North America

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 22 May, 2025
• Year: 2025

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hosted its 12th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, rallying employers and workers nationwide to tackle the industry’s leading cause of fatalities: falls.

Held earlier this month, the event emphasised cutting-edge strategies to enhance workplace safety.

During the Stand-Down, OSHA encouraged construction firms to adopt advanced safety measures, including immersive hazard recognition training, AI-driven risk assessments, and updated toolbox talks focused on high-risk tasks like roofing, ladder use, and scaffold work.

The initiative spotlighted how technology and data analytics can transform safety protocols on modern job sites.

Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling delivered keynote remarks at the National Institutes of Health campus in Bethesda, Maryland, where active construction projects underscored the urgency of innovative fall prevention.

OSHA promoted widespread participation by sharing a list of free, accessible events, both virtual and in-person, on its website, enabling workers and employers from construction and beyond to engage in local safety initiatives.

A cornerstone of OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign, the Stand-Down, developed with The Center for Construction Research and Training, aligned with Construction Safety Week’s mission to eliminate falls.

Since 2012, this initiative has trained over 10 million workers, driving a cultural shift toward proactive safety in the industry.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 14 May, 2025
• Year: 2025

A growing body of research indicates that young people are increasingly dissatisfied at work. In a recent episode of the ILO’s Global Challenges, Global Solutions podcast, economist Professor David Blanchflower explored the rising levels of unhappiness among youth and the urgent need for action.

Blanchflower highlighted a major shift since 2013. “What we’ve seen is a big increase in the unhappiness levels of the young.” Originally noticed in the US, the trend has spread globally, particularly in developed nations like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Northern Europe. He notes that this rising unhappiness is linked to poor mental health, academic struggles, and difficulty transitioning from school to work.

“Young people who are having problems with their mental health—their test scores, their reading test scores are being negatively impacted,” he said, adding that the problem is evident at university level and beyond, with many young people “moving from college to out of the labour force.”

Internet access and smartphone usage are key contributors. “Places that have had the biggest growth in access to the internet, in general, are the ones that look the worst,” Blanchflower explained. He pointed out that in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where smartphone penetration is lower, the mental health of young people appears more stable. “It’s about the amount of time they’re spending on their phones,” he added, warning that screen time is replacing real-world experiences vital for development.

A gender imbalance

Gender differences are also striking. “The mental health of young women appears to be much worse than young men,” Blanchflower said. In the US, “about 11% of young women between the ages of 18 and 24 say that every day of their lives is a bad mental health day.” This is accompanied by a rise in suicide attempts and hospitalisations, particularly among young women.

When it comes to solutions, Blanchflower called for better support during the transition from school to work and more structured social engagement for youth. “They’re not joining clubs as they did… They’re not participating in the ways that they did before.” However, he admitted, “We don’t really know what to do.”

He is organising a major conference with the UN to develop global strategies. “Countries around the world are going to have to start to think about what to do, as they did in the 1980s.” The goal is to identify practical measures that governments and international bodies can adapt to local contexts.

“This is like a spreading pandemic,” Blanchflower said. While the challenges are clear, he stresses the need for collective, global action before the damage becomes irreversible.

• Topic: Fire Safety
• Region: North America
• Date: 12 May 2025
• Year: 2025

Two Texas-based companies are joining forces in a move set to enhance the provision of fire safety solutions for the oil and gas industry

Total Safety’s Industrial Fire and Safety Division and Dooley Tackaberry, a specialist in fire and safety equipment for the oil and gas industry, are partnering to create a global market leader in industrial fire safety solutions.

Total Safety is a leading global provider of integrated industrial safety services, equipment and compliance solutions, covering sectors including oil and gas, petrochemical and refining, utilities, manufacturing, and transportation.

While Dooley Tackaberry (DT) has an extensive history in the distribution of fire and safety equipment to the oil and gas industry and municipal fire service market. It specialises in designing and fabricating fire detection and suppression systems as well as supplying fire protection and personal protective equipment for the upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas industry worldwide.

