Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 10 July, 2025
- Year: 2025
CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA), a global marine environmental consultancy, has enhanced its disaster response capabilities with the addition of the WingtraOne GEN II unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to its uncrewed systems fleet.
Designed for rapid post-disaster assessments, the new UAV complements CSA’s existing suite of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), enabling the firm to efficiently evaluate storm-impacted infrastructure across inland, coastal, and offshore locations.
The WingtraOne GEN II features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), allowing it to operate in confined or debris-covered areas. Capable of surveying up to 310 hectares in under 50 minutes, the UAV significantly accelerates damage assessment timelines. With an IP54 rating and resilience in sustained winds up to 27 mph, the platform supports various payloads, including RGB, LiDAR, and multispectral sensors, tailored to the assessment’s scope.
This airborne capability complements CSA’s SeaRobotics-built USV fleet, which includes 1.8-m to 11.0-m vessels equipped with modular sensor arrays for hydrographic mapping, submerged debris detection, and waterway navigability assessment, especially in conditions hazardous to crewed operations.
In anticipation of heightened tropical activity in the Atlantic Basin, CSA is actively coordinating with FEMA, state emergency agencies, utility providers, and insurers to prepare for rapid response. Its Crisis Management Team offers a 24/7 hotline for clients and partners, enabling immediate incident registration and deployment of tailored response teams.
“In the critical hours following hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, rapid situational awareness is essential,” said Chris Echols, CSA’s vice president of commercial operations and Geomatics Lead. “By deploying autonomous craft rather than personnel in potentially hazardous environments, we can safely and efficiently deliver precise images and data from above, on, and below the water that allow response teams to prioritise the most appropriate action plan. Our latest acquisition, the WingtraOne GEN II UAV, brings a new dynamic to our time-sensitive surveying capabilities, delivering high-resolution aerial maps, 3D models, and orthomosaics with ultra-precise accuracy—as tight as 1 cm with Post-Processed Kinematic (PKK).”
“Our mission is simple: to deliver clarity, speed, and safety when it matters most,” added Echols. “By integrating surface and subsurface data, CSA is now able to deliver an unparalleled understanding of the post-disaster landscape, enhancing decision-making for emergency managers, FEMA units, insurers, and infrastructure providers, all while keeping personnel out of harm’s way in often dangerous and unpredictable environments.
“All CSA’s disaster response technologies are engineered to minimise risk to personnel while accelerating the delivery of actionable insights. Whether scanning rooftops for insurance assessments, identifying structural collapse, or guaranteeing safe maritime navigation, CSA’s disaster response service is designed to optimise survey time, streamline overheads, and increase operational confidence.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Date: 9 July, 2025
- Year: 2025
A report from Persistence Market Research looks at the number of ways occupational health and safety is changing around the world.
The research found that the global workplace safety systems market is undergoing a major transformation as organisations increasingly prioritise worker protection, regulatory compliance, and uninterrupted operations.
Rising incidences of workplace hazards, coupled with stricter safety regulations and growing awareness of employee well-being, are driving widespread adoption across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, energy, and healthcare.
According to Persistence Market Research, advanced safety technologies, which are ranging from fire suppression and gas detection to PPE monitoring and machine guarding, are now essential to modern industrial operations.
Among the fastest-growing segments are real-time monitoring systems and smart PPE, powered by AI and IoT. These innovations enable proactive risk detection and real-time compliance monitoring, reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving response times.
Europe trends
North America currently leads the global market, thanks to early adoption of advanced safety solutions and a robust regulatory environment, particularly under OSHA. However, Europe also holds a strong position, backed by EU-wide directives and investment in Industry 4.0.
Recently, a groundbreaking report from the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) has, for the first time, put a price tag on the economic toll of work-related stress across the European Union, estimating it at over €100bn (US$105bn) annually.
The study, titled 'Work-related stress and cardiovascular diseases', highlights the staggering financial and human costs of workplace stress, linking it to cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders like depression.
