Middle East

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 14 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

The new Operational Skills Development Program for Women aims to empower women, equipping them with the operational skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the water industry.

The training initiative covers all three pillars of HSE awareness, laying the groundwork with foundational technical training on a six-month programme.

Upon completion of the course, participants will have their performance evaluated before formal employment opportunities may be presented at various ACCIONA plants across Qatar, including the Ras Abu Fontas RO desalination plant.

Over 30% of ACCIONA's Qatar operations and maintenance workforce is currently comprised of women, but the organisation nonetheless remains committed to social development through the empowerment of women.

• Date: 11 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

The director-general of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, has praised Saudi Arabia's role in shaping the future of the global labour market.

Speaking at the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 in Riyadh, Houngbo highlighted the Kingdom’s comprehensive labour reforms, which can enhance market competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.

Saudi Arabia has implemented significant changes in its labour market, including updates to labour laws, improvements in occupational safety, and initiatives to boost employment for youth and women. 

Speaking on occupational safety, the ILO chief acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance workplace safety through labour market reforms. The adoption of the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health, the establishment of a dedicated national council, and the implementation of modern reporting systems for workplace incidents demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ well-being.

Digital transformation

Houngbo commended Saudi Arabia’s investment in digital technologies and its proactive approach to addressing challenges. He noted that the Kingdom’s focus on digitalisation is not just about improving efficiency but also about creating attractive and sustainable workplaces. These efforts, he said, place Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global transition towards a sustainable economy that balances development with social equity.

The ILO and Saudi Arabia have been working together across multiple areas, including occupational safety, aligning workforce skills with market demands, and enhancing social protection. Houngbo noted that the Kingdom’s experience serves as a valuable model for other nations looking to modernise their labour markets.

The GLMC in Riyadh provided a crucial platform for dialogue on the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping today’s global labour landscape. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s priorities, including addressing labour market disparities, promoting social justice, and preparing for the impacts of digitalisation and demographic shifts. He stressed that achieving social justice is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity that fosters stability and inclusion.

Promoting diversity and equality

Houngbo highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle youth unemployment in the Arab world. He emphasised the importance of quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives to bridge the gap between education and employment. While global youth unemployment rates have improved, the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth report indicates a 1% rise in unemployment across Arab nations. Houngbo called for stronger alignment between educational systems and labour market needs to address this issue effectively.

Gender equality remains a core focus for the ILO, and Houngbo underscored the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all workers. He praised Saudi Arabia’s recent legislation mandating maternity insurance for female workers, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting gender equality in the labour market. He also called for further measures to support work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements and enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies.

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

The Jubail refinery, a project developed in joint partnership between Aramco and Total Energies, will see workers monitored and protected by Wiloc technologies.

Wiloc Technologies will integrate a Bluetooth 5.0 Long Range (BLE-LR) system in the site's workplace safety infrastructure, tracking workers and monitoring their presence to optimise staff management processes.

Leap-Network will partner with Wiloc to integrate the monitoring system, hoping to improve the site's occupational safety.

Javier Benjumea, Wiloc Technologies' CEO, said, "We are proud to work together with Leap-Network in implementing technologies that will facilitate safer working conditions for more than 25,000 people at Amiral SATORP, which in turn will directly contribute to process optimisation and a clear positive impact on Aramco's and TotalEnergies’ bottom line.

"Investing in digitalisation and workplace safety not only boosts operational efficiency, but also ensures safer and more sustainable work environments."

The project, expected to go fully online in 2027, will produce a variety of low-cost feedstocks and 1.65 million tonnes of ethylene annually once operational.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 6 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

One factor highlighted by health and safety practitioners in Saudi Arabia is the need for training and upskilling in all areas, both for the workforce and for HSE professionals themselves

Training needs range from the basics of HSE and proper use of PPE, to competency-based training and training in new technologies, and call for diverse methods, from practical on-the-job training to immersive digital learning. With calls for leaders to ‘walk the talk’ and employ good communication strategies, there is also a need for leadership and psychological training. Furthermore, the Saudisation of the HSE profession and government plans to recruit several thousand more HSE officers by 2025, will require an expansion of training and certification programmes.

