Time is running out! Don’t miss your chance to attend the SafeStart Trainer Certification Level 1 Course in Dubai, UAE, on 18–19 February 2025.
This immersive two-day programme is your opportunity to:
✅ Enhance workplace safety and reduce incidents
✅ Gain expert insights into human factors and critical errors
✅ Become a certified SafeStart trainer and lead safety transformations in your organisation
Location: Media Rotana, Hessa Street, Dubai, UAE
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What past global participants had to say:
“My perspective on safety has completely changed!”
– L.V., Guadalajara, Mexico
“SafeStart concepts have taken my safety awareness to the highest level. More importantly, they’ve made me realise that safety is for life, not just for the workplace.” – B.S., São Paulo, Brazil
SafeStart is a globally recognised safety awareness process that helps organisations create a lasting culture of safety excellence. This course will provide you with practical tools and strategies to drive real change.
Limited seats available – register now!
https://events.offsnet.com/SafeStartTrainerCertificationWorkshop#/
Looking forward to seeing you in Dubai!
Larry Wilson
SafeStart Author and CEO
A record number of exhibitors representing 61 countries have participated in the 26th edition of Intersec, the largest business event in the world that maps the future of security, safety, and fire protection.
The largest edition of the event took up 61,000 sq m of space at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a 20% increase from the previous year.
Under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event, which ended last month, drew 47,300 visitors from 142 countries and featured state-of-the-art technologies and vital solutions in five major areas: Homeland Security & Policing, Cyber Security, Safety & Health, Fire & Rescue, and Commercial & Perimeter Security. The show's theme was "Mapping the Future of Security, Safety, and Fire Protection."
Among the new features this year was the successful opening of the two-day Intersec Policing Conference, which brought together more than fifty knowledgeable speakers. Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the future of road safety, proactive and productive policing, strategic automation in policing, drone operations, and quantum-led crime. Senior law enforcement officials from the Abu Dhabi Police, INTERPOL, the Metropolitan Police, and the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit were among them.
The top Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) in the area were also invited to the CISO Business Briefing, which was successfully launched while examining the main information security trends, threats, and opportunities. The opening keynote speaker was H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government.
The exhibition's ground-breaking collaboration with Ignyte, which resulted in the opening of the Intersec Startup Arena, was another first. It gave startups a chance to present their innovative ideas and solutions to a group of government officials, business executives, and elite investors, opening doors for them to secure investment, mentorship, and strategic alliances.
ASIS International, Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA), Gallagher, Sharjah Civil Defence, NAFFCO, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, Nordon, Saudi Sicli, and UXE Security Solutions were among the companies that signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the three-day event held by Intersec 2025.
Several industry leaders were honoured at the 4th annual Intersec Awards, which honour people, groups, and organisations for establishing new benchmarks for excellence in vital sectors.
Winners on the evening included Dubai Civil Defense, NAFFCO, Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Emirates Safety Laboratory LLC, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Wajahat Hussain, show manager, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “The team and I are thrilled to have welcomed an unprecedented gathering of industry professionals from around the world. Intersec has once again proven to be the premier platform where global leaders, innovators, and experts converge to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and explore cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of safety, security, and fire protection.
“Surpassing previous exhibitor records is a testament to Intersec’s growing influence and its pivotal role in driving forward-thinking solutions for a safer, more secure world. This milestone underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration, showcasing pioneering technologies, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in this critically important industry.”
Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
With Storm Éowyn passing through the country, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been urging the immediate clean-up operation be left with the emergency services and professional operators who have the necessary competence to undertake the work safely
The HSA strongly prefers only trained and competent operators equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle chainsaws, the primary equipment required to remove fallen trees and branches. Some of the key recommendations for using chainsaws include:
Kickback is one of the more common causes of serious chainsaw injury. The kickback zone is at the top tip of the chainsaw bar and may occur when the moving chain at the nose or tip of the bar touches an object such as a branch or a log. If this happens, it can cause a rapid upward motion of the bar back towards the operator who may suffer a very serious or fatal injury.
For the safe use of chainsaw, appropriate training is necessary. Chainsaw courses with various levels of training are available. For example, a basic chainsaw course covering the felling of small trees will be five days in duration. Shorter courses (two days) which only cover chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting of felled timber are also available. However, these do not effectively demonstrate the techniques required for felling trees safely. Therfore, prior to undertaking any trainings, particular training requirements need to be discussed with an accredited chainsaw training provider.
