Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 16 Jun, 2025
- Year: 2025
The International Code Council (ICC), a global authority on building safety and construction standards, will take part in the 7th edition of Big 5 Construct Egypt, held from 17-19 June 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.
Mohammed Amer, managing director – ICC MENA, will present a session titled “Highlighting the Impact of ICC on Innovative Building Practices in the MENA.”
His address will explore ICC’s expanding role in the region, with a focus on its International Codes (I-Codes) and the wider ICC Family of Solutions.
Using real-world case studies, Amer will demonstrate how ICC works with governments, developers, and industry experts to promote international best practices throughout the MENA construction ecosystem.
In Egypt, ICC plays a vital role in advocating for modern regulatory frameworks, encouraging safer, more sustainable infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the organisation continues to support the country’s construction growth, while aligning it with global standards.
Bringing together more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries, Big 5 Construct Egypt showcases cutting-edge innovations driving regional construction forward.
Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and supported by the Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority, the event serves as a key platform for shaping the built environment in North Africa.
Speaking about ICC’s participation, Amer stated, “At ICC, our mission is to support governments and industry stakeholders in implementing internationally recognised codes and standards that enhance safety, resilience, and sustainability. In Egypt and across the GCC, our efforts have played a key role in advancing building regulatory modernisation, integrating smart technologies, and strengthening the professional capacity needed to apply best practices effectively.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 13 June 2025
- Year: 2025
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed an agreement to launch the third phase of their Programme of Cooperation, to strengthen labour market governance and promote decent work in the Kingdom
The new phase will build on ongoing collaboration and will focus on seven key areas, one of which is strengthening occupational health and safety. The other areas are promoting inclusive social dialogue and representation; ensuring fair recruitment and labour mobility of migrant workers; protecting the rights of domestic workers; expanding migrant workers’ access to fair judicial processes; improving social protection systems; and supporting the adoption of a fair and non-discriminatory minimum wage system.
The programme has a strong focus on improving conditions for vulnerable workers, including migrant and domestic workers, who make up a significant share of the workforce in Saudi Arabia. It will also enhance the institutional capacity of Saudi worker and employer representatives, including the Saudi National Committee of Workers Committees and the Federation of Saudi Chambers.
To support the programme, the ILO will establish a project team in Riyadh to provide technical assistance and coordinate activities with national stakeholders.
“This next phase of cooperation focuses on practical reforms to strengthen labour market institutions, improve working conditions and expand protections for vulnerable workers,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. “It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labour policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities.”
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) Ahmed AlRajhi, said, “Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labour market. Guided by Vision 2030, we have introduced wide-ranging reforms - from expanding labour mobility and wage protection to pioneering the first National Policy to Eliminate Forced Labour in the region, strengthening labour protections and promoting social justice at every level. As our labour market evolves, collaboration with the ILO helps us align with international standards and build a more sustainable and resilient future of work.”
Previous cooperation has made a significant contribution to labour reform in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of national employment policies, advancing occupational safety and health standards, strengthening social dialogue institutions and promoting rights at work. It has resulted in improvements in female labour force participation, social dialogue mechanisms, skills governance and labour inspection systems.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: Technology
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10 June
- Year: 2025
According to Rockwell's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, Saudi and Emirati manufacturers are leading the way in innovating with AI to tailor cybersecurtiy, energy management and quality control protocol
98% of the Middle Eastern respondents to the study, which collated feedback from over 1,500 manufacturing firms worldwide, use or plan to use generative AI for industrial processes: the highest rate of any region included.
Ediz Eren, Rockwell Automation's regional VP, Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, affirmed that the region is "not just experimenting with smart manufacturing technologies; they are applying them to address real operational challenges.
"From cyber resilience to ESG performance and workforce engagement, the data shows a shift toward outcome-driven digitalisation."
61% of operators intend to use AI for cybersecurity and 46% for energy management in the next 12 months.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Europe
- Date: 12 June
- Year: 2025
2025's edition of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards, the 69th in the event's history, saw leaders from over 20 different sectors recognised with awards
Health and safety trailblazers united at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, hosted by comedian Ed Byrne and joined by special guests, including RoSPA chief executive Rebecca Hickman. Reflecting on the awards, Hickman said, "The RoSPA Awards shine a light on unsung heroes, whose hard work saves real lives. In a world where more than three million people die every year because of an accident, health and safety professionals like those we honoured are proof that it does not have to be this way."
Among the award winners were NSG Environmental Ltd., recognised as a leader in the Engineering Services sector, and the Department of Work and Pensions, recognised with the Public Services and Local Government sector award.
NEBOSH, the headline sponsor, were represented at the ceremony by chief quality officer Dee Arp, who said, "The Award winners have achieved the highest standards in health and safety, and raised the bar for the entire profession... as a fellow registered charity, we deeply value our longstanding partnership with RoSPA and the shared mission that unites us: to prevent accidents and protect lives—whether at work, at home, or in our communities."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 9 May 2025
- Year: 2025
Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) is partnering with Industrial Detection Solutions (IDS) to establish a new facility to manufacture gas detection sensors in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In line with the IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) programme that promotes local manufacturing in KSA, the partnership will enable the local production of high-precision sensors for detecting toxic and combustible gases, helping to protect workers and assets at oil and gas production/drilling facilities, LNG/CNG plants, and refining and petrochemical sites.
