Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 8 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Cal/OSHA is urging employers across California to take urgent action to protect workers from unhealthy air conditions as multiple wildfires continue to spread across the state.
Fires including the TCU September Lightning Complex in Tuolumne, Calaveras, and Stanislaus counties, the Salt 14‑2 Fire and Garnet Fire in Fresno County, and the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are generating smoke that affects large regions, posing hazardous conditions for outdoor workers.
For up-to-date information on wildfire incidents, employers and workers can visit CAL FIRE’s Incident Page.
Under Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard, employers are required to shield workers from harmful air quality caused by wildfire smoke.
This includes monitoring air quality, adjusting work practices when necessary, and providing N-95 respirators for voluntary use.
The standard also mandates specific training to ensure employees understand the risks and how to protect themselves.
Employers must actively monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 at worksites when wildfire smoke may impact the area.
If the AQI exceeds 150, respirators must be made available to all workers, and their use encouraged. When levels exceed 500, respirator use becomes mandatory.
Air quality can be tracked via the U.S. EPA’s AirNow website, local air quality management districts, or through employer-owned monitoring instruments that comply with Cal/OSHA requirements.
Cal/OSHA also emphasises that workers cannot face retaliation for refusing to work under unsafe conditions, including in evacuation zones. Employers must respect workers’ rights to refuse dangerous work and ensure their safety in accordance with state regulations.
Additional guidance on safety in wildfire smoke and evacuation zones can be found in Cal/OSHA’s fact sheet “Worker Safety Wildfire Smoke and Evacuation Zones.”
By following these measures, employers can help protect workers from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke while maintaining compliance with state safety standards.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 5 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has reached a new milestone in its safety journey, recording 39 million safe working hours without a lost-time injury (LTI) as of 3 September 2025.
This achievement reflects the strong commitment of Alba’s employees and contractors to maintaining a safety-first culture across all operations.
Alba continues to embed safety at the heart of its operations through ongoing training, transparent practices, and active workforce engagement. By aligning operational excellence with employee well-being, the company reinforces its reputation as a global industry leader. Producing more than 1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2024, Alba is one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters with over 50 years of excellence in safety, environmental responsibility, and community development.
“This achievement is a result of the collective vigilance, responsibility, and dedication of our employees and contractors,” said Ali Al Baqali, Alba’s CEO. “Every safe hour is a testament to our shared mindset — that safety is not just a policy, but a way of life.”
Alba’s certifications include ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 18788 (security operations management). The company also holds certifications such as IATF 16949 (automotive quality), ISO 22301 (business continuity management), ASI Performance and Chain of Custody Standards, and has earned a Platinum sustainability rating from EcoVadis, ranking it in the top 1% globally.
Driving sustainability in Bahrain and beyond
Alba has been at the forefront of Bahrain’s aluminium industry since its inception as the Middle East’s first smelter. Today, it remains central to the Kingdom’s downstream aluminium sector and a major contributor to GDP diversification. Alba employs a workforce that is 87% Bahraini and invests extensively in training and development, underlining its commitment to national talent development.
Recognised for its ESG efforts, Alba launched a comprehensive roadmap in 2022 built around six key areas: decarbonisation, green energy and aluminium, circular economy and secondary aluminium, employee welfare, collaboration and partnerships, and transparency and due diligence. Among its flagship projects are the US$37.5mn Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, the PS5 Block 4 power station expansion, and a +6MW solar farm project. Collectively, these initiatives align Alba with Bahrain’s Net Zero Carbon Targets by 2060.
Safety first, safety always
Guided by its motto, “Safety First, Safety Always,” Alba remains dedicated to protecting the well-being of its people. The achievement of 39 million safe working hours without LTI is a testament to this philosophy and to the continuous engagement of employees and contractors in safety programmes.
Alba’s excellence in health and safety has been recognised globally. The company has earned the RoSPA Lifetime President and President Awards (10+ Gold Medal Awards), the British Safety Council’s International Safety Award with Merit and 4-Star Audit Rating, and multiple honours from the National Safety Council (NSC).
