire & Life Safety businesses in Saudi Arabia, and it is one of only two International Consultancy firms accredited by Civil Defence as an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) representative and reviewer, demonstrating the firm's profound commitment to Vision 2030.
2025 expansion plans
“Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion of mega and giga projects has significantly increased the demand for specialized Fire & Life Safety expertise. These large-scale developments require meticulous and complex fire safety planning, both from a design and regulatory standpoint. The complexity of Saudi projects necessitates both robust local knowledge as well as international expertise to develop equivalencies and alternative solutions, allowing AESG to go beyond standard code compliance and deliver high-value, performance-based fire safety solutions,” said Saeed al Abbar, CEO at AESG.
In 2024, AESG was instrumental in improving fire and life safety rules and systems for some of Saudi Arabia's most famous constructions, including essential infrastructure, healthcare institutions, and luxury hotel projects. The business also engaged with developers on significant new projects, ensuring that cutting-edge fire safety technologies were included from the start. Collectively, AESG's initiatives have helped protect nearly SAR 30 billion in constructed assets in Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, AESG plans to develop its Fire & Life Safety branch in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
“We are strengthening our advisory services in policy, procedures, and governance, leveraging expertise gained from giga-projects. Additionally, we will introduce specialised solutions for industrial projects, further enhancing our service offerings in the Kingdom. Our goal is to grow our team by over 25% while continuing to elevate service quality, client experience, and governance advisory. With the upcoming Saudi Building Code (SBC-201) and Saudi Fire Code (SBC-801) changes, AESG remains committed to guiding clients through compliance with practical, high-impact Fire & Life Safety solutions—designed to be simple, effective, and achievable” said Abdullah Faza, director - fire and life safety, Middle East at AESG.
The company's expansion strategy involves the hiring of Samer Mehran as Senior FLS Consultant for its Egypt location. Mehran contributes over 15 years of industry experience, strong technical understanding, and leadership to AESG's continuous expansion in the Middle East.
Also read: ILO praises Saudi efforts to enhance worker safety
Vattenfall saw potential in the Elios 3. (Image source: Flyability)
Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest producers and retailers of electricity and heat, has used Flyability’s Elios 3 drone to create 3D models of restricted areas inside a decommissioned power plant, improving its understanding of locations deemed unsafe for human entry.
Once decommissioned, power plants often remain untouched for extended periods due to safety hazards and security concerns. Large industrial facilities present risks such as falls, head injuries, and confined space dangers. Additionally, the proprietary designs and operational methods of power plants require protection, leading to further restrictions.
Despite these constraints, companies must continue maintaining decommissioned plants. However, limited access makes it difficult to assess structural conditions, posing challenges for routine inspections and long-term planning.
Leveraging drone technology for inspection
The decommissioned facility, no longer in operation, had been repurposed as a training site for firefighters, but certain sections were still off-limits due to falling debris risks.
A long-time Flyability customer, Vattenfall saw potential in the Elios 3, an indoor drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor, for creating precise 3D maps of no-go zones. The company conducted test flights at the plant to determine whether the Elios 3’s simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) capabilities could generate usable models.
Using the FlyAware SLAM algorithm, the drone processed real-time LiDAR data, creating 3D visualisations of restricted areas. The collected data was later refined with FARO software for higher-resolution post-processed models, enhancing the team's ability to understand the facility’s layout.
The test flights focused on a deteriorating stairwell, an area deemed unsafe for human entry. The Elios 3 successfully navigated the confined space, flying 30-40 m (98-130 ft) up the stairwell while maintaining a strong signal and collecting high-precision data.
Vattenfall’s R&D team confirmed that both the SLAM-generated and post-processed models met their inspection needs, demonstrating the potential for broader applications across other decommissioned plants.
Anders Lindström, Digital Inspection Specialist in Vattenfall’s R&D Department, said,
“The LiDAR capability is a great addition to the Elios' capabilities and it is so far the only drone with LiDAR capability in this size segment”.
Without the Elios 3, personnel would have needed rope access or scaffolding to inspect the site manually, a process that could take weeks and incur high costs. Instead, the drone completed the task in just 30 minutes, showcasing significant time, cost, and safety benefits.
The campaign targets a wide range of audiences. (Image source: DoE)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has rolled out the second phase of its public awareness campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems across the emirate.
Timed to coincide with the start of Ramadan, the initiative, titled Your Safety is Our Priority, emphasises the importance of following safety standards and regulations to protect lives and property.