The combined business will build on the respective strengths of the two companies, uniting common cultures and values and enabling rapid growth. Combining Total Safety’s in-plant fire systems inspection, testing and repair capabilities with Dooley’s engineering and fabrication capabilities will provide customers with unparalleled support in the upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas industry.

“We are very excited to be joining forces with Dooley. Their strength in engineering and fabrication of industrial fire suppression systems compliments our team of in-plant fire technicians that perform inspection, testing and repair of critical fire systems,” said Brad Clark, CEO, Total Safety. “Our passion is to provide the best customer experience by serving our customers with the complete value chain of industrial fire protection.”

“Total Safety is the right strategic partner for Dooley, having similar core values and objectives in serving our customers. We are particularly excited about gaining access to Total Safety’s broad set of refining and petrochemical customers. Furthermore, Total Safety’s field installation capabilities will greatly enhance our ability to provide a trusted, one-stop solution to all our customers,” said Chris Dooley, CEO, Dooley Tackaberry.

Industrial fire protection is especially critical in the oil and gas industry given the presence of flammable and explosive substances. 16% of all fatalities in the industry are due to fires or explosions, according to Impact Fire’s Guide to Fire Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry, which highlights a multitude of common fire hazards, including equipment failure, leaks, oil spills, flash fires and confined space fires.

• Region: North America
• Date: May 8
• Year: 2025

After reporting a 39.5% reduction against baseline (2019) greenhouse gas emissions for 2024, Baker Hughes' chief sustainability officer Allyson Anderson Book said the company's approach "continues to be a key competitive advantage for Baker Hughes, helping us deliver long-term value to all of our stakeholders."

Delivering a 39.5% reduction in scope one and two emissions translated to a 29.3% absolute reduction against the 2019 baseline.

Amidst the more efficient backdrop, 206 perfect HSE days were delivered, with an 11% drop in total recordable incident (TRI) rate. Those figures, reported in Baker Hughes' reflection on 2024, mark the first time the company has ever externally assured such data.

Baker Hughes chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli announced the news. "Our ability to drive economic growth and achieve significant emissions reductions underscores our commitment to sustainable energy development... by focusing on increasing efficiencies and integrating sustainability into our corporate strategy, we also enable our customers to meet their emissions targets."

• Region: North America
• Date: 23 April, 2025
• Year: 2025

An AI-driven gaming platform being developed by the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center (MKO) at Texas A&M University and EnerSys Corporation allows pipeline operators to be exposed to pipeline incidents in a controlled environment and gain experience in responding to real-world scenarios.

Pipeline leaks or failures can have a catastrophic impact on assets, people and the environment as well as causing untold financial and reputational damage. In early April this year, for example, a leaking gas pipeline sparked a huge fire on the outskirts of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, injuring more than 100 people.

The project aims to develop a realistic training system for teams to practice handling hazardous condition response and emergency response in a collaborative learning environment. It simulates various pipeline failure scenarios, using AI to visualise how such situations can evolve, and provides measurable outcomes of the response, so that when incidents do occur, people working with pipelines can be prepared and respond more quickly and effectively.

According to an article on the Texas A&M website, MKO will provide knowledge and understanding of the pipeline and its safety issues and create mathematical models for the project, while EnerSys Corporation will facilitate research and data collection from industry.

Trial scenarios with a research and development team are planned by the end of this year, with results being incorporated into the platform.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to learn, particularly from the industrial experiences, and develop tools that enable fusion of knowledge and experience to improve safety,” said Faisal Khan, director of the Mary Kay O-Connor Process Safety Center.

A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on ‘Revolutionizing health and safety: the role of AI and digitalization at work’ highlights the effectiveness of immersive virtual training environments, allowing workers to acquire new skills quickly and retain knowledge more efficiently, thereby providing a better trained and more competent workforce.

“The technology presents an important opportunity to improve the effectiveness of safety and safety-relevant training due to its abilities both to allow trainees to fail safely and to present scenarios that are difficult to replicate in the real world, either due to financial constraints or safety concerns,” it says.