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 4 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
KiddeFenwal has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and safety following the first anniversary of its independence as a standalone business.
Since July 2024, the global fire suppression and safety controls specialist has accelerated investment in future-ready solutions designed to meet eco-friendly standards while addressing emerging risks.
A core focus has been the development of environmentally responsible technologies. Among these is the company’s NATURA™ Inert Gas System, an alternative to chemical-based agents that extinguishes fires by reducing oxygen levels to halt combustion. With zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential, the system exemplifies KiddeFenwal’s push towards sustainable fire safety.
The company is also tackling the challenges posed by the rising use of lithium-ion batteries across sectors, particularly in battery energy storage systems (BESS). To mitigate associated risks, KiddeFenwal has introduced a comprehensive solution covering anomaly detection, fire detection, control, notification, and suppression, tailored specifically for lithium-ion applications.
These innovations highlight KiddeFenwal’s position at the forefront of industry disruption and safety leadership. CEO Rekha Agrawal, who joined in November 2024, has been instrumental in driving this transformation. Her strategy has focused on leveraging the company’s independence by streamlining processes, removing legacy obstacles, and enhancing agility to better respond to customer needs and evolving industry standards.
With its renewed direction, KiddeFenwal is positioning itself not only to meet today’s demands but also to shape the future of fire safety through sustainable, cutting-edge solutions.
“Agility is a core value at KiddeFenwal and reflects our commitment to moving quickly, with an eye focused on the industry’s future, without compromising quality or discipline,” said Agrawal. “We are grateful to be positioned to point the way forward.”
KiddeFenwal provides fire suppression and safety control solutions for industrial and commercial sectors. Backed by more than a century of expertise and strengthened by the agility of operating as an independent company, KiddeFenwal delivers advanced technologies designed to safeguard lives, businesses, critical infrastructure, and even irreplaceable cultural treasures. Its portfolio of trusted brands — Kidde Fire Systems, Kidde Fire Protection, and Fenwal Controls — supports diverse industries including energy, manufacturing, marine, infrastructure, and OEM applications. From its headquarters in Ashland, Massachusetts, KiddeFenwal continues to expand its footprint worldwide, with a strong and growing presence across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 3 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE’s largest industrial company outside oil and gas and the world’s biggest producer of “premium aluminium,” has announced the successful completion of a debottlenecking expansion at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery, achieving the milestone with zero lost time injuries.
The project added a third ball mill at the refinery, increasing operational resilience and unlocking up to 50,000 tonnes of additional alumina production annually. Ball mills play a critical role in grinding bauxite ore into fine particles for chemical processing into alumina, a vital raw material for aluminium production.
EGA highlighted that the expansion was completed entirely by in-house teams, covering engineering design, project management, construction, and commissioning. During the construction phase, more than 650,000 hours of work were delivered without a single lost time injury, underscoring EGA’s strong commitment to workplace safety and its wider health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards.
Since its start-up in 2019, Al Taweelah alumina refinery has consistently operated above its nameplate capacity of two million tonnes of alumina per year. In 2024, the refinery supplied 49% of EGA’s total alumina requirements.
EGA said the latest expansion not only strengthens operational reliability but also demonstrates how safety and production excellence go hand in hand, ensuring growth while protecting the workforce.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said, “This expansion is a key step forward for Al Taweelah alumina refinery, unlocking additional production capacity as we reorient our bauxite supply chain beyond Guinea. It further strengthens our operational resilience and unlocks capacity growth. I thank every member of the team who contributed to this success.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 2 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has intensified its oversight of household gas distribution operations, conducting 4,322 field inspections as part of its commitment to public safety and professional regulation of commercial transport.
The inspections, carried out between 2023 and the first half of 2025, resulted in 1,098 violations issued through joint campaigns led by the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, comprising 15 entities across the Emirate.
Saeed Al Ramsi, Director of Licensing Activities Monitoring at RTA’s Licensing Agency, called on all household gas distribution businesses to strictly comply with regulations and use only licensed vehicles. He emphasised that RTA will maintain rigorous inspections and take firm legal action against violators to ensure the safety of Dubai’s residents and uphold service quality standards.
