HSE
HSE
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Date: 2024-06-27 11:22:07
- Year: 2024
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has launched a summer safety campaign to enhance the safe use of petroleum products, particularly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and promote a culture of safety awareness across the commercial, industrial and residential sectors
As part of this initiative, the DoE teams will engage with gas operators, establishments, and individuals over the summer months to raise awareness of safety standards, offer support, and increase awareness about the importance of compliance with the new regulations. This will include visits to restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, palaces, residential apartment buildings, villas, storage facilities, and large plants.
Marking the start of the campaign, the DoE acting director general of regulatory affairs, Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, visited Al Khalidiya Mall and Al Bateen Park Villas and Buildings in Abu Dhabi to inspect their central gas systems and offer support on complying with safety standards.
Dr Al Qubaisi said, “Safety is our top priority. One of the key objectives of this campaign is to reach as many stakeholders as possible. By engaging our stakeholders in person, we hope to build relationships, provide guidance on the new standards, and ensure that operators are complying with them.”
Eng. Ahmed Alsayed Mohamed Alsheebani, the DoE’s acting executive director of regulatory affairs for the petroleum products director, urged all sector operators and establishments to reach out to the DoE for any clarifications regarding regulations, the permitting system, and safety standards.
The DoE was recently mandated to regulate all aspects of trading petroleum products (for all non-ADNOC private operators) in the Emirate, and is developing a unified permit platform to govern and monitor trading activities of petroleum products and unify standards.
Alsheebani explained, “Effectively, we are consolidating and streamlining the petroleum products sector codes (starting with LPG) and collaborating with relevant Abu Dhabi partners to ensure a safer, sustainable, more environmentally friendly sector.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-06-26 11:01:50
- Year: 2024
Sharjah city is organising safety awareness campaigns for protecting people from the heat.
Muhammad Al Zarouni, Director of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Health and Prevention in Sharjah, announced the launch of the 13th edition of a campaign to prevent heat exhaustion and related illnesses in Sharjah. Organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the campaign is titled “Your Safety is Our Goal” and aims to raise health awareness among all community members about the dangers of high temperatures. The campaign particularly targets workers and will extend to all cities in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Al Zarouni stated that the campaign, which runs throughout the summer, includes field visits to construction sites and educational lectures to disseminate health information to diverse segments of society, regardless of nationality.
He further explained that the campaign emphasises proper behaviours and awareness of the health risks associated with heat exhaustion, as well as ways to ensure a safe working environment. The initiative provides free medical exams, including blood pressure, diabetes, and vision tests, along with free eyeglasses for workers in need and cold beverages to help them stay hydrated.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-06-24 09:50:53
- Year: 2024
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."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-06-20 10:02:46
- Year: 2024
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.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Date: 2024-06-14 12:05:05
- Year: 2024
More than 250 industry leaders came together at the Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Dubai Awards
Sponsored by NEBOSH, the event celebrated the commitment of international businesses to make workplaces safer.
Winners included passenger transport solutions company, School Transport Services LLC who received the Fleet Safety Technology Trophy, (sponsored by Tesco Dotcom), as well as the Health and Safety Team of the Year Award (International) a testament to their unyielding dedication to safety standards. Bapco Gas Company B.S.C., collected the Oil & Gas Sector award (sponsored by NEBOSH).
In the education and training sector, Gems Education was Commended in the Education & Training Services Sector, and in construction Gulf Contracting Co.W.L.L was highly commended in the Construction commercial sector, as well as attaining the International Sector Award. Bahrain’s Gulf Petrochemical Industry Company (GPIC) won the Chemical sector award. Qatar Power Company scooped the Electricity sector award, with Qatar’s Ras Girtas Power Company being highly commended, and Oman’s Phoenix Operation and Maintenance Company – LLC being commended.
Going further than the workplace, Tristar Transport LLC scooped the Health & Safety Beyond the Workplace Trophy highlighting their contribution to promoting safety excellence within the organisation’s local communities.
Matt Cryer, head of Awards at RoSPA, said, "Last night’s celebration was essential in recognising excellence in health and safety management, as well as showcasing the 2024 winners' outstanding dedication and innovative solutions. We congratulate them for setting high standards that inspire continuous improvement in our industry."
Dee Arp, chief operations officer at NEBOSH, said, “NEBOSH is delighted to again sponsor the RoSPA Awards in Dubai, celebrating excellence in health, safety, and environmental management on an international platform. We congratulate all the winners for their outstanding achievements and commitment to safeguarding lives. Their exemplary efforts set a high benchmark, inspiring us all to strive for the highest standards in our industry.”
