Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- ESG
- Topic: ESG
- Date: 19 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
H.E. Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, presented the ratification instrument for the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), to the ILO director-general, Gilbert Houngbo.
The minister said, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is pleased to ratify the ILO Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). This significant step reflects our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and health in the workplace. By aligning with international best practices, we aim to safeguard our workforce, enhance productivity, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. This ratification underscores our dedication to creating a safer and healthier work environment for all employees in the kingdom. “
Houngbo said, “The central importance of occupational safety and health was confirmed in 2022, when the right to a safe and healthy working environment was included among the fundamental principles and rights at work. I sincerely welcome the ratification of Convention No. 187 by Saudi Arabia, demonstrating its commitment to this fundamental principle and right. Convention No. 187 is one of the fundamental ILO instruments on occupational safety and health and serves the improvement of occupational safety and health in a continuous and sustainable manner, with a view to preventing occupational accidents and diseases.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Technology
- Topic: Technology
- Date: 17 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
Front End, a leader in integrating advanced technology across sectors, demonstrated the first unmanned air taxi trial in Mecca, supported by its partner, EHang, an urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, which brings together diverse nationalities, presents unique logistical challenges. This innovative demonstration streamlined transportation during the sacred event, enabling faster movement of pilgrims between key locations and ensuring a smoother and safer Hajj experience.
Front End’s dedication to introducing cutting-edge technology to the kingdom, combined with EHang’s expertise in urban air mobility, and the leadership of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj, and the Ministry of Interior, marked a significant step towards a faster, more efficient, and sustainable Hajj. This collaboration revealed an innovative solution, highlighting the remarkable potential of government-private partnerships in advancing technology in Saudi Arabia.
His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of GACA said, “The trial marks a major advancement in integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape. We are committed to the highest safety standards and seamless integration into existing air traffic systems. This trial acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to various AAM roadmap initiatives. We appreciate the instrumental support of Front End and EHang to mark this historic milestone for Saudi Arabia."
Majid Alghaslan, chairman and CEO of Front End Limited Company, said, “Front End is at the forefront of this trailblazing trial, paving the way to a new era in smart mobility solutions, potentially revolutionising Hajj transportation. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, our purpose is to foster a ‘Connected Kingdom,’ serving as a gateway for our partners to access growth opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. This achievement stands as a testament to the power of government-private partnerships in accelerating new technology adoption. Partnering with EHang made this pioneering solution a reality.”
Conducted in a low-risk area within protected airspace, the trial helped assist authorities in setting the right regulatory environment for the deployment of eVTOL aircraft which will redefine the Hajj experience by enhancing mobility, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainability.
“These eco-friendly marvels offer a cost-effective solution for urban transportation, tackling congestion while aligning perfectly with the Kingdom’s goals for a sustainable future. This advancement underscores Front End's dedication to national progress and its commitment to shaping a greener, more efficient tomorrow in mobility”, Majid added.
Mr. Huazhi Hu, founder, CEO, and chairman of EHang, stated, “This debut flight of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in EHang's ongoing internationalisation and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAM reform, showcasing the potential of our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions for widespread adoption in the Middle Eastern market. Looking ahead, with the strong support of GACA and in partnership with Front End, we will work together to establish a benchmark for regular AAM operations in Saudi Arabia, driving progress in both regional and global AAM markets."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 14 June, 2024
- 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
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 13 June, 2024
- 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
- ESG
- Topic: ESG
- Date: 12 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
In preparation for the upcoming Eid al Adha festival, South Batinah Municipality in Muscat has launched several awareness campaigns to ensure the health and safety of the community.
According to a statement released by the municipality, various departments in the governorate have implemented programmes aimed at raising awareness and preventing potential health hazards.
In Rustaq, the civic body has been distributing informational leaflets to citizens, highlighting the importance of using designated slaughterhouses for sacrificial animals and properly handling sacrificial waste.
Meanwhile, specialists from the municipality in Musannah have conducted inspection visits to restaurants, cafes, and food stores to assess compliance with health regulations.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 11 June, 2024
- 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
- Training
- Topic: Training
- Date: 10 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and NEBOSH launched a new one-day qualification aimed at managing and controlling stress in the workplace.
Figures from the HSE indicate that stress, depression, or anxiety were the primary causes of work-related ill health in 2021/22, accounting for 17 million lost working days. Work-related stress can be triggered by six main factors: demands, control, support, relationships, role, and change.