“Household gas distribution is a critical activity with direct implications on the environment, public health, and safety. It requires strict oversight to ensure full compliance with licensing requirements and identify counterfeit or untraceable gas cylinders, thereby avoiding serious potential risks,” said Al Ramsi.
“These campaigns are part of RTA’s efforts to realise its strategic objectives of enhancing public safety, advancing environmental sustainability, and boosting operational efficiency across the transport sector, ultimately supporting the goal of a safe and happy urban environment for all residents,” he added.
“The campaigns covered multiple locations across the Emirate. Among the most serious violations recorded were the possession of counterfeit or unverified gas cylinders, and the unauthorised practice of transport and rental activities without the necessary permits. Approximately 170 non-compliant vehicles were impounded over the course of these operations.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 1 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
HIMA Group, the global safety automation expert, is setting new benchmarks for functional safety in the offshore sector as the energy industry undergoes rapid transformation. From oil and gas to offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon storage, HIMA continues to deliver solutions that enhance safety, security, and efficiency across the entire energy mix.
With Sella Controls and Origo Solutions now part of the HIMA Group, operators and contractors benefit from combined expertise and a significantly expanded portfolio covering the full safety automation value chain. This integration creates synergies that strengthen project delivery for both conventional and renewable offshore applications.
Central to HIMA’s offering is its independent open safety platform, which unites hardware and software within a single framework. Certified by TÜV, Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas and DNV, the platform ensures functional safety and operational technology security while supporting compliance, process efficiency, and plant availability.
The company is also advancing its #safetygoesdigital strategy, introducing technologies that bring digitalisation to every stage of the safety lifecycle.
Its portfolio includes SCADA+ for scalable plant control and visualisation across wind, hydrogen, and oil and gas projects; Safety Lifecycle Digitalisation (SLD) Cockpits, which monitor operating data in real time to optimise productivity and compliance; and High-Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS) with Planar 4 technology for critical offshore applications.
HIMA also offers SIL3-compliant turbomachinery control systems with advanced load-sharing features, FLOWorX® Pipeline Management & Control for leak detection and real-time monitoring of even hydrogen pipelines, and SafeHMI solutions designed with inherent safety features for plant operations and digitalised management of change.
Having already delivered major offshore projects in collaboration with Sella Controls and Origo Solutions, HIMA brings together consulting, engineering, and project execution expertise under one roof. This strengthened capability positions the group as a partner of choice for clients seeking to navigate the challenges of today’s evolving energy landscape while ensuring the highest levels of safety and operational resilience.
Jörg de la Motte, CEO of the HIMA Group, said, "We are delighted to present our enhanced solutions portfolio for the first time. The integration of Sella Controls and Origo Solutions proves the power of combined expertise and delivers added value to our offshore customers in the UK, in Norway, and in Continental Europe.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 1 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Maintaining cool water in safety shower header tanks is essential for effective emergency decontamination. Insulation, shading, cooling systems, and regular monitoring ensure safe, reliable performance even in hot climates. In this short article, Aqua Safety Showers explains why and how.
Safety showers are a critical component of workplace safety, providing immediate decontamination in case of hazardous substance exposure. However, in certain regions or industries with hot climates, maintaining cool water in safety shower header tanks can be a challenge.
High water temperatures can cause discomfort, possible scalding and can further exacerbate injuries.
This is why it is essential to keep water cool in the safety shower header tank at all times of the day and night whilst ensuring optimal functionality and employee well-being during emergencies.
1. Insulation:
Proper insulation is key to minimising heat transfer and maintaining cooler water temperatures in safety shower header tanks. Insulating materials, such as foam or thermal wraps, can be applied to the tanks and associated pipes to create a barrier against external heat sources. This insulation helps preserve the initial water temperature and prevents heat absorption from the surrounding environment.
2. Shade or Shelter:
Placing safety shower header tanks in shaded or sheltered areas can shield them from direct sunlight and excessive heat. By positioning the tanks away from direct exposure to the sun's rays, the water temperature within the tanks can be significantly reduced.
