In The Spotlight
The construction site at New Murabba. (Image source: New Murabba)
The New Murabba Development Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced significant progress on the creation of its ambitious urban destination.
Excavation at the iconic Mukaab and its surrounding podium sites is now 86% complete, with over 10 million cubic metres of earth moved. This milestone highlights the fast pace of the project and reaffirms the company’s commitment to delivering the world’s largest, modern downtown.
In addition to the sheer scale of the development, the project prioritises worker safety, having logged over 3 million safe work hours to date.
This focus on safety underscores the company's belief that progress and worker well-being must go hand in hand as it builds Riyadh's new downtown.
Around 900 workers work on-site every day.
Managing a large number of workers
“These milestones are a testament to the dedication and skill of our team, and our ambition to build a world-class destination that prioritises both innovation and the well-being of our workforce. We are proud of the progress made at New Murabba, and excited to continue shaping the future of Riyadh”, said Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Company.
The recent progress that New Murabba made highlights the team’s effort during the excavation process.
One crucial element of the development is the focus on environmentally friendly methods for managing the excavated materials.
The excavation process required the daily use of approximately 250 excavators and over 400 pieces of equipment to effectively manage the extensive excavation work. This serves to underline the considerable scale and magnitude of the operation.
New Murabba is set to build a temporary bridge, a key infrastructure element that will link the construction site by crossing King Khalid Road.
This bridge will play a vital role in enabling continuous development and preparing for the start of Mukaab piling in the coming months. By reducing approximately 800,000 truck movements on public roads during earthworks, the bridge will have a positive effect on the surrounding infrastructure. With around 900 workers on-site daily, the project is progressing swiftly, bringing the landmark destination closer to completion.
Entries will be evaluated through a comprehensive and impartial judging process. (Image source: RoSPA)
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has officially launched its 2025 health and safety awards, with NEBOSH as the headline sponsor.
The awards celebrate organisations and individuals dedicated to improving health, safety, and wellbeing within communities. RoSPA and NEBOSH, both longstanding leaders in safety improvements, are inviting applications from businesses and organisations seeking recognition for their achievements in health and safety.
RoSPA's health and safety awards programme, established in 1956, is the longest-running of its kind in the UK. NEBOSH, founded in 1979, has been a key partner in driving global health and safety advancements alongside RoSPA. Together, they have contributed to saving countless lives and promoting safety best practices across industries.
Judging process
Applications are open to organisations of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations. The awards highlight excellence in safety management systems, while the Inspiration Awards recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and teams. RoSPA has partnered with Chas, the UK's leading health and safety accreditation scheme, to simplify the entry process for Chas members.
Entries will be evaluated through a comprehensive and impartial judging process, conducted by experienced occupational health and safety professionals. The main award panel will be chaired by Dee Arp, Chief Quality Officer at NEBOSH.
Rebecca Hickman, CEO at RoSPA, said, “We are delighted to kick off the RoSPA 2025 Awards and honoured to have NEBOSH by our side as headline sponsor. Together, we have a long history of improving the health, safety and wellbeing of our communities and the Awards is the perfect way for us to stand together and make a difference.
“We look forward to reading about the health and safety innovations of organisations and individuals around the world.”
Andy Shenstone, chief executive, NEBOSH said, “Aligned with our new strategy, we’re committed to advancing NEBOSH’s mission through social purpose initiatives that expand our charitable impact in the UK and globally. Collaborating with like-minded organisations is crucial to our success, and as a fellow charity, we’re honoured to support RoSPA’s vital work in preventing harm.”
To enter the 2025 RoSPA Awards, find out more information on the process or to see the extra benefits for RoSPA members see www.rospa.com/awards.
Zahi Daher, manager of international business development for Saudi Arabia. (Image source: NFPA)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has appointed Zahi Daher as the new manager of international business development for Saudi Arabia.
Joining Dana Kamal, director of international business development for the MENA region, Daher will focus on advancing NFPA initiatives in the Kingdom by promoting fire and life safety standards in line with the country’s rapid development.
Daher brings extensive expertise in fire protection, standards management, and business development, having previously worked at UL Standards & Engagement as the regional standards manager for the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). In his prior role, he played a key role in building strategic relationships with government bodies, industry associations, and regulatory entities, driving the adoption of international safety standards throughout the region.