Employers have a legal duty to safeguard employees from stress at work by conducting risk assessments and implementing necessary measures. The new NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Managing Stress at Work equips managers with the knowledge to identify and mitigate workplace stressors proactively.
HSE’s Working Minds Campaign
Throughout April, the HSE has been advocating for employers to adopt five straightforward steps to prevent and reduce workplace stress. These steps, encapsulated in the 5 Rs, are: reaching out and having conversations with employees to discuss their stressors and concerns, recognising the signs and causes of stress in the workplace, responding to any risks identified by taking action to address and mitigate them, reflecting on the effectiveness of the measures implemented, and making stress management a routine part of regular workplace practices.
The course is based on the HSE's current methodology for managing and controlling work-related stress. It provides an overview of the fundamental principles of work-related stress and its link to mental health issues. The course targets individuals responsible for employee wellbeing or managing workplace stress, including health and safety professionals, HR professionals, occupational health professionals, line managers, and supervisors.
By offering this qualification, HSE and NEBOSH aim to empower organisations to foster healthier work environments and reduce the prevalence of stress-related illnesses, ensuring better mental health and productivity for employees.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 7 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
Last month, the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference, in association with Reacton Fire Suppression, welcomed senior professionals to the Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina, UAE.
The attendees, comprising influential decision-makers in the field, experienced an immersive event featuring expert presentations and engaging panel sessions.
These sessions addressed the most pressing issues currently faced by leaders in the fire and safety sector, including emerging technology, health and wellbeing, hazardous materials, equality and diversity, leadership strategies, and crisis management.
The conference has garnered widespread acclaim for its commitment to delivering high-quality content, thoroughly exploring the challenges that concern fire and safety leaders.
The event commenced with an engaging networking session in the Windsor Ballroom of this waterfront venue.
A highlight of the morning was a keynote address by Colonel Expert Abdul Rahman Abdul Nour Beshalat, Director of Smart Systems at Dubai Civil Defense.
His presence and insights underscored the conference’s importance and enriched the dialogue on regional fire and safety challenges.
Dubai Civil Defense (DCD), the emergency management organisation in Dubai, UAE, has been an invaluable strategic partner since the first conference in 2023.
With over 35 esteemed delegates in attendance, this organisation has been at the forefront of safeguarding lives, protecting properties, and preserving the environment in Dubai since its establishment in 1976.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference provided an ideal platform for the industry’s luminaries to converge and interact.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 6 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
Liban Cables, a Nexans company and a leading provider of advanced cabling systems, solutions, and innovative services, reaffirmed its commitment to electrical fire safety in buildings during its participation in the Project Lebanon and Made in Lebanon 2024 exhibitions.
At the Project Lebanon exhibition, Liban Cables participated in panel discussions with representatives from public and private organisations, including the Order of Engineers and Architects (OEA), the Lebanese Standards Association (LIBNOR), and the Government Capital Civil Planning Department. Liban Cables provided valuable insights on critical issues related to building safety in the region.
Following recent seismic activity, the second panel focused on reducing electrical fire hazards in earthquake-prone regions. Liban Cables emphasised the importance of proactive measures, such as using Low Fire Hazard (LFH) cables, which are designed to contain fires and minimise smoke and hazardous emissions, thereby enhancing fire safety in high-risk areas.
Counterfeit cables
After their insightful participation at the Project Lebanon exhibition, Liban Cables continued their commitment to electrical fire safety at the Made in Lebanon 2024 exhibition. They showcased their latest innovations and raised awareness about critical issues such as electrical safety and the risks posed by counterfeit cables.
At Made in Lebanon 2024, Liban Cables highlighted the dangers of electrical fires caused by counterfeit cables, raising crucial awareness on this issue. Through live demonstrations, the technical team showed attendees the significant differences between genuine and fake cables. The fake cables burned more readily, dramatically increasing the risk of electrical fires. This demonstration underscored the urgent need for vigilance against counterfeit cables and the importance of verifying product authenticity.
Engaging with visitors, the Liban Cables team provided insights into the market landscape and delivered an informative presentation on electrical safety. The presentation focused on protecting individuals, families, and buildings from the threat of fires.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 5 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
The UAE experienced a decrease in the total number of fires last year, although official figures revealed increases in specific categories, particularly residential fires and major incidents.
According to the Ministry of Interior, civil defence teams responded to 2,473 fires last year, down from 3,000 in 2022. The majority of these incidents occurred in residential areas, with homes accounting for 1,636 fires, up from 1,385 the previous year.
