The "State-to-Error Risk Pattern". (Image source: SafeStart)

Larry Wilson, author and CEO, higlights the importance of 'self triggering' in reducing the risk of serious injuries

As we return to our ongoing series on Paradigm Shifts in safety, we invite you to read the sixth article, which delves into the "State-to-Error Risk Pattern" and the crucial concept of self-triggering. This paradigm shift is foundational for understanding how our mental and physical states can lead to critical errors, which, if not recognised in time, can result in severe injuries.

The "State-to-Error Risk Pattern" (see above image) identifies how certain states—such as rushing, frustration, fatigue, and complacency—dramatically increase the likelihood of making mistakes. This article emphasises the importance of self-triggering, a method that encourages individuals to recognize these hazardous states in real-time and take immediate corrective actions. By mastering self-triggering, workers can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries.

Last month, we promoted an important set of events focused on preventing serious injuries. These in-depth sessions, hosted by SafeStart and Author, Larry Wilson, provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading safety experts and dive deeper into strategies for mitigating risks in the workplace. These events are also designed to complement the lessons learned from our Paradigm Shifts series.

Now that we’re back on track, we encourage you not only register, but also to explore this critical sixth article, to reinforce your understanding and application of these life-saving concepts. Stay proactive, stay safe, and keep learning.
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Larry Wilson is a pioneer in the area of Human Factors in safety. He has been a safety consultant for over 25 years and has worked on-site with hundreds of companies worldwide. He is the author of SafeStart, an advanced safety and performance awareness program, successfully implemented in more than 3,500 companies, in over 60 countries, with more than four million people trained. He co-authored the book “Inside Out: Rethinking Traditional Safety Management Paradigms” and authored the book “Defenseless Moments: a Different Perspective on Serious Injuries.” Larry is the moderator of the SafeConnection expert panels and an active keynote speaker at health and safety conferences around the globe.

This new regulatory initiative was introduced to 200 key government and private sector representatives. (Image source: DoE)

The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) has unveiled its regulatory roadmap for the petroleum products sector, focusing on gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

This new regulatory initiative was introduced to 200 key government and private sector representatives during the DoE’s inaugural Gas Safety and Compliance workshop. In preparation for these changes, the DoE has been working closely with other Abu Dhabi partners to issue key compliance documents, such as the gas system certificate of completion, gas annual operation and maintenance contract, no objection certificate, and LPG filling and withdrawal permits. This year alone, the DoE has issued more than 4,000 LPG filling permits.

The announcement comes ahead of the DoE’s release of ‘Executive Regulations for Gas Systems’ and a unified gas code for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. These regulations will bring about significant changes in safety standards, protocols, and controls for all gas-related activities, including outlining violations and penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the regulations will establish a mandatory DoE register for certified gas companies, engineers, operators, and inspectors.

Over the past year, the DoE has been actively conducting safety awareness campaigns and collaborating with various establishments through its LPG Systems Safety Enhancement Programme. In June this year, the DoE launched its ‘Petroleum and Gas Systems Summer Readiness Campaign’ to help establishments meet safety standards, comply with regulations, and navigate the upcoming regulatory changes. Throughout the summer, DoE teams have engaged with gas systems operators, supervisors, facilities managers, property owners, and workers across various locations in the emirate, including Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, Sila, Mussafah, and Al Dhafra. The visits covered a range of establishments, from restaurants, bakeries, and cloud kitchens to hotels, hospitals, special needs institutions, universities, workers' villages, and industrial plants.

Improving sector efficiency

These reforms are part of a broader regulatory overhaul aimed at enhancing the safety and integrity of gas systems in Abu Dhabi. The DoE’s oversight will ensure the highest safety standards are maintained, best practices are followed, and compliance is strictly enforced to protect public safety. The reforms are designed to safeguard communities in Abu Dhabi, address unsafe actions and behaviours, improve sector efficiency, and support socioeconomic growth.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, H.E. Acting Director General for Regulation at DoE, emphasised the shared responsibility of both government and private sectors in ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future for the emirate. “Safety is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a shared responsibility that must be prioritised throughout the gas value chain,” he said. “Gas is familiar in everyone’s life in Abu Dhabi and it is imperative that it is used safely and responsibly by everyone in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors – from operators and contractors to food establishments and homeowners.”