His appointment follows the recent opening of NFPA’s regional office in Riyadh and marks a strategic move to enhance fire, electrical, and life safety efforts as part of the Saudi Building Code.
“Saudi Arabia is undergoing an incredible transformation, and I am honoured to help NFPA play a role as fire and life safety standards are implemented throughout this process, aligned with local risks and hazards,” said Daher, adding that, “I look forward to working with stakeholders across the Kingdom to foster an environment where safety continues to be prioritised at every level.”
The panel highlighted emerging trends affecting the industry. (Image source: Intersec KSA)
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 DoE has called on all sector participants to commit to the new regulations. (Image source: DoE)
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.
Understanding and leveraging the benefits of reflexes offers a powerful opportunity to prevent serious injuries. (Image source: SafeStart)
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/
An image of a sustainable city. (Image source: Canva)
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. (Image source: ACWA Power)
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.
A new safe HMI (SIL 3) will be introduced, providing an advanced, touch-enabled solution for displaying critical safety information. (Image source: Canva)
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.
EHS software to grow by 6.7% in the next ten years, research shows. (Image source: Canva)
Each year, nearly three million people lose their lives due to work-related accidents or illnesses, with industrial and manufacturing plants posing significant risks from chemicals, explosives, and heavy machinery.
To address these hazards and enhance safety protocols, companies are increasingly adopting Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) software as a key tool to reduce workplace incidents.
According to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, the EHS software market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% over the next decade, reaching US$2.2bn by 2034.
“Safety is an integral part of companies' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, and it’s become a board-level priority. Businesses must demonstrate improvements in safety metrics, which can foster a stronger safety culture throughout the organisation. However, many industrial and manufacturing sites still rely on outdated paper-based data collection. EHS software allows companies to collect data, analyse it to establish a baseline, and track progress with visualisation tools,” said Michael Larner, analyst at ABI Research.
Employees urged to be part of the conversation
The chemical industry was among the first sectors to recognise the importance of refining safety processes, given the severe consequences of mistakes. However, other sectors such as oil & gas (CAGR 7.0%) and mining (CAGR 7.1%) are beginning to invest heavily in EHS solutions.
“EHS software is no longer limited to safety professionals. With innovations like capturing images via mobile devices, annotating them, and logging potential risks, more employees are encouraged and empowered to take an active role in improving safety within their facilities,” Larner said.
Companies such as Alcumus, ComplianceQuest, Cority, Dakota Software, Enablon, Ideagen, Intelex, IsoMetrix, SafetyCulture, Secova, TenForce, and VelocityEHS are helping businesses digitise their safety protocols and improve overall safety practices.
These insights are part of ABI Research’s analysis report Ensuring Worker Safety with EHS Software. This report is included in the company's Industrial & Manufacturing Markets research service, which provides analysis, data, and expert insights into key market trends.
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.
The 6th edition of the HSE UAE Forum held on 6-7 April 2021 at Habtoor Grand Resort, Dubai was the first live HSE event in the region after the pandemic lockdown and it concluded to a great response.
We welcomed attendees over two days providing access to thought-provoking presentations, case studies and interactive panel discussions. It was the ideal live opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking at this strategic forum.
The forum served as a platform to realize the UAE’s efforts to prioritize workforce safety, sustainability and best practices post COVID-19 where attendees gained access to information on safety practices, latest technologies and solutions to optimise HSE function in the country.
The construction site at New Murabba. (Image source: New Murabba)
The New Murabba Development Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced significant progress on the creation of its ambitious urban destination.
Excavation at the iconic Mukaab and its surrounding podium sites is now 86% complete, with over 10 million cubic metres of earth moved. This milestone highlights the fast pace of the project and reaffirms the company’s commitment to delivering the world’s largest, modern downtown.
In addition to the sheer scale of the development, the project prioritises worker safety, having logged over 3 million safe work hours to date.
This focus on safety underscores the company's belief that progress and worker well-being must go hand in hand as it builds Riyadh's new downtown.
Around 900 workers work on-site every day.
Managing a large number of workers
“These milestones are a testament to the dedication and skill of our team, and our ambition to build a world-class destination that prioritises both innovation and the well-being of our workforce. We are proud of the progress made at New Murabba, and excited to continue shaping the future of Riyadh”, said Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Company.