With workforce development and enhancing local capabilities at the heart of Vision 2030 and Saudi nationalisation objectives, there is scope for further investment in private-public partnerships, customised training programmes tailored to the specific needs of industries and businesses, and partnerships with international training providers and institutions.

Collaborations to upskill local talent

One recently announced initiative is a collaboration between Serco and SaveFast Training Academy, one of the region’s leading HSE training providers, which aims to enhance safety and upskill local talent in Saudi Arabia using SaveFast’s HSE, driving training and technology solutions. These incorporate the use of virtual reality technology, behaviour-based telematics and HSE technologies.

The collaboration addresses the requirements of the Saudi government to develop local capabilities in line with Vision 2030 and Saudi nationalisation goals, with Saudi nationals having the opportunity to gain safety qualifications through SaveFast Training Academy before continuing learning in a real-work environment with Serco. SaveFast and Serco will enhance the services they provide to current and future clients in the UAE and KSA through the HSE Training Academy, on-site tailored training courses and robust analysis of safety data. This initiative will provide insights and data essential for predicting and preventing workplace incidents, whether in office environments or on construction sites across cities, major developments or giga projects.

Meanwhile, GTSC, part of 3T, a leader in the provision of safety-critical training for high-hazard industries, is expanding its accredited training offering. This follows 3t’s recent acquisition of GTSC, acquiring its three training centres located in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Egypt. This strategic combination leverages GTSC’s comprehensive, industry-accredited training capabilities with 3t’s cutting-edge training technologies, including immersive digital learning platforms, virtual reality simulations, and advanced safety compliance solutions. The expanded training offering will include an enhanced range of courses for workers in high-hazard industries, such as a Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Safety Training program accredited by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), designed to ensure that workers in industries such as oil and gas, drilling, and offshore operations are properly trained and equipped to safely handle the risks associated with H₂S exposure.

The company is committed to supporting national visions, including Saudi Vision 2030, by upskilling the workforce and enhancing productivity, ensuring that personnel in safety-critical roles achieve the highest standards of safety, compliance and competence.

The e-learning sector in Saudi Arabia is also booming, driven by government support, the rising demand for flexible learning, the growing penetration of the internet and smartphones, significant technological advancements, and the rising focus on skills development and incentives for digital education, according to a recent report. Saudi companies across various sectors have implemented e-learning programmes, covering areas ranging from compliance and safety training to leadership development and technical skills enhancement. These programmes can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each organisation. The ability to track and assess employee progress and performance through e-learning platforms is an additional attraction.

• Region: Middle East
• Date: 4 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the entity responsible for managing Bahrain International Airport (BIA), has introduced its 2025 runway maintenance plan, aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in airport operations.

To mark the launch, a site visit was held with Gulf Air Group (GFG) chairman Khalid Hussain Taqi and BAC chief executive officer Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, alongside key members of BAC’s management team.

The company is working closely with the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority to ensure full compliance with international aviation safety standards and regulatory requirements.

The first phase of the 2025 maintenance plan will focus on essential runway upkeep, including rubber removal, friction testing, asphalt patching, and remarking.

Increasing safety

Additional work will involve shoulder repairs, strip grading, joint sealant application, and upgrades to Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), including LED replacements and photometric testing. Manhole dewatering will also be carried out to maintain optimal drainage conditions.

Survey operations will take place at two runway locations, while the Ministry of Works’ Rayya Road expansion project will oversee the replacement of Runway 12L approach lights with energy-efficient LEDs.

This maintenance initiative reflects BAC’s ongoing investment in Bahrain International Airport’s infrastructure, ensuring enhanced safety, efficiency, and world-class service for both passengers and airlines.

Bahrain Airport Company's acting vice president of facility management Eyad Ismaeel said, "This comprehensive runway maintenance plan shows BAC’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of safety and efficiency at BIA throughout 2025. By adhering to international aviation safety and operational standards, we are not only enhancing BIA’s regional standing but also ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience for all passengers."

• 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.

• 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.”

• 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.