HSE

Engineer Majid Al Khumairi, Head of Training Institutes and Individuals Department at the SPSA. (Image source: Sharjah 24)

Engineer Majid Al Khumairi, Head of Training Institutes and Individuals Department at the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority (SPSA), announced the launch of a new service called "Registration of Occupational Safety and Health Officers."

This service includes an online platform that allows applicants to obtain a registration certificate as safety and health officers in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Engineer Majid Al Khumairi stated that the authority aims to raise awareness and improve competency in occupational safety and health across the emirate. The service includes advanced training programs and specialised workshops held regularly to ensure the skills and knowledge of occupational safety and health officers in Sharjah remain current.

He emphasised that safety officers are responsible for overseeing facilities and institutions in the emirate and must comply with specific standards to ensure the highest levels of safety based on the risk and classification of the facility. The authority aims to provide full support to enable government and private entities to efficiently meet these requirements.

In conjunction with the new service, the authority has issued a guidebook for "Occupational Safety and Health Officers" that provides comprehensive information about the required qualification standards for officer registration according to the Sharjah Occupational Safety and Health System. The guide promotes compliance with local laws and guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Engineer Majid Al Khumairi added that government entities and private facilities classified under levels 3, 4, and 5 are required to appoint a registered safety and health officer through the authority. These entities can access the new guidebook and register for the service by visiting the website of the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority, simplifying the compliance process and reinforcing preventive measures in the emirate.

ENOC recognised the distinguished contributions of the winners across 15 awards categories. (Image source: ENOC)

ENOC Group commemorated World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024 by honouring 55 winners at the Group’s annual HSE Excellence Awards ceremony held at Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, earlier this May.

Aligning with its goal of raising awareness on how to make the workplace safe and healthy, ENOC recognised the distinguished contributions of the winners across 15 awards categories. At the event, the Group also unveiled its 2023 HSE Performance, reaffirming the Group’s commitment towards excellence in occupational health and safety and promoting a sustainable and responsible working environment.

The HSE Excellence Awards were given across different categories including Best Performing Segment, Best Performing Business Unit, Best Performing Corporate Department, Partner Recognition, Best HSE Innovation/ Project, Best Education programme, Best Process Safety Initiative, Best Near Miss Reporting, Best OH /Wellness ProgramME, Best Environment Project, Best Risk Management Coordinator, Best Business Continuity Management Champion, HSE Champion and HSE Heroes.

ENOC Group’s HSE Performance data for 2023 revealed a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.088, which is 49% lower than the target of 0.18 set for the year.

Encouraging HSE best practice

Throughout the year, the Group launched several occupational health and wellbeing campaigns. These included the Safety Day campaign, organised in partnership with the Joint Committee for Security and Safety, to raise awareness about safety and security at service stations, particularly while refuelling vehicles, to ensure the safety of customers and service providers. Another initiative, the Incident Reporting campaign under the ‘ENOC Cares’ initiative, aimed to foster a transparent work culture by empowering employees to report incidents in the workplace.

In 2023, the Group received several prestigious certifications and accolades. ENOC was awarded the GC Mark Blue certification for excellence in energy efficiency and the IWA 42:2022 for its commitment to the ‘net zero’ target. Additionally, ENOC was honoured with the Impact Seal – Platinum Tier award by Majra, the UAE’s National CSR Fund, for its leading sustainable impact practices aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and national priorities.

Furthermore, the ENOC Group Emergency Response Centre (EERC) achieved certification in ISO standards 9001, 14001, and 45001 during 2023. In a notable achievement, the ENOC Fire Training Center obtained a license from Dubai Civil Defense to conduct fire-fighting training for all Dubai entities and received authorisation from Dubai Corporation Ambulance Services to provide in-house first aid training.

His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group CEO at ENOC, said, “Providing a safe and healthy work environment for our employees, customers and partners has fostered a thriving work environment at ENOC. HSE is a key pillar of our organisational culture, and we believe that practising safe and healthy behaviours will contribute to enhanced productivity and boost employee wellbeing. With climate change beginning to impact occupational safety and health, we remain committed to accelerating global climate action and improving energy efficiencies to promote best practices in HSE, which is also aligned with the long-term vision of Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.”

“On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we are proud to recognise the efforts of our employees in creating a safe working environment and contributing to a strong energy infrastructure for the nation.” Al Falasi added.

Mohamed Amer, regional director of Operations at ICC MENA. (Image source: ICC MENA)

On 22 May, the International Code Council (ICC) marked the first-ever International Building Safety Day.

The organisation stated that this day is dedicated to promoting and celebrating building safety and the benefits it provides to our communities' health and welfare. It also recognises the significant progress made in ensuring the safety of our built environment, while acknowledging the challenges that remain and planning for the future.

