Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 16 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
The inaugural Health, Safety & Environment Gulf of Mexico conference (HSE GOM) takes place at Hilton Greenway Plaza Houston Texas from 8-9 October 2024, providing an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the region’s offshore HSE community
The growing focus on health, safety and environment is putting pressure on the Gulf of Mexico’s oil and gas sector to update their strategies. Operators in the region grapple with key challenges such as the Covid hangover, getting workers on board, ageing assets and, notably, evolving stringent regulations kick-started by the events around the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
To combat these challenges, stakeholders are engaging in a range of best practices and deploying new technologies in order to bring their workforce together and mitigate risk for their operations moving forward.
Sharing best practices
HSE GOM will bring together leaders from the offshore community to share insights and best practices for enhancing safety standards and performance across the region. More than 20 expert speakers from companies including Apache Corporation, Baker Hughes, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Center for Offshore Safety, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Murphy Oil Corporation, Shell and Weatherford will present on crucial topics across the four main themes of safety culture; process safety; planning and preparation; and technology and innovation.
“At HSE GOM, you’ll gain exclusive access to operator best practices and innovative technologies, exploring strategies to enhance safety performance across the region,” said Jack Heffernan, project manager. “Engage with 150 influential decision-makers during our dedicated networking sessions in our technology showcase hall, to catalyse potential partnerships and enhance your presence in the market. Don’t miss out as we hear from regulators including BSEE on standards development, explore industry-leading strategies for cultivating a robust safety culture, and discover cutting-edge advancements in PPE, ensuring the region’s workforce are optimally equipped.”
For full information, download the brochure at https://events.offsnet.com/HSEGOM2024#/Brochure
Contact Jack Heffernan at
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 11 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
Presight, a leading big data analytics company powered by Generative AI, has been awarded for its health and safety management system and environmental management system, among others
Presight has scooped nine ISO certifications, encompassing various aspects of organisational management, including corporate governance, risk management, quality, health and safety, environment, information security, privacy information, compliance management and business continuity management systems.
The achievement of these ISO certifications – which collectively enhance operational efficiency, data security, and resilience – reflects Presight’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and operational excellence, the company says, adding that these certifications will serve as a cornerstone of its strategy to drive sustainable success and deliver unparalleled value to its clients and stakeholders.
Maintaining the highest standards
Hamda Eid AlMheiri, board member of Presight, said, “Attaining these nine ISO certifications underscores a dedication to maintaining the highest standards across all facets of Presight operations. This accomplishment not only enhances the company’s credibility but also reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional value to stakeholders.”
Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, added, “Earning these ISO certifications is a testament to Presight’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Each certification represents a critical component of our robust management systems, ensuring we meet and exceed industry standards. This milestone propels us forward in our mission to leverage big data analytics for impactful, data-driven decisions.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- ESG
- Date: 9 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
Dubai Municipality has secured seven new Certificates of Conformity (CoC) with international standards (ISO) and British standards across several key areas, reflecting its commitment to innovation, excellence, agility and institutional resilience
The Municipality received the specification ‘10845-1’ owing to its use of best practices in the management of engineering contracts specialising in construction, and the ‘ISO 19011’ for establishing an institutional system to manage internal audits on quality and administrative standards in accordance with international best practices.
Promoting effective governance
It achieved the ISO 37000 certification in recognition of its efforts in promoting effective governance, as well as developing and implementing a governance framework in line with the requirements of the new international standard, and the ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management systems (EMS). Additionally, the Municipality has obtained ISO 50001 certification for energy management, achieved by creating and implementing an institutional framework that maximises energy use while lowering consumption as well as achieving environmental sustainability and efficient resource management goals.
The Municipality secured the ISO 56002 certification for successfully implementing an innovation management system the ISO 38500 international standard for IT governance and digital transformation.
These specifications and certifications bring the Municipality’s total number of international certifications to 34.
H.E. Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality, said, “The Municipality embraces an institutional approach based on a culture of leadership, innovation, governance, sustainability and optimal investment in human and tangible resources. This distinctive approach has substantially contributed to accomplishing numerous international achievements and credits, which distinctly reflect the culture of excellence, agility standards and the pioneering institutional flexibility that we adopt within our line of action targeted at solidifying the Emirate’s position on global competitiveness indicators.”