Ahmed Alsheebani, Acting Petroleum Products Sector Executive Director at DoE, who led over 20 site visits reaching more than 120,000 stakeholders during the summer, expressed optimism about the sector’s progress. He urged stakeholders to commit to safety standards, invest in continuous worker training and development, and adhere to regulatory requirements. “Complying with safety protocols protects lives and the community. It also brings significant social and economic benefits, such as enhanced operational efficiency, improved business reputation, more reliable gas systems, cost savings and safer communities,” he said.

Key achievements of the DoE’s recent efforts include the inspection of more than 11,000 buildings and food establishments, with around 1,700 requiring safety upgrades—700 of which have been completed; the safe isolation of approximately 160 abandoned buildings; and the installation of over 5,000 gas detectors. The DoE called on stakeholders to collaborate in building safer communities throughout the emirate.

The initiative will help improve offshore safety. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

OPITO, the global safety and skills organisation for the energy industry, has launched a new standard to ensure the competency of helicopter administrators

The initiative will improve safety for global offshore workers requiring helicopter transfers to offshore platforms.

The new Helicopter Administrator Workplace Competence Assessment standard complies with the best practice and requirements for helicopter administrators as detailed in Civil Aviation Authority’s Civil Aviation Publication CAP 437: Standards for offshore helicopter landing areas (CAP 437). It assesses the candidates’ knowledge and skills in providing administrative support required to safely operate the helideck and manage helicopter movements within their role in the workplace. The Assessment will be undertaken in the candidates’ workplace and consists of five units.

Stakeholder consultation

The standard was developed in conjunction with Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and in consultation with industry stakeholders, including Spirit Energy, Harbour Energy, HCA, bp, Repsol Resources UK, TAQA and TotalEnergies.

Lucie Booth, product development manager at OPITO, said, “OPITO is committed to creating workforce development solutions to build a safe and skilled energy workforce. The launch of the Helicopter Administrator Workplace Competence Assessment standard will assess helicopter administrators in their role within the workplace, to ensure they are contributing meaningfully to safe operational activity in often challenging offshore environments.”

Graham Skinner, Health and Safety manager at OEUK, said, “The UK’s offshore energy industry has used helicopters for more than 50 years – developing some of the highest safety standards in the world. The industry drives forward a programme of continuous improvement that is focused on reducing risk, and this is another step forward. We look forward to working with OPITO and our members to ensure we support the roll-out of this new standard.”

In addition to the technology displays, the event will host numerous live demonstrations. (Image source: Intersec KSA)

The 6th edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia will take place from 1-3 October 2024 at the Riyadh International Convention Centre, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Saudi Civil Defence.

Over its previous five editions, the event has established itself as the Kingdom’s premier exhibition and conference for the security, safety, and fire protection industries.

Focused specifically on the Saudi market, Intersec Saudi Arabia addresses the needs of local government agencies and companies, while also offering significant growth opportunities. As innovation in the sector continues to tackle new threats and risks, the event serves as a key platform for professionals in fire, security, emergency response, safety, and cybersecurity.

It facilitates direct connections with international suppliers, service providers, distributors, investors, and leading brands, providing a space to discuss best practices, explore the latest technologies, and conduct business.

Key features of the event

Beyond the exhibition, the event features conferences, workshops, and a technology section that highlights how innovation is shaping the security and protection sectors. The conference includes two main summits: the Future Security & Safety Summit, which brings together leaders to discuss strategies for addressing current and emerging security threats, and the Fire Protection & Technology Summit, which focuses on the latest challenges, opportunities, and advancements in fire safety and technology.

In addition to the technology displays, the event will host numerous live demonstrations. These sessions are designed to provide attendees with hands-on experience and practical insights into the application of new technologies and best practices.

Whether it's learning about the latest fire suppression systems or exploring new security protocols, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their expertise and apply new knowledge to their respective fields. Moreover, the event will feature specialised forums and panel discussions where experts will debate the most pressing issues facing the industry today.

Topics are likely to include the integration of artificial intelligence in security systems, and the future of fire protection technologies. With the growing importance of security and safety in the region, the event is expected to attract significant attention from both local and international media, further amplifying its impact.