HSE

ICC caters to creating safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards. (Image source: Canva)

ICC caters to creating safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards

The record-breaking April showers which caught UAE unawares call for risk preparedness with sustainability and capacity-building approaches. The International Building Codes (I-Codes) set forth minimum safety requirements for construction, covering structural integrity, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design, and fire safety.

Speaking of fire safety during an ICC-hosted discussion, Lori Moore-Merrill, administrator, U.S. Fire Administration, said, “Today, fire is faster than ever before. Residential structures built with lightweight materials, furnished with synthetics, and often containing many devices powered by lithium-ion batteries provide the environment for a deadly situation should a fire occur.

"All nationally recognised modern building and fire codes require the use of life-saving technology, like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and automatic fire sprinkler systems. We can create safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, especially in underserved and vulnerable populations. Affordable and fire-safe housing should not be mutually exclusive.”

ICC-ES, the product certification arm of ICC, is advancing the development of acceptance criteria for eco-friendly cement, advancing sustainability efforts in construction.

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With a growing HSE sector in the Middle East, there is a need to increase technological awareness, along with upskilling the workforce. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

With a growing HSE sector in the Middle East, there is a need to increase technological awareness, along with upskilling the workforce.

Thanks to automation and artificial intelligence becoming a mainstay in the region’s industries, the HSE sector is finding that it needs to evolve and quickly adapt to these new technologies.

Intersec

Organised by Messe Frankfurt, the event is hosted every year in both Dubai and Riyadh in the Middle East. In Dubai, the programme consisted of trends in sustainable security and combating environmental crimes. Meanwhile, the Cyber Security Conference, hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, opened with a keynote speech on elevating national security through cybersecurity intelligence. The Safety & Health Conference began with an update on the UAE Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Governance and Leadership. At the same time, the Fire & Rescue Conference hosted panel discussions on revolutionising fire prevention with data analytics & technology and advancing safety in energy storage.

In its upcoming edition in 2025, Intersec aims to host The Intersec Police Summit. This summit will feature biometric and identity solution providers such as Innovatrics, technology-based security solutions providers Sensotec, counterfeit and fraud protection provider Euro Holography, and control room and decision centre experts Gesab, alongside many other industry leaders. The Intersec Police Summit will also benefit from partnerships with the Critical Communication Agency (TCCA), the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), and ASIS.

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The 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) will feature a hub specialised for the latest health and safety technologies and practices. (Image source: WETEX 2014)

The 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) will feature a hub specialised for the latest health and safety technologies and practices.

The aim is to enhance awareness among institutions and individuals of all ages regarding key international health and safety standards in both home and work environments. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising WETEX from 1-3 October 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Safety procedures

The hub will feature four main sections: interactive workshops, seminars and panel discussions, a children's safety section, and a section dedicated to competitions, puzzles, games, and raffles to test knowledge, encourage innovation, and promote the effective implementation of safety procedures.

“WETEX is the largest exhibition of its kind in the region and the most prominent international exhibition specialising in water, energy, sustainability, green technologies, renewable and clean energy, green buildings, electric vehicles, smart grid, and other vital sectors. As such WETEX is committed to expanding its areas of focus and covering all main sectors that ensure a healthier and brighter future for all. Our focus on health and safety this year is in line with our efforts to make the UAE a global leader in the field of quality of life, and to advance well-being, health and quality of life. This supports the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, including Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, founder and chairman of WETEX.

Renowned local and international experts in health and safety will review guidelines and procedures for occupational safety, physical and mental health, as well as the latest trends and technologies in the field. They will emphasise precautionary measures to assess and prevent potential accidents and risks, improve preparedness for emergencies, manage stress and fatigue, and contain any resulting damage.

The aim is to strengthen resilience in addressing the impacts of climate change on occupational health and safety in schools, homes, and workplaces.

Additionally, the health and safety hub will highlight success stories, strategies, and innovative initiatives that demonstrate companies' commitment to fostering a culture of health and safety. This will help ensure a healthy, safe, and supportive work environment while enhancing their reputation as socially responsible institutions dedicated to achieving a sustainable future.

This initiative was directed at over 500 private sector workers. (Image source: UAE Barq)

The Salama Training Center for Preventive Training, in partnership with the Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA), hosted the Heat Stress Awareness Week event.

This initiative was directed at over 500 private sector workers whose roles involve working outdoors under the sun. The primary objective was to educate these workers on the importance of preventing heat stress, protecting themselves from heat-related illnesses, and knowing how to manage such conditions if they arise.

The event featured a series of awareness sessions and interactive workshops led by trainers and experts from the Salama Training Center. These activities were designed to promote a culture of occupational health and safety, encouraging workers to follow health and safety guidelines to protect against heat stress. These guidelines include maintaining a normal body temperature, drinking adequate water to prevent heat stress, and wearing protective gear to shield against direct sunlight.

Engineer Hamid Al Zarouni, CEO-SANED, said, “Organising this event emphasises the importance of concerted efforts by all stakeholders and the necessity for employers and workers to implement the legal decisions and regulations enacted by the state regarding the prohibition of work in high-temperature areas. This is based on the law issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which prohibits performing work under direct sunlight and in open areas during the summer. This ensures occupational health and safety requirements at work sites, preventing injuries and protecting workers from heat stress, especially those in the construction and industrial sectors, as they perform their duties during the afternoon hours in the summer months.”

Al Zarouni emphasised, “Through this event, we aim to educate and raise awareness among workers about all aspects of occupational health and safety.” He noted that the state has paid significant attention to occupational health and safety issues by formulating comprehensive policies, strategies, and plans to reduce work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses”.