The RoSPA Awards are considered a valuable method for gaining international acknowledgment for organisations who want to lead the way in health and safety excellence. One of the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the world, the Awards have almost 2,000 entries every year, covering nearly 60 countries and reaching millions of employees. The programme recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Date: 2024-06-13 11:39:19
- Year: 2024
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has signed a feasibility study grant to help the Alexandria Petroleum Company (APC) improve the health, safety, and environmental protocols of its El Max refinery in Alexandria, Egypt
The grant will fund a series of studies to identify and address the facility’s priority safety and fire protection needs, advancing APC’s priority to upgrade and expand its safety programmes and equipment, improving forecasting and emergency response capabilities, and updating protocols and trainings. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices, the El Max refinery, founded in 1962, will increase safety for workers and limit greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage in the event of a fire or other emergency. The feasibility study will also serve as a model for other refineries in Egypt.
“Egypt’s commitment to bolstering the safety and health of its workers creates new opportunities for collaboration between organisations like USTDA and APC,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s director. “This grant will help create opportunities for U.S. companies to supply the technologies and services that Egypt’s refineries will require.”
Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, H.E. Tarek El Molla said, “Health, Safety, and Environment have been key elements of the sector’s modernisation since 2016. Today, they remain strong among the sector’s core principals, along with upgrading our refineries to enhance safety and operational excellence.”
APC chairman Alaa Amin added, “Partnering with USTDA on this feasibility study marks an important step forward for APC. This study demonstrates our unwavering commitment to excellence in process safety, ensuring the highest safety standards for our operations in line with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources strategy.”
APC is a subsidiary of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-06-11 14:14:06
- Year: 2024
Al Habtoor Group, a leading UAE business conglomerate, has reached a significant safety milestone at its landmark Dubai project, Al Habtoor Tower.
The project has achieved a record two million working hours without any Occupational Safety and Health recordable injuries, a remarkable feat accomplished by China Railway 18th Bureau Group.
This milestone underscores the company's unwavering commitment to safety and excellence in project execution, as highlighted in a company statement.
The project's safety record over the past ten months is being hailed as a significant global achievement. Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor praised the Chinese group for their accomplishment, noting that achieving two million accident-free man-hours is a testament to the strong safety culture fostered by both Al Habtoor Group and China Railway 18th Bureau Group.
The Al Habtoor Tower project, one of the region's most significant construction endeavours, is setting a new benchmark for safe construction practices. This achievement reaffirms the group's commitment to prioritising safety, health, and well-being while delivering projects that meet the highest international standards.
"This is truly a world-class achievement that speaks volumes about the dedication of every team member involved and reflects the commitment of our partners at China Railway 18th Bureau Group to prioritising safety in every daily task," Al Habtoor added.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-05-31 04:27:00
- Year: 2024
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.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-05-27 17:14:35
- Year: 2024
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.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-05-22 13:04:39
- Year: 2024
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."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-05-21 10:25:20
- Year: 2024
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."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-05-20 11:34:06
- Year: 2024
At a notable event at the House of Lords, SOHAR Port and Freezone received RoSPA’s Best New International Entry Award and the RoSPA Gold Sector Award for Health and Safety performance for the period of January 2023 to December 2023. The awards were presented by Lord Bill Jordan, Life President of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
RoSPA, a not-for-profit organisation patroned by His Majesty King Charles III, has been dedicated to reducing serious accidental injuries for over 100 years by sharing essential skills and knowledge. The RoSPA Awards programme, now in its 68th year, is the UK’s largest health and safety awards programme. With nearly 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, affecting over seven million employees, it highlights a commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety.
Rebecca Hickman, CEO of RoSPA, expressed her pleasure in welcoming SOHAR Port and Freezone to the organisation. Hickman praised SOHAR Port and Freezone’s dedication to safety and their efforts to foster a safety culture among companies within the port and freezone.
In conjunction with this achievement, SOHAR Port and Freezone has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with RoSPA to collaborate on occupational safety training and the exchange of expertise. This partnership aims to enhance safety standards and operational efficiency, positioning SOHAR Port and Freezone as a leader in the field.
Commenting on this achievement, Omar bin Mahmood Al Mahrizi, CEO of SOHAR Freezone and DCEO of SOHAR Port, said, "We are honored to receive the Gold Award for Health and Safety 2023 and the Best New International Entrant Award from RoSPA. This recognition reflects our team's and tenants’ dedication and efforts to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. It strengthens our commitment to improving standards, enhancing safety culture, and developing best practices for all stakeholders. We are proud to be part of the international awards community, setting a standard for safety and occupational health excellence."