The ETUI report reveals that work-related stress contributes significantly to cardiovascular diseases, which account for a substantial portion of the €100 billion cost. These expenses stem from healthcare costs, lost productivity, and absenteeism due to stress-induced illnesses. The study also underscores the mental health impact, with depression caused by workplace stress adding to the economic strain.
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, propelled by rapid industrialisation, large-scale construction, and evolving government safety mandates in countries like China, India, and Japan.
Markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also expanding as awareness and enforcement of workplace safety continue to improve.
The adoption of technologies such as AI, wearable devices, cloud-based platforms, and smart analytics is reshaping how organisations manage safety. These tools offer real-time insights and predictive capabilities that turn reactive models into proactive strategies.
Wearable tech like smart vests and helmets with biometric sensors is enabling continuous health and hazard monitoring on the job.
However, challenges remain. High implementation costs, integration issues with legacy infrastructure, and concerns over data privacy, particularly with surveillance and wearables, can impede adoption.
Additionally, the lack of global standardisation complicates cross-border implementation.
Despite these hurdles, opportunities abound. Safety-as-a-service (SaaS) models are making cutting-edge solutions more accessible to smaller firms.
Digitisation, supported by cloud computing and data analytics, is enabling scalable, cost-efficient safety management systems.
As more regions develop formal safety mandates and the industrial sector modernises, the global workplace safety systems market is set for sustained growth, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of safe, efficient work environments.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 8 July, 2025
- Year: 2025
Qatar’s Ministry of Labour, through its Occupational Safety and Health Department, has partnered with the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund to launch the “Heat Stress Awareness Corner” in the Asian City and Industrial Area.
The initiative is part of a broader national effort to safeguard workers from the health risks posed by high temperatures during the summer season.
With a strong focus on outdoor labour sectors, the initiative reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to on-site education and the prevention of heat-related illnesses.
By delivering clear, multilingual safety guidance and practical tips, the Awareness Corner is designed to help workers recognise the dangers of heat stress and adopt preventive measures.
The Ministry highlighted the importance of direct engagement and collaboration with key partners to reach workers where they live and work.
Communication materials are offered in multiple languages to ensure accessibility and understanding across Qatar’s diverse workforce.
Workers are being urged to stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and seek medical help promptly if symptoms of heat stress appear, actions that are vital to preserving their health and wellbeing throughout the summer.
The Ministry of Labour and WSIF also partnered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to launch a nationwide heat awareness campaign and promote preventive measures during Qatar’s peak summer months.
Once again led by the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department, the campaign is directed at workers across high-risk sectors where prolonged exposure to heat can cause serious health problems. It underscores the government’s continued efforts to strengthen worker protection and promote safer working conditions through multi-agency collaboration.
A key focus of the campaign is educating workers to recognise early symptoms of heat stress such as dizziness, headache, excessive or absent sweating, fatigue, and loss of consciousness, and how to respond appropriately.
Ministry and healthcare experts participating in the campaign stressed the life-saving potential of these simple measures and the importance of prevention over reaction.
Employers are being urged to play a proactive role by delivering annual training on heat stress before summer, providing ample cold drinking water, creating shaded rest areas with ventilation, conducting medical check-ups, and collaborating with workers to assess risks.
This initiative is part of a wider series of safety campaigns spearheaded by the Ministry to foster a culture of occupational health, reduce risk in extreme conditions, and protect worker wellbeing, ensuring both resilience and productivity across sectors.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 7 July, 2025
- Year: 2025
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has entered into a strategic agreement with Pony.ai, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, to launch pilot trials of self-driving vehicles in the emirate.
Set to begin later this year, the trials represent a major step toward the introduction of a fully driverless commercial mobility service by 2026.
Pony.ai, which has collaborated with top automotive manufacturers including Toyota, GAC, and BAIC, recently introduced its seventh-generation autonomous vehicle. The new fleet features cutting-edge artificial intelligence, integrated with a sophisticated sensor system that includes lidars, radars, and cameras, engineered to enable safe and accurate navigation across complex road networks and diverse weather conditions.
The company’s broader ecosystem also includes partnerships with technology giants Tencent and Alibaba, allowing its robotaxi services to be embedded into widely used platforms such as WeChat and Alipay, offering a seamless user experience.