Middle East's commitment to building safety

The Middle East has seen a rapid construction boom in recent years, transforming skylines and infrastructure across the region. Alongside this growth, a focus on building safety has emerged as a critical priority. Many countries have adopted stricter building codes, established dedicated building safety authorities, and invested in fire and structural safety provisions and awareness campaigns.

Dubai has established itself as a frontrunner in building safety with its comprehensive Dubai Building Code (DBC), referencing international standards from the ICC. The DBC is regularly updated to ensure its regulations reflect the latest advancements in construction practices and safety protocols.

Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides in building safety, utilising the I-Codes as the base of their codes. This approach ensures safety while adapting regulations to specific needs, upholding global safety benchmarks.

Oman is poised to join the ranks of regional safety leaders. Partnering with the ICC, Oman is developing a set of six building codes expected to be finalised by early 2026. These codes will be based on the latest international codes (I-Codes), ensuring Oman's building industry adheres to the most up-to-date safety practices. The focus on sustainability and technology integration further strengthens Oman’s commitment to a safe and future-proof construction sector.

These initiatives by Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Oman demonstrate a collective commitment to building safety in the Middle East. Improved regulations and enforcement have led to a decrease in construction-related accidents and building collapses. Advancements in fire safety measures, particularly in high-rise buildings, have also contributed to a safer living and working environment.

Building resilience for the future

The Middle East faces unique challenges in building safety due to extreme temperatures, high levels of sun exposure, and frequent sandstorms. Daily temperature fluctuations can significantly impact the storage and lifespan of building materials, such as adhesives, paints, and sealants. Highly heat-resistant materials are essential to reduce heat gain and loss. Additionally, all pipes—water, gas, sewage—require increased insulation to counter extreme temperature variations, preventing warping or leaks.

To address these challenges, countries in the Middle East are increasingly turning to the International Code Council (ICC) suite of building safety solutions. This family of solutions provides a rigorous and internationally recognised system for evaluating building products and materials, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards and are suitable for the region's specific climate and conditions. By utilising these services, countries can create a safer built environment while promoting innovation and the use of advanced building technologies.

The continued focus on building safety, combined with the adoption of advanced technologies and collaborative efforts, will help the Middle East create a more resilient and secure built environment. Embracing innovation and maintaining rigorous safety standards will ensure that the region's construction boom leads to sustainable and safe development for the future.

"The future of building safety in the Middle East lies in innovation and collaboration," said Mohamed Amer, regional director of Operations at ICC MENA. "Embracing new construction techniques and materials can improve the resilience and sustainability of buildings. Exploring new methods of construction like offsite construction and 3D concrete printing can significantly contribute to reduction in material waste, enhanced construction quality, more controlled and more accessible work environments, and optimised project timelines.”

Building codes need to evolve to incorporate sustainable construction practices, ensuring long-term environmental benefits alongside safety considerations. Continued public awareness campaigns and educational programs can empower individuals to identify and report safety hazards. Additionally, fostering knowledge-sharing between government agencies, construction professionals, and the public is key to achieving a collective focus on safety.

International Building Safety Day is a reminder that our built environment plays a vital role in our lives. By celebrating past achievements, acknowledging present challenges, and embracing innovation and sustainability practices, we can build a safer, more resilient future for the Middle East."

Occupational Safety and Health Forum. (Image source: Department of Municipalities and Transport)

Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) organised the Occupational Safety and Health Forum 2024 to promote dialogue and share best practices in managing these aspects across various sectors within the emirate.

It was held as part of the department’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Week, which is held under the theme of "Assuring Occupational Safety and Health at Work in Changing Circumstances". It was organised in conjunction with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work by the International Labour Conference (ILC), which took place from 6-10 May. 

Managing construction and transport sectors

The two-day event also emphasised the department's role and commitment to ensuring community safety by overseeing the projects it manages.

The forum was attended by HE Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, director general of Operations Affairs at the DMT, along with senior representatives, employees, contractors, and stakeholders. Throughout the event, local and international experts addressed critical issues related to workplace safety and health. Engaging discussions and presentations allowed attendees to explore various strategies and best practices for overcoming challenges in this vital area. The forum also provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of current trends and innovations in occupational safety and health management.

Al Kaabi said, "The forum’s success underscores our unwavering dedication to providing a safe work environment for everyone within the emirate of Abu Dhabi. With over 16,000 dedicated employees alone working within the DMT and its affiliates, in addition to its regulatory oversight of the construction and transportation sectors – both pivotal sectors within the emirate – we remain steadfast in our mission to cultivate a culture where safety and wellness flourish, empowering each member to thrive."