With cooking activities surging in homes, restaurants, and kitchens during Ramadan, the campaign seeks to remind residents and businesses of the critical need for safe LPG practices.
Protecting a wide range of sectors
It also aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility by engaging government and private sector stakeholders to deliver impactful safety messages and ensure a secure environment in Abu Dhabi.
The campaign targets a wide range of audiences, including domestic workers, labourers, employers, and companies in the food and hospitality sectors. It also focuses on recruitment agencies, urging them to provide adequate training for workers handling LPG systems.
H.E. Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, acting director general of regulatory affairs at the DoE, highlighted the department’s commitment to building a sustainable and efficient energy sector while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all residents.
Al Qubaisi further stated, "We firmly believe that the safety of the community is paramount in all aspects of LPG handling. With this campaign, our goal is to ensure that all organisations and individuals adhere to safety protocols and implement the required standards and conditions. This necessitates ongoing collaboration with all relevant parties to prevent accidents or potential hazards. Our collective commitment to upholding these standards helps build a more secure society and promotes the long-term sustainability of the sector as a whole."
Eng. Ahmed Alsayed Mohamed Alsheebani, the DoE’s acting regulatory affairs petroleum product sector executive director, stated, "The LPG Safety Campaign is a significant step in promoting safety practices within the community, particularly given the heightened gas usage during the holy month of Ramadan. We place considerable emphasis on delivering comprehensive awareness workshops and training programmes for all the campaign's target audiences, as we understand that ongoing education and training are key to mitigating risks associated with gas utilisation."
Alsheebani also pointed out that, "The success of this campaign relies not only on the awareness programmes we provide, but also on the unified efforts of the whole community. Accordingly, we urge restaurants and employment agencies to offer suitable training to workers; in doing so, we can effect a positive change in individual behavior and promote overall public safety."
Safe Dubai 2025 will address critical topics such as resilient infrastructure development. (Image source: Safe Dubai 2025)
Encardio Rite, a leader in geotechnical and infrastructure health monitoring, is set to host Safe Dubai 2025 in collaboration with the Society of Engineers – UAE.
The event, taking place on February 27 at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai, will focus on advancing infrastructure resilience and safety amid the city's rapid urban expansion.
Bringing together top industry experts, policymakers, academics, and innovators, Safe Dubai 2025 will provide a platform for exchanging insights and shaping a roadmap for long-term infrastructure sustainability.
The event comes at a time when the global geotechnical engineering market, valued at US$2.57bn in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% through 2030, reflecting the rising demand for advanced engineering solutions in high-risk environments.
Building resilience
Dubai’s skyline, home to iconic projects like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Metro, stands as a testament to engineering excellence.
However, as urbanisation accelerates, there is an increasing need to prioritise safety, resilience, and sustainability in construction.
Safe Dubai 2025 will address critical topics such as resilient infrastructure development, cost management, risk mitigation, global best practices, AI’s role in construction, and sustainability in urban planning.
With its reputation as a global leader in urban transformation, Dubai has the opportunity to set a new benchmark in infrastructure resilience.
Safe Dubai 2025 aims to drive a multi-disciplinary dialogue, ensuring that innovation, safety, and sustainability remain at the forefront of the city’s development strategy.
“Dubai continues to lead the world in urban innovation, ensuring the safety and longevity of its infrastructure is paramount. Infrastructure safety is about people – reliable roads, buildings, and transportation networks directly impact public safety, economic stability, and quality of life,” said Arushi Bhalla, managing director, Encardio Rite.
“Safe Dubai 2025 is not just about engineering excellence; it is about creating a sustainable future where technology, resilience, and safety work hand in hand to shape the cities of tomorrow.”
Bhalla, who will be present at the event, will discuss topics surrounding the UAE's construction landscape & trends, UAE projects Encardio Rite are currently working on, the need for construction safety monitoring & reducing site uncertainty in urban development, impact of tech on the sector, green construction practices, and industry best practices and the latest innovations.
Key topics that will be addressed at Safe Dubai 2025 include: building a resilient infrastructure, managing costs, risk management, global best practices, how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the construction sector and sustainability in construction.
Companies are also reporting new risks associated with digitalisation
The 2024 European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER) provides fresh insights into workplace risks across Europe, with musculoskeletal disorders, psychosocial stress, and digitalisation emerging as key concerns.