Utilising natural shade or constructing shelters can effectively protect the tanks from heat buildup and help maintain cooler water.
3. Cooling:
Incorporating a water cooler to the safety shower header tank is the most reliable and effective solution for maintaining water temperature. These coolers circulate the water, ensuring the temperature of the water within the tank will not rise above 25°C.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance:
Continuous monitoring of the safety shower system is crucial to identify any potential issues that may affect water temperature and shower operation. Regular inspections, maintenance, and servicing of the unit is essential to ensure their proper function.
Maintaining cool water in safety shower header tanks is vital for ensuring effective emergency decontamination and the well-being of employees. By implementing strategies such as insulation, shade or shelter, cooling systems, temperature regulation, regular water replacement, and vigilant monitoring, organisations can overcome the challenges posed by high ambient temperatures.
These measures ensure that safety showers deliver water at a comfortable temperature, encouraging their proper use during emergencies. By prioritising the cooling of safety shower header tanks, workplaces can enhance their emergency response capabilities, minimise the risk of injury, and promote a culture of safety.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 29 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
BKT has announced that its Bhuj manufacturing plant has successfully achieved the coveted Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit rating, following a rigorous assessment conducted by the British Safety Council.
Announcing the news on its LinkedIn account, BKT said that the Five Star Audit is recognised globally as a best-practice benchmark in health and safety performance. The detailed evaluation involved a review of BKT’s occupational health and safety policies, processes, and practices. It also included interviews with senior management and employees, engagement with key stakeholders, and sampling of operational activities across the plant.
The five-star grading reflects BKT’s strong emphasis on safeguarding the wellbeing of its workforce while ensuring operational excellence. By attaining this rating, BKT has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to continually improving its health and safety management systems and aligning with international standards.
The British Safety Council, a leading authority on workplace health, safety and environmental management, stresses that no one should be injured or made ill through their work. BKT has echoed this philosophy by embedding a culture of prevention and care across its operations.
This achievement at the Bhuj plant is not only a recognition of BKT’s dedication to employee welfare but also a testament to the company’s vision of sustainable and responsible growth. The recognition strengthens BKT’s reputation as a manufacturer that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of its people while delivering on its long-term business objectives.
“We are extremely proud to have been awarded the prestigious five-star rating by the British Safety Council,” commented Rajiv Poddar, joint managing director of BKT.
“This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and people-focused working environment. Health and safety are fundamental values at BKT and form an essential part of our corporate culture and long-term strategy.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 28 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
This article was written by SHOWA, a global leader in hand protection, highlighting how the right PPE can play a vital role in tackling heat stress and improving worker safety in extreme Middle Eastern climates.
In the Middle East, where summer temperatures frequently climb above 40°C, managing heat stress is a daily reality for employers and workers alike. While it is easy to picture heat stress in extreme terms - heatstroke, fainting, or hospital visits - most of its impact is far more subtle and accumulative. Everyday discomfort, reduced focus, and increased fatigue all affect performance long before heat becomes a medical emergency.
One area that is rarely considered in regard to heat stress is the hand. For workers in industries such as construction, oil and gas, and logistics, gloves are an essential part of their personal protective equipment. Yet, gloves can quickly become a source of discomfort in hot conditions, trapping sweat and restricting airflow. When hands overheat, concentration falters, grip weakens, and the risk of errors rises.
Heat stress as a widespread issue
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 80% of workers in the Arab States are regularly exposed to excessive occupational heat. In practice, this means that heat is not an occasional hazard but a constant factor shaping how work must be managed across the region. Even with government-mandated midday rest breaks in some countries, studies show that the most intense heat stress often occurs before or after these periods. Workers continue to face challenging temperatures for much of the working day.
This constant exposure makes it vital to think about heat stress in broader terms than just emergencies. Sweaty palms, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue may not generate headlines, but they contribute to lower productivity and higher accident risk. Research has shown that injury risks are significantly higher on hotter days, even when rest periods are observed. The link is clear: as temperatures rise, so does the likelihood of accidents.
