Middle East

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 3 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has recognised Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) with the Life President Award

Alba's chief executive officer, Ali Al Baqali, was presented the award by RoSPA's life president, Lord Jordan of Bournville.

Recognising Alba's rigid safety standards, which have seen it recently surpass 30 million safe working hours with no lost time injuries (LTIs) and an 87.5% reduction in workplace injuries, Lord Jordan said, "Only exceptional leadership, hard work and inspiration could achieve such a remarkable outcome, and the inspiration comes from Alba’s CEO, Ali Al Baqali."

Al Baqali added, "We are not just building a safer workplace; we are building a culture of safety that prioritises the well-being of our people."

Alba was among a roster of other winners of this year's Life President Awards.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 31 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer of regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has announced the opening of its first Health & Safety Training Academy, following a pilot phase involving the training of 1,000 workers

Located at AMAALA, the academy offers free training for RSG’s workforce, partners and contractors, supporting the development of essential construction skills and safety capabilities. RSG’s comprehensive training portfolio adheres to the highest international safety standards, with certification from international organisations such as Highfield, IOSH, and NEBOSH.

"As our first dedicated training centre, the AMAALA Health & Safety Training Academy is designed to empower our partners and contractors with enhanced construction and safety practices. By ensuring exemplary safety protocols across all RSG’s developments, the academy aims to become the benchmark institution for health & safety training for Saudi Arabia and beyond," said John Dunne, group head of health & safety at RSG.

Equipped with modern indoor classrooms, outdoor training stations, and specialised safety areas, the facility enables trainees to build critical safety competencies through a mix of theoretical and hands-on training. Practical equipment such as scaffolding, walking work platforms, gantry cranes, confined space chambers and CPR training facilities enables trainees to develop critical safety skills, fostering a robust culture of safety, while the use of simulations to demonstrate the real consequences of safety violations enables trainees to be exposed to hazardous situations in a safe environment.

With multinational workforces often posing challenges for safety managers given language barriers and variations in safety standards, RSG has also obtained an official license to deliver IOSH Working Safety Training in both English and Hindi. This one-day course is specifically designed for workers or anyone who needs a grounding in the essentials of health & safety.

"As an approved partner and licensed provider of the IOSH Working Safely course in both English and Hindi, we are equipping our workforce and partners with vital safety skills that transcend language barriers. This partnership with IOSH reflects our dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive work environment across all our projects," added Dunne.

Last year Red Sea Global recorded 10 million hours worked without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) on Shura Island, which completes this year, and 11 million hours worked without an LTI on Shebara Resort, which opened in October 2024.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 29 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

The integration of AI and automation is significantly advancing HSE standards across the Middle East's construction sector. These technologies are enhancing risk management, improving safety, and optimising construction processes. Companies are eager to implement cutting-edge solutions, which is contributing to better HSE outcomes across the region.

ALEC, a leading construction company in the UAE, has embraced autonomous robots for tasks like site inspections and 3D scanning.

Equipped with AI, these robots navigate construction sites, capture high-quality images, and generate 3D models. This innovation not only improves the precision of site assessments but also boosts safety by identifying potential hazards before they cause harm. Certain AI systems, for instance, can prioritise issues based on risk scores, enabling managers to focus on the most critical threats.

Additionally, Trimble Constructible’s AI assists in project planning by using robots to capture 3D scans and feed the data into neural networks, helping to optimise schedules and address issues before they escalate.

In Qatar, Qatari Diar is leveraging AI to assess and manage risks on their construction projects. AI systems process data from multiple sources, including weather forecasts and equipment usage patterns, to predict and mitigate risks. This enables project managers to focus on high-risk areas, ensuring that resources and safety measures are allocated effectively.

Enhancing HSE measures during floods

The severe rainfall in April last year caused widespread flooding, construction delays, and infrastructure damage, highlighting weaknesses in existing HSE practices and prompting immediate action from developers.

DAMAC Properties responded by investing in advanced drainage solutions to mitigate future flooding risks. The company deployed tankers to remove floodwaters and maintained open communication with residents to address concerns quickly. To ensure worker safety and minimise disruptions, DAMAC promptly responded to meteorological alerts and coordinated efforts with local authorities. Following the storms, teams were deployed to clear floodwaters, remove sand and debris, and restore landscaping.

The floods in Dubai served as a pivotal reminder for the construction industry. By adopting enhanced HSE measures, developers are not only protecting their projects and workforce but also contributing to a more resilient and sustainable construction environment.

The above is an extra from Offshore Network’s MENA Health, Safety & Environment Report 2024.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 28 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

HSE regulators and experts may suggest that comprehensive HSE strategies and regulation is critical regardless of region or breadth of operation. It is doubtless, however, that Saudi Arabia's political, business and societal landscape pose unique challenges that deserve due consideration by operators in the region.

A unique climate posing unique challenges

One might not expect a global superpower in the industrial and tourism spheres to emerge from the harsh desert environment of Saudi Arabia. The fact that one has, however, has earned it widespread criticism around worker safety, perhaps with little surprise given its extreme heat, sandstorms and dehydration risk.

Heat stress management and hydration/temperature policies demand rigorous implementation and monitoring to assuage some of that criticism and limit heat-related incidents.

Rising to the challenge of oil & gas reliance

Saudi Arabia's historic reliance on the oil & gas industry carries risk. The industry has unfortunately been ridden with high-profile incidents of compromised safety and, given the international standards of operation, neglecting or breaching policy jeopardises not only safety but reputation and project feasibility.

Staying one step ahead of shifting regulation

While KSA has made significant strides in HSE regulations, compliance remains an ongoing challenge due to rapidly-changing standards. Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aims to improve workplace safety and environmental sustainability, but carries with it near-constant shifting policies. Companies must stay updated with new regulations and ensure proper implementation.

Overcoming language barriers

Saudi Arabia's multinational workforce means language and communication barriers can hinder the efficacy of HSE training. Ensuring that safety regulations are both understood and carried out across various languages and cultures is essential for accident prevention.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 24 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

At the tail end of last year, Saudi Arabia's National Council for Occupational Safety & Health (Ncosh) responded to "misinformation circulating across various media platforms" relating to worker fatalities.

The claims largely spawned during, and as a result of, an ITV documentary, Kindom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia, which alleged that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 has led to 21,000 deaths since 2017.

That accusation was subsequently followed by the allegation that 100,000 people have "disappeared" since construction on NEOM began in 2021 by The Hindustan Times.

Ncosh "unequivocally refute[d]" those claims in a statement in November 2024.

"The Council affirms the work-related fatalities in Saudi Arabia is 1.12 per 100,000 workers. This figure positions Saudi Arabia among the lowest globally in terms of work-related fatalities.

"The International Labour Organization (ILO) acknowledges this progress, highlighting on its official website that Saudi Arabia has made significant advancements in improving occupational safety and health and reducing workplace accidents at the national level."

The Saudi government has not confirmed how many jobs have been created as a result of Vision 2030 projects, and therefore how many fatalities are expected as a result of construction: based on Ncosh's report of 1.12 fatalities per 100,000 workers figure, the documentary's allegations made would suggest a workforce of over two billion. Ncosh reiterated that "the safety and well-being of workers are fundamental priorities in all regulations and laws implemented in Saudi Arabia."

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 23 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

Leading industrial companies in Bahrain, along with their counterparts elsewhere in the GCC, have made great strides in raising health and safety standards, promoting strong HSE leadership and driving a good safety culture throughout their organisations

The efforts of four leading Bahrain-based companies in this regard have been recognised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the UK-based charity focused on reducing accidents and promoting occupational safety globally, which has honoured them with Life President Awards for their exceptional commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety. The awards recognised the remarkable efforts of each organisation in safeguarding their employees and setting regional and global benchmarks.

The companies awarded are Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters, recognised for ongoing advocacy and support of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards; BAPCO Gas (formerly Banagas), recognised for long-term support of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, as RoSPA’s longest participating continuous entrant, with 40 years of dedication to safety at Gold level or higher; BAPCO Refining, recognised for commitment to health and safety during the delivery of the landmark Bapco Modernisation Programme, which will increase refining capacity from 267,000 bpd, to 380,000 bpd; and Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co. (GPIC), recognised for a 20-year legacy of advocacy and partnership in the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards.

Dedication and commitment

Lord Jordan of Bournville, Life President of RoSPA, said, “The dedication and commitment of these companies to health and safety are truly commendable. Their efforts not only safeguard their employees but also set a high standard for others to aspire to. By prioritising safety and fostering inclusive environments, they are paving the way for a future where every workplace is a model of excellence and care. It’s inspiring to see such passion and dedication in action, and I am proud to honour these outstanding achievements.”

RoSPA’s CEO, Rebecca Hickman, said, “RoSPA has praised the significant progress the country has made in worker protection. Bahrain has achieved a 60 per cent reduction in occupational injuries since implementing the midday work ban. This milestone underlines the Kingdom's commitment to enhancing workplace safety and aligns with RoSPA’s mission to promote safe and healthy working environments worldwide.”

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 22 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

As Saudi Arabia continues its unprecedented infrastructure boom, with ambition fuelled firmly by Vision 2030, the Kingdom continues to accelerate its already significant strides in HSE standards amidst its growing workforce, project volume, and infrastructure complexity.

The speed at which Saudi operators have adopted, and continue to integrate, cutting-edge technology into their HSE frameworks can not be understated in developing rigorous monitoring and enforcement processes around workplace safety.

Wearable devices tracking safety and health metrics and AI-driven systems predicting hazards or safety weakpoints are two such examples that may have been dismissed as the stuff of science fiction as little as a decade ago. They are now the benchmark for project safety protocols across Saudi Arabia.

Operators' ability to train, share best practices and raise awareness is key, too; comprehensive training programmes, industry gatherings and widespread multi-lingual resources have been key to raising standards amidst a rapidly growing, multi-national workforce.

Government bodies like the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Center for Industrial Development have also had a role to play in legislating such standards and enforcing them in law.

As the calendar approaches 2030 much quicker than many would like, Saudi Arabia's commitment to setting, enforcing and raising HSE standards positions it as a transformative beacon for the global construction sector.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 17 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

Oil and gas companies in the region are leveraging advanced technologies to prioritise health and safety while boosting operational efficiency.

ADNOC, for instance, has ramped up its use of innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, and robotic automation. By employing AI-powered modelling and analysis, the company effectively monitors business continuity strategies and encourages critical health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices.

Key initiatives include VR-based fire-fighting training and the use of robotic fire-fighting equipment to reduce risks for personnel, as well as in-vehicle monitoring systems that promote safer driving habits—achieving a remarkable 99% reduction in driving violations since 2021. ADNOC has also equipped its rigs with smart glasses to provide real-time video sharing and easy access to technical documents, alongside an electronic work management system with over 100 integrated safety features.

At Aramco’s Yanbu Refinery, drones and robotics are transforming confined space inspections. By deploying specialised caged drones, the refinery has eliminated the need for human entry and scaffolding, significantly enhancing safety and minimising downtime. Across its facilities, Aramco operates over 100 drones to inspect assets and monitor for potential methane leaks, aligning with its emission reduction goals.

Better training

In the maritime industry, Drydocks World has redefined employee education on HSE by adopting technologies such as virtual reality (VR) training, artificial intelligence, and mobile learning. These innovative methods, recognised by the Shiptek ‘Best HSE Initiative’ award, have enhanced training engagement and improved workplace safety outcomes.

Similarly, P&O Maritime Logistics (P&OML) has developed an AI-powered Safety Assistant (AISA) using ChatGPT to guide employees on incident response, compliance requirements, risk assessment, and safety protocols. This tool provides instant access to critical HSE information and resources, fostering a safer and more informed workforce.

Technology providers are finding strong demand in the region’s oil and gas sector. Salunda, for example, recently secured a contract to install its Crew Hawk Red Zone monitoring solution on a jack-up rig.

This system offers real-time monitoring of hazardous zones, tracking personnel and equipment to ensure safety and minimise risks. Meanwhile, WakeCap’s IoT-based safety and productivity solutions helped achieve a 91% reduction in safety incidents at a major gas facility in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province by using advanced real-time analytics.

Additionally, 3t has partnered with the Saudi Arabian Drilling Academy (SADA) to integrate its 3t Drilling Systems simulators into training programmes, aiming to enhance the learning experience for drilling professionals.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 13 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

Safety in construction and industrial sectors remains a top priority for the UAE, with numerous government bodies and private companies launching initiatives to safeguard workers and maintain high safety standards.

From municipal campaigns to industry-specific programs, the emphasis is on creating safer environments, improving compliance with regulations, and fostering a culture of safety across all sectors.

Dubai Municipality’s safety drive

Dubai Municipality recently launched a comprehensive safety campaign focused on ensuring a secure working environment at construction sites across the Emirates. The initiative highlights structural safety and the well-being of workers while aiming to improve contractor awareness. In 2023 alone, Dubai Municipality conducted over 35,000 inspections across 134,858 construction sites to enforce safety standards. Similarly, Abu Dhabi Municipality has rolled out campaigns and workshops targeting safety at construction and demolition sites.

Abu Dhabi DoE's focus on LPG safety

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has also prioritised safety through its annual summer campaign, which promotes the safe use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. This initiative involves engaging directly with restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and large industrial plants to enhance compliance with safety regulations and raise awareness of proper LPG handling.

Oil and gas industry leading the way

The UAE’s oil and gas sector remains at the forefront of health and safety standards, adhering to internationally benchmarked management systems and embedding a zero-harm culture. National oil companies in the region have introduced numerous initiatives to improve safety outcomes.

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) reported its best personal and process safety records in 2023, driven by targeted initiatives like the “Boots-On-The-Ground” programme, which provides expert frontline support, intensive training, and additional resources to close safety gaps.

Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco achieved a 16% reduction in total recordable cases per 200,000 hours since 2022. This improvement is attributed to its training investments and a comprehensive Lessons Learned Program, which addresses recurring incidents. To further improve contractor safety, Aramco introduced the ‘Line of Fire’ campaign, targeting construction site workers and focusing on identifying hazards and improving safety behaviours.

Through these concerted efforts by municipalities, government agencies, and industry leaders, the UAE is setting a benchmark for workplace safety in construction and industrial sectors. The campaigns and programs not only aim to minimise risks but also foster a culture of proactive safety, ensuring the well-being of workers and the integrity of operations across the region.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 10 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

A new year brings new opportunities, and there’s no better time to start rethinking your personal safety – both on and off the job, says Larry Wilson, Author and CEO, SafeStart

This month, we’re pausing our Paradigm Shifts series to bring you an exciting invitation: join us for the SafeStart Trainer Certification Level 1 CourseSafeStart Trainer Certification Level 1 Course in Dubai, UAE! This immersive two-day programme is designed to elevate workplace safety, minimise incidents, and cultivate a culture of safety excellence. You’ll gain valuable insights and practical tools to effectively implement the SafeStart process and become a certified trainer.

Event Details

Date: 18–19 February 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

Location: Media Rotana, Hessa Street, Dubai, UAE

What is SafeStart?

SafeStart is a globally renowned safety program that helps organisations reduce workplace incidents by addressing human factors, critical errors, and decision-making risks. This Level 1 certification will guide you through

SafeStart’s six-step process, enabling you to drive long-term cultural change and boost performance.

Explore the agenda highlights here.

Don’t miss this opportunity – spaces are limited, so secure your place today!

Looking forward to seeing you in Dubai!
Warm regards,
Larry Wilson
SafeStart Author and CEO

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 9 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will host the second day of the Fire and Rescue Conference at Intersec, taking place from 14-16 January at the Dubai World Trade Center

The programme will features presentations and panel discussions led by global and local fire and life safety experts, bringing together a wide array of stakeholders, including prominent government representatives and private sector leaders from throughout the GCC region. They will address crucial topics such as life safety in residential buildings, fire safety in healthcare environments, emergency preparedness and response, and the role of IoT in smart buildings. In addition, attendees will have the chance to engage in interactive workshops, demonstrating the pioneering VR/AR technologies that are transforming fire safety training.

Organisations taking part in the event include Dubai Civil Defense, who will present a session on the role of AI in enhancing fire safety; Abu Dhabi Civil Defense, who will highlight the critical importance of code compliance; Saudi Aramco, who will offer valuable insights into the integration of automated emergency response systems within the oil and gas sector; and Dubai Holding Group, along with industry leaders from Oman Security and Safety Services Corporation, Siena, King Saud University Medical City, QHSEE, and SIBCA.

Grenfell Tower Fire

Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s Vice President of Outreach & Advocacy will give a presentation exploring lessons learned from the Grenfell Tower fire, which saw more than 70 residents lose their lives, and how fire and life safety experts can apply these insights to improve safety practices, especially in high-rise buildings.

“The lessons from Grenfell continue to resonate globally, underscoring the critical need for vigilance, preparedness, and leadership in fire, life, and electrical safety,” said Carli. “My keynote will explore how we transform tragedy into actionable solutions, driving a culture of safety that protects lives and property. I look forward to engaging with attendees to share insights and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in our rapidly evolving world.”

“NFPA is honoured to be a part of Intersec Dubai 2025, a platform that will bring together global experts and innovators in the fire and safety industry. With the rapid development of infrastructure across the region, we are committed to highlighting the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, IoT, automation, AR, and VR, in enhancing fire safety practices. Our goal is to work alongside our regional partners to drive progress through knowledge-sharing and innovation, ultimately enhancing safety and saving lives,” said NFPA’s director of International Development for MENA.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 8 January, 2025
• Year: 2025

Governments in the MENA region have made concerted efforts to drive up standards and embed a positive safety culture in the workplace, enacting new regulations, proactively enforcing adherence and conducting safety awareness campaigns, in collaboration with businesses.

Speaking ahead of the Intersec 2024 Safety & Health Conference in January, Dr Waddah S. Ghanem Al Hashmi, Hon Chairman of the Energy Institute Middle East and Chairman, Federal Occupational Health and Safety Committee, highlighted that the UAE, along with the broader Middle East, has made substantial strides in developing frameworks and practices for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

In December 2022, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology issued a standard aligning with ISO 45001:2019, which aims to strengthen leadership engagement in OHS within organisations.

Dr Al Hashmi said, “These updated standards are expected to drive a shift from mere compliance to a culture of value creation and sustainability. Greater leadership involvement will elevate OHS performance and employee engagement and foster a reduction in incidents across industries…I see positive thinking developing in the region.”

In recent developments, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has launched a guide creating a unified reference for the health, occupational safety and environment of all Dubai Government employees, and cultivating a culture for effectively managing such risks. 

“We are confident that implementing this handbook will result in the establishment of a strong culture of prevention and risk management, making our institutions more equipped and prepared to handle future challenges and advance sustainable growth,” said Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director-General of the DGHR Department.

Other GCC countries

In Saudi Arabia, initiatives of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health have included the creation of a national platform for reporting and investigating work-related accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases to identify root causes of accidents, establish appropriate rules to reduce them and prevent their recurrence. It is also developing a system to verify OSH practitioners, improving their knowledge and capabilities to implement mandatory health and safety regulations, and running programmes to enhance companies’ compliance with OSH requirements.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Kingdom's work-related injury rate has declined from 416 to 288 injuries per 100,000 workers, marking a 30.7% decrease over recent years, as a result of policies and initiatives to advance worker safety.

All the GCC countries have implemented a midday work ban, prohibiting outdoor activities during the peak heat of summer days. This is designed to protect workers from heat stress, with migrant workers, who make up a large proportion of the construction workforce, being particularly at risk. Noncompliance can lead to penalties ranging from fines to shutting down the violating businesses.

In Qatar, for example, new legislation has been introduced to enhance protections for workers against heat stress during the summer months, including the expansion of the hours during which outdoor work is prohibited. Specific thresholds for suspending outdoor work, whatever the time of day or year, have also been established.