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  • ?️ Editorial Introduction:

    Have you ever stopped to think about what’s really behind the small mistakes we make every day? Those seemingly harmless slips can have major consequences—both at work and in everyday life. Larry Wilson, CEO and author of SafeStart, shares powerful insights into the unexpected causes of these errors—and how we can protect ourselves.

    ? Description (50 words):

    What causes the errors that lead to accidents—even during simple tasks? In this video, Larry Wilson uncovers the human factors behind everyday mistakes and explains how we can reduce risk by understanding our own behaviour. A must-watch for anyone interested in safety, awareness, and accident prevention.

  • Breaking New Ground: SafeStart's First Public Workshop in Dubai a Huge Success!

    The SafeStart Trainer Certification Level 1 Course made a powerful debut in Dubai on February 18-19, bringing together top companies from across the Middle East in a sold-out, high-energy event.

    With a full house and an engaged audience, the workshop sparked meaningful discussions, personal stories, and hands-on learning about human factors and Critical Error Reduction Techniques (CERTs). Participants explored what really happens when we are rushing, frustrated, fatigued, or complacent—and, more importantly, how to self-trigger on these states to prevent errors before they lead to incidents.

    As safety professionals, we often tell workers to stop and think before committing to a task, but we rarely explain what to think about. SafeStart fills this gap by helping individuals rate their state before taking action:

    • Am I rushing?
    • Am I tired?
    • Am I at risk of making a critical error?

    By developing these lifesaving skills, SafeStart helps stop the domino effect that can lead to accidents—even fatalities.

    This was just the beginning! Stay tuned for the next SafeStart workshop in the Middle East, and be part of this life-changing experience.

    ?This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to secure your spot!
    Want to know more about SafeStart? Visit our website.

  • The third session at HSE Oman Forum 2021 on 'E-HSE Next Revolution in Oman' engaged our audience with insights on Petroleum Development Oman's IHTIMAM system. Port of Salalah highlighted the use of digitized capture to enhance HSE systems and Esteshraf Foresight talked about the importance of setting realistic compliance targets.

  • PDO's Nadiya al-Harthy and Arabian Industries Projects' Porchelvan Nadanam discussed the implications of environmental regulations on projects and contractors, as well as the pressing need for tighter competency management

  • HSE Oman Forum's session on 'Risk Overview' hosted panellists from Oman Drydock Company (ODC), Oman Electricity Transmission Company and Petroleum Development Oman who discussed safety challenges, initiatives to ensure skilled human resources for lifting operations and the 12 Golden Rules (life saving) of ODC.

Intersec Saudi Arabia opens with record exhibitor numbers

The official tour of Intersec Saudi Arabia. (Image source: Messe Frankfurt)

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Intersec Saudi Arabia, the country’s leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, was officially opened on 1 October by H.E. Aali M. Al Zahrani, Governor of the Higher Commission for Industrial Security and Major General Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense

Taking place from 1-3 October 2024, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC), the event features a record number of exhibitors, with 310 exhibitors from more than 32 countries and over 17,000 visitors expected.

Critical topics to be addressed during the event include AI in security, cybersecurity risks, green technologies for fire prevention, emergency response strategies, and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Opening address

The opening keynote address, delivered by Major General Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, underscored the directorate's role in employing the latest technologies for the nation's safety through preventive awareness measures to create a safe society free of risks.

Other topics addressed on the summit's opening day included the Saudi Code for Fire Protection, delivered by Eng. Mohamad Al Sabbagh, Saudi Civil Defense; Promoting Fire Safety Awareness and Preparedness, by Colonel Abdullah Al Sherani, Saudi Civil Defense; and the Effectiveness of Deployed Technologies in Fire Detection, delivered by Assistant Commissioner Ryan Ong, Singapore Civil Defence Force.

Several panel discussions also took place, including Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management, which saw experts including Neil Odin, chief fire officer from the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, Jamal Al Ghamdi, corporate process safety director, Sadara Chemical Company, and Fahad Al-Hassan, manager, Fire & Emergency, Ma’aden, discuss the crucial phases following a fire, highlighting best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery.

The first day of the exhibition also witnessed the opening of the Future Security and Safety Summit, where the keynote address was delivered by His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulqader Al Abu Issa, Assistant Governor of the HCIS for Engineering Affairs and Licensing. He emphasised the importance of hosting such exhibitions and conferences, highlighting the pivotal role the Authority plays in organising the fields of security, safety, and fire protection.