H.E. Al Hajri added that owing to its remarkable human resources comprising of leaders, employees and specialised task forces, the Municipality has been able to continue offering exceptional municipal services and implementing strategies and projects that successfully meet global standards and benchmarks.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 9 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest single-site smelter, has been awarded the British Safety Council (BSC)’s International Safety Award with merit, reflecting its safety leadership and exceptional safety record
The award was presented during the BSC’s International Safety Awards Gala Dinner held in London in June. Nezar Hameed, Alba’s senior safety and health manager received the award from Michael Robinson, CEO of the British Safety Council in the presence of Zainab Hassan, Alba’s head of Medical Administration.
Alba’s chief executive officer, Ali Al Baqali, commented, “At Alba, Safety isn't just a priority, it's a shared responsibility. A strong safety culture, where teamwork and prioritising safety are fundamental, is embedded throughout our organisation.
“By empowering our employees to prioritise safety in all aspects of their work, we've built a strong foundation for a zero-accident environment. This award from the British Safety Council is a proud testament to our entire team's dedication.”
Alba has received a total of 11 awards by the British Safety Council since 2014. In November 2023, Alba was the first smelter in the GCC to achieve the 4-star audit rating, following a successful Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit conducted by the British Safety Council.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 5 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has received the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Award for the fourth year running, according to Bahrain Airport Company (BAC).
This award was granted during the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards Ceremony, which took place on June 6, 2024, at the Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai.
Eng. Hasan Farhan, BAC's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager, attended the ceremony and got the award.
The RoSPA Awards system, the longest-running of its kind in the UK, receives entries from organisations all over the world, making it one of the most coveted accomplishment awards for health and safety. Applications are rigorously reviewed by a team of safety professionals, providing essential comments for improving health and safety standards.
BAC CEO, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah commented, “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our HSE team. The award reflects the airport community commitment to safety and the diligent work our team members contributions to adhere to the best industry health and safety practices. At BAC, the safety of passengers and staff is a top priority, and we strive to work with our partners to maintain the highest standards at the airport.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 4 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO).
This strategic initiative represents a comprehensive and advanced approach to emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, with the capabilities to address a wide range of incidents within the industrial area. The organisation is operated by Unity Fire and Safety, a company that specialises in safety and emergency response.
Increasing collaboration
Through its mutual aid agreement, SERO extends its coverage to effectively handle additional scenarios, with the support of Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) and OQ.
This strategic initiative represents a robust method for emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, ensuring readiness for various incidents within the industrial zone. Unity Fire and Safety operates SERO, and through a mutual aid agreement, it extends its response capabilities to include the support of CDAA and OQ.
This partnership is part of a Public-Private Partnership that includes collaborations with both global and local entities, such as the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. This collaboration aims to ensure efficient emergency responses at the port. Key aspects of this partnership include advanced equipment and training, regulatory compliance, updated emergency regulations, and the implementation of an Emergency Response Plan aligned with international safety standards and best practices.
Captain Majid bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Barahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, said, “With the launch, we are prioritising the safety and protection of people above all. This initiative goes beyond traditional measures, significantly boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses. It serves as a robust framework, seamlessly safeguarding both individuals and the continuity of essential operations during challenging times.”
Batti bin Mohammed Al Shibli, harbour master of Sohar Port commented, “By embracing innovative practices and cutting-edge technology, the organisation is setting new industry benchmarks for safety and establishing a gold standard for operational excellence. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety, resilience, and efficiency within Sohar. Paving a future where emergencies are met with unparalleled preparedness and adaptability.”
The organisation has undertaken a series of emergency drills over the past few months, with the support of various partners within the system, in collaboration with the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety District team from the Port of Rotterdam, as well as a team from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority. Furthermore, an audit was conducted to assess the system`s readiness in partnership with the technical partner, Kappetijn, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency and readiness.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 3 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
The 2024 edition of The Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime calls for the maritime industry to embrace data sharing and collaborative problem-solving as the industry navigates significant changes, such as the transition to greener propulsion technologies
The report recommends that the shipping industry establishes a list of standard data points to monitor and report, including casualties and incidents, injuries or deaths at sea, and near misses. It also endorses trend analysis to support the development of safety measures, with a particular emphasis on developing risk treatments for well-known and recurring issues.