The data did not include information on deaths or injuries. Among all recorded fires, 32 were classified as major, compared to 20 in 2022. Additionally, 57 fires were classified as medium, 1,309 as limited, and 12,075 as minor.
Commercial buildings experienced 293 fires, farms had 128, industrial properties 106, and public service buildings 97. Other areas, such as deserts, educational institutions, entertainment venues, government buildings, health centres, and tourist spots, saw an overall drop in incidents.
Breakdown by Emirate
Emergency services responded to 735 fires in Abu Dhabi last year, down from 860 the previous year. In the rest of the emirate, there were 578 incidents in Al Ain and 75 in Al Dhafra. Dubai dealt with 343 incidents, while Sharjah responded to 306 fires. Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain managed 165, 114, 111, and 46 blazes, respectively.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 4 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
Honeywell has opened its first assembly line dedicated to fire alarm and building management solutions in Saudi Arabia, in line with its strategy to increase localisation in the Kingdom in focus areas
The new facility in Dhahran will provide local and regional markets with Saudi-made products that meet the highest local and international industry standards and will boost the company’s building automation capabilities in the region. It will streamline the delivery process of world-class building automation and critical safety technologies, enabling faster and more efficient distribution of products to customers.
“Around the world, and especially within this region, we are seeing clear alignment between national visions and goals and the need for safer, efficient, smart and sustainable infrastructure,” said Phil Daniell, VP and GM of Honeywell - Business Automation in Middle East, Turkey and Africa. “Urban populations are increasing, and through automation technologies we are able to help cater to this expanded need while helping to tackle carbon emissions and driving efficiency through smarter and safer technology.”
Abdullah Al-Juffali, Honeywell country president of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, added, “This new facility not only enhances our capability to serve our customers with locally manufactured solutions, but also solidifies our commitment to contributing to the Kingdom’s industrial and technological advancements."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 3 June, 2024
- Year: 2024
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) recently held a meeting with human resources managers and executive directors from various government entities in the emirate.
Chaired by H.E. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, the meeting took place at Al Ittihad Museum to introduce attendees to the department's major ongoing and proposed projects aimed at improving workforce efficiency and integrating best practices into the government’s work system.
During the meeting, the DGHR team highlighted several projects aligned with the department's agenda to upgrade human resources in Dubai and establish methodologies to empower the government workforce. One key project discussed was the initiative for Measuring Workforce Productivity in the Government of Dubai, which offers precise data and indicators on workforce productivity across government entities. This framework aims to evaluate performance and improve government sector efficiency, supporting the objectives of ‘We the UAE 2031’ and sustainable development goals.
Another focal point was the ‘Dubai Government Jobs Engineering’ project, designed to enhance human resource practices, including compensation and wages, learning and career development, and workforce planning. This project addresses current and future workforce needs of government entities. The meeting also covered the ‘Empowering Human Resources Departments in Government Entities’ project, which provides departments with resources to stay updated on workplace changes and improve HR professionals' skills through specialised training and best practice applications.
Future skills
The ‘General Framework for Government Human Resources Training - Future Skills Dubai’ project was discussed for its role in creating a competitive workforce equipped with skills for future changes, supporting digital transformation, and bolstering the UAE’s national economy. This project will connect training, advisory, and academic entities through a smart platform to facilitate knowledge exchange and improve training effectiveness.
The meeting also reviewed the ‘Human Resources Law, Policies, and Regulations’ project, which aims to develop a unified framework for integrated government human resource management. This project focuses on creating flexible policies based on modern best practices. Additionally, the ‘Financial Allocations Decision Review’ project was discussed to evaluate the competitiveness of compensation and allowances to attract and retain top talent.
H.E. Iman Bin Khatam, Director of Policy and Programme Support at DGHR, said, “At DGHR, we recognise the significance of cooperation, coordination, and collaborative efforts between the department and various stakeholders of Dubai government and this meeting comes in line with this belief. The key goal of the meeting is to enhance human resource capabilities in the emirate and swiftly attain the desired outcomes, further shaping a better future for this sector. We seek to adopt innovative approaches and integrate global best practices in our efforts to enhance the Emirati workforce as well as to support them to seamlessly adapt to rapid changes and meet future requirements. These ambitious projects aid us to establish a cohesive and supportive work environment that improves employee productivity, contributes attaining Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ goals, and reinforces Dubai’s prominent position in the global economy.”