Riham Sedik, show manager—Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “We have brought together many of the industry’s thought leaders to deliver a range of innovative and insightful sessions designed to facilitate in-depth discussions addressing the most pressing challenges facing security professionals today.

“For the next three days, Saudi Arabia will be at the epicentre for providing direction to building a safer and more secure future.”

The show floor covers five product categories: Commercial and Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security and Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health.

Intersec Saudi Arabia, organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, is held in association with the High Commission for Industrial Security and The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said, “With more than 17,000 visitors anticipated throughout the three days of the exhibition, Intersec Saudi Arabia has underscored its position as a hub for the global security market for networking, discussing the latest trends and securing business deals.”

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HSE

Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January. (Image source: Messe Frankfurt)

HSE

A record number of exhibitors representing 61 countries have participated in the 26th edition of Intersec, the largest business event in the world that maps the future of security, safety, and fire protection.

The largest edition of the event took up 61,000 sq m of space at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a 20% increase from the previous year.

Under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event, which ended last month, drew 47,300 visitors from 142 countries and featured state-of-the-art technologies and vital solutions in five major areas: Homeland Security & Policing, Cyber Security, Safety & Health, Fire & Rescue, and Commercial & Perimeter Security. The show's theme was "Mapping the Future of Security, Safety, and Fire Protection."

Among the new features this year was the successful opening of the two-day Intersec Policing Conference, which brought together more than fifty knowledgeable speakers. Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the future of road safety, proactive and productive policing, strategic automation in policing, drone operations, and quantum-led crime. Senior law enforcement officials from the Abu Dhabi Police, INTERPOL, the Metropolitan Police, and the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit were among them.

The top Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) in the area were also invited to the CISO Business Briefing, which was successfully launched while examining the main information security trends, threats, and opportunities. The opening keynote speaker was H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government.

The annual awards

The exhibition's ground-breaking collaboration with Ignyte, which resulted in the opening of the Intersec Startup Arena, was another first. It gave startups a chance to present their innovative ideas and solutions to a group of government officials, business executives, and elite investors, opening doors for them to secure investment, mentorship, and strategic alliances.

ASIS International, Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA), Gallagher, Sharjah Civil Defence, NAFFCO, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, Nordon, Saudi Sicli, and UXE Security Solutions were among the companies that signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the three-day event held by Intersec 2025.

Several industry leaders were honoured at the 4th annual Intersec Awards, which honour people, groups, and organisations for establishing new benchmarks for excellence in vital sectors.

Winners on the evening included Dubai Civil Defense, NAFFCO, Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Emirates Safety Laboratory LLC, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

Wajahat Hussain, show manager, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “The team and I are thrilled to have welcomed an unprecedented gathering of industry professionals from around the world. Intersec has once again proven to be the premier platform where global leaders, innovators, and experts converge to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and explore cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of safety, security, and fire protection.

“Surpassing previous exhibitor records is a testament to Intersec’s growing influence and its pivotal role in driving forward-thinking solutions for a safer, more secure world. This milestone underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration, showcasing pioneering technologies, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in this critically important industry.”

Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Chainsaw courses with various levels of training are available. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Ryan Mitchell, Farnek’s head of QHSEW. (Image source: Farnek)

Middle East

The agreement covers fire safety awareness training. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Middle East

The UK's Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has announced a significant training contract with Bahrain-based Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill (Garmco)

Under the agreement, Garmco is licensed to deliver IOSH’s Working Safely, Managing Safely and Fire Safety Awareness courses.  IOSH has also approved the company’s three tailored half-day courses on CoSSH, confined spaces, and permit to work.

The contract demonstrates Garmco’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the safety of its human capital as well as representing another positive step that IOSH is taking to improve workers’ health and safety in the Gulf States.

Mohamed Rafea, CEO of Garmco, said, “Becoming an IOSH-approved training provider marks a significant milestone in our efforts to foster a proactive safety culture and support our employees’ professional growth.”

He added that the partnership would enable Garmco to provide international safety training that strengthens its team’s competence and knowledge, ensuring they are better equipped to implement advanced safety practices and comply with internationally recognised safety standards.