Why hands matter
Hands are at the centre of most tasks in the industries referenced above - lifting, handling tools, operating machinery, assembling parts. They are also among the first areas to suffer in the heat. One of the earliest symptoms of heat stress is difficulty concentrating, and glove discomfort can play a direct role in this. When gloves trap moisture, they not only cause irritation but also compromise dexterity and grip. Workers may find themselves adjusting gloves more frequently, working more slowly, or even removing protection altogether to cool down - which raises the risk of injury.
This is where the design of PPE becomes a critical factor. Just as hard hats are ventilated and high-visibility clothing is made from breathable fabrics, gloves too must evolve to meet the demands of hot working environments. Materials that wick moisture away from the skin, promote evaporation, and allow air circulation can make the difference between hands that feel clammy and fatigued, and hands that stay cool and effective throughout the day.
SHOWA’s research and product development in this area highlight how much of a difference material science can make. For example, its MFT PRO gloves use ultra-fine microfibres that absorb sweat in just over three seconds - more than twice as fast as traditional nylon liners, and significantly quicker than some mixed fibres. They also dry nearly twice as fast as comparable models. This means that moisture does not linger, reducing irritation and helping workers maintain a firm grip for longer periods.
The benefits of such innovation extend well beyond comfort. By reducing the distraction of damp gloves, workers can stay focused on their tasks. By maintaining grip, they reduce the risk of dropping tools or mishandling materials. And, by ensuring gloves remain wearable for a whole shift, employers reduce the likelihood that workers will discard PPE altogether.
A proactive approach
Heat stress will always be a challenge in the Middle East. Climate data shows that hot periods are arriving earlier in the year and lasting longer, extending the window of risk for outdoor and industrial workers. Employers cannot change the weather, but they can change how work is organised and how equipment is specified. By selecting PPE designed with heat stress in mind, companies show that they recognise the reality of daily discomfort as well as the risk of medical emergencies.
Ultimately, tackling heat stress is about seeing the full picture. It is not only the dramatic cases that matter, but also the everyday experiences of workers whose performance is shaped by how comfortable, focused, and protected they feel. Cool hands lead to clear heads, and in the heat of the Middle East, that is a vital advantage.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 27 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
The UAE's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) has reported exceptional progress in smart traffic enforcement during the first half of 2025, recording a 401% increase in processed violations compared to Q1, with a response rate of 60.4%.
Sultan Al Malik, Director of the Security Department at the PCFC, said, “This growth was not only in numbers, but a manifestation of a comprehensive strategic vision that turned smart enforcement into a tangible reality serving all stakeholders and clients. The results of the first half of this year highlight the effectiveness of integrating smart systems with field teams, paving the way for more precise and proactive enforcement.”
Al Malik emphasised that the Security Control and Command Division reflects a corporate strategy built on advanced technology, multi-agency coordination, and predictive analysis. He explained that the Division has moved from a reactive response model to one led by proactive intelligence, becoming a regional benchmark in integrated smart enforcement.
He added, “The Security Control and Command Division serves as a pioneering model of smart enforcement, relying on advanced technologies and analytics to ensure seamless traffic flow and compliance within free zones under the Corporation’s supervision. Operating 24/7, the Division applies data-driven decision-making and sustainable management practices to uphold the highest safety, environmental, and security standards.”
In H1 2025, the Division managed 1,971 traffic-related violations, resolving 992, including cases of abandoned vehicles, illegal waste disposal, and unauthorised land use. Environmental response achieved 100% compliance within 48–72 hours, with no critical incidents reported.
Active cases stood at 651 by mid-year, categorised into container violations (287), unmarked trailers (198), and infrastructure and signage (166), each addressed through targeted measures.
For H2 2025, the Division plans a 90-day clearance campaign, a centralised dashboard for real-time monitoring, a comprehensive infrastructure audit, and the development of predictive intelligence capabilities ahead of 2026.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 26 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have published a new joint report and guidance highlighting the growing global health risks to workers posed by extreme heat
As more frequent and intense heatwaves occur due to climate change, many workers who are regularly exposed to dangerous heat conditions are already feeling the health impacts of rising temperatures, in particular, manual workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction and fisheries. Increasing heat episodes are also leading to health issues for vulnerable populations in developing countries, such as children, older adults and low-income populations. Health risks include heatstroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and neurological disorders, and worker productivity drops by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C.