The MoU was signed in the presence of RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors Mattar Al Tayer, and Dr. Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Pony.ai. Representing RTA was Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, while Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, signed on behalf of Pony.ai. Several senior officials from both organisations also attended the ceremony.
Mattar Al Tayer praised the partnership, noting that it aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for autonomous mobility. He highlighted that Pony.ai’s decision to choose Dubai as its international expansion base reflects the emirate’s growing status as a testbed for next-generation transport solutions.
Pony.ai CFO Dr. Leo Wang highlighted the regional significance of the partnership, "The collaboration with Dubai RTA exemplifies our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous technology in strategic global markets. By aligning our technological capabilities with RTA's visionary leadership, we're establishing foundational standards for intelligent transportation ecosystems across the MENA region.
“The operation of autonomous taxis contributes to the integration of transport systems by facilitating the movement of public transport users and improving access to their final destinations in line with the first and last-mile strategy. Operating autonomous taxis will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in Dubai, improve road safety, and offer greater convenience in daily mobility across the emirate.”
“Autonomous mobility has become a present reality. Leading global companies are accelerating the development of technologies and software that power autonomous vehicles, while governments—through the relevant licensing and regulatory authorities—are working to provide the necessary infrastructure and establish the legislative and regulatory frameworks required to enable their operation.”
Al Tayer added, “RTA’s continued expansion of partnerships with leading global companies in the field of autonomous mobility marks a key step towards achieving the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030. It underscores RTA’s commitment to working closely with global technology leaders to advance the future of smart, efficient, and sustainable mobility.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: North America
- Date: 4 July 2025
- Year: 2025
‘Explosion, fire or burns’ was the leading cause of fatalities in the oil and gas sector in 2024, according to the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers' (IOGP) newly-published Safety Performance Indicators, which are based on data from its member companies
‘Explosion, fire or burns’ accounted for 41% of fatalities, with 13 fatalities in five separate incidents.
‘Struck by (not dropped object)’ accounted for 13% of fatalities, with four fatalities in four separate incidents. ‘Assault or violent act' also accounted for 13% of fatalities, with four fatalities in a single incident, while falls from height accounted for three fatalities.
According to the Safety Performance Indicators, there were 32 fatalities in 2024 occurring in 21 separate incidents. While all of these incidents were tragedies, it is nevertheless encouraging that the fatal accident rate (0.77) was 6% lower than last year’s figure (0.82), and has decreased by over 90% since 1985.
In terms of activity, the highest number of fatalities was recorded in 'Drilling, workover, well operations' (34%), with 11 fatalities as a result of six separate incidents.
The overall total recordable injury rate (TRIR) was 0.81, 4% lower than in 2023 (0.84), while the overall lost time injury rate (LTIR) (fatalities and lost work day cases per million work hours) was 0.24, unchanged compared with 2023.
Participating IOGP member companies reported 946 lost work day cases (LWDCs), 22% categorised as ‘Slips and trips’, 20% 'Caught in, under or between (excl. dropped objects)' and 16% ‘Struck by (not dropped object).
North America had a fatal accident rate of 0.93 compared with a global average of 0.77, and total recordable injury rate again relatively high at 1.62 compared with a global average of 0.81, while the LTIR was 0.28, near to the global average of 0.24.
North America fatalities
In North America there were seven fatalities in 2024, with 208 LWDCs. These reflect the predominance of the ‘explosion, fire or burns’ category as the cause of fatalities.
The fatalities were as follows:
- One contractor employee died as a result of a fire in a large-scale production operation onshore Mexico, where lack of communications between workers was cited as a factor;
- An employee of a subcontractor died as a result of a traffic collision, onshore USA;
- A contractor worker in an onshore USA operation died during the re-running of tubing into a well after repair, when the travelling block of the draw works struck them while being lowered to the rig floor. Not following correct procedures and the disabling or removal of guards, warning systems or safety devices were cited as factors;
- A worker was electrocuted during a flex line spooling operation, onshore USA, when a telehandler made contact with an overhead powerline. Inadequate initial emergency response and inadequate or incorrect use of equipment were cited as factors;
- Three contractors died as a result of a fire in a processing centre, offshore Mexico where there was a sudden loss of containment and release of gas in a high-pressure fuel gas heater, causing a fire and explosion. The fire spread due to the storage of hazardous chemicals located on the second and third levels of the platform and the poor coordination in emergency response. Lack of planning, failure in communications and inadequate maintenance/inspection/testing were cited as factors.