The survey, conducted across all sectors, highlights persistent challenges, such as prolonged sitting and repetitive movements, while also revealing the increasing impact of modern work practices on occupational safety and health.
Musculoskeletal risks remain dominant, with 64% of workplaces citing prolonged sitting as the most common issue, followed closely by repetitive hand or arm movements, reported by 63%.
Additionally, 52% identified lifting or moving heavy loads as a significant risk. The growing prevalence of remote work—up from 13% in 2019 to 23% in 2024—has further contributed to concerns about ergonomic hazards and digital workplace risks.
Psychosocial risks have also become a major challenge, particularly in service industries. More than half of surveyed organisations (56%) identified dealing with difficult customers, patients, or pupils as a key issue.
However, 25% of organisations still fail to acknowledge psychosocial risks, a shortfall that underscores the need for targeted interventions.
Worrisome trends
Reflecting on the results, EU-OSHA executive director William Cockburn stated, “25% of organisations still fail to recognise the presence of psychosocial risks, highlighting a significant shortfall in addressing these important issues. This underlines the importance of our upcoming Healthy Workplaces Campaign, launching in 2026, which will focus on tackling the impact of psychosocial risks at work on workers’ mental health.”
Among workplaces that recognise psychosocial risk factors, 21% find them harder to manage than other occupational safety and health (OSH) risks. Perceptions vary by country, with Sweden (38%) and Denmark (37%) reporting the greatest challenges.
Employee participation in designing measures to mitigate psychosocial risks has declined slightly, dropping from 61% in 2019 to 55% in 2024.
Digitalisation is increasingly influencing workplace safety, with 43% of organisations incorporating digital technologies into their risk assessments, a rise from previous years. Spain and Slovenia lead the way, with over 60% of workplaces considering digital risks in their assessments.
Training on digital technology usage has also expanded, reaching 42% of workplaces overall and 75% in Malta.
Companies are also reporting new risks associated with digitalisation, including increased work intensity (34%), information overload (32%), and blurred boundaries between work and personal life (27%).
Encouragingly, consultation with employees on the impact of digitalisation has improved, with 35% of workplaces engaging workers on these issues—up from 24% in 2019.
These preliminary findings mark the beginning of a deeper analysis of ESENER 2024 data.
Additional reports will be published through 2026, offering further insights into the evolving landscape of workplace risks in Europe.
Safety managers can now proactively address driver weariness. (Image source: Motive)
AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform Motive has unveiled new AI features intended to tackle drowsy and distracted driving, one of Mexico's biggest traffic safety issues.
Safety managers can now proactively address driver weariness and other risky behaviours to increase fleet safety with Motive's AI-powered Forward Collision Warning and Drowsiness Detection, which have been introduced to the Mexican market.
In Mexico, driver weariness poses a serious concern to road safety. The Mexican Institute of Transportation (IMT) claimed that driver behaviour, particularly distracted and sleepy driving, was responsible for about half of all traffic collisions in 2023. Drivers are pushed to their limits by long driving hours, which are made worse by a lack of workers.
This leads to harmful behaviours including crossing into oncoming traffic, making unsafe lane changes, and being involved in fatal collisions.
Motive has introduced advanced AI-driven safety features designed to tackle driver fatigue and prevent collisions, enhancing overall road safety. Integrated with Motive’s AI Dashcams, these innovations proactively detect drowsiness and potential crashes, offering real-time alerts to drivers and safety managers.
Key features
The AI-driven feature identifies both early and advanced signs of driver fatigue, such as repeated yawning and prolonged eye closure. Once these indicators are detected:
- Drivers receive immediate in-cab alerts, encouraging them to take necessary breaks.
- Safety managers are promptly notified, allowing them to intervene and reinforce rest periods.
- If a driver begins to nod off, the system issues an urgent alert to wake them and prevent a possible accident.
Rear-end collisions, often caused by distraction or drowsiness, can now be significantly reduced with Motive’s AI-powered Forward Collision Warning. This system, available with all Motive AI Dashcams, continuously assesses vehicle speed, following distance, and estimated time to impact. When a driver approaches another vehicle too quickly, it triggers an alert, allowing them to brake in time. Studies show that such warnings can reduce rear-end crashes by 27%.
Motive’s technology generates alerts for these behaviours three to four times more frequently than competing solutions, giving fleet operators greater visibility into driver performance.
Organisations using Motive’s AI Dashcam have seen up to an 80% reduction in accidents, a 30% drop in accident-related expenses, and a 21% decrease in insurance costs.