Iain Mcintosh, senior business development manager at IOSH, said, “We are thrilled to have teamed up with Garmco. It’s another demonstration of what we can offer through our IOSH for Business initiative. We look forward to helping the company to create an internal training function that will strengthen its critical safety initiatives and enhance the expertise of its staff.”

GARMCO works proactively to ensure the health and safety of all employees, contractors and visitors through stringent measures that are governed by GARMCO’s occupational health and safety policies aligned with ISO 45001:2018 and other relevant international and national standards.

The company has a fully-equipped health centre that conducts regular medical check-ups for staff, as well as a fire station that organises fire drills and emergency evacuation exercises. Health and safety rules and guidelines are continuously communicated to all staff, and related key performance indicators are monitored on a monthly basis, together with a review of employee feedback. Job safe practice training and preventive campaigns are conducted on a regular basis, fostering a culture of occupational health and safety. 

As an example, in December 2024, GARMCO organised a Safety Week campaign to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace and equip employees with the necessary information and skills to protect themselves and their colleagues through interactive activities that enhance effective participation among employees.

In February, GARMCO employees participated in the fourth edition of the Bahrain Firefighter Challenge, which brought together firefighters from various government and private sectors, along with amateur participants, to in challenges simulating the field tasks of firefighters. The event contributes to enhancing professionalism among firefighters and fosters community partnership in promoting a culture of safety.

A drone image

North America

North America

News publications from across the USA have reported impending closures of occupational health and safety agencies in the county, in wake of the Trump administration's decisions to cut government spending. This could be disastrous for American workers, who may now have little recourse against workplace violations. 

Louisiana workers may be more affected than others. The state is already known as one of the most dangerous places in America, from an occupational health and safety standpoint. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana is ranked the sixth most dangerous state for workers in the U.S. This is thanks to the more than 200 chemical facilities and refineries which line an 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to the state's capital New Orleans. It has been repeatedly called "Cancer Alley", due to the high cancer rates associated with petrochemicals.

US-based publication Capital & Main has recorded a few instances. In recent years, the news publication said, there have been several chemical plant exposures or explosions in the state. In December, a suspected explosion occurred at a Westlake Corp. chemical plant near the Nutrien plant. Four workers were hospitalised in October after being exposed to ammonia at a Formosa Plastics plant.

Two individuals were injured in September when a hydrogen gas explosion occurred at the neighbouring Chevron Renewable Energy Group factory. Last month, Mathew Roberts was working at a chemical facility on the outskirts of Baton Rouge when he was involved in a forklift accident. The father of two, who was unresponsive and in severe condition, was transported from the Nutrien nitrogen facility to a local hospital and died of his injuries.

Spending cuts

His death came weeks after the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the closure of 11 OSHA field offices. This includes one in Baton Rouge that is investigating Robert's death. It is the agency's only office in Louisiana, and its impending closure is causing anxiety among workplace safety professionals. The closures are still "under review," according to the US Department of Labor, which oversees OSHA.

In addition to the Baton Rouge office, which conducted 386 workplace inspections last year and imposed over $750,000 in penalties for major infractions, DOGE intends to eliminate field offices in Houston and Mobile, Alabama. 

“Those enormous oil and petrochemical facilities with significant safety and health hazards will be inspected even less frequently than they are now,” former OSHA Director David Michaels told Capital & Main. “These closures will result in more injuries, illnesses and deaths,” Michaels added.

According to Michaels, OSHA employees in the office will have to choose between quitting the agency entirely or relocating to another region hundreds of miles away. Staff at the Baton Rouge office claimed they were not aware of any layoffs, despite rumours that have circulated since the DOGE announcement in mid-March.

Businesses that take workplace safety seriously will have a competitive edge. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Europe

Europe

As EU-OSHA research reveals that tech innovation and emerging mental health issues are impacting workers, the association has unveiled a suite of resources (including dedicated publications) about the risks of 'invisible' challenges in the workplace

A dedicated 11-page publication, 'Electromagnetic fields: present and future challenges for occupational safety and health', examines the risks of electromagnetic fields, such as cancer, and discusses how excitement around the opportunities that EMFs present cannot be divorced from the risks and challenges they introduce to occupational health and safety.

