In The Spotlight
According to Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the 25th edition of the Intersec, which took place in Dubai earlier this year, resulted in a potential business buying capacity of more than US$16.7bn.
Significant business was done at the event, including a strategic agreement between the Judicial Inspection Authority (JIA) and Moro Hub, a Digital DEWA subsidiary, to create an advanced website for the authority and establish a comprehensive Judicial Performance Management system. Additionally, at Intersec 2024, Moro Hub and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) inked a strategic agreement to expand coordination and cooperation in the field of smart city security.
Digital Mobility Services (DMS): Econocom and Streamax have forged a strategic alliance to create intelligent transport systems in Saudi Arabia that leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence to improve the effectiveness of public transit.
Growing economy
According to Business industry Insights, the homeland security industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is expected to reach a valuation of US$15,601.75mn by 2028. With factors like automation and the growth of airports and passenger traffic propelling the industry forward, Intersec is set to continue fostering significant business opportunities and partnerships as it gets ready to return to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 26th edition from 14-16 January next year.
Grant Tuchten, portfolio director at Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, "This monumental achievement underscores the importance of Intersec as a pivotal platform for fostering business partnerships and driving the industry's growth. The potential buying capacity generated at Intersec highlights the event's influence and its critical role in facilitating groundbreaking deals and collaborations that shape the future of safety, security, and fire protection."
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa) has declared that the northern emirate's Al Haray's commercial and industrial districts will soon have access to electricity.
Following the strictest safety and security guidelines, the first phase aims to establish 12 sub-distribution stations with a voltage of 11 kV and a length of 12 km. The total cost of these stations is US$5.1mn.
Sewa emphasised that it was still committed to supply the Al Haray development with clean, safe water.
It said that the installation of the main water lines and pipelines has already started.
These pipes range in diameter from 100 mm to 300 mm and are composed of Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) material. To serve all users in the industrial and commercial sections of Al Haray, the pipes will have a total length of 30,000 linear metres.
Saud Abdulaziz, the director of the Khorfakkan Department at Sewa, said it was giving power connection in both industrial and commercial areas of Al Haray.
The implementation of the commercial area link will cost AED 7 million, while the industrial area connection would cost more than AED 12 million.
It also stated that these activities will not stop until a permanent 33 kV main distribution station is built in order to completely power the region.
After signing an agreement in February 2024 to enhance building safety and construction standards in Oman, the International Code Council (ICC) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) initiated a workshop series in Muscat in May 2024.
This project, focusing on safety standards, sustainability, and technology integration, aims to be completed by early 2026. The three-day workshop series is designed to develop six comprehensive building codes specifically tailored for Oman.
Oman's adoption of these new codes, based on the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes), will elevate national standards and promote best practices, ensuring citizen safety and positioning Oman as a leader in construction safety and sustainability.
The initial workshops brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, design professionals, and industry experts. Over the three days, discussions covered the project scope, findings from the ICC’s exploratory trip, research, local construction practices, and regulatory systems.
These sessions fostered in-depth conversations, identified key gaps, and concluded with strategic recommendations for enhancing Oman’s building codes. This collaborative effort ensures that the new codes will be comprehensive and aligned with Oman’s future aspirations.
The foundation of the ICC's 2021 International Codes (I-Codes) allows for a consensus-driven approach to code development.
The success of their adaptation in Oman depends on active involvement from local stakeholders. Through these extensive workshops, Oman is customising the I-Codes to suit its specific needs, ensuring broad support and effective implementation.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
![In the UAE, heat stress is a persistent issue for outdoor workers, especially during summer when temperatures can soar up to 50°C. (Image source: International SOS) Worker in heat stress.](/images/2024/july/internationalsosjuly2.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/2024/july/internationalsosjuly2.webp?width=787&height=399)
In the UAE, heat stress is a persistent issue for outdoor workers, especially during summer when temperatures can soar up to 50°C. (Image source: International SOS)
International SOS has advised UAE companies to prioritise workforce safety as global heat waves are predicted to intensify.
Workers face significant dangers in extreme heat conditions, such as heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. These risks can reduce productivity, increase accidents, and result in fatalities. Each year, excessive heat contributes to 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related deaths.
In the UAE, heat stress is a persistent issue for outdoor workers, especially during summer when temperatures can soar up to 50°C. To address this, the Ministry of Labour has enforced a nationwide ban on outdoor work from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM during summer months.
The Ministry also requires employers to clearly display working hours and provide rest areas with drinking water, first aid kits, and sun protection measures. In 2023, nearly 95.5% of employers complied with this ban, thanks to stringent inspections.