“The two most adopted IOGP Recommended Practices, the Life Saving Rules and Process Safety Fundamentals were developed based on analysis of the fatal accident data, and following these will help prevent future incidents,” said Steve Norton, IOGP Health, Safety, Security & Wells director. “At IOGP we continue to promote adoption of these practices and through the work of the Committees update and issue new Recommended Practices to address key gaps observed in the safety data.”
IOGP is currently developing new guidance for Process Safety in Design, Process Safety for Leaders, Guidelines for Determination of Process Safety Events that could result in Fatality and / or Permanent Impairment, and Process Safety Leading Indicators.
The Safety Performance Indicators are free to download from the IOGP website at https://www.iogp.org/bookstore/product-category/safety/
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 3 July, 2025
- Year: 2025
Response Plus Holding PJSC, the Middle East’s leading pre-hospital care and emergency medical services provider, and Burjeel Holdings, a major super-specialty healthcare group in the MENA region, have launched the US$1mn Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award.
The award will honour an organisation in the global energy sector that delivers the most innovative, impactful, and measurable solution to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of energy workers worldwide.
The winner will be announced at ADIPEC in November 2025.
The initiative represents the first global recognition programme dedicated solely to workforce wellbeing in the energy industry, highlighting the growing importance of mental health, resilience, and overall wellness in operational success and employee engagement.
The award is open to organisations of all sizes, with a strong emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the energy supply chain, where the prize money can make a substantial difference to internal culture and long-term wellbeing programmes.
Entries will be reviewed by an independent, international panel of experts from the fields of health, wellness, and leadership.
Encouraging better health
Dr Richard Heron, former VP of Health and Chief Medical Officer at BP, will lead the jury. He will be joined by renowned wellness coach Vinay Menon, who has worked with elite athletes including Chelsea FC and Belgium’s national football team, and journalist and global economic analyst John Defterios.
The Human Energy Awards are aligned with the UAE’s national strategies, including the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the UAE National Wellbeing Strategy 2031.
This new platform reinforces the country’s efforts to set global benchmarks in health, innovation, and workforce wellbeing.
More information about the award and how to apply is available through the Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award website.
Dr Rohil Raghavan, CEO of Response Plus Holding PJSC, said, “The Human Energy Awards reflects RPM’s commitment to placing people at the centre of progress. This initiative is about setting a new benchmark to recognise how the Energy sector values and supports its workforce.”
Steven Wines, CEO of Prometheus Medical International – a subsidiary of RPM, who is leading the Award steering committee, added, “This initiative is designed to recognise and inspire organisations who think differently about health and well-being. We want to encourage innovative solutions that make a tangible difference to people across the energy value chain.”
John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, said, “Our partnership reflects a shared mission to prioritise the health of those driving the energy sector. This award highlights the vital role of preventive care and well-being in sustaining a resilient workforce.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 1 July 2025
- Year: 2025
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the world’s largest aluminium smelter on one site, recorded 37 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) on 27 June 2025
This significant addition to Alba's distinguished safety track record reflects its commitment to fostering a safe, healthy and resilient work environment for its employees and contractors’ workers. It reaffirms Alba’s strategic vision and core values, particularly prioritising its workers’ safety into every layer of its operations. Alba believes that its people are its most valuable assets, and investing in their safety is an investment in the company’s future success. Its foundational ‘Safety First’ culture is strengthened by dedicated safety campaigns, comprehensive in-house training programmes, weekly Safety Talks and active shop-floor engagement by Alba’s executives, all of which play a crucial role in promoting a safer workplace for all.