Motive is further refining its safety tools with the upcoming Driver Fatigue Index (DFI), which will analyse multiple fatigue indicators such as yawning frequency, lane deviations, eye movement, unusual speed changes, total driving hours, and environmental factors.
The AI-powered drowsiness detection and forward collision warning capabilities integrate directly into Motive’s platform, equipping transportation, logistics, and fleet operators with the necessary tools to mitigate safety risks.
Also read: Intersec 2025 sets new benchmark for global safety and security
Saudi Arabia has implemented significant changes in its labour market. (Image source: Saudi Press Agency)
The director-general of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, has praised Saudi Arabia's role in shaping the future of the global labour market.
Speaking at the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 in Riyadh, Houngbo highlighted the Kingdom’s comprehensive labour reforms, which can enhance market competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.
Saudi Arabia has implemented significant changes in its labour market, including updates to labour laws, improvements in occupational safety, and initiatives to boost employment for youth and women.
Speaking on occupational safety, the ILO chief acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance workplace safety through labour market reforms. The adoption of the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health, the establishment of a dedicated national council, and the implementation of modern reporting systems for workplace incidents demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ well-being.
Digital transformation
Houngbo commended Saudi Arabia’s investment in digital technologies and its proactive approach to addressing challenges. He noted that the Kingdom’s focus on digitalisation is not just about improving efficiency but also about creating attractive and sustainable workplaces. These efforts, he said, place Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global transition towards a sustainable economy that balances development with social equity.
The ILO and Saudi Arabia have been working together across multiple areas, including occupational safety, aligning workforce skills with market demands, and enhancing social protection. Houngbo noted that the Kingdom’s experience serves as a valuable model for other nations looking to modernise their labour markets.
The GLMC in Riyadh provided a crucial platform for dialogue on the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping today’s global labour landscape. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s priorities, including addressing labour market disparities, promoting social justice, and preparing for the impacts of digitalisation and demographic shifts. He stressed that achieving social justice is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity that fosters stability and inclusion.
Promoting diversity and equality
Houngbo highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle youth unemployment in the Arab world. He emphasised the importance of quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives to bridge the gap between education and employment. While global youth unemployment rates have improved, the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth report indicates a 1% rise in unemployment across Arab nations. Houngbo called for stronger alignment between educational systems and labour market needs to address this issue effectively.
Gender equality remains a core focus for the ILO, and Houngbo underscored the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all workers. He praised Saudi Arabia’s recent legislation mandating maternity insurance for female workers, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting gender equality in the labour market. He also called for further measures to support work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements and enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies.
-
Breaking New Ground: SafeStart's First Public Workshop in Dubai a Huge Success!
The SafeStart Trainer Certification Level 1 Course made a powerful debut in Dubai on February 18-19, bringing together top companies from across the Middle East in a sold-out, high-energy event.
With a full house and an engaged audience, the workshop sparked meaningful discussions, personal stories, and hands-on learning about human factors and Critical Error Reduction Techniques (CERTs). Participants explored what really happens when we are rushing, frustrated, fatigued, or complacent—and, more importantly, how to self-trigger on these states to prevent errors before they lead to incidents.
As safety professionals, we often tell workers to stop and think before committing to a task, but we rarely explain what to think about. SafeStart fills this gap by helping individuals rate their state before taking action:- Am I rushing?
- Am I tired?
- Am I at risk of making a critical error?
By developing these lifesaving skills, SafeStart helps stop the domino effect that can lead to accidents—even fatalities.
This was just the beginning! Stay tuned for the next SafeStart workshop in the Middle East, and be part of this life-changing experience.
?This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to secure your spot!
Want to know more about SafeStart? Visit our website. -
The third session at HSE Oman Forum 2021 on 'E-HSE Next Revolution in Oman' engaged our audience with insights on Petroleum Development Oman's IHTIMAM system. Port of Salalah highlighted the use of digitized capture to enhance HSE systems and Esteshraf Foresight talked about the importance of setting realistic compliance targets.
-
PDO's Nadiya al-Harthy and Arabian Industries Projects' Porchelvan Nadanam discussed the implications of environmental regulations on projects and contractors, as well as the pressing need for tighter competency management
-
HSE Oman Forum's session on 'Risk Overview' hosted panellists from Oman Drydock Company (ODC), Oman Electricity Transmission Company and Petroleum Development Oman who discussed safety challenges, initiatives to ensure skilled human resources for lifting operations and the 12 Golden Rules (life saving) of ODC.