The recent progress that New Murabba made highlights the team’s effort during the excavation process.
One crucial element of the development is the focus on environmentally friendly methods for managing the excavated materials.
The excavation process required the daily use of approximately 250 excavators and over 400 pieces of equipment to effectively manage the extensive excavation work. This serves to underline the considerable scale and magnitude of the operation.
New Murabba is set to build a temporary bridge, a key infrastructure element that will link the construction site by crossing King Khalid Road.
This bridge will play a vital role in enabling continuous development and preparing for the start of Mukaab piling in the coming months. By reducing approximately 800,000 truck movements on public roads during earthworks, the bridge will have a positive effect on the surrounding infrastructure. With around 900 workers on-site daily, the project is progressing swiftly, bringing the landmark destination closer to completion.
Entries will be evaluated through a comprehensive and impartial judging process. (Image source: RoSPA)
The DoE has called on all sector participants to commit to the new regulations. (Image source: DoE)
Understanding and leveraging the benefits of reflexes offers a powerful opportunity to prevent serious injuries. (Image source: SafeStart)
Paul Burns, who heads corporate HSSE training at ACWA Power. (Image source: ACWA Power)
The oil and gas industry has emerged as a significant adopter of the technology. (Image source: GlobalData)
Data and analytics company GlobalData has released a thematic report, Robotics in Oil and Gas, which highlights the role of major oil and gas companies, such as ADNOC, BP, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Repsol, Rosneft, Shell, and TotalEnergies in the development and adoption of robotics to enhance safety and productivity on the field
With the applications of robotics continuously evolving, the oil and gas industry has emerged as a significant adopter of the technology to improve safety and efficiency of operations. According to the GlobalData report, robots equipped with advanced technologies are yielding increasingly positive results, bringing a continued transformation in the operations of oil and gas companies.
Ravindra Puranik, oil and gas analyst at GlobalData, said, “Robots are proving invaluable to execute complex tasks at production facilities, thereby protecting workers from hazardous environments and reducing the likelihood of costly shutdowns. As a result, companies such as Equinor, TotalEnergies, and Shell are deploying them to work alongside humans on offshore sites. For instance, robotic automation can manage remote operations, such as those conducted on Equinor's Oseberg H platform in the North Sea. Their ability to perform repetitive and mundane tasks with minimal errors is saving time and internal resources for companies. Furthermore, it allows them to deploy field technicians on more critical issues.”
Oil and gas operations are labor-intensive and involve numerous repetitive tasks, many of which occur in hazardous environments and face various obstacles. Robotics presents an excellent solution to many challenges within the industry, as they can handle more strenuous tasks and complex procedures more effectively than humans.
Puranik said, “Robots provide greater reliability and efficiency in completing assigned tasks while also enhancing operational safety. The integration of terrestrial, aerial, and underwater robots is already playing a crucial role in several high-stakes oil and gas projects throughout the value chain. French oil major TotalEnergies, in collaboration with Oceaneering, recently conducted a pilot inspection of subsea pipelines in the North Sea using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).”
Robots can access hard-to-reach areas, carry out tasks beyond human capabilities, and operate continuously without needing breaks. Hence, they are being utilized as effective solutions for conducting inspections in difficult or hazardous environments, thereby avoiding preventing human exposure to such sites. Recently, cleaning of storage tanks is emerging as another prominent use case for robotics with companies, such as Saudi Aramco, Woodside, SK Innovation, and Indian Oil Corp, exploring the potential of robotic crawlers in this application.“Advancements in technology have equipped robots to effectively replace field personnel on oil rigs. Additionally, there is an increase in collaboration between oil and gas companies and technology vendors, enabling the diversification of robotic use cases with the integration of AI, IoT, cloud, and edge computing. These developments are anticipated to drive future growth in robotics within the oil and gas sector, reducing risks to human workers who operate alongside heavy machinery in often remote and challenging environments,” said Puranik.