Persons undergoing chainsaw training must be adequately supervised. They should also be closely supervised post training until such time as they are experienced and fully competent. They should always complete a pre-task risk assessment. Similarly, farmers who wish to use a chainsaw for such tasks as clearing fallen branches and pruning trees to maintain clearance for machines on their land should complete full certified chainsaw training. Before attempting even small tasks, farmers must complete a risk assessment to ensure appropriate control measures are put in place.
In case of fallen or storm-damaged trees, the HSA advises personnel to follow certain a code of conduct. These include:
If required to work from roofs or elevated structures, HSA urges workers to adhere to the following guidelines:
“If you don’t have the proper training or equipment to safely use a chainsaw, don’t take the risk and instead engage with emergency and professional services," said chief Inspector with the HSA, Mark Cullen. "Farmers in particular may be tempted to deal with fallen trees on their land or on adjoining roads. Personal safety must be the main priority and I strongly urge only those with the necessary skills to undertake work with chainsaws”.
Florian Combacau, portfolio alignment director at Axis Communications, speakes to Health, Safety and Environment Review about the company’s latest offerings and industry analysis.
Speaking about artificial intelligence and how it can transform the security industry, Combacau said, “Deep learning technologies are the bread and butter of most analytics solutions within the security sector, while newer generative AI technologies are rapidly maturing. There is still a lot of hype in certain areas but real applications of generative AI in the security sector are becoming available. Each step of evolution brings with it a new set of opportunities, but also ethical, legal, and corporate considerations."
More importantly, Combacau is confident that there will be improvement from an ethical perspective.
“Eventually this will enable generative models to be, at least partly, run on cameras with high-quality results. At the same time the models are improving in quality with regards to ethical aspects, bias, hallucinations, and the risk of making the wrong decisions.
Combacau also added that Axis body-worn cameras are designed for versatility, durability, and ease of use, making them ideal for police forces and critical sectors. Key features include seamless integration via an open API, live video streaming, and military-grade hardware for demanding environments. With advanced cybersecurity measures, cost-effective end-to-end solutions, and user-friendly functionality, Axis cameras ensure high-quality performance and secure data management without proprietary lock-ins or recurring fees.
When speaking of key trends and growth opportunities for the security industry in 2025, Combacau said, “Some of the trends we can expect are really just evolutions of those we’ve seen in previous years. An obvious one is the continued interest in how AI will be applied in our sector, and we’ve highlighted some of the new considerations that will need to be addressed moving forwards.
“Regulation is another area of focus for the industry this year. National and regional legislators will once again try to keep pace with technological innovation. AI, cybersecurity, privacy, the need for resilience in critical entities; all these (and more) will be the focus of proposed and new regulation. We haven’t highlighted this as a specific trend, but it’s no less a priority and something every organisation will need to respond to.
“Advances in analytics and AI mean that a higher resolution image will inevitably lead to a better result, whatever the use case. Object recognition will be more accurate and more detailed data (and metadata) created. The drive towards even better image quality has been reignited.
“With this has come opportunities for efficiency as well as effectiveness. A single camera producing much higher image quality can cover as large an area as multiple cameras would have been needed for previously. Higher resolution images also support analytics, for instance in large crowds, busy traffic intersections, or fast-moving production lines."
Farnek, a prominent smart and green facilities management (FM) company based in the UAE, was recently awarded at the "Better Together Awards," where it was given the headline prize for its outstanding health and safety initiatives.
The Expo City Dubai-organised awards honour exceptional individual and group accomplishments in worker welfare (WW) and health and safety (H&S), honouring its employees and contractors who help create a safer and healthier work environment at Expo City Dubai.
Farnek received the flagship honour, the "Better Together Award," which is granted to an organisation that has the finest initiative to promote cooperation and engagement with Expo City Dubai in 2024, demonstrating real-world implementation and measurable outcomes.
“This award recognises Farnek’s longstanding commitment, dedication and consistency, advancing the company’s H&S and WW strategy, which aligns closely with Expo City Dubai’s core values of care, integrity and excellence,” said Ryan Mitchell, Farnek’s head of quality, health, safety, excellence and wellbeing (QHSEW).
In order to increase the calibre and effectiveness of HSE reporting, Mitchell oversaw the Expo City HSE teams and used SAFETEK, a digital safety management technology. In order to create a safer atmosphere for renters and guests, he was able to reduce safety incidents by 21% and increase reporting observations by 38%.
At the awards ceremony, Farnek's Worker Welfare Officer, Mary Grace Besabella, was also acknowledged. She was given the Worker Welfare Impact Award for raising employment, housing, and transportation standards at Expo City Dubai in order to improve worker welfare.
Besabella supported a safe, friendly, and healthy workplace by attending to the needs and expectations of every employee. In order to initiate the reform of the operational structure, she also organised events and promoted health programmes.
In an effort to spur expansion throughout the continent, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has appointed a new vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas.
Gerald V. Sims will assist Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection in further growing its market share in this significant geographic market thanks to his extensive experience in gas utilities and his proven track record of sales leadership.
Over many years, Teledyne GFD has been expanding throughout the Americas. Teledyne Detcon, the company's US manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas, has been offering industrial-grade gas detectors, control systems, analysers, and wireless technologies to the gas detection market for more than 40 years.
“Gerald will use his expertise and deep industry knowledge to play a pivotal role in maximising our growth potential and enhancing the presence of our product brands across the Americas,” said Thibault Fourlegnie, vice president and general manager, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. “We’re excited to see the gains that Gerald can provide, not just for Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, but also for our customers. After all, an even stronger Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection is beneficial for stakeholders up and down the supply chain, including distributors and end users.”
The Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) launched its annual Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) Week from 8-12 December.
Through important initiatives, awareness workshops, and strategic partnerships, OOMCO engaged employees, stakeholders, and the broader community in a five-day event that showcased the company's commitment to fostering a culture of health and safety.
Brigadier General Engineer Ali bin Saif Al Maqbali, Chief of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), presided over a distinguished Kick-Off Ceremony to start the week.
Notable stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Oman Energy Association (OPAL), and Civil Defence, attended the HSEQ Contractor Forum. This event promoted cooperation in health and safety management, promoted the exchange of ideas, and highlighted best practices.
OOMCO's leadership team travelled to key partners during HSEQ Week in order to coordinate health and safety goals, gather critical input, and strengthen collaborations.
Employees at OOMCO took part in a variety of events aimed at raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. These included medical examinations, blood drives, educational campaigns on important subjects including diabetes prevention and breast cancer, and a daily safety quiz. The session "No to Amputation for Diabetic Foot Patients," which focused on the value of early intervention and preventative care for diabetic patients, was one of the most noteworthy efforts.
To increase the influence of its health and safety initiatives outside of the workplace, OOMCO partnered with institutions like the Cancer Association, Oman International Hospital, and the Blood Bank.
Tarik Mohammed Al Junaidi, CEO of OOMCO, said, “Our Annual Health and Safety Week exemplifies our unwavering dedication to safeguarding the health and welfare of our employees, partners, and the community. We strive to exemplify health and safety as essential elements of our operations through such programmes, while cultivating a culture that emphasizes the well-being of all those we serve.”
The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment Programme was started by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to verify that air cargo tracking devices, data recorders, and sensor-equipped equipment adhere to strict industry safety regulations.
IATA's Recommended Practice 1693, which offers crucial safety guidelines for battery safety and electromagnetic compatibility, is validated by the IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment. Validation data will be available through ONE Source, which gives stakeholders looking for authorised tracking devices a single point of access.
The first product approved by the Air Cargo Device Assessment Programme is THE BOX, a reusable packaging solution made by LivingPackets Group.
Device manufacturers benefit from increased visibility in the worldwide market, faster access to airline contacts for device authorisation, and a reduction in the need for repetitive documentation, all of which speed up the validation process.
Simplified internal approval procedures, a centralised repository of authorised devices, and safer operations with fewer undeclared gadgets are all advantages for airlines. Better route and carrier selection planning is made possible by the centralised access to authorised device information provided to shippers and forwarders.
Additionally, the programme's overall performance will result in more efficient delivery of shipments that are sensitive to temperature and time, cutting waste and maintaining cargo integrity.
