Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 23 Jun, 2025
- Year: 2025
Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection has introduced the PS DUO, a new portable dual-gas detector designed to improve personal safety in hazardous environments.
The compact handheld device can detect two gases simultaneously using passive diffusion sensing, and features real-time monitoring with audible, visual and vibrating alarms to alert users when gas levels exceed safe limits.
The PS DUO offers a broad selection of gas combinations including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃), oxygen (O₂), hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). Its ATEX/IECEx rating and 2-year warranty make it ideal for industrial settings. Users can select gas pairings tailored to their specific applications, such as H₂S and SO₂, particularly relevant in Middle Eastern operations.
The detector features a bright LCD screen displaying continuous gas concentration, wireless connectivity for easy data transfer, and internal memory capable of storing 30 alarm logs. Housed in a rugged IP67-rated rubberised casing, the PS DUO is lightweight (200g), ergonomic, and designed for comfort and ease of use in demanding environments. It runs for up to two years on a single replaceable battery.
Pawel Kulik, product manager-portables, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, said, “It adds to an existing and highly successful range of personal safety and gas monitoring solutions that includes our portable Protégé ZM and PS200.”
The new device complements Teledyne’s existing personal gas monitoring range, including the Protégé ZM single-gas monitor and the PS200 four-gas compliance monitor, both known for reliability and ease of use in hazardous locations.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 20 June, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi will host the Occupational Health and Safety Week 2025 from 23-27 June, featuring a two-day forum themed “Growth in Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation: A Leap in the Right Direction for Workplace Safety and Health.”
The forum underscores DMT’s dedication to harnessing artificial intelligence and digital technologies to foster safer and more sustainable workplaces.
The event will showcase advanced tools such as big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented and virtual reality to boost performance efficiency, reduce workplace accidents and injuries, and enhance risk prediction and management.
Through panel discussions and specialised workshops, the forum will promote expertise development, knowledge sharing, and strengthen local and international partnerships, aligning with the National Strategy for Occupational Health and Safety and Abu Dhabi’s Occupational Health and Safety System to minimise risks and improve employee wellbeing.
The forum will convene leading experts from organisations including the International Institute of Risk Management, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Khalifa University, and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility).
Contributions from entities such as Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, and Abu Dhabi Ports will highlight initiatives to optimise workplace standards and enhance employee health and satisfaction.
The event will conclude with a discussion session to evaluate key insights and provide recommendations to advance Abu Dhabi’s occupational health and safety framework, supporting institutional integration and the Emirate’s vision for sustainable development and digitally adaptive communities.
These efforts aim to foster safer, more resilient workplaces in line with global best practices.
Complementing the forum, DMT and its affiliates will launch awareness campaigns throughout the week to elevate workplace wellbeing and safety standards across Abu Dhabi.
HE Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operations Affairs at DMT, said, "The second edition of the Occupational Health and Safety Week underscores our ongoing efforts to creating safer, healthier workplaces by leveraging digitalisation and artificial intelligence as transformative tools to enhance safety standards and improve employee well-being."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 19 June, 2025
- Year: 2025
Honeywell has announced that Southwest Airlines is equipping its entire Boeing 737 fleet with SmartRunway and SmartLanding software to bolster runway safety.
Enabled through the Honeywell Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) already installed on Southwest’s aircraft, over 700 planes have been activated with this technology to date.
SmartRunway and SmartLanding enhance flight crew situational awareness during taxiing, take-off, and landing by providing aural and visual alerts to promote stabilised approaches.
The software proactively warns pilots of excessive speed, excessive altitude, or incorrect runway approaches, helping to prevent incidents that could lead to runway accidents.
Certified for most Airbus, Boeing, and numerous business aviation platforms, this technology strengthens safety across diverse aircraft types.
Other aviation safety solutions
Honeywell is also developing its next-generation runway safety solution, Surface Alerts (SURF-A), currently under testing with certification anticipated for commercial air transport aircraft in 2026, pending regulatory approval.
SURF-A leverages GPS data, Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast equipment, and advanced analytics to deliver direct aural and visual alerts about potential runway traffic, further enhancing safety through the EGPWS platform.
This initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between Honeywell and Southwest. In 2015, Southwest selected Honeywell’s flight-deck systems for its order of 240 Boeing 737 MAX airliners, complementing its 737 Next Generation fleet already equipped with Honeywell cockpit avionics.
Southwest was also the first airline to adopt Honeywell’s Integrated Multi-Mode Receiver technology, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge aviation solutions.