The report reveals that Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) distress calls decreased by 7.6% in 2023 over the previous year. Despite this decline, the service was still triggered on 788 occasions, underlining the ongoing challenges in maritime safety and the need for improvements. It highlights the emergence of potential new safety risks associated with future fuels, and escalating geopolitical tensions.
Identifying trends
Peter Broadhurst, senior vice president, Safety and Regulatory, Inmarsat Maritime, said, “By harnessing the power of anonymised safety data, we can identify trends, develop specific mitigation measures, and enhance the overall safety of our ships and crews."
He noted that modern technology offers unprecedented opportunities to improve safety through better data analysis and sharing.
“We collect vast amounts of safety data, yet the current siloed-working model hinders our ability to fully leverage the actionable insights available to us. By pooling data, we can create a more holistic and objective view of maritime safety to inform performance improvements and ultimately reduce the occurrence of preventable safety incidents to save lives at sea.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 2 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
International SOS has advised UAE companies to prioritise workforce safety as global heat waves are predicted to intensify.
Workers face significant dangers in extreme heat conditions, such as heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. These risks can reduce productivity, increase accidents, and result in fatalities. Each year, excessive heat contributes to 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 work-related deaths.
In the UAE, heat stress is a persistent issue for outdoor workers, especially during summer when temperatures can soar up to 50°C. To address this, the Ministry of Labour has enforced a nationwide ban on outdoor work from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM during summer months.
The Ministry also requires employers to clearly display working hours and provide rest areas with drinking water, first aid kits, and sun protection measures. In 2023, nearly 95.5% of employers complied with this ban, thanks to stringent inspections.
Various sectors are affected by extreme weather, with certain jobs being at higher risk due to physical demands and outdoor conditions. Indoor industrial workers are also vulnerable if factory and workshop temperatures are not properly regulated.
Warmer temperatures expected
High heat levels can make even basic office tasks challenging, leading to mental fatigue and reduced cognitive abilities. Excessive heat exposure poses serious health risks, including heatstroke and potentially death. Organisations must take proactive measures to mitigate these risks and ensure the well-being and productivity of their workforce.
Dr Ehab Chalabie, medical director, medical services, Middle East, International SOS, said, “...Organisations must go beyond basic heat stress prevention and integrate heat stress risk assessments into their health and safety policies. Furthermore, training employees to recognise early signs of heat illness is critical. Early intervention can prevent a medical emergency and long-term health consequences. By fostering a culture of heat awareness and encouraging frequent hydration and breaks during peak temperatures, organisations can empower their workforce to stay healthy and safe.
“It is also important for organisations to be able to distinguish the different stages of heat-related illness. Heatstroke, the most severe heat illness, is a medical emergency and can cause long term impact if prompt medical attention is not given. Symptoms include a core body temperature exceeding 40°C, nausea and/or vomiting, confusion and seizures. Recognising the early signs of heat stress, such as sweating, dizziness, headache and cramps, allows swift intervention to prevent escalation to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
International SOS has provided guidelines for organisations to mitigate health risks from extreme heat events. These include conducting regular heat-specific risk assessments to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable employees. Organisations should integrate heat safety into their health and safety policies by providing shaded areas, hydration stations, and appropriate workwear. Training employees on heat stress awareness, proper hydration, sun protection, and recognising symptoms is crucial. Developing and communicating robust response protocols for heat-related illnesses is also recommended.
Additionally, organisations should continuously review and update their heat response plans to ensure they reflect the latest best practices. These measures aim to protect the workforce from the dangers of extreme heat, maintaining productivity and ensuring employee well-being.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 1 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
Larry Wilson, author and CEO, SafeStart, explains the contributing factors to critical errors. Read on:
Welcome back to the Paradigm Shifts series! In the last article we looked at serious injuries, the contributing factors and just how often mind not on task and eyes not on task were involved, or at least how often they were both involved in the serious injuries that have happened to us (almost every one). And if it’s of any comfort, the same questions have been asked to over a million people in 66 countries, so you’re not alone. The same two critical errors that contributed to your serious injuries also contributed to theirs (and mine).
In this article, like in the first four of this series, you will find a couple of new ideas or paradigm shifts that are somewhat counter-intuitive or almost the opposite of what most people think, that we will explore in more depth. We will also look at some practical, extremely cost effective (free) ways to reduce serious injuries 50% or more. But for now, let’s go back to the last article and the importance of those first two critical errors, eyes and mind not on task.