“The fastest-growing segments of air cargo are pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, and high-value goods. Shippers rely on various battery-powered electronic devices to monitor these sensitive shipments to ensure their integrity. The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment will confirm that these devices comply with strict industry safety standards,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s global head of cargo.
"IATA validation is crucial for THE BOX because our customers want to know that our product complies with global standards. Having IATA validate compliance with its strict safety standards makes our product universally acceptable for use across the air cargo industry. That is particularly important for an innovation like THE BOX as it is the first smart reusable packing for use in air cargo. The Air Cargo Device Assessment gives it instant global recognition,” said Denis Mourrain, LivingPackets group COO.
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced the "X-ble Shoulder," a wearable robot designed to enhance efficiency and reduce musculoskeletal strain in industrial settings.
Debuting at Wearable Robot Tech Day in Goyang, South Korea, the X-ble Shoulder is part of a broader initiative to integrate advanced robotics into various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, aviation, and agriculture.
The X-ble Shoulder operates without the need for batteries, utilising a non-powered torque generation system that reduces shoulder load by up to 60% and muscle activity by 30%. Made from lightweight, impact-resistant materials, it prioritises user safety and comfort, featuring modular components, a washable vest, and adjustability for various tasks.
The device can perform up to 700,000 repetitive actions annually, making it ideal for demanding industrial environments.
Two versions are available: a basic model for dynamic tasks and an adjustable version tailored to repetitive work, offering assistive forces of up to 2.9 kgf and 3.7 kgf, respectively. Following extensive trials with 300 workers, Hyundai and Kia incorporated user feedback to refine the product.
Commercialisation plans include initial applications in Hyundai and Kia facilities, with global market expansion to industries such as construction and agriculture by 2026.
Interested businesses can access consulting services through Hyundai’s Robotics LAB to evaluate the X-ble Shoulder’s suitability for their operations.
Production is slated to begin in 2025, with the Robotics LAB also focusing on developing a comprehensive robotics solution for seamless human-robot collaboration.
“The X-ble Shoulder is a wearable robot that leverages the technical capabilities of the Robotics LAB and implements feedback from actual users,” said Dong Jin Hyun, vice president and head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia. “Going forward, we aim to expand the availability of wearable robots, creating products that work naturally with users to enhance their daily lives. By pushing technological boundaries, we will make these beneficial products accessible to more people.”
Parsons Corporation has announced the official launch of the Riyadh Metro, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the Saudi capital's urban transport network.
The inauguration, held on 27 November 2024, celebrates the culmination of years of collaborative effort under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).
By August 2024, the Riyadh Metro Transit Consultants (RMTC) achieved over 7 million work hours without a lost-time injury, reflecting the rigorous health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards maintained throughout the project. This milestone was supported by more than 450,000 HSE inductions and over 13,000 targeted HSE campaigns, underscoring the project's strong commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.
Parsons played a pivotal role as the lead partner in the Riyadh Metro Transit Consultants (RMTC), a joint venture with Egis and SYSTRA. The consortium was tasked with project and construction management for two major contracts within the metro's development. With the successful delivery of these projects, Parsons has reaffirmed its reputation as a leader in managing complex infrastructure initiatives.
“From its inception, the Riyadh Metro was conceived as a transformative project to reshape urban mobility and dramatically improve the lives of residents and visitors alike. On behalf of Parsons, a long-term partner of the RCRC, and the lead consultant for the delivery of this world-class system, I would like to congratulate His Majesty King Salman and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman on its first day of operations,” said Pierre Santoni, president, infrastructure EMEA at Parsons. “We look forward to supporting the city of Riyadh and the Kingdom in the successful completion of subsequent stages of the metro and the wider Saudi Vision 2030, by using global experience and deep local expertise to deliver excellence on every project.”
Larry Wilson, Author and CEO, SafeStart, emphasises the critical importance of identifying "when" we're most vulnerable to complacency and critical errors. Read on:
As we keep exploring the series Paradigm Shifts in Safety, we’re excited for you to check out the eighth article in this 12-part series.
Lots of ground covered so far: hazardous energy and movement, three sources of unexpected events (over 95% in the Self-Area), the counter-intuitive nature of dangerous activities vs. actual outcomes and then why: because when both our eyes and mind are not on task, for that moment, we are defenseless.