• Region: North America
• Date: 17 April, 2025
• Year: 2025

News publications from across the USA have reported impending closures of occupational health and safety agencies in the county, in wake of the Trump administration's decisions to cut government spending. This could be disastrous for American workers, who may now have little recourse against workplace violations. 

Louisiana workers may be more affected than others. The state is already known as one of the most dangerous places in America, from an occupational health and safety standpoint. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana is ranked the sixth most dangerous state for workers in the U.S. This is thanks to the more than 200 chemical facilities and refineries which line an 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to the state's capital New Orleans. It has been repeatedly called "Cancer Alley", due to the high cancer rates associated with petrochemicals.

US-based publication Capital & Main has recorded a few instances. In recent years, the news publication said, there have been several chemical plant exposures or explosions in the state. In December, a suspected explosion occurred at a Westlake Corp. chemical plant near the Nutrien plant. Four workers were hospitalised in October after being exposed to ammonia at a Formosa Plastics plant.

Two individuals were injured in September when a hydrogen gas explosion occurred at the neighbouring Chevron Renewable Energy Group factory. Last month, Mathew Roberts was working at a chemical facility on the outskirts of Baton Rouge when he was involved in a forklift accident. The father of two, who was unresponsive and in severe condition, was transported from the Nutrien nitrogen facility to a local hospital and died of his injuries.

Spending cuts

His death came weeks after the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the closure of 11 OSHA field offices. This includes one in Baton Rouge that is investigating Robert's death. It is the agency's only office in Louisiana, and its impending closure is causing anxiety among workplace safety professionals. The closures are still "under review," according to the US Department of Labor, which oversees OSHA.

In addition to the Baton Rouge office, which conducted 386 workplace inspections last year and imposed over $750,000 in penalties for major infractions, DOGE intends to eliminate field offices in Houston and Mobile, Alabama. 

“Those enormous oil and petrochemical facilities with significant safety and health hazards will be inspected even less frequently than they are now,” former OSHA Director David Michaels told Capital & Main. “These closures will result in more injuries, illnesses and deaths,” Michaels added.

According to Michaels, OSHA employees in the office will have to choose between quitting the agency entirely or relocating to another region hundreds of miles away. Staff at the Baton Rouge office claimed they were not aware of any layoffs, despite rumours that have circulated since the DOGE announcement in mid-March.

• Region: North America
• Date: 9 April, 2025
• Year: 2025

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a federal agency tasked with researching and promoting workplace safety, is undergoing a dramatic restructuring that could impact occupational health across industries, including those in the Gulf of America region.

Announced in early 2025, the overhaul has sparked concerns about weakened protections for workers in high-risk sectors like offshore oil and gas, mining, and firefighting.

NIOSH, established under the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act, conducts research and provides recommendations to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

Its work has been critical for industries prevalent in the Gulf region, where offshore platforms face hazards like explosions, toxic exposures, and severe weather.

However, recent reports indicate that NIOSH is facing massive layoffs, with up to 90% of its workforce potentially cut.

This restructuring, driven by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., involves merging NIOSH into a newly formed Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), alongside other agencies like the CDC.

A threat to HSE operations in the region

Critics, including labour unions and public health experts, warn that the layoffs and merger threaten NIOSH’s ability to fulfill its mission.

The agency’s research into workplace hazards, such as silica dust for miners, PFAS chemicals for firefighters, or hydrogen sulfide for oil workers, requires specialised expertise that could be lost.

For Gulf workers, NIOSH’s studies on offshore safety protocols and heat stress are vital, given the region’s hurricane-prone environment and labour-intensive rigs.

The agency’s data-driven recommendations often inform OSHA regulations, which set enforceable standards.

A diminished NIOSH could mean fewer updates to these protections, leaving workers vulnerable.

The restructuring has also raised questions about funding and priorities. While the AHA aims to streamline public health efforts, skeptics argue it may prioritise broader health initiatives over workplace-specific research.

Congressional oversight is expected, with hearings planned to assess the impact on industries reliant on NIOSH’s expertise. For now, the agency’s remaining staff face uncertainty, with morale reportedly low.

In the Gulf, where economic activity hinges on safe operations, the NIOSH cuts could have ripple effects.

Without robust research, employers may struggle to address emerging risks, potentially increasing accidents or exposures.

Stakeholders are urging policymakers to preserve NIOSH’s capacity to protect the nation’s workforce.

Also read: DOGE terminates Louisiana federal agency leases; OSHA affected

• Region: North America
• Date: 4 April, 2025
• Year: 2025

Small businesses are adopting a reactive approach to safety, rather than proactively guarding against potential risks, according to Pie Insurance's 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report

The report is based on a comprehensive workplace safety survey of 1,018 small US business owners (up to 500 employees), providing insights on safety concerns, workplace accidents, AI trends and more.

According to the survey, 75% of small businesses experienced workplace injuries in the past year, with nearly half saying they had to improvise safety measures due to a lack of proper equipment. Half of those injuries were reported to be preventable. Preventing such injuries could dramatically reduce injury-related costs such as medical expenses and compensation costs, as well as the costs incurred by operational downtime, with small businesses losing four employee workdays and three full business days to workplace injuries.

The most common preventable workplace injuries were reported to be mental health-related injuries (22%), slips, trips and falls (20%) cuts and lacerations (18%) and overexertion and repetitive strain injuries (13%).

Many of these injuries could be prevented by taking proactive measures such as ensuring employees have the right equipment and PPE; conduct regular engaging safety training, encouraging employees to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal, and performing regular workplace safety audits, the report says.

Growing role of AI

The report highlights the growing role of AI in preventing accidents, with 65% of business leaders thinking it will improve safety in the next five years, and 44% already using it to improve safety and efficiency. From predictive analytics that anticipate risks to AI-driven telematics that monitor driver behaviour and automated safety training, AI is facilitating a more proactive approach to preventing accidents and reducing risks.

Also highlighted is the increased impact of mental health on workplace safety, with stress, burnout and mental-health related injuries accounting for 22% of workplace injuries, while only 52% of firms have mental health related safety protocols in place. A culture where employees feel safe and supported needs to be created, with measures such as providing employee assistance programmes (EAP), offering wellness initiatives and creating an open culture where employees are not afraid to raise mental health challenges.

Employee resistance to safety measures is another challenge cited, with suggested measures being to involve employees in safety discussions and decision making, make training engaging and rewarding employees who follow safety protocols and leading by example, with the leadership walking the walk.

Businesses that take workplace safety seriouslly will have a competitive edge, the report stresses. “By implementing proactive mental health support, investing in the right equipment, leveraging AI and ensuring employees follow safety protocols, small businesses can reduce injuries, lower costs and create a more productive workforce,” it says.

• Region: North America
• Date: 1 April, 2025
• Year: 2025

Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic celebrate AI's potential "to continue to advance and fulfill our mission of caring for life, researching for health and educating those who serve" when signing a partnership agreement with G42

The taskforce will strategise the advancement of AI technology in healthcare, evaluate and accelerate potential projects, and co-develop solutions.

Continuing, Mihaljevic vowed, "Cleveland Clinic is committed to finding opportunities that improve patient safety, patient experience, patient outcomes and access."

Solutions developed as a result of the partnership are expected to be implemented not only within the Ohio-headquartered Cleveland Clinic institutes and G42's anchor operations in the Middle East but worldwide.

Peng Xiao, G42's group CEO, noted that, "AI’s potential to transform the healthcare industry remains largely untapped... AI is paving the way for a future where care is not only more precise but also deeply personalized and preventative.

"We look forward to embarking on this journey alongside Cleveland Clinic and other global partners, harnessing AI to unlock new frontiers in medicine, empower clinicians with unprecedented insights, and ultimately, reshape the way humanity experiences health and longevity."

• Region: North America
• Date: 26 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

bp is one of the Gulf of America’s largest oil producers, operating five major production platforms in the region. In an article on its website, bp outlines five ways it is working to keep its Gulf of America employees safe:

1. Principles to keep bp’s people safe
Making sure contractors are fully supported to work safely is critical to the company’s goal of eliminating Tier 1 process safety events. bp hosts a quarterly contractor forum – a dedicated space for bp’s contractors and leaders to talk about safety. Under the company’s Safety Leadership Principles, bp employees and contractors are empowered to speak up when something does not seem right and to stop work if they have concerns.

2. Leveraging digital technology for better planning and monitoring
bp’s Argos platform is using a digital twin of the facility that enables individuals to monitor Argos from bp’s US headquarters in Houston. The technology was recently used to remotely plan an inspection campaign of 300 valves on Argos to ensure they are being maintained correctly, eliminating the need for the team to physically travel back and forth to the platform. Using the twin, the time to complete the inspections was reduced by 50%. The technology is in use across all five of bp’s operated Gulf of America platforms and in other regions.

3. Deploying other cutting-edge technology to reduce risk
In addition to the digital twin, bp is using drones to inspect tanks in its Gulf of America platforms, eliminating the need for employees and contractors to enter confined spaces.

4. Weather safety
Temperatures on bp platforms in the Gulf of America can reach between 125 to 130° Fahrenheit. Keeping bp personnel on the platforms cool is critical to their ability to safely make decisions and follow protocols. bp started a pilot project on the Mad Dog platform for all offshore personnel to use specially designed, lightweight, cooling, fire-retardant clothing. Heat stress meters are being used to provide real-time data of the current heat risk on the platform. For hydration, test systems have been installed in bathrooms allowing the team members to self-monitor and regulate hydration. Hurricane preparedness sessions are also held, and weather forecasts distributed to warn of severe weather events.

5. Training bp’s future leaders
Under bp’s health, safety, environment and carbon (HSE&C) early careers program,  recent college graduates are placed in teams with experienced safety professionals and visit platforms in the Gulf of America to learn about the work there. The participants take helicopter training before visiting, do a safety orientation once they arrive and shadow the HSE&C site lead at the facility. Current participants are developing safety resources that focus on specific Process Safety Fundamentals including engaging videos, case studies and discussion prompts for all frontline employees.

“These five aspects reflect bp’s belief that every incident is preventable,” says bp. “Technological improvements, a focus on early training and constant communication, with a continuous drive to learn and improve, go a long way toward reaching that goal. Simply put, everyone must go home safely when their shift is done – full stop.”

• Region: North America
• Date: 20 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

MSA Safety discusses the benefits of a layered defense incorporating both gas and flame detection for safety in industrial environments

In industrial settings, safety is paramount, especially in environments where flammable or toxic gases are present, such as the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.

A robust gas detection system is an important line of defense, but it is not the whole story. Integrating flame detection into your safety setup can create a safer and more reliable environment.

The role of gas and flame detection systems

Gas detection systems are designed to identify harmful gases in the air, whether combustible, toxic, or asphyxiating. They provide early warnings, helping to enable preventive action before conditions become dangerous. However, gas detection alone doesn’t account for what happens when a gas leak ignites.

Flame detection systems complement gas detectors by identifying the presence of fire, which may occur even where gas concentration hasn’t yet reached detectable levels. Together, these systems can contribute to a more comprehensive safety net that addresses both potential and actual hazards.

Why include flame detection in gas detection systems?

1. More comprehensive hazard mitigation

Gas detectors and flame detectors work hand-in-hand to prevent accidents and mitigate risks. While gas detectors alert you to the presence of a leak, flame detectors respond to fires that could result from undetected or ignited gases.

2. Faster response to fire emergencies

A gas leak can ignite in seconds, turning a potential hazard into an active emergency. Flame detectors react in real-time to the presence of a flame, helping to enable prompt action to contain the fire and prevent escalation.

3. Helps eliminate blind spots

Gas detection systems can only monitor specific zones. In scenarios where a leak occurs outside the detection range or a minor leak ignites directly, flame detectors can be an important second layer of protection.

4. Tailored for high-risk industries

In industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing, the risk of fire due to flammable gases is ever present. Flame detection helps protect these high-stakes environments against both minor and catastrophic ignition events.

5. Meeting regulatory standards

Safety regulations often require both gas and flame detection systems for compliance. Adhering to these standards not only protects your team and assets but also ensures your operations meet legal and industry benchmarks.

6. Minimising damage and downtime

Early flame detection can activate suppression systems, limit the spread of fire, and enhance the safety of personnel. By containing incidents quickly, businesses can avoid costly equipment damage and extended downtime.

7. Enhanced operational safety and continuity

Combining gas and flame detection creates a more resilient safety framework that reduces the likelihood of accidents and enables a quicker recovery in the event of an incident. This reliability is key to maintaining trust and productivity.

A layered defense

Safety in industrial environments is not about choosing between gas or flame detection — it’s about understanding the benefits of both to build a layered defense.

While gas detectors prevent potential hazards by identifying leaks, flame detectors act as a safeguard when ignition occurs.

Safety managers may consider this combination a necessity in today’s high risk, high stakes industries. By integrating flame detection into your gas detection system, you help to ensure that your operations are protected from the full spectrum of potential hazards, safeguarding lives, assets, and your reputation.

MSA Safety is a North American manufacturer and supplier of safety equipment used in a range of hazardous environments, including construction, military, fire service, and chemical, oil, and gas production. The company has provided its products to sites all across the region, and also partnered with OSHA to highlight workplace safety in Houston. 

• Region: North America
• Date: 18 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

The Gulf of America, historically known as the Gulf of Mexico, remains a crucial region for offshore energy production, with companies like bp leading the way in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) improvements.

In recent years, bp has taken significant steps to strengthen its safety culture, implement advanced technologies, and refine operational protocols to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety.

bp’s approach to HSE in the Gulf of America is guided by its Operating Management System (OMS), which provides a consistent framework for managing health, safety, security, and environmental risks.

The OMS integrates bp’s safety leadership principles, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers’ (IOGP) Life-Saving Rules, and process safety fundamentals. These elements collectively drive a strong safety culture, ensuring that best practices are embedded across BP’s operations.

To reinforce this culture, bp has prioritised psychological safety among its workforce. Employees in operations are encouraged to voice concerns and report potential hazards without fear of retaliation.

Training sessions have been expanded to help employees integrate safety principles into their daily routines, fostering a more open and proactive approach to risk management.

Life-saving rules and digital solutions

The IOGP Life-Saving Rules address high-risk activities that account for the majority of serious industry incidents.

Since their adoption, bp has measured their effectiveness, conducting site visits and safety audits to assess compliance.

In 2024, operational safety teams visited production sites in Azerbaijan, refining facilities in Spain, and terminals and pipelines in the US to ensure adherence to these critical safety measures.

Technology plays a pivotal role in bp’s HSE advancements. Digital solutions such as the IRIS system (for health, safety, security, and environment reporting) and the LENS platform (for learning and knowledge-sharing) have enhanced BP’s ability to standardise processes and collaborate across sites.

Additionally, the company has deployed Nova, an integrated management tool that helps monitor risk controls and enforce safety measures.

Despite bp’s efforts, the company faced challenges in 2024, reporting a fatality and several life-changing injuries across its global operations.

These incidents have reinforced the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols. To address these concerns, bp has focused on leveraging lessons learned to prevent future occurrences, including a renewed emphasis on safe manual handling procedures and emergency response preparedness.

Process safety remains a priority, with bp implementing stricter mechanical integrity frameworks in refining and production activities.

The company has also integrated IOGP’s Process Safety Fundamentals, ensuring that risk awareness and operational reliability are at the forefront of daily activities.

bp’s offshore operations in the Gulf of America benefit from enhanced monitoring and AI-driven solutions.

In drilling activities, bp uses advanced surveillance systems that allow experts in Houston and Sunbury to detect early warning signs of potential hazards, enabling timely intervention.

Additionally, bp’s US onshore subsidiary, bpx energy, has adopted AI-powered driving safety measures, significantly reducing driver distraction and tailgating incidents.