"Today's pilots face increasing challenges including unpredictable weather and dense traffic in limited airspace, forcing them to make split-second decisions during takeoff and landing. Fortunately, as the challenges evolve, so does the technology that provides the information they need in real time," said Jim Currier, president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. "Southwest is continuing to put pilots and passengers first by investing in SmartRunway and SmartLanding software across its fleet."
"Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Southwest," said Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer at Southwest Airlines. "Honeywell's SmartRunway and SmartLanding software will provide our pilots with enhanced situational awareness to ensure the highest level of safety while operating on runways throughout the network."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 17 Jun, 2025
- Year: 2025
Ocean workers, exposed to the escalating dangers of climate change, should be acknowledged as a frontline group in global efforts to mitigate its impacts, according to a new report by Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
The charity’s World Risk Poll Focus On: Risk Perceptions and Experiences of Ocean Workers reveals that these workers are among the most vulnerable to climate-related hazards, with 80% expressing concern about serious harm from severe weather.
The report draws on data from the 2024 World Risk Poll, conducted by Gallup, which surveyed 147,000 people across 142 countries.
It found that ocean workers are nearly three times more likely to identify climate change as the greatest risk to their daily safety (17%) compared to workers in other industries (6%).
The data underscores the unique challenges faced by those working at sea, where storms and unpredictable ocean conditions are intensifying.
According to the report, one in three ocean workers (33%) has experienced serious harm from severe weather in the past two years, compared to 20% of workers in other sectors.
The findings also highlight broader vulnerabilities.
Lack of training
Ocean workers reported the highest rates of workplace harm across all sectors, with 25% experiencing harm from their work in the past two years, compared to 18% of other workers.
Alarmingly, occupational safety and health (OSH) training is severely lacking, with 68% of ocean workers reporting they have never received such training, and only 25% having accessed it in the last two years.
Lloyd’s Register Foundation is urging governments, employers, and policymakers to recognise ocean workers as frontline workers in the context of climate change.
The charity calls for urgent action to improve safety training and protections to address the disproportionate risks faced by this group.
Nancy Hey, director of evidence and insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said, “It is imperative that we prioritise OSH training for ocean workers and change the assumption that this must only be done once. Training is a continuous process, not a one-off event, which requires adequate funding and widespread industry support.
“Stronger safety standards must be tailored to the unique challenges of working on, or near, the water, including protections against severe weather and isolation-related stress. Without them, ocean workers, who play such a pivotal role in our global economy, will be at increasingly heightened risk as our climate continues to change.”
“However, their frontline status means ocean workers will also have knowledge and expertise on how we can safely adapt to climate change, and this is learning we should look to draw on in other sectors as they are also put under increasing climate-related stress.”
Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., president of the World Maritime University, said, “Seafaring and commercial fishing have traditionally been recognised as the world’s most hazardous occupations. Aside from already challenging conditions that have perennially been associated with shipboard life, our ocean workers face new and even more serious risks brought about by climate change. The World Risk Poll provides us with important and updated data and evidence that should inform any policy designed to protect not only our ocean workers, but the planet itself.”
Chirag Bahri, international operations manager at the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), and a former seafarer, commented, “In addition to the harsh weather, ocean workers have to deal with a variety of internal issues which lead to anxiety and stress, such as loneliness, working with a diverse and international crew, and being physically separated from their loved ones. This study emphasises that ocean workers are also subject to quiet storms in the form of insufficient training and fear of job loss. Their wellbeing is just as important as the work they do, so they should receive better training that helps to promote their occupational health and safety. The global economy depends on their resilience and power, and in order to safeguard the environment and humanity, we must adopt sustainable solutions.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 16 Jun, 2025
- Year: 2025
The International Code Council (ICC), a global authority on building safety and construction standards, will take part in the 7th edition of Big 5 Construct Egypt, held from 17-19 June 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.
Mohammed Amer, managing director – ICC MENA, will present a session titled “Highlighting the Impact of ICC on Innovative Building Practices in the MENA.”
His address will explore ICC’s expanding role in the region, with a focus on its International Codes (I-Codes) and the wider ICC Family of Solutions.
Using real-world case studies, Amer will demonstrate how ICC works with governments, developers, and industry experts to promote international best practices throughout the MENA construction ecosystem.
In Egypt, ICC plays a vital role in advocating for modern regulatory frameworks, encouraging safer, more sustainable infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, the organisation continues to support the country’s construction growth, while aligning it with global standards.
Bringing together more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries, Big 5 Construct Egypt showcases cutting-edge innovations driving regional construction forward.
Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, and supported by the Egyptian Armed Forces Engineering Authority, the event serves as a key platform for shaping the built environment in North Africa.
Speaking about ICC’s participation, Amer stated, “At ICC, our mission is to support governments and industry stakeholders in implementing internationally recognised codes and standards that enhance safety, resilience, and sustainability. In Egypt and across the GCC, our efforts have played a key role in advancing building regulatory modernisation, integrating smart technologies, and strengthening the professional capacity needed to apply best practices effectively.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 13 June 2025
- Year: 2025
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed an agreement to launch the third phase of their Programme of Cooperation, to strengthen labour market governance and promote decent work in the Kingdom
The new phase will build on ongoing collaboration and will focus on seven key areas, one of which is strengthening occupational health and safety. The other areas are promoting inclusive social dialogue and representation; ensuring fair recruitment and labour mobility of migrant workers; protecting the rights of domestic workers; expanding migrant workers’ access to fair judicial processes; improving social protection systems; and supporting the adoption of a fair and non-discriminatory minimum wage system.
The programme has a strong focus on improving conditions for vulnerable workers, including migrant and domestic workers, who make up a significant share of the workforce in Saudi Arabia. It will also enhance the institutional capacity of Saudi worker and employer representatives, including the Saudi National Committee of Workers Committees and the Federation of Saudi Chambers.
To support the programme, the ILO will establish a project team in Riyadh to provide technical assistance and coordinate activities with national stakeholders.
“This next phase of cooperation focuses on practical reforms to strengthen labour market institutions, improve working conditions and expand protections for vulnerable workers,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. “It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labour policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities.”
Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) Ahmed AlRajhi, said, “Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labour market. Guided by Vision 2030, we have introduced wide-ranging reforms - from expanding labour mobility and wage protection to pioneering the first National Policy to Eliminate Forced Labour in the region, strengthening labour protections and promoting social justice at every level. As our labour market evolves, collaboration with the ILO helps us align with international standards and build a more sustainable and resilient future of work.”
Previous cooperation has made a significant contribution to labour reform in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of national employment policies, advancing occupational safety and health standards, strengthening social dialogue institutions and promoting rights at work. It has resulted in improvements in female labour force participation, social dialogue mechanisms, skills governance and labour inspection systems.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: Technology
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10 June
- Year: 2025
According to Rockwell's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, Saudi and Emirati manufacturers are leading the way in innovating with AI to tailor cybersecurtiy, energy management and quality control protocol
98% of the Middle Eastern respondents to the study, which collated feedback from over 1,500 manufacturing firms worldwide, use or plan to use generative AI for industrial processes: the highest rate of any region included.
Ediz Eren, Rockwell Automation's regional VP, Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, affirmed that the region is "not just experimenting with smart manufacturing technologies; they are applying them to address real operational challenges.
"From cyber resilience to ESG performance and workforce engagement, the data shows a shift toward outcome-driven digitalisation."
61% of operators intend to use AI for cybersecurity and 46% for energy management in the next 12 months.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Europe
- Date: 12 June
- Year: 2025
2025's edition of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards, the 69th in the event's history, saw leaders from over 20 different sectors recognised with awards
Health and safety trailblazers united at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, hosted by comedian Ed Byrne and joined by special guests, including RoSPA chief executive Rebecca Hickman. Reflecting on the awards, Hickman said, "The RoSPA Awards shine a light on unsung heroes, whose hard work saves real lives. In a world where more than three million people die every year because of an accident, health and safety professionals like those we honoured are proof that it does not have to be this way."
Among the award winners were NSG Environmental Ltd., recognised as a leader in the Engineering Services sector, and the Department of Work and Pensions, recognised with the Public Services and Local Government sector award.
NEBOSH, the headline sponsor, were represented at the ceremony by chief quality officer Dee Arp, who said, "The Award winners have achieved the highest standards in health and safety, and raised the bar for the entire profession... as a fellow registered charity, we deeply value our longstanding partnership with RoSPA and the shared mission that unites us: to prevent accidents and protect lives—whether at work, at home, or in our communities."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 9 May 2025
- Year: 2025
Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) is partnering with Industrial Detection Solutions (IDS) to establish a new facility to manufacture gas detection sensors in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In line with the IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) programme that promotes local manufacturing in KSA, the partnership will enable the local production of high-precision sensors for detecting toxic and combustible gases, helping to protect workers and assets at oil and gas production/drilling facilities, LNG/CNG plants, and refining and petrochemical sites.