The company’s safety performance has been recognised this year with the award of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA’s) President’s award for the third consecutive year, and six major awards from the USA’s National Safety Council (NSC).
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 30 June, 2025
- Year: 2025
SOHAR Port and Freezone has been awarded the prestigious RoSPA Gold Sector Award for Health and Safety for the second consecutive year, recognising its ongoing commitment to the highest safety standards across its operations.
The award, presented by the UK-based Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), is one of the most respected international accolades in the field of health and safety.
Now in its 68th year, the RoSPA Awards programme receives nearly 2,000 entries annually from more than 50 countries, influencing safety outcomes for over seven million workers worldwide.
This latest recognition reinforces SOHAR’s strategic focus on fostering a world-class operational environment driven by a deeply embedded safety culture.
By prioritising the wellbeing of its workforce and stakeholders, the port continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading industrial and logistics hub in the region.
The award also highlights SOHAR’s dedication to sustainability and efficiency, reflecting its long-term vision of building resilient partnerships and maintaining high safety performance across all levels of its operations.
Commenting on the recognition, Eng. Batti Al Shibli, Harbour Master at SOHAR Port and Freezone, said, “We are proud to receive the RoSPA Award for the second year in a row, a reflection of the strong partnerships we have built with our tenants, operators, and stakeholders across the port and freezone. This international recognition is a tangible outcome of our shared commitment to upholding world-class health and safety standards, while fostering an operational environment rooted in sustainability and efficiency. We remain focused on this path, working together to create a safer workplace that reflects our long-term vision of institutional excellence.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Date: 27 June, 2025
- Year: 2025
Marioff, a global leader in water mist fire protection, has introduced one of the fire protection industry's first Internet of Things (IoT) solutions specifically developed for high-pressure water mist systems.
This innovative technology enables continuous system visibility, real-time alerts, and centralised management, raising the standard for safety, operational efficiency, and reliability.
With over 30 years of experience developing the HI-FOG® fire protection system, Marioff continues to evolve its offering by integrating advanced digital capabilities.
The new IoT solution connects seamlessly with existing HI-FOG systems, allowing users to monitor system performance in real time, receive automated alerts for potential issues or maintenance needs, and manage multiple installations from a central interface.
The platform also provides actionable data insights to support predictive maintenance and enhance system reliability.
This marks a significant milestone in Marioff’s long-standing commitment to innovation and safety. As one of the pioneers of high-pressure water mist technology, the company is uniquely positioned to lead its evolution into the digital age.
The IoT solution will initially be made available to a select group of pilot users, with plans for a broader rollout to follow.
Internet of Things
Marioff’s latest development reflects its continued focus on engineering smarter, safer solutions that protect people, property, and operations.
“Our IoT solution marks a significant step forward in fire safety,” said Juha Ilvonen, CEO of Marioff. “It helps ensure systems are always monitored and ready—protecting people, property, and business continuity.”
The new system empowers users with remote access and centralised control across multiple sites.
“This technology gives customers full visibility of their HI-FOG system—no matter where they are,” added Samuli Bäck, manager, Connected Services. “It means faster decisions, proactive maintenance, and ultimately, safer environments.”
The Finland-based company describes its HI-FOG fire protection systems as the result of a simple yet powerful innovation: using high water pressure combined with specially designed sprinklers and spray heads to create a fine water mist that efficiently suppresses fires. This mist is precisely engineered for fire protection, using minimal water while maximising coverage and effectiveness.
Originally developed for large cruise ships, HI-FOG technology has evolved into a highly versatile solution now used in a broad range of settings, from industrial facilities to commercial and residential buildings.
Whether on land or at sea, HI-FOG high-pressure water mist systems deliver reliable fire protection and peace of mind.
Marioff’s advanced HI-FOG water mist fire suppression systems protect a diverse range of buildings, industrial processes, equipment, and critical infrastructure.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 26 June, 2025
- Year: 2025
AFI Robotics, a Saudi robotic engineering firm, is redefining safety in some of the most hazardous industrial environments by deploying robotic systems designed specifically for confined, toxic, and high-risk areas.