The products concerned include the DM-700, a non-intrusive ‘smart’ sensor that detects and monitors oxygen and toxic gases in the air using electrochemical sensor technology. The intelligent, plug-in, field-replaceable cell automatically recognises gas type and range. While the FP-700 non-intrusive ‘smart’ sensor detects and monitors combustible gases over the range of 0-100% LEL using catalytic bead sensor technology. The IR-700 is a similar solution for combustible hydrocarbon gases. It uses miniature non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) optical sensor technology to detect and monitor gases over the range of 0-100% LEL.
All of these gas detectors support maximum safety with an innovative design that virtually eliminates sensor failure due to water ingress, corrosion, vibration or transient spikes.
“Our new partnership with Industrial Detection Solutions ensures that manufacturing is closer to both customers and suppliers, enabling even faster delivery of class-leading gas detection products in support of more efficient supply chains,” said Thomas Moeller, VP Sales & Marketing at Teledyne GFD. “The proven solutions manufactured in KSA will better serve a vast regional industry that recognises the importance of a robust and prevalent safety culture. We are proud to be part of KSA’s remarkable ongoing journey of economic and industrial growth, and we look forward to a successful future together.”
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 9 June
- Year: 2025
Between June 15th and September 15th, 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health are enforcing a ban on working in direct sunlight in all private-sector establishments
The ban applies between 12 pm and 3 pm each day, aiming to protect workers from the health risks associated with working in the extreme heat expected during this period.
Announcing the ban, the MHRSD urged employers to adjust working hours accordingly around the ban and highlighted the potential efficiency and safety benefits it enables.
Several resources have been published, including a procedural guide on the risks of heat stress and other heat-related health risks and an advisory guide for working in heat, available via the MHRSD website.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 6 May 2025
- Year: 2025
The USA's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), whose role it is to ensure the safety and environmental stewardship of offshore energy operations, has successfully completed its first annual inspection of Shell’s Whale, one of the newest and most innovative oil production facilities in the Gulf of America
The eight-day annual inspection thoroughly examined all safety equipment aboard the Whale platform, including systems designed to prevent leak, fires, spills or other potential incidents. BSEE’s team of inspectors and engineers verified that all safety components, equipment and production processes met stringent industry standards and complied with all relevant federal regulations.
“We are BSEE are extremely proud to contribute to the ongoing pledge of safe, responsible and efficient energy production in the Gulf of America,” said Gulf of America Region director Bryan Domangue. “This inspection is a critical milestone in our efforts to support energy security, enhance safety and strengthen Americas leadership in energy production.”
Whale is Shell’s 14th deep-water development in the Gulf of America,and its most efficient to date. Whale is located around 200 miles south of Houston on the Outer Continent Shelf and has an estimated peak production capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day. The facility features a semi-submersible production host at a depth of more than 8,600 feet of water, with 15 wells connected to the host via advanced subsea infrastructure. Whale currently has an estimated recoverable resource volume of 480 million boe.
Most of Whale's operations can be managed from the control room in New Orleans, keeping the number of people needed on the platform to a minimum. This has a positive impact on emissions reduction as well as on costs and safety.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- North America
- Topic: Training, HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: June 5 2025
- Year: 2025
Geneva-headquartered SGS, a testing, inspection and certification specialist, has acquired H2Safety Services Inc., a provider of emergency response management, HSE training, and emergency software services
H2Safety, which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary, serves oil & gas, mining, transportation, energy and government entities, specifically centring its services around regulatory compliance and consultation.
CEO and chairman of H2Safety, James Harasen, explained, "Our approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure, communities, employees and natural environments is rooted in building authentic relationships and addressing community concerns transparently."
On the acquisition, Harasen added, "We are excited about joining SGS to expand our emergency management footprint while also leveraging SGS's proven expertise in delivering comprehensive HSE solutions across various industries."
The H2CommandCentre platform is chief among the firm's service and solution suite. The platform has vast-reaching incident response capabilities, activating emergency response, delivering rapid notifications and real-time check-ins; and maps hazard zones and critical residents and stakeholders. Over 15,000 operators currently use the platform.
SGS' North American head of industrial services, Patrick Beck, emphasised, "Operational integrity is at the core of SGS's corporate culture, since our customers entrust us with their quality assurance and operational fluidity needs in a wide range of industrial environments.
"HSE is at the core of what we do. We also have a strong HSE record within our own operations, so we really walk the talk when it comes to protecting assets, employees and the environment."
SGS has committed to doubling North American sales between 2023 and 2027.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 4 June, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has successfully completed its Gas Systems Remediation Project with a 100% completion rate, recording more than 200,000 safe working hours since the programme began in August 2023.