The products concerned include the DM-700, a non-intrusive ‘smart’ sensor that detects and monitors oxygen and toxic gases in the air using electrochemical sensor technology. The intelligent, plug-in, field-replaceable cell automatically recognises gas type and range. While the FP-700 non-intrusive ‘smart’ sensor detects and monitors combustible gases over the range of 0-100% LEL using catalytic bead sensor technology. The IR-700 is a similar solution for combustible hydrocarbon gases. It uses miniature non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) optical sensor technology to detect and monitor gases over the range of 0-100% LEL.
All of these gas detectors support maximum safety with an innovative design that virtually eliminates sensor failure due to water ingress, corrosion, vibration or transient spikes.
“Our new partnership with Industrial Detection Solutions ensures that manufacturing is closer to both customers and suppliers, enabling even faster delivery of class-leading gas detection products in support of more efficient supply chains,” said Thomas Moeller, VP Sales & Marketing at Teledyne GFD. “The proven solutions manufactured in KSA will better serve a vast regional industry that recognises the importance of a robust and prevalent safety culture. We are proud to be part of KSA’s remarkable ongoing journey of economic and industrial growth, and we look forward to a successful future together.”
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 9 June
- Year: 2025
Between June 15th and September 15th, 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health are enforcing a ban on working in direct sunlight in all private-sector establishments
The ban applies between 12 pm and 3 pm each day, aiming to protect workers from the health risks associated with working in the extreme heat expected during this period.
Announcing the ban, the MHRSD urged employers to adjust working hours accordingly around the ban and highlighted the potential efficiency and safety benefits it enables.
Several resources have been published, including a procedural guide on the risks of heat stress and other heat-related health risks and an advisory guide for working in heat, available via the MHRSD website.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 6 May 2025
- Year: 2025
The USA's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), whose role it is to ensure the safety and environmental stewardship of offshore energy operations, has successfully completed its first annual inspection of Shell’s Whale, one of the newest and most innovative oil production facilities in the Gulf of America
The eight-day annual inspection thoroughly examined all safety equipment aboard the Whale platform, including systems designed to prevent leak, fires, spills or other potential incidents. BSEE’s team of inspectors and engineers verified that all safety components, equipment and production processes met stringent industry standards and complied with all relevant federal regulations.
“We are BSEE are extremely proud to contribute to the ongoing pledge of safe, responsible and efficient energy production in the Gulf of America,” said Gulf of America Region director Bryan Domangue. “This inspection is a critical milestone in our efforts to support energy security, enhance safety and strengthen Americas leadership in energy production.”
Whale is Shell’s 14th deep-water development in the Gulf of America,and its most efficient to date. Whale is located around 200 miles south of Houston on the Outer Continent Shelf and has an estimated peak production capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day. The facility features a semi-submersible production host at a depth of more than 8,600 feet of water, with 15 wells connected to the host via advanced subsea infrastructure. Whale currently has an estimated recoverable resource volume of 480 million boe.
Most of Whale's operations can be managed from the control room in New Orleans, keeping the number of people needed on the platform to a minimum. This has a positive impact on emissions reduction as well as on costs and safety.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- North America
- Topic: Training, HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: June 5 2025
- Year: 2025
Geneva-headquartered SGS, a testing, inspection and certification specialist, has acquired H2Safety Services Inc., a provider of emergency response management, HSE training, and emergency software services
H2Safety, which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary, serves oil & gas, mining, transportation, energy and government entities, specifically centring its services around regulatory compliance and consultation.
CEO and chairman of H2Safety, James Harasen, explained, "Our approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure, communities, employees and natural environments is rooted in building authentic relationships and addressing community concerns transparently."
On the acquisition, Harasen added, "We are excited about joining SGS to expand our emergency management footprint while also leveraging SGS's proven expertise in delivering comprehensive HSE solutions across various industries."
The H2CommandCentre platform is chief among the firm's service and solution suite. The platform has vast-reaching incident response capabilities, activating emergency response, delivering rapid notifications and real-time check-ins; and maps hazard zones and critical residents and stakeholders. Over 15,000 operators currently use the platform.
SGS' North American head of industrial services, Patrick Beck, emphasised, "Operational integrity is at the core of SGS's corporate culture, since our customers entrust us with their quality assurance and operational fluidity needs in a wide range of industrial environments.
"HSE is at the core of what we do. We also have a strong HSE record within our own operations, so we really walk the talk when it comes to protecting assets, employees and the environment."
SGS has committed to doubling North American sales between 2023 and 2027.