These systems are transforming how aboveground storage tanks, oily ponds, sludge basins, and pits are inspected and cleaned, dramatically reducing the need for human entry into dangerous spaces.
Central to AFI’s safety-first approach is a submersible inspection robot that performs ultrasonic thickness testing while tanks remain online.
Aligned with API 653 and RP 575 standards, the robot provides real-time data on tank floor integrity, enabling predictive maintenance and significantly reducing both downtime and worker exposure to high-risk conditions.
In environments where sludge poses serious health and operational risks, AFI’s robotic desludging system can remove up to 150 cubic metres per hour while mapping sludge volumes.
The real-time visualisation allows operators to assess progress from a safe distance, avoiding the need for manual entry and the dangers of toxic fumes or structural collapse.
The company also offers AI-driven visual inspection platforms equipped with cameras and automated defect recognition.
Safeguarding workers
These tools are designed for flammable and contaminated zones, enabling remote operators to detect cracks, corrosion, and other anomalies without ever entering the hazardous area.
All of AFI’s solutions are designed to improve safety metrics while maintaining operational continuity. With proven deployments across petrochemical sites and manufacturing hubs, the technology is making confined space entry (and the risks that come with it) an increasingly unnecessary part of industrial maintenance.
AFI Robotics is a Saudi-based engineering company that specialises in robotic inspection and cleaning technologies for industrial environments.
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Al Khobar, the company designs and deploys advanced robotic systems for in-service tank inspections, sludge removal, and visual assessments in high-risk areas.
In 2022, the company entered a formal joint venture with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics.
It has also received the university’s Vision to Venture Award in recognition of its contributions to industrial robotics research.
“Our mission has always been to engineer solutions that remove risk without removing operational continuity,” says Rabieh Ghossainy, founder and managing director of AFI Robotics. “Whether it's storage tank inspections or pit desludging, we build systems that keep operations in service, without compromise.”
“Saudi Arabia is not just adopting advanced industrial technologies, we're engineering them,” said Talal Al Hamdan, chairman of AFI Robotics, and prominent Saudi entrepreneur and businessman in manufacturing, marine, and high technology solutions inclusive of logistics under ASH Group. “At AFI Robotics, we're proving that homegrown innovation can lead standards in safety, efficiency, and operational resilience. Our robotics are designed for the region, tested in the region, and ready to transform how critical infrastructure is managed on an industry level.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 25 June 2025
- Year: 2025
Salunda, a leader in digitised solutions for safety-critical industries, is experiencing increased activity in the Americas deepwater market, seeing a growth in demand for its patended latch monitoring technologies among major operators in the region.
The company recently achieved a successful deployment of its Latch Hawk monitoring system on a semi-submersible rig. Salunda’s Latch Hawk system is a fingerboard monitoring solution that removes the need for manual spotters or camera surveillance. Integrated with the drilling control system on the rig, Latch Hawk provides real-time feedback on the status of fingerboard latches on the drilling derrick. It warns if latches are stuck or out of specification, acting as a critical safety barrier to DROPS incidents on drill floors and helping crews proactively address issues and avoid equipment failures. This deployment features the second-generation Latch Hawk system, which includes advancements such as novel sensor technology, enhanced shock and vibration resistance, a more robust casing design, cloud-based digital condition monitoring and an extended battery life of more than seven years.
Alan Finlay, Salunda chief executive, said, “As operators strive for safer and more efficient performance, technologies like Latch Hawk play a critical role in reducing risk and helping prevent accidents before they occur.
“This latest deployment is part of a broader rollout across the region, which highlights the positive reception our technology continues to receive. This is a clear demonstration of how Latch Hawk is enabling crews to work more confidently, safely and with greater situational awareness. Consequently, operators in the region have observed a decrease in incidents involving fingerboards."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 24 June 2025
- Year: 2025
Middle East companies, government departments and HSE leaders have a strong showing in the list of recipients of the British Safety Council International Safety Awards 2025
The International Safety Awards, sponsored by HSI Donesafe, recognise and celebrate organisations from around the world that have demonstrated their commitment to preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health during the previous calendar year. The awards also acknowledge organisations that have shown commitment to wellbeing and mental health at work. In 2025, 789 organisations from 45 countries won an International Safety Award, spanning all sectors. Only the best of the best wins an overall category award. Winners were celebrated at the British Safety Council's annual Gala Dinner held on 19 June in London.
