Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 22 May, 2024
- 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
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 21 May, 2024
- 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
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 20 May, 2024
- 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."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Training
- Topic: Training
- Date: 17 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
The sixth edition of the Saudi International Conference for Occupational Safety and Health, titled "Exploring the Horizon", concluded in Riyadh from 5-7 May.
Organised by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Sulaiman Al Rajhi, the event featured participation from various officials, specialists, and local and international experts.
The conference facilitated the exchange of expertise and best practices in the occupational safety and health sector. It was followed by over 100,000 people via live broadcast and attended by more than 8,000 visitors. The event included discussions on more than 15 specialised topics in dialogue sessions with over 169 speakers and offered 49 training workshops with accredited certificates.
Main topics
Key highlights included discussions on the Kingdom's efforts and experiences in occupational safety and health, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The accompanying exhibition showcased the history and development of occupational safety and health, highlighting the Council's roles in enhancing the attractiveness, safety, and sustainability of the Saudi labour market.
During the opening ceremony, the official website of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health was inaugurated, offering services such as training programmes for accident investigators, report documentation, and awareness training.
The conference was supported by key partners and sponsors, including the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI), Saudi Aramco, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), and Saudi Aramco Nabors Drilling (SANAD). The exhibition featured 15 partners and sponsors, and 25 exhibitors from local and international entities, showcasing innovative models, advanced technologies, and modern practices for enhancing workplace safety and sustainability.
Additionally, 16 memorandums of understanding and agreements were signed to promote cooperation in occupational safety and health. Representatives from the International Labour Organization, the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and various ministries from Gulf countries and other regions participated in bilateral meetings aimed at improving occupational safety and health standards.
Recommendations
The conference concluded with recommendations to share the Kingdom's experience in developing the occupational safety and health system internationally, especially in digital transformation, and to cooperate with international organisations to exchange knowledge and develop incentives for compliance with safety requirements. Further recommendations included establishing a Gulf committee or body for occupational safety and health and developing legislation to ensure small and medium enterprises comply with occupational safety and health standards.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 16 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
The company dives into the factors that lead to false alarms, their environmental factors and the best ways to mitigate them.
False alarms within fire systems can present numerous challenges, ranging from undue disruption and anxiety to the misallocation of emergency services resources. A significant incidence of false alarms may also foster complacency, potentially leading to delayed responses during actual emergencies. Hence, the ability to reject false alarms is pivotal for the efficiency of a fire system.
Various factors can contribute to false alarms within fire systems. These factors encompass environmental influences, system configuration and maintenance challenges, as well as human errors. A comprehensive comprehension of these factors aids in devising tactics to mitigate false alarms.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors such as dust, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can cause false alarms in fire systems. For example, smoke detectors may be triggered by dust particles, while heat detectors may be affected by sudden changes in temperature. In some cases, environmental factors can also interfere with the proper functioning of the detectors, increasing the likelihood of false alarms.
System configuration and maintenance issues
Improper configuration of fire systems can also contribute to false alarms. For example, installing detectors in areas with high airflow or near cooking appliances may lead to false alarms. Additionally, inadequate maintenance of fire systems, such as failing to test, maintain, and replace detectors, can result in reduced performance and an increased likelihood of false alarms.
Human error
Human error is another factor that can contribute to false alarms. This can include accidental activation of manual call points or misuse of fire detection equipment. In some cases, lack of proper training or awareness about fire safety protocols can also lead to false alarms. The Soteria Tri-Sensor Detector is now available, with its standout modes, which employ a double knock effect within the detector. This means that before triggering an alarm signal to the panel, at least two sensors within the Tri-Sensor must register the presence of smoke or fire, significantly reducing the occurrence of false alarms. This feature is particularly crucial in environments like student accommodations and open-plan apartments, where false alarms, often triggered by cooking activities, can lead to unnecessary disruptions and safety concerns.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 15 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
adi Facilities Engineering provides some insight into increasing safety at the workplace.
Brian Imrie, managing director of adi Facilities Engineering, a company providing full-service compliance engineering and management solutions, explores the most common compliance pitfalls for businesses.
Record-keeping
“Record-keeping is one of the most common issues, as people often don’t have the necessary documentation, or this is not easily accessible or available”, he says.
“It could be anything from the documents being locked away in a filing cabinet due to someone being on annual leave, to these being misplaced.
“When the HSE carries out an inspection, if you are not able to exhibit any relevant documentation upon request, then by default, you're non-compliant.
"It's about being able to demonstrate through auditable records that you've done what's required, to the relevant standard, and using competent resources in order to be compliant”.
Knowledge is power
“Another essential issue revolves around the competencies of staff, and their awareness of what's required. In some companies, individuals may simply not be aware of what the legal requirements are under the HSAWA.
“But ultimately, if there is an incident, ignorance is not a defence. If you don't know about specific legislations, it doesn't mean that you're not going to get prosecuted should an incident occur.
"It’s also key to make sure that people are aware of what their responsibilities and legal duties of care are.
“These duties can get lost between people, such as if the person in charge leaves and nobody else is assigned their duties, and gaps can appear if there is a need for cross-departmental cooperation in this area which is not adequately managed.
“Education should be a focal point. Not only should there be personnel appointed to ‘duty holder’ roles that deal with relevant legislative elements, but all staff should be made aware of the risks and of what’s required to manage and control them”.
Be proactive
"When it comes to compliance, businesses must be proactive rather than reactive. If you're reacting to something that's gone wrong, it’s already too late.
“The worst mistake that businesses can make is not prioritising health, safety and compliance, which is often due to time constraints or busy workloads.
“This may happen in manufacturing sites, where demanding production schedules translate to reduced downtime to carry out maintenance, for instance. This could lead to equipment that should be checked every year only getting checked once every few.
"But it’s vital that businesses keep up to date about evolving health and safety regulations and industry standards, particularly to avoid compliance becoming an oversight”.
Investing in a compliance gap analysis
“Audits conducted by experienced professionals are instrumental in ensuring that equipment and systems are safe, efficient, and reliable and that any inherent risk is adequately mitigated and controlled.
"This can involve mechanical and electrical tests and inspections, reviewing documentation and assessments, and checking that equipment and systems are fully compliant.
“It’s vital to remember that many tests, periodic inspections and maintenance activities are enforceable by law, so there are requirements for areas such as pressure systems, boiler operation, electrical systems, lifting operations, provision and use of work equipment and much more.
“Investing in a compliance gap analysis provides an essential tool for early identification of where businesses may be non-compliant and empowers them with the knowledge to put the right procedures in place to protect their staff and the business itself”.
Addressing compliance gaps
“It’s not enough to simply know where you are going wrong, however. It’s of paramount importance to know what the fix is to resolve the problem in the right way.
“It is essential to have access to the right expertise and solutions to navigate these challenges effectively. Expert advice and tailored solutions enable organisations to implement targeted measures to address these gaps proactively.
“This not only mitigates risks but also enhances operational efficiency and promotes a culture of safety within the workplace. It is an investment in the health, safety, and success of both employees and the organisation as a whole”.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 13 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
Arabian Drilling, one of Saudi Arabia's largest national onshore and offshore drilling contractor, announced its financial results for Q1’24 with YoY EBITDA growth of 25%
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 10 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
DNV, an independent authority in energy solutions and assurance, has unveiled its latest standard, DNV-ST-F207, tailored for hybrid thermoplastic composite flexible pipes (TCPs)
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 9 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
Dubai Investments newest report called the 'Annual Sustainability Report for 2023' explains how the group has fared in the past year.
The report highlighted more than 7,900 hours of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) training, strong local supplier engagement with 72% local sourcing, and a commitment to empowering woman, with 12.5% of total managerial roles held by women.
Apart from this, the company recorded a 12% decrease in electricity usage and a 9.5% drop in overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 2022 levels. By implementing proactive strategies to lessen dependence on fossil fuels and transition to alternative energy sources, the company managed to obtain 25% of its total energy consumption from sustainable alternatives, demonstrating its dedication to eco-friendly energy practices.
Aiding HSE professionals
Furthermore, significant strides were made through various initiatives, such as the conversion of security patrolling vehicles to hybrid models at the group's subsidiary Dubai Investments Park (DIP). This switch resulted in a remarkable 58% reduction in petrol consumption and a noteworthy 42% decrease in diesel usage.
Over the years, the company has conducted HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) and internal training for hazard identification, mitigation, regulatory compliance, Lean methodology, and HSE. Apart from this, divisions within the group have empowered auditors as well. Through this, internal auditors got trained extensively as ISO Auditors, completing the ISO Stage 1 audit for Integrated Quality and HSE system, reaffirming commitment to quality and safety.
Mohammed Saeed Al Raqbani, head of the Sustainability Committee at Dubai Investments and general manager of Dubai Investments Industries and Masharie, said, “The Group’s relentless pursuit of sustainability is fundamental to Dubai Investments’ operational ethos. The significant strides documented in the 2023 report reflect the Group’s active engagement in environmental management and the commitment to shaping a sustainable future. These efforts are critical to minimising the ecological impact while aligning with the UAE’s sustainability goals."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Technology
- Topic: Technology
- Date: 8 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
MENA HSE Review caught up with Justin Endres, chief revenue officer of Seclore, to discuss why cybersecurity is important for the manufacturing industry in the MENA region
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 7 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
Tristar KSA, a division of energy logistics firm Tristar Group, recently commissioned its fleet and warehouse to handle the safe transportation and storage of ChampionX products. ChampionX, a global leader in oil and gas production chemicals, offers state-of-the-art technology, reliable supply assurance, and effective problem-solving while prioritising safety, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- ESG
- Date: 6 May, 2024
- Year: 2024
The UAE's Ministry of Interior (MOI) uploaded ‘open data’ road safety statistics for 2023