-
HSE Oman Forum's first session featured Yokogawa RAP Ltd's excellent insights on digital control of work presented by Mark Breese followed by an engaging panel discussing integration of HSE with business continuity, effective modes of communicating in training and PDO's best practices to achieve highest process safety standards.
Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January. (Image source: Messe Frankfurt)
A record number of exhibitors representing 61 countries have participated in the 26th edition of Intersec, the largest business event in the world that maps the future of security, safety, and fire protection.
The largest edition of the event took up 61,000 sq m of space at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a 20% increase from the previous year.
Under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event, which ended last month, drew 47,300 visitors from 142 countries and featured state-of-the-art technologies and vital solutions in five major areas: Homeland Security & Policing, Cyber Security, Safety & Health, Fire & Rescue, and Commercial & Perimeter Security. The show's theme was "Mapping the Future of Security, Safety, and Fire Protection."
Among the new features this year was the successful opening of the two-day Intersec Policing Conference, which brought together more than fifty knowledgeable speakers. Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the future of road safety, proactive and productive policing, strategic automation in policing, drone operations, and quantum-led crime. Senior law enforcement officials from the Abu Dhabi Police, INTERPOL, the Metropolitan Police, and the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit were among them.
The top Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) in the area were also invited to the CISO Business Briefing, which was successfully launched while examining the main information security trends, threats, and opportunities. The opening keynote speaker was H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government.
The annual awards
The exhibition's ground-breaking collaboration with Ignyte, which resulted in the opening of the Intersec Startup Arena, was another first. It gave startups a chance to present their innovative ideas and solutions to a group of government officials, business executives, and elite investors, opening doors for them to secure investment, mentorship, and strategic alliances.
ASIS International, Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA), Gallagher, Sharjah Civil Defence, NAFFCO, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, Nordon, Saudi Sicli, and UXE Security Solutions were among the companies that signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the three-day event held by Intersec 2025.
Several industry leaders were honoured at the 4th annual Intersec Awards, which honour people, groups, and organisations for establishing new benchmarks for excellence in vital sectors.
Winners on the evening included Dubai Civil Defense, NAFFCO, Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Emirates Safety Laboratory LLC, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Wajahat Hussain, show manager, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “The team and I are thrilled to have welcomed an unprecedented gathering of industry professionals from around the world. Intersec has once again proven to be the premier platform where global leaders, innovators, and experts converge to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and explore cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of safety, security, and fire protection.
“Surpassing previous exhibitor records is a testament to Intersec’s growing influence and its pivotal role in driving forward-thinking solutions for a safer, more secure world. This milestone underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration, showcasing pioneering technologies, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in this critically important industry.”
Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Ryan Mitchell, Farnek’s head of QHSEW. (Image source: Farnek)
OOMCO's leadership team travelled to key partners during HSEQ Week. (Image source: OOMCO)
Gerald V. Sims will assist Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection in further growing its market share. (Image source: TGFD)
In an effort to spur expansion throughout the continent, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has appointed a new vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas.
Gerald V. Sims will assist Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection in further growing its market share in this significant geographic market thanks to his extensive experience in gas utilities and his proven track record of sales leadership.
Over many years, Teledyne GFD has been expanding throughout the Americas. Teledyne Detcon, the company's US manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas, has been offering industrial-grade gas detectors, control systems, analysers, and wireless technologies to the gas detection market for more than 40 years.
“Gerald will use his expertise and deep industry knowledge to play a pivotal role in maximising our growth potential and enhancing the presence of our product brands across the Americas,” said Thibault Fourlegnie, vice president and general manager, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. “We’re excited to see the gains that Gerald can provide, not just for Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, but also for our customers. After all, an even stronger Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection is beneficial for stakeholders up and down the supply chain, including distributors and end users.”
The collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture technology in hard-to-abate industries. (Image source: Celeros Flow Technology)
The facility by Cannon Artes. (Image source: Cannon Artes)
The new uvex phynomic cut glove range is manufactured in Germany using 3D hand ‘formas’ to mimic the contours of the hand. (Image source: uvex)
uvex has announced the launch of new safety eyewear and safety gloves, which it will be showcasing at the Health and Safety Event in Birmingham, UK from 30 April-2 May
There are a diverse range of factors to consider from suspension, soft textile materials, vented or non-vented models, to heat regulation accessories, size and aesthetics. (Image source: MSA Safety)
To improve differentiation, hard hats can be customised with different colours and logos. (Image source: MSA Safety)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised 61 training courses and awareness sessions on occupational health and safety during the first half of 2024, with the participation of 2,110 male and female employees from various divisions. (Image source: DEWA)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) conducted 61 training courses and awareness sessions on occupational health and safety in the first half of 2024.
These sessions saw the participation of 2,110 employees from various departments. This initiative is part of DEWA's ongoing efforts to enhance its employees' knowledge and skills in occupational health and safety.
Trainings throughout the year
“We are dedicated to effectively implementing quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems according to the highest international standards. We strive to cultivate a culture of occupational safety and health among all employees, enabling them to keep pace with the latest developments in this field. This is part of our responsibility towards our employees, customers, and the employees of suppliers and contractors who work on DEWA’s projects. Additionally, we are committed to providing our services according to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, availability, and reliability,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of DEWA.
“We offer the best training and awareness programmes to enhance the safe work environment and raise health and safety standards across all DEWA’s projects and operations. This contributes to achieving employees’ happiness and enhances productivity and quality,” said Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, executive vice president of business support and human resources at DEWA.
In addition to the training courses, DEWA organises many events and awareness activities throughout the year. These include Public Health and Safety Week, Internal Health and Safety Week, Contractor Health and Safety Awareness Day, and other activities and events aimed at improving the health and safety systems of human resources. Employees who complete the training provided by DEWA staff are awarded certificates in occupational health and safety.
Employers have a legal duty to safeguard employees from stress at work. (Image source: Canva)
The programme targets all workers in the construction sector or those whose jobs require scaffold installation and usage. (Image source: SPSA)
Saudi Arabia has made notable strides in Numbeo's recently-published Safety Index, climbing from 26th place in 2024 to 14th in 2025. This remarkable improvement places Saudi Arabia among the top 15 safest countries in the world, surpassing notable nations such as Switzerland, Finland, the Netherlands, and China.
Saudi Arabia’s jump in the rankings saw it overtake several European nations known for their high safety standards, including Switzerland (17th in 2024 to 23rd in 2025), Finland (23rd to 24th), and the Netherlands (21st to 26th).
Overall, as a region, the Middle East reported varying performances in the safety index. The UAE (2nd place) and Qatar (3rd place) continue to earn their status as some of the safest countries worldwide. Oman (5th) also remains a regional leader in safety. Bahrain, though still ranked highly, dropped slightly from 13th to 16th.
Kuwait and Israel, both in the top 40, have also maintained relatively strong positions, though not recording a major upward shift like Saudi Arabia.
Numeo also recently released its Quality of Life index of 62 Asian cities, where the Middle East earned all top three slots. Explore full coverage of those rankings here.
Ali Abdulla Al Ali, UAE country chair at Petrofac
The fire station will shortly be operational. (Image source: Omrania)
bp believes that every incident is preventable. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
bp is one of the Gulf of America’s largest oil producers, operating five major production platforms in the region. In an article on its website, bp outlines five ways it is working to keep its Gulf of America employees safe:
1. Principles to keep bp’s people safe
Making sure contractors are fully supported to work safely is critical to the company’s goal of eliminating Tier 1 process safety events. bp hosts a quarterly contractor forum – a dedicated space for bp’s contractors and leaders to talk about safety. Under the company’s Safety Leadership Principles, bp employees and contractors are empowered to speak up when something does not seem right and to stop work if they have concerns.
2. Leveraging digital technology for better planning and monitoring
bp’s Argos platform is using a digital twin of the facility that enables individuals to monitor Argos from bp’s US headquarters in Houston. The technology was recently used to remotely plan an inspection campaign of 300 valves on Argos to ensure they are being maintained correctly, eliminating the need for the team to physically travel back and forth to the platform. Using the twin, the time to complete the inspections was reduced by 50%. The technology is in use across all five of bp’s operated Gulf of America platforms and in other regions.
3. Deploying other cutting-edge technology to reduce risk
In addition to the digital twin, bp is using drones to inspect tanks in its Gulf of America platforms, eliminating the need for employees and contractors to enter confined spaces.
4. Weather safety
Temperatures on bp platforms in the Gulf of America can reach between 125 to 130° Fahrenheit. Keeping bp personnel on the platforms cool is critical to their ability to safely make decisions and follow protocols. bp started a pilot project on the Mad Dog platform for all offshore personnel to use specially designed, lightweight, cooling, fire-retardant clothing. Heat stress meters are being used to provide real-time data of the current heat risk on the platform. For hydration, test systems have been installed in bathrooms allowing the team members to self-monitor and regulate hydration. Hurricane preparedness sessions are also held, and weather forecasts distributed to warn of severe weather events.
5. Training bp’s future leaders
Under bp’s health, safety, environment and carbon (HSE&C) early careers program, recent college graduates are placed in teams with experienced safety professionals and visit platforms in the Gulf of America to learn about the work there. The participants take helicopter training before visiting, do a safety orientation once they arrive and shadow the HSE&C site lead at the facility. Current participants are developing safety resources that focus on specific Process Safety Fundamentals including engaging videos, case studies and discussion prompts for all frontline employees.
“These five aspects reflect bp’s belief that every incident is preventable,” says bp. “Technological improvements, a focus on early training and constant communication, with a continuous drive to learn and improve, go a long way toward reaching that goal. Simply put, everyone must go home safely when their shift is done – full stop.”
Integrating flame detection into safety systems can create a safer and more reliable environment. (Image source: MSA Safety)
In drilling activities, bp uses advanced surveillance systems. (Image source: Canva)
Exposure to welding fumes is a significant occupational hazard, with documented links to lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. In 2019, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) classified welding fumes as a Group 1 carcinogen, mandating effective respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for all indoor welding tasks and outdoor welding where ventilation is inadequate.
Darren Binns, Jefferson Tools' national sales manager, emphasised the danger presented by welding fumes. "The risks associated with welding fumes are too serious to ignore. Employers need to take proactive steps to ensure their workers are protected and that means investing in the right equipment."
Jefferson Tools has long supplied the Tundra Air Fed Welding Helmet, designed to provide continuous, filtered airflow to reduce welders' exposure to hazardous fumes. The helmet includes a comfortable carrying belt and a protected air hose for durability. A lightweight, ergonomic design promises comfort for extended use, while an auto-darkening filter ensures clear vision and smooth task transitions.
Introducing the upgraded revision of the helmet, which responds to industry feedback about the former version's visibility with an increased viewing window, Darren continued, "Our enhanced Tundra Air Fed Welding Helmet provides welders with superior protection, comfort, and visibility, making compliance easier while safeguarding long-term health. At Jefferson Tools, we’re committed to helping businesses meet HSE requirements with solutions that put worker safety first."
As regulatory requirements and enforcement measures continue to evolve, effective RPE remains essential in ensuring welders’ long-term health and safety.
Side radars are primarily utilised for blind spot detection
Shipboard fires have risen by 17% year-on-year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Day two expanded on themes of resilience and innovation. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)
Vattenfall saw potential in the Elios 3. (Image source: Flyability)
VR training allows employees to be exposed to hazardous scenarios in a safe environment. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The oil and gas industry is leading the way. (Image source: Canva)
The event will address crucial topics such as fire in residential buildings. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The programme is designed to elevate workplace safety, minimise incidents, and cultivate a culture of safety excellence. (Image source: SafeStart)
Latest news
bp believes that every incident is preventable. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Ali Abdulla Al Ali, UAE country chair at Petrofac
Side radars are primarily utilised for blind spot detection
The fire station will shortly be operational. (Image source: Omrania)
Integrating flame detection into safety systems can create a safer and more reliable environment. (Image source: MSA Safety)
More Articles
Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January. (Image source: Messe Frankfurt)
Ryan Mitchell, Farnek’s head of QHSEW. (Image source: Farnek)
OOMCO's leadership team travelled to key partners during HSEQ Week. (Image source: OOMCO)
The inauguration was held on 27 November 2024. (Image source: Canva)
The event is taking place on 5 December. (Image source: Canva)
Ryan Mitchell, Farnek's head of Quality, Health, Safety, Excellence, and Wellbeing (QHSEW). (Image source: Farnek)
This partnership combines AIQ’s AI technology with Kent’s expertise in digital engineering. (Image source: AIQ)
Day two expanded on themes of resilience and innovation. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)
The article discusses how the neuroscience behind Critical Error Reduction Techniques aligns with safety practices. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
DoE’s HSE department conducted numerous inspection visits. (Image source: DoE)
Mining is one of the most dangerous occupations.