Among the Middle East recipients, Reem Mohd Saeed Ahmad Hamdan, director general of Jordan’s Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO) scooped the CEO of the Year award. She has led strategic initiatives to improve occupational health and safety (OHS), energy efficiency, and gender inclusion, played a transformative role in health, safety, environmental sustainability, and workforce wellbeing in Jordan’s energy sector. Hamdan has redefined workplace safety, environmental stewardship, and employee empowerment in Jordan’s energy sector and she continues to set new standards for excellence in safety, sustainability, and leadership development.
Winner of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year Award was Adnan Ahmed Al Ali, National Contracting Company Limited, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose leadership has transformed safety culture through active prevention and genuine care for employee welfare. His approach centres on human connections rather than just systems.
The Seize the Opportunity Award went to Dubai Municipality - Al Garhoud, Health and Safety Department for its response to the April 2024 Climatic Event in Dubai, which resulted in severe flooding. The Health and Safety Department demonstrated strong emergency preparedness, effective crisis management, and a commitment to innovation. Through rapid action, coordinated efforts, and advanced technologies, the department successfully mitigated risks, safeguarded public health, and reinforced Dubai’s resilience in the face of environmental challenges
Winner of the James Tye Award was Ala'aldeen Farhan Ali Al-Soukni, United Development Company Qatar, who has established an annual plan for health, safety and wellbeing across UDC, improving interaction across teams throughout The Pearl development and Gewan Island. From compliance audits to employee wellbeing initiatives, to implementation and enforcement of health and safety requirements for all communities across the complex environment, this has been a huge undertaking.
Dr. Maryam Bin Essa, deputy director of Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, won the Rising Female Star of the Year Award. Her career at Dubai Municipality (DM) is testament to visionary leadership, innovative solutions, and steadfast commitment to health, safety, wellbeing, and environmental management (HSWE). While manager of the Environmental Health Section, she developed key policies and strategic initiatives, as well as making significant contributions to water safety, leading to 13 intellectual property recognitions that have benefited entities and service providers in Dubai.
The Environmental Award went to King Saud University, Medical City (KSUMC), Saudi Arabia's largest teaching hospital, which has developed a comprehensive disaster management strategy, including an Internal Disaster Management Plan, an External Disaster Management Plan, and a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) tool to evaluate climate change risks. This proactive approach helps assess the likelihood and severity of natural events such as sandstorms, temperature extremes, and epidemics, guiding the hospital’s risk mitigation efforts.
Best in Sector awards went to Abu Dhabi’s Spaceage General Contracting Co WLL (construction); WSP (consultancy and advisory) for the Zayed National Museum; Alliad Company DMCC (hospitality and catering) Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZ) (local government) and Ejadah Asset Management – DIFC (property management).
While Best in Country awards went to El Seif Engineering Contracting, Head Office in Saudi Arabia; WSP Middle East - South Surra Project (RA/257) in Kuwait; China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd (Egypt) & CSCEC International Installation Engineering Co., Ltd - Alamein Downtown Towers (Middle East other); Qatar Free Zone Authority (QFZ); and Dubai Municipality - Health & Safety Department.
Chief executive of British Safety Council, Mike Robinson said, “These awards demonstrate the commitment of all organisations represented, not only to the health and safety of their own workforces, but to the British Safety Council’s vision that no-one should be injured or made ill through their work. The safer and healthier workplaces you are building mean that more people get to go home safely at the end of each working day.
“In an age defined by rapid change, this commitment to worker health, safety, and wellbeing has never been so needed, nor so important. The world is changing, and access to knowledge and support are invaluable tools in navigating social, political, environmental and technological change. Our members, working in more than 60 countries, share this same commitment, understanding that healthier and safer workplaces are more productive and more profitable too.”