The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to enhance the safety of gas systems across the Emirate.
Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the DoE, said, “Safety is a collective effort and a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in this sector. Building owners play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of the community. We began our inspection and remediation project in August 2023 and have successfully inspected over 3,100 buildings across the Emirate.”
The DoE confirmed that over 2,400 buildings were remediated, including more than 200 high-risk properties addressed as a priority. The project also identified and repaired 550 previously undetected gas leaks, relocated all gas filling lines outside buildings, replaced more than 450 gas tanks and control panels, and installed over 10,000 gas leak detectors in kitchens.
Dr. Al Qubaisi added, “I would like to express my gratitude to the building owners in Abu Dhabi for their significant efforts and cooperation, which enabled us to focus our efforts on achieving a safer, more stable, and more sustainable energy sector for the Emirate.”
Eng Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector at DoE, said, “Abu Dhabi continues to lead in ensuring the safe use of gas systems, recognizing gas as a vital resource that impacts various aspects of daily life and plays a key role—alongside clean and renewable energy sources—in supporting the stability of the energy sector. I urge all Abu Dhabi residents to remain vigilant when dealing with gas; through collective efforts, we will continue to build a safer and more sustainable community.”
Alsheebani also acknowledged the support of key government entities, including the Department of Economic Development (DED), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Police, the Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA), and the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center.
Under current regulations, property owners must sign annual maintenance contracts with licensed gas operators and undergo regular third-party inspections approved by the DoE. Additionally, they must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming system safety—required to receive the ISTIFAA safety compliance certificate from Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 3 June 2025
- Year: 2025
A recent report by Grand View Research on the Saudi Arabia workplace safety market highlights a number of growth areas, with the market forecast to increase by a CAGR of 19.1% from 2025 to 2030
The personal protective equipment (PPE) segment accounted for a revenue share of over 51.0% of the workplace safety market in 2024, according to the report, and is set to grow further. The construction boom in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 giga-projects such as NEOM, Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, is boosting the demand for helmets, gloves, harnesses, and high-visibility clothing to protect workers from falls, dropped objects and falling debris, and accidents. While demand is high in the buoyant oil and gas sector for flame-resistant (FR) suits, respirators, and protective eyewear to protect workers from fires, toxic gases, and chemicals, with high-quality PPE mandated by Aramco and government regulations.
Also forecast to grow strongly is the workplace safety services segment, as Saudi companies invest in comprehensive training programmes, behaviour-based safety initiatives, and thorough incident investigations to foster a proactive safety culture. Rising insurance costs and legal liabilities are accelerating the demand for professional safety consulting, risk assessments and compliance solutions.
With smart safety solutions in construction and industrial zones mandated under Vision 2030 and Saudi OSH regulations, demand is growing for wearable IoT devices such as smart helmets and vests that monitor worker vital signs and environmental hazards, ensuring real-time alerts for health and safety risks. In high-risk sectors like oil and gas and mining, IoT-enabled gas/chemical sensors can detect leaks instantly, preventing explosions and harmful exposures and sending alerts to control centres. With 5G and AI integration, IoT safety systems are facilitating predictive risk management, driving rapid market growth as industries prioritise data-driven, proactive safety measures.
Another growth area highlighted is the VR sector. VR in safety training effectively simulates real-world scenarios, enabling employees to practice addressing workplace hazards in a safe, controlled setting. This immersive experience increases engagement, making learning more interactive and memorable and leading to quicker response times in actual situations, thereby helping to reduce workplace accidents and enhance overall safety performance.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: PPE
- Date: 02nd May
- Year: 2025
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)'s annual 'Beat the Heat' programme has introduced wearable tech for workers that enhances location services, connectivity and real-time data to reduce the risk of heat-related illness
The industrial firm has recorded no cases of heat-related illnesses since 2021, yet continues its annual 'Beat the Heat' programme. CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said the programme strives "to engage everyone in ensuring we have zero cases of heat-related illness at our company, and together we have a long track record of success.
"Technology has the potential to make our Beat the Heat programme even more effective."
The wearable tech deployment was joined by new full-body cooling units at EGA medical centres and operational areas at several plants across Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah.
2024 was the third consecutive summer of no recorded heat-related illnesses, with the last two incidents recovering within hours of treatment in summer 2021.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: May 2025
- Year: 2025
Kuwait's Minister of Oil, Tariq Sulaiman Al-Roumi, reiterated the state's support for the sustainability of the oil market's balance and security
During three virtual events (the OPEC Ministerial Conference, the OPEC + Joint Ministerial Montioring Committee, and the OPEC + Ministerial Meeting), the Minister emphasised the importance of the "enhanced joint coordination among countries within the framework of the OPEC+ Declaration of Cooperation and the adoption of well-considered decisions that support the stability of global oil markets."
Al-Roumi highlighted Kuwait's policy and market support in a press statement from the Ministry of Oil.
The Minister of Oil was joined by Kuwait's governor to OPEC, Mohammad Khudr Al-Shatti, and national representative to OPEC, Sheikh Abdullah Sabah Salem Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah.