Middle East

How do complacency and human factors contribute to workplace injuries, and how can you prevent complacency-related injuries and incidents?

That is the subject of a webinar hosted by HSE Review in association with SafeStart, to take place on Wednesday 1st April 2026 at 2pm GST, which will shine a light on the neuroscience behind competence, complacency and human factors.

Safety professionals have known for years that “complacency is a silent killer.” They have also suspected that complacency was a contributing factor in almost every unintentional injury or incident. Unfortunately, from a neuroscience perspective, it is impossible to stop people from becoming complacent once they are competent. And for high-risks tasks in particular, competence is a must.

Even more unfortunately, many (most) companies do not know what to do to help their employees deal with complacency, which leads to mind not on task/risk.

In this session, participants will:
• Understand the neuroscience behind complacency and why it cannot be eliminated once competence is achieved
• Recognise the two stages of the complacency continuum and how human factors impact critical decision-making
• Learn practical skills to prevent complacency-related injuries, including attentive habits, looking for risk patterns in others, analysing close calls and small errors to prevent agonising over large ones, and using self-triggering skills, to deal with rushing, frustration and fatigue which, when combined with complacency, can cause fatalities
• Explore how concepts such as fail-safe can help compensate for complacency leading to mind not on task.

Register for the webinar here

Our speaker is Larry Wilson, a pioneer in the area of Human Factors in safety. He has been a safety consultant for over 25 years and has worked on-site with hundreds of companies worldwide. Larry is the author of SafeStart, an advanced safety and performance awareness programme, successfully implemented in more than 4,500 companies in 75 countries, with more than five million people trained. He is the moderator of the SafeConnection expert panels series and has authored and co-authored a number of books, the latest being “25 Years of Original Thought-Innovations in Safety, Human Error and Performance”. Larry is also an active keynote speaker at health and safety conferences around the globe (32 countries so far).

Participants are guaranteed an hour of engaging and thought-provoking interactive discussion and debate and will take away the understanding, skills and strategies to help prevent complacency-related injuries and incidents.

So don’t delay, register for the webinar here 

SafeStart Trainer Certification – Global Training Series

Following strong demand last year and impact across global markets, we’re also launching the SafeStart Trainer Certification – Global Training Series, starting with Dubai on 7–8 April 2026.

This is a practical, human factors–based certification designed to help organisations reduce incidents, strengthen decision-making, and improve overall safety performance, on and off the job.

Find out more information and register here:

Qatar's Ministry of Public Health has released a new awareness booklet titled “Recharge at Your Desk”, encouraging office workers to incorporate simple physical exercises into their daily routines, The Peninsular Qatar reported. 

The publication was launched earlier this month to coincide with Qatar’s National Sport Day, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to promoting public health and fostering a culture of physical activity across workplaces.

The booklet provides a series of straightforward exercises that can be performed during office hours without the need for specialised equipment. Each activity is accompanied by QR codes linking to short instructional videos demonstrating the correct and safe way to complete the movements. The initiative aims to make it easier for employees to remain active despite sedentary work patterns.

According to the Ministry, regular physical activity during the working day can deliver multiple benefits, including improved overall health, enhanced mood, greater motivation and increased stamina. It also contributes to reducing stress levels commonly associated with office-based roles.

Health officials highlighted that consistent exercise lowers the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer. In addition, physical activity supports better sleep quality, sharper cognitive function and improved concentration, all of which can positively influence workplace performance.

The Ministry stressed that integrating movement into daily routines does not require significant time commitments or complex fitness regimes. Instead, small, manageable exercises performed at a desk or within office surroundings can make a measurable difference to long-term wellbeing.

In a statement accompanying the launch, the Ministry urged employers and employees alike to prioritise health within professional environments. It emphasised that adopting an active lifestyle at work is a fundamental step towards improving quality of life and cultivating a positive organisational culture.

The “Recharge at Your Desk” booklet is available for download via the Ministry’s official website and social media platforms, ensuring broad accessibility for public and private sector employees across Qatar.

The initiative forms part of broader national efforts to address sedentary lifestyles and promote preventative healthcare measures. By encouraging movement within the workplace, the Ministry aims to reinforce awareness that health and productivity are closely linked, particularly as modern office environments increasingly involve prolonged periods of sitting.

Through practical guidance and accessible digital support, the campaign seeks to empower employees to take proactive steps towards maintaining physical and mental wellbeing throughout the working day.

A five-day training course on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is scheduled to take place in Manama, Bahrain, from 22 February 2026 at the Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain. The course aims to enhance workplace safety knowledge and implementation among industrial personnel.

The course will cover OSHA’s globally recognised health and safety standards, emphasising both high-hazard chemical plants and general industrial applications. Organisers said the training is intended to refresh participants’ understanding of key standards, encourage accurate application, and improve operational performance, ultimately benefiting organisational efficiency and profitability.

Key topics to be addressed include Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (29 CFR 1910.119), HazCom 2012 (29 CFR 1910.200), the OSHA Act, and Permit-required Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1910.146). In addition, OSHA’s Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines will be explored to help participants strengthen safety protocols in their workplaces.

Course objectives include applying best practices for confined space entry, analysing process safety management, evaluating chemical hazard controls, developing safer systems of work, and understanding the basis of HAZOP studies. Attendees will also gain practical insights into reviewing Standard Operating Procedures and supporting recommendations for improved process safety management.

The training methodology combines face-to-face instruction with interactive adult learning techniques, including exercises, group discussions, case studies, and training videos. This approach is designed to maximise comprehension, retention, and practical application of OSHA standards.

Organisers noted the course will benefit both individuals and organisations. Employees will gain expertise in developing safe systems of work, understanding OSHA law, recognising inherently safer design principles, and evaluating safety management effectiveness. Organisations, in turn, can expect increased professionalism, enhanced team collaboration, improved working systems, and higher operational efficiency.

The course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including team leaders, health and safety personnel, process engineers, shift managers, and maintenance engineers.

The five-day outline covers a structured progression from general OSHA standards and hazard assessment on day one, to detailed sessions on process safety management and HAZOP studies over days two and three. Day four focuses on confined space entry, non-routine work, and emergency preparedness, while day five addresses occupational health, HazCom 2012, chemical classifications, and safety data sheets.

Organisers at Global Horizon Training Centre emphasised that staying up-to-date with OSHA standards is critical for maintaining safe industrial environments and promoting a culture of continuous improvement across organisations in Bahrain and the wider region.

LOBO Systems, which designs and engineers modular access platforms, has completed its first deployment in Saudi Arabia, marking its entry into the Middle East industrial market

The project, delivered to a major global industrial engineering organisation operating in Riyadh, reflects growing regional demand for safer, more flexible and more controllable work-at-height solutions across complex industrial environments.

Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, energy, water treatment and advanced manufacturing as part of its long-term economic development strategy and Vision 2030 objectives. These sectors rely on safe and efficient maintenance of pumps, processing systems and elevated equipment, often within space-restricted and operationally sensitive facilities.

Traditional access methods such as outsourced scaffolding can introduce delays, increase operational disruption and limit maintenance responsiveness. Fixed access platforms, while effective in static environments, may lack the adaptability required in evolving industrial settings.

LOBO’s modular work-at-height platform system provides an alternative approach. Designed to be assembled without tools, the system enables trained in-house teams to build fully enclosed, compliant working platforms on demand. Platforms can be configured around pipework, processing equipment and restricted work spaces, then reconfigured as operational requirements change.

This cost-effective approach reduces the reliance on third-party contractors, enables faster response to planned and unplanned maintenance and enables greater operational control and flexibility.

Rob Bokros, CEO at LOBO Systems, commented, “Industrial operators globally are seeking greater control over how they manage work at height. Entering the Saudi market reflects increasing recognition that access infrastructure should be adaptable, owned and immediately available to internal teams. As investment accelerates across the Middle East, we are proud to support organisations looking to modernise their maintenance processes while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

Headquartered in the UK, LOBO Systems designs and engineers modular access platforms that are deployed across major industrial, logistics, research and manufacturing organisations throughout Europe and North America. Expansion into Saudi Arabia forms part of LOBO’s broader international growth strategy and reinforces its commitment to supporting global industry with UK-engineered solutions that prioritise safety, flexibility and operational resilience.

Qatar Tourism and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen off-road safety awareness among residents, families and high-risk groups engaging in desert activities, according to the Qatar Tribune. 

The agreement aims to enhance coordination between the two organisations, with a focus on promoting safer off-road and leisure experiences, particularly during the popular camping season. Under the MoU, both parties will maintain open communication channels and roll out targeted awareness initiatives across schools and communities.

Planned measures include school-based programmes delivered in collaboration with Road Safety Officers, as well as community campaigns and seasonal events designed to address risks linked to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and four-wheel drive activities. The initiatives will highlight common injuries associated with off-road driving and promote preventative practices.

Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, described the agreement as part of a broader public sector collaboration to enhance desert tourism while prioritising safety.

“This agreement is a key component of a broader collaborative initiative with public sector stakeholders aimed at enhancing the desert experience while ensuring the utmost safety and security for residents and visitors,” he said.

“Given that desert excursions are a significant part of our Qatari culture and a popular tourism activity, we are delighted to work closely with HMC to improve safety measures and ensure residents explore Qatar’s landscapes safely.”

Dr. Hassan Al Thani, head of Trauma and Vascular Services at HMC, said data-driven insights have informed the partnership. Analysis from the Qatar National Trauma Registry of patients injured in ATV-related incidents showed that serious accidents did not occur at facilities managed by Qatar Tourism.

“Based on the findings, HMC’s Hamad Trauma Center recommends using these facilities for ATV-related activities, as they are designed and managed by a specialized team that prioritizes user safety and comfort, and adheres to internationally recognized standards,” he said.

As part of the collaboration, both organisations will exchange best practices, deliver specialised courses and workshops, and share monitoring techniques and databases. HMC will also provide updated data on severe off-road traffic crashes and injuries linked to recreational driving.

Qatar Tourism will use this information to assess high-risk locations, evaluate well-known off-road sites and implement risk mitigation measures, reinforcing its commitment to safer desert tourism experiences across the country.

The Ministry of Labour, through its Occupational Safety and Health Department, has delivered three awareness workshops for workers and employer representatives in collaboration with Radisson Blu Hotel Doha, Generic Engineering Technologies & Contracting, and Al Attiyah Architectural Construction.

The sessions focused on strengthening preventive awareness, promoting a culture of occupational safety, and introducing practical measures to reduce work-related musculoskeletal risks across a variety of work environments. Specialists from the Ministry of Public Health’s Health Promotion Department and the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund Qatar supported the workshops.

Experts provided guidance on common musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain, neck and shoulder strain, joint injuries, slipped discs, and muscle spasms caused by heavy lifting or prolonged poor posture. They also emphasised key occupational risk factors, such as unsafe lifting, repetitive movements without breaks, extended periods of sitting or standing, improper tool use, and limited awareness of preventive behaviours.

Participants were trained in core prevention measures, including correct lifting techniques, site safety procedures, proper use of assistive equipment, regular rest breaks, stretching and strengthening exercises, consistent use of personal protective equipment, and early reporting of muscular pain or symptoms.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing programme of specialised awareness activities aimed at preventing workplace injuries, enhancing worker wellbeing, and improving productivity and sustainability. By engaging public and private sector partners, the Ministry seeks to foster safer, healthier, and more resilient work environments in line with national and international standards.

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), has held a Safety Week, in line with its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety across airport operations

The initiative brought together aviation professionals, regulators, and industry partners under the theme ‘Human Factors in Aviation Safety’.

Ahmed Mohamed Janahi, BAC acting chief executive officer, emphasised that human performance remains a critical pillar of aviation safety, alongside systems, infrastructure, and technology.

"Safety excellence depends not only on compliance and procedures but also on awareness, decision-making, communication, and a sense of shared responsibility across the airport community," he said. "As we invest in the airport’s infrastructure, we must ensure that our health and safety culture evolves in parallel. Safety Week serves as a key enabler of this objective by providing an opportunity to reinforce good behaviour, collaboration, and accountability across all our operations."

The opening day featured a series of technical and knowledge-sharing session focusing on human factors, which provided insights into local operational challenges and improvement initiatives, as well as looking at human performance and risk management more widely.

A panel discussion titled ‘Challenges Across Bahrain’s Industries’ brought together safety leaders to explore shared challenges, best practices, and opportunities for cross-industry collaboration. It underscored the importance of collective learning in enhancing safety performance across sectors.

The programme also involved safety exercises promoting proactive hazard identification, prevention of runway safety incidents and the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining a safe operating environment.

M42’s Digital Health Solutions (DHS) Platform and TELUS Health are collaborating to introduce personalised employee wellbeing solutions in the UAE that combine wellness, precision medicine and AI-driven healthcare innovation

The two companies are working on an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that currently includes more than 40 modules covering emotional, lifestyle and wellbeing support. The EAP will be delivered in local languages and aims to lower absenteeism rates while also enabling employers to achieve measurable improvements in productivity and engagement. The two companies will also explore the development of next-generation AI solutions to increase efficiencies and access to care, and progress precision medicine capabilities for tailored health treatments and early preventive interventions for employees. By combining digital infrastructure, AI innovation, and clinical expertise, the venture aims to strengthen healthcare across the UAE and the region, building more resilient health systems and healthier communities.

"By combining TELUS Health’s global expertise with M42’s digital health solutions, we are delivering a truly transformative AI-powered employee assistance programme tailored to the needs of employees in the UAE." said Kareem Shahin, chief executive officer, Digital Health Solutions Platform, and Group Chief Digital Officer, M42. “This solution is designed to support the creation of a health and wellbeing environment where people can thrive, enabling healthier and more resilient communities.”

"The UAE and the region are experiencing a fundamental shift in how organisations approach employee wellbeing," said Mohamed El-Demerdash, president, TELUS Health. "Our agreement with M42’s digital health solutions positions us to be part of that transformation, exploring how our market-leading solutions and world-class mental health support could help employers and their employees. With M42's digital expertise, we have the potential to deliver wellness at scale while respecting the unique cultural context of the region.”

Bahrain has introduced amendments to its labour governance framework following the issuance of Edict No. (5) of 2026 by Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

According to the News of Bahrain, the edict amends key provisions of the 2015 legislation governing the Occupational Safety and Health Council, signalling a renewed focus on workplace safety and institutional oversight.

The amendments replace Articles (2) and (3) of the earlier law and establish a revised structure for the council. Under the new framework, the council will be chaired by the Minister of Labour, reinforcing the central role of the Ministry of Labour in shaping occupational safety policy. The Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Relations will serve as vice-chairman.

The restructuring broadens inter-ministerial representation, reflecting a more integrated approach to labour regulation. Senior representatives will join the council from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Oil and Environment, the Ministry of Health, the Civil Service Bureau and the General Organisation for Social Insurance. Representatives from occupational health and safety bodies and trade union federations will also participate.

The inclusion of multiple regulatory and social partners underscores Bahrain’s intention to strengthen compliance, enhance worker protections and align safety standards across sectors. Two additional members, Abdulwahab Yousif Al Hawaj and Samra Abdulrahim Al Qassir, have also been appointed to the council.

The move reflects a broader trend in the Gulf towards modernising labour legislation and reinforcing institutional accountability. By consolidating oversight under a clearer governance structure, Bahrain aims to improve coordination, reduce workplace incidents and support sustainable economic growth through stronger labour protections.

stc group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, has returned as the principal partner of World Defense Show (WDS) 2026, the Kingdom’s flagship defence and security exhibition.

The event opened in Riyadh and runs until 12 February, bringing together government representatives, industry leaders and innovators from around the world.

During the exhibition, specialized by stc, the group’s arm focused on mission-critical communications, is showcasing its Mission-Critical Communications (MCC) solution. Designed to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity, the solution provides resilient communications in fast-moving and high-risk environments. While essential for defence operations, the technology also supports other critical sectors where uninterrupted and trusted networks are vital for command execution, operational coordination and mission success.

A central feature of the showcase is the MCC Dome, an immersive exhibition experience that presents real-world mission-critical scenarios. The experience is divided into four interactive zones, beginning with a Crisis Response Simulation that demonstrates multi-agency coordination and highlights how mission-critical networks enable reliable communication and faster, more informed decision-making.

The Satellite Integration Zone focuses on hardened infrastructure and redundancy, designed to extend coverage and ensure service continuity across the Kingdom. This is followed by the Device Zone, which displays a range of rugged, field-ready equipment used by mission-critical personnel. The experience concludes with the Future of Mission-Critical Communications Zone, highlighting emerging technologies including AI-enabled incident prediction, drones, robotics and next-generation critical communication solutions.

In addition to the main display, specialized by stc is presenting dedicated use cases illustrating how mission-critical communications are applied across public safety, energy, healthcare, transportation, entertainment and giga-projects. In these environments, the technology supports emergency medical response, energy infrastructure management and public safety at large-scale events, where timing, reliability and coordination are paramount.

Riyadh Mouawd, chief business officer at stc group, said the event provides a strategic platform to demonstrate how secure connectivity supports real-world operations and national resilience. Khaled Aldharrab, chief executive officer at specialized by stc, added that the group’s responsibility is to ensure vital sectors remain connected during large-scale events, emergencies and complex operations.

stc group’s continued partnership with World Defense Show underscores its role in enabling secure, sector-wide transformation through advanced digital infrastructure, supporting operational readiness, digital sovereignty and long-term resilience across the Kingdom and the wider region.