Various sectors are affected by extreme weather, with certain jobs being at higher risk due to physical demands and outdoor conditions. Indoor industrial workers are also vulnerable if factory and workshop temperatures are not properly regulated.
Warmer temperatures expected
High heat levels can make even basic office tasks challenging, leading to mental fatigue and reduced cognitive abilities. Excessive heat exposure poses serious health risks, including heatstroke and potentially death. Organisations must take proactive measures to mitigate these risks and ensure the well-being and productivity of their workforce.
Dr Ehab Chalabie, medical director, medical services, Middle East, International SOS, said, “...Organisations must go beyond basic heat stress prevention and integrate heat stress risk assessments into their health and safety policies. Furthermore, training employees to recognise early signs of heat illness is critical. Early intervention can prevent a medical emergency and long-term health consequences. By fostering a culture of heat awareness and encouraging frequent hydration and breaks during peak temperatures, organisations can empower their workforce to stay healthy and safe.
“It is also important for organisations to be able to distinguish the different stages of heat-related illness. Heatstroke, the most severe heat illness, is a medical emergency and can cause long term impact if prompt medical attention is not given. Symptoms include a core body temperature exceeding 40°C, nausea and/or vomiting, confusion and seizures. Recognising the early signs of heat stress, such as sweating, dizziness, headache and cramps, allows swift intervention to prevent escalation to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
International SOS has provided guidelines for organisations to mitigate health risks from extreme heat events. These include conducting regular heat-specific risk assessments to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable employees. Organisations should integrate heat safety into their health and safety policies by providing shaded areas, hydration stations, and appropriate workwear. Training employees on heat stress awareness, proper hydration, sun protection, and recognising symptoms is crucial. Developing and communicating robust response protocols for heat-related illnesses is also recommended.
Additionally, organisations should continuously review and update their heat response plans to ensure they reflect the latest best practices. These measures aim to protect the workforce from the dangers of extreme heat, maintaining productivity and ensuring employee well-being.
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (Sewa) has declared that the northern emirate's Al Haray's commercial and industrial districts will soon have access to electricity.
Following the strictest safety and security guidelines, the first phase aims to establish 12 sub-distribution stations with a voltage of 11 kV and a length of 12 km. The total cost of these stations is US$5.1mn.
Sewa emphasised that it was still committed to supply the Al Haray development with clean, safe water.
It said that the installation of the main water lines and pipelines has already started.
These pipes range in diameter from 100 mm to 300 mm and are composed of Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) material. To serve all users in the industrial and commercial sections of Al Haray, the pipes will have a total length of 30,000 linear metres.
Saud Abdulaziz, the director of the Khorfakkan Department at Sewa, said it was giving power connection in both industrial and commercial areas of Al Haray.
The implementation of the commercial area link will cost AED 7 million, while the industrial area connection would cost more than AED 12 million.
It also stated that these activities will not stop until a permanent 33 kV main distribution station is built in order to completely power the region.
![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)](/images/uvex_csm_540-60047_c8f5f49fdd_1.webp#joomlaImage://local-images/uvex_csm_540-60047_c8f5f49fdd_1.webp)
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
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and NEBOSH launched a new one-day qualification aimed at managing and controlling stress in the workplace.
Figures from the HSE indicate that stress, depression, or anxiety were the primary causes of work-related ill health in 2021/22, accounting for 17 million lost working days. Work-related stress can be triggered by six main factors: demands, control, support, relationships, role, and change.
Employers have a legal duty to safeguard employees from stress at work by conducting risk assessments and implementing necessary measures. The new NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Managing Stress at Work equips managers with the knowledge to identify and mitigate workplace stressors proactively.
HSE’s Working Minds Campaign
Throughout April, the HSE has been advocating for employers to adopt five straightforward steps to prevent and reduce workplace stress. These steps, encapsulated in the 5 Rs, are: reaching out and having conversations with employees to discuss their stressors and concerns, recognising the signs and causes of stress in the workplace, responding to any risks identified by taking action to address and mitigate them, reflecting on the effectiveness of the measures implemented, and making stress management a routine part of regular workplace practices.
The course is based on the HSE's current methodology for managing and controlling work-related stress. It provides an overview of the fundamental principles of work-related stress and its link to mental health issues. The course targets individuals responsible for employee wellbeing or managing workplace stress, including health and safety professionals, HR professionals, occupational health professionals, line managers, and supervisors.
By offering this qualification, HSE and NEBOSH aim to empower organisations to foster healthier work environments and reduce the prevalence of stress-related illnesses, ensuring better mental health and productivity for employees.