HSE MENA 2024: shaping the future of safety and sustainability

The HSE MENA 2024 conference, held on 12-13 November, convened health, safety, and environment professionals in Dubai for a forward-thinking exploration of sustainability, organisational safety, and technological advancements in HSE.

The two-day event, held at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to share insights and strategies aimed at enhancing workplace safety, resilience, and sustainability across the Middle East.

The conference opened with a presentation on leadership in sustainability by Dr. Rashed Mohammed Karkain, sustainable development expert at the Sustainable Development Research and Training Institute, who highlighted the necessity of environmental sustainability and global equity in driving organisational and societal progress.

 Sessions on the first day focused on proactive safety governance, with insights from Thomas Meier, Executive Consultant at Krause Bell Group, who highlighted how organisations can develop stronger Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention strategies. Delegates were introduced to cutting-edge strategies for incident prevention through AI and data insights by Hussain Suliman Rasul, senior solutions consultant at Enablon, showcasing how digital tools empower proactive safety practices.

Using AI for hazard identification

Day two expanded on themes of resilience and innovation, featuring sessions on emergency preparedness and leveraging AI in health surveillance.

A standout panel explored the integration of advanced technologies into personal protective equipment and predictive analytics for transforming incident management and operational optimisation. Lt Cdr Mahendra Hakde, founder and managing director of CUDE Analyser, and Ryan Mitchell, head of QHSEW at Farnek Services, provided insights into applying smart infrastructure and digital tools for proactive hazard identification and cost efficiency.

Key discussions also examined managing psychosocial hazards, with Sultan Karrani, senior engineer at ADNOC, addressing the mitigation of fatigue and stress to enhance workforce well-being and productivity.

Closing sessions delved into fostering a strong safety culture and driving social sustainability through comprehensive assessments and governance frameworks, led by Maged Elkassaby, IOSH chartered member and business assurance representative.

Networking breaks and interactive panel discussions enabled delegates to connect with peers, share best practices, and explore the latest HSE technologies in the exhibit hall.

HSE MENA 2024 stood out for its focus on innovation and collaboration, offering a platform to shape the future of HSE management in the region. Participants left equipped with knowledge and tools to drive safety and sustainability across their organisations.