What we found was that for almost all of us, if we exclude sports, eyes not on task and mind not on task were involved in a very high percentage of our serious injuries, whether they were at work, at home, in the community or on the road. But it doesn’t seem quite right (almost misleading) to say that these two critical errors were just “involved”, because we are never trying to get seriously hurt anywhere or anytime! It’s more like these two errors had to happen or that they have to happen at the same time. Otherwise, if we see it coming, we will almost always get the benefit of our reflexes—which, in most cases, will be enough to prevent a direct hit, blind fall or a head-on collision.
This is not to say that these two critical errors by themselves cause all the serious injuries and fatalities. There are always at least two (or more) contributing factors. But quite often those other factors like the type of hazardous energy: electrical, mechanical, thermal and amount or kind of protection vary considerably as you go from burn to fall to motor vehicle accident. Whereas the first two critical errors, eyes and mind not on task—happening at the same time—are involved in almost every one. And since mind not on task is bound to happen if you know how to do something well, there is much more “leverage” or efficiency in getting people to put some additional effort or more effort than they are currently making (none) into improving their safety-related habits: like moving their eyes first, before they move, looking for line-of-fire potential before moving, looking for things that would cause them to lose their balance, traction or grip, etc.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 1 July, 2024
- Year: 2024
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has received the esteemed Silver Award from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), a British charity focused on saving lives and preventing life-altering injuries from accidents. This international accolade underscores RAKEZ's dedication to upholding and improving safety standards across its operations.
RoSPA's awards programme honours organisations worldwide that lead in promoting and maintaining top occupational health and safety standards.
HSE a priority
RAKEZ prioritises the health and safety of all individuals within its jurisdiction through various initiatives and standards. The economic zone has implemented comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environment (HS&E) regulations for all businesses operating under its authority. These regulations encompass occupational safety for industrial operations and health and safety protocols for construction processes, ensuring a secure working environment.
To aid businesses in adhering to these regulations, RAKEZ offers detailed guides with practical advice and information, and organises regular awareness seminars and training programmes. These sessions, led by pre-qualified experts, cover a wide range of topics, from basic safety awareness to specialised training for high-risk roles. Additionally, RAKEZ conducts regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with its HS&E standards, promptly addressing any potential issues.
RAKEZ's commitment to health and safety is further evidenced by initiatives like the RAKEZ HSE Appreciation Awards, which recognise businesses that demonstrate exceptional commitment to HS&E, motivating others to achieve similar standards. The recent Nujoom Al Salama programme also rates businesses based on their HS&E performance, assessing compliance with regulations, incident rates, and proactive safety measures.
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “We are thrilled to receive the RoSPA Silver Award for our proactive approach to health and safety management. We believe a safe workplace is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental right for every employee. This recognition reflects our continuous effort to create a secure and accident-free environment for all those who work within our jurisdiction.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 28 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched the RoSPA Level 2 International Award in Defensive Driving, and has been named as an accredited provider of Defensive Driver Training by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP)
Developed by the RoSPA Qualifications team, the RoSPA Level 2 International Award in Defensive Driving aims to improve a driver’s ability to drive safely and with confidence in whatever environment and conditions they operate in. The qualification is available to organisations whose employees drive regularly for work, on public roads and company premises.
The international qualification in defensive driving will see qualification centres offer defensive driving techniques such as hazard awareness, speed management, and risk assessment. Suitable for a variety of road users, including those operating off-road and heavy vehicles, the qualification ensures drivers understand the legal, cultural, and environmental requirements of driving in their region. They will also be educated on human factors such as distractions, fatigue and driver behaviour, and journey conditions, including driving on different types of road surface and the use of vehicle safety systems.
Penny Brooks, Driver Qualifications portfolio manager, said,
“We are proud to say that RoSPA has been accredited by the IOGP and now provides the oil and gas sector with a qualification that seeks to improve safety and save lives.”
Accidents involving road vehicles are a leading cause of death and injury in the oil and gas sector. Vehicle-related accidents contributed to more than a quarter of worker deaths in the USA’s oil and gas industry from 2014-2019, according to a report from the USA’s CDC, with around 20% of these involving lone workers.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 27 June, 2024
- 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.”