The new report and technical guidance, entitled ‘Climate change and workplace heat stress’, highlights that the health and productivity of workers are severely impacted by rising temperatures. WMO reports that 2024 was the hottest year on record. Daytime temperatures of more than 40°C and even above 50°C are becoming increasingly common, a clear indication that immediate action is needed to address the worsening impact of heat stress on workers worldwide.
To tackle these challenges, the report calls for the implementation of occupational heat action plans, tailored to specific industries and regions, and developed in collaboration with employers, workers, unions, and public health experts.
Recommended actions
The recommended actions include:
- Develop occupational heat-health policies with tailored plans and advisories that consider local weather patterns, specific jobs, and worker vulnerabilities;
- Focus on vulnerable populations with special attention given to middle-aged and older workers, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those with lower physical fitness who can be more susceptible to the effects of heat stress;
- Education and awareness raising for first responders, health professionals, employers, and workers to recognize and properly treat heat stress symptoms, which are often misdiagnosed;
- Engage all stakeholders from workers and trade unions to health experts and local authorities in the co-creation of heat-health strategies that are locally relevant and widely supported.
- Design solutions that are not only effective but also practical, affordable and environmentally sustainable, ensuring policies can be implemented at scale.
- Embrace innovation by adopting technologies that can help safeguard health while maintaining productivity.
- Support further research and evaluation to strengthen the effectiveness of occupational heat-health measures and ensure maximum protection for workers worldwide.
The new report and technical guidance follow the recent International Labour Organization (ILO) reports which highlight that more than 2.4bn workers are exposed to excessive heat globally, resulting in more than 22.85mn occupational injuries each year.
“Heat stress is already harming the health and livelihoods of billions of workers, especially in the most vulnerable communities,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO assistant director-general, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care. “This new guidance offers practical, evidence-based solutions to protect lives, reduce inequality, and build more resilient workforces in a warming world.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 20 august, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Ministry of Labor, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and local and international partners, has launched a guidance manual on occupational safety and health (OSH) for the agriculture sector, according to a report by Jordan News Agency (Petra).
Iman Abdallat, acting director of the Occupational Safety and Health Directorate at the Ministry of Labor, said the manual underscores Jordan’s commitment to safe and healthy workplaces.
A safe work environment is a basic human right and a key driver of productivity, reducing economic losses from accidents and injuries, and supporting livelihoods and food security, she noted.
Abdallat highlighted that the ministry has updated OSH regulations, instructions, and decisions over the past two years to keep pace with labour-market developments.
These updates complement Agricultural Workers Regulation No. 19 of 2021 and its 2025 amendment, which govern working hours, annual, sick and maternity leave, minimum wage, housing, OSH requirements, and prohibit child labour in hazardous agricultural work.
She added that the ministry is working to foster a national safety culture linked to productivity outcomes.
Mohammad Hiyari, secretary-general of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasised that improving farmers’ skills and working conditions is central to boosting productivity and quality of life.
He noted that farm workers face multiple risks, including unsafe chemical use, heavy machinery, harsh weather, and lack of protective equipment and training, highlighting the manual’s role as a practical guide prepared by the ILO in coordination with national experts.
Amal Mowafy, ILO Jordan Country Coordinator, said the manual provides comprehensive guidance for employers, inspectors, agricultural extension officers, and workers to identify and prevent workplace hazards, reduce accidents and occupational diseases, and comply with national and international OSH standards.
She added that the initiative supports the creation of decent, safe, and productive workplaces across Jordan’s agricultural subsectors.
Khaled Fanatsa, president of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions, also attended the launch, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding worker rights and promoting a culture of safety across the sector.
The manual is expected to serve as a key reference for ensuring occupational safety while contributing to productivity, sustainability, and the well-being of workers across Jordan’s agriculture industry.