Similarly invisible yet almost as devastating are the risks proposed by mental health challenges in the workplace. One such issue has been dubbed 'eco-anxiety', and refers to the worry induced by climate change and environmental damage. The 12-page 'Eco-anxiety and its implications for occupational safety and health' report hopes to explore how practitioners and policymakers can address eco-anxiety concerns and mental health challenges.

A full breakdown of emerging HSE risks and challenges has been added to EU-OSHA's website alongside the new publications.

Climate change has an impact on workers, according to the health minister.

Industrial

Gerald V. Sims will assist Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection in further growing its market share. (Image source: TGFD)

Industrial

In an effort to spur expansion throughout the continent, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has appointed a new vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas.

Gerald V. Sims will assist Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection in further growing its market share in this significant geographic market thanks to his extensive experience in gas utilities and his proven track record of sales leadership.

Over many years, Teledyne GFD has been expanding throughout the Americas. Teledyne Detcon, the company's US manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas, has been offering industrial-grade gas detectors, control systems, analysers, and wireless technologies to the gas detection market for more than 40 years.

“Gerald will use his expertise and deep industry knowledge to play a pivotal role in maximising our growth potential and enhancing the presence of our product brands across the Americas,” said Thibault Fourlegnie, vice president and general manager, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. “We’re excited to see the gains that Gerald can provide, not just for Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, but also for our customers. After all, an even stronger Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection is beneficial for stakeholders up and down the supply chain, including distributors and end users.”

 

The collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture technology in hard-to-abate industries. (Image source: Celeros Flow Technology)

The facility by Cannon Artes. (Image source: Cannon Artes)

PPE

The new uvex phynomic cut glove range is manufactured in Germany using 3D hand ‘formas’ to mimic the contours of the hand. (Image source: uvex)

PPE

uvex has announced the launch of new safety eyewear and safety gloves, which it will be showcasing at the Health and Safety Event in Birmingham, UK from 30 April-2 May

There are a diverse range of factors to consider from suspension, soft textile materials, vented or non-vented models, to heat regulation accessories, size and aesthetics. (Image source: MSA Safety)

To improve differentiation, hard hats can be customised with different colours and logos. (Image source: MSA Safety)

Training

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised 61 training courses and awareness sessions on occupational health and safety during the first half of 2024, with the participation of 2,110 male and female employees from various divisions. (Image source: DEWA)

Training

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) conducted 61 training courses and awareness sessions on occupational health and safety in the first half of 2024.

These sessions saw the participation of 2,110 employees from various departments. This initiative is part of DEWA's ongoing efforts to enhance its employees' knowledge and skills in occupational health and safety.

Trainings throughout the year

“We are dedicated to effectively implementing quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems according to the highest international standards. We strive to cultivate a culture of occupational safety and health among all employees, enabling them to keep pace with the latest developments in this field. This is part of our responsibility towards our employees, customers, and the employees of suppliers and contractors who work on DEWA’s projects. Additionally, we are committed to providing our services according to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, availability, and reliability,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of DEWA.

“We offer the best training and awareness programmes to enhance the safe work environment and raise health and safety standards across all DEWA’s projects and operations. This contributes to achieving employees’ happiness and enhances productivity and quality,” said Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, executive vice president of business support and human resources at DEWA.

In addition to the training courses, DEWA organises many events and awareness activities throughout the year. These include Public Health and Safety Week, Internal Health and Safety Week, Contractor Health and Safety Awareness Day, and other activities and events aimed at improving the health and safety systems of human resources. Employees who complete the training provided by DEWA staff are awarded certificates in occupational health and safety.

Employers have a legal duty to safeguard employees from stress at work. (Image source: Canva)

The programme targets all workers in the construction sector or those whose jobs require scaffold installation and usage. (Image source: SPSA)

Vattenfall saw potential in the Elios 3. (Image source: Flyability)

Day two expanded on themes of resilience and innovation. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Shipboard fires have risen by 17% year-on-year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

VR training allows employees to be exposed to hazardous scenarios in a safe environment. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The oil and gas industry is leading the way. (Image source: Canva)

The event will address crucial topics such as fire in residential buildings. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The programme is designed to elevate workplace safety, minimise incidents, and cultivate a culture of safety excellence. (Image source: SafeStart)

Latest news

The agreement covers fire safety awareness training. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

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The recognition is a direct result of the significant progress EMSTEEL made throughout 2024 in enhancing sustainability.

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