So as mentioned in an earlier article, it’s not that we are totally defenseless, it’s that from time to time, we are “momentarily defenseless”. which is why you hear so many people talking about car wrecks or serious injuries, saying that I really wasn’t doing anything wrong, I wasn’t really speeding or rushing. Okay, I was a bit tired and I was thinking about a problem at work, or home, or whatever… and then (car wreck, bad fall, serious cut, blown knee, concussion, etc.).
So, figuring out “when”, becomes the crux of the matter. Unless we know when those moments will happen, knowing why we get hurt badly (eyes and mind not on task/no reflex) won’t help to prevent the next one. So, figuring out the “when” part is the key. And unfortunately, for so many years, the focus has been on “what” the people were doing and how much hazardous energy they were dealing with (which is important) but not, which is the main paradigm shift here, not nearly as important as figuring out when.
When will you or me or the next guy in line— when will we be most likely to make both critical errors at the same time—where there is also a significant amount of hazardous energy involved?
Well… it will likely be doing something that you have been doing for a while, because at the beginning of any activity where there is a fair bit of hazardous energy and the potential for injury – “awareness“ or “eyes and mind on task” – is very high (see Figure #1).
During this first period with an activity or skill it is possible and normally quite natural to self-trigger or to be able to self-trigger on the amount of hazardous energy. And as a result, it’s easy to stay focused. It may even seem, at least when you first start out, that it would be impossible to become complacent.
However, as we all know, the initial fear rarely lasts forever. And over a period of time, depending on the activity or skill required, we come to the first stage of complacency. This is where the fear or skill is no longer pre-occupying.
And as mentioned in previous articles, we don’t give our minds permission to wander. It happens without our permission or without making a decision to think about something else (Figure #1). So even if you don’t have anything else you need to think about or want to think about, your mind can still drift away.
But if you’re rushing, chances are it’s for a reason. It might be because you want to get there early. More likely, it’s because you don’t want to be late. Either way, that’s what most people think about when they’re rushing—not what is the risk in the moment – right now (driving really fast on a city street). And if the consequences for being late are going to be really bad (late for meeting at work)…
Click here for the full article and to learn why understanding when moments of vulnerability occur is key to prevention, not just focusing on what we’re doing. Discover how to shift your perspective and enhance your safety strategies: https://ae.safestart.com/paradigm-shifts/8-the-complacency-continuum-and-when-vs-what/
The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS2024) will convene on 5 December during Abu Dhabi Business Week, uniting global leaders from government, industry, and international organisations to advance industrial safety standards and innovations.
The summit will explore critical safety challenges posed by interconnected systems and AI-driven technologies while promoting opportunities to standardise practices across borders. Discussions will emphasise sustainable growth, worker safety, and operational resilience.
Collaborating with Abu Dhabi Civil Defence and the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety (GIFIS), GMIS2024 will follow the "Manifesto for Global Industrial Safety" to propose actionable strategies for enhancing safety and resilience across industries.
The summit will feature insights from high-ranking officials, including H.E. Osama Amir Mohamed Fadhel from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), H.E. Brigadier General Salem Abdullah Bin Barak AlDhaheri of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, and H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the UAE’s cybersecurity chief.
Representatives from key Abu Dhabi entities, including ADIO and Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development, will also participate, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a leader in industrial innovation and safety.
Key sessions at GMIS2024 will spotlight critical advancements in industrial ecosystems and safety. “Make It In The Emirates: A Future Ready Ecosystem” will showcase the UAE as a global model for industrial innovation, while “Emergency Response 2.0: Reshaping the Future of Crisis Management & Fire Safety” will delve into cutting-edge technologies revolutionising crisis response.
The event will also introduce “The Manifesto for Global Safety: A Call to Action for Resilient and Safe Industries”, advocating for worker safety and seamless technological integration. Industry leaders such as the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge and Axial Global Advisors will enrich discussions, reflecting the diversity of expertise across the industrial ecosystem.
H.E. Osama Amir Mohamed Fadhel, said, "Industrial safety is a cornerstone for sustainable growth and resilience in an era of rapid technological evolution. The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit serves as a vital platform to unify efforts, share best practices, and implement innovative industrial safety frameworks that protect workers, enhance operational efficiency & productivity, and foster global collaboration."