The company will supply electrochlorination units for the North Field South project. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The company chose SAP as its main provider (Image source: Canva)
Keel laying of Bapco barges. (Image source: ASRY)
Amal AlMizyen, Chief Executive Operation Officer and Conor Hegarty, General Manager
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)
The global prescription safety glasses market is forecast to grow to US$1bn by 2031. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a hard hat. (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)
The awards will take place in Australia this year. (Image source: Canva)
16 memorandums of understanding and agreements were signed to promote cooperation in occupational safety and health. (Image source: Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development)
The "State-to-Error Risk Pattern". (Image source: SafeStart)
HSE KSA takes place in September this year. (Image source: SafeStart)
H.E. Bandar I. Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and H.E. Khalil Ibn Salamah, the Deputy Minister for Industrial Affairs with Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO and founder of WakeCap. (Image source: WakeCap)
More than 200 key stakeholders are expected to attend the Forum. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)
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)
The awards will take place in Australia this year. (Image source: Canva)
To improve differentiation, hard hats can be customised with different colours and logos. (Image source: MSA Safety)
The global prescription safety glasses market is forecast to grow to US$1bn by 2031. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The programme targets the needs of the oil and gas industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
USA looks to develop HSE practices in Egypt. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting a hard hat. (Image source: MSA Safety)
Employers have a legal duty to safeguard employees from stress at work. (Image source: Canva)
Kevin Killeen, global product line manager for Flame Detection at MSA Safety. (Image source: MSA Safety)
Latest news
The oil and gas industry has emerged as a significant adopter of the technology. (Image source: GlobalData)
The construction site at New Murabba. (Image source: New Murabba)
Entries will be evaluated through a comprehensive and impartial judging process. (Image source: RoSPA)
Zahi Daher, manager of international business development for Saudi Arabia. (Image source: NFPA)
The panel highlighted emerging trends affecting the industry. (Image source: Intersec KSA)
The DoE has called on all sector participants to commit to the new regulations. (Image source: DoE)
Understanding and leveraging the benefits of reflexes offers a powerful opportunity to prevent serious injuries. (Image source: SafeStart)
Paul Burns, who heads corporate HSSE training at ACWA Power. (Image source: ACWA Power)
The company will supply electrochlorination units for the North Field South project. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
A new safe HMI (SIL 3) will be introduced, providing an advanced, touch-enabled solution for displaying critical safety information. (Image source: Canva)
EHS software to grow by 6.7% in the next ten years, research shows. (Image source: Canva)
Seadrill will equip its fleet of floating drilling vessels with Oil States' MPD technologies. (Image source: Oil States)
WETEX will be held from 1-3 October this year. (Image source: WETEX)
ENOC Group, Service Station of the Future, World of Safety and Health Asia Award 2024, environmental sustainability, biomimicry, LEED Platinum certification, energy efficiency, water conservation, CO2 reduction, renewable energy, solar panels, wind turbine, UAE Energy Strategy 2050, Dubai Expo 2020, sustainability innovation, clean energy transition. (Image source: ENOC)
MSA Safety will also feature its full line of Bristol fire protective clothing at ESS. (Image source: MSA Safety)
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The construction site at New Murabba. (Image source: New Murabba)
Entries will be evaluated through a comprehensive and impartial judging process. (Image source: RoSPA)
The DoE has called on all sector participants to commit to the new regulations. (Image source: DoE)
Understanding and leveraging the benefits of reflexes offers a powerful opportunity to prevent serious injuries. (Image source: SafeStart)
Paul Burns, who heads corporate HSSE training at ACWA Power. (Image source: ACWA Power)
A new safe HMI (SIL 3) will be introduced, providing an advanced, touch-enabled solution for displaying critical safety information. (Image source: Canva)
EHS software to grow by 6.7% in the next ten years, research shows. (Image source: Canva)
Seadrill will equip its fleet of floating drilling vessels with Oil States' MPD technologies. (Image source: Oil States)
WETEX will be held from 1-3 October this year. (Image source: WETEX)
ENOC Group, Service Station of the Future, World of Safety and Health Asia Award 2024, environmental sustainability, biomimicry, LEED Platinum certification, energy efficiency, water conservation, CO2 reduction, renewable energy, solar panels, wind turbine, UAE Energy Strategy 2050, Dubai Expo 2020, sustainability innovation, clean energy transition. (Image source: ENOC)
The Group conducted a workshop on electrolyte drinks. (Image source: Canva)
The "State-to-Error Risk Pattern". (Image source: SafeStart)