Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 31 July 2025
- Year: 2025
Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has conducted a training workshop on heat stress during the summer season, attended by around 250 occupational health and safety officers from companies operating in the country
The two-day workshop forms part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to raise awareness of occupational health and safety in workplace environments and aimed to raise awareness among occupational health and safety officers in companies about the importance of taking necessary preventive measures to avoid heat stress injuries, and to enable them to pass this knowledge on to workers within their companies.
Topics included definitions and types of heat stress, methods of prevention, first aid to be administered at work sites, the impact of sunlight on the eyes, and laws related to working in open spaces during the summer.
Dr Salah Abdulla Alyafei, director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Public Health, stated, “Heat stress remains one of the most significant risks to workers’ health and safety. Rising temperatures and humidity during the summer pose an increasing challenge. Given the diversity of the workforce, many workers may be unaware of the dangers or unfamiliar with proper protective measures.”
“Each year, the Ministry of Public Health, through its Occupational Health Section, runs a dedicated heat stress programme targeted at company health and safety managers and supervisors. This initiative is aimed at improving awareness of heat stress symptoms and preventive actions. As part of the programme, multilingual educational materials are distributed across workplaces, highlighting ways to prevent heat-related issues during the summer. We greatly value the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Labour in organising these joint awareness campaigns.”
In common with its Gulf neighbours, Qatar enforces a midday work ban in the summer months, which in the case of Qatar prohibits outdoor work, or work in unshaded or unventilated areas, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM between 1 June and 15 September each year, in a bid to protect workers from the dangers of summer heat stress. This has significantly contributed to reducing heat-related injuries.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 30 July 2025
- Year: 2025
The Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority is strengthening its efforts to promote a culture of safety across the emirate through its “Safety Officers” programme, an initiative designed to improve occupational safety and instil best practices in workplaces.
The programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify hazards, implement preventive measures, and respond effectively to potential risks, thereby reducing incidents and creating safer environments.
Since its launch, the initiative has seen strong uptake, with 325 individuals enrolled to date. Participants are trained in various safety protocols relevant to different sectors, positioning them as key figures in advancing safety awareness within their organisations. The programme forms part of the Authority’s broader strategy to build a more informed and safety-conscious workforce.
Engineer Mohammed Al Zarouni, who leads the Occupational Safety and Health Department at the Authority, underscored the importance of investing in human capital, noting that the programme is continuously being refined to stay aligned with evolving industry needs. He added that the Authority is committed to expanding the reach of the initiative to include additional sectors in its long-term plans.
The Authority is also working closely with relevant government and private sector entities to ensure the programme’s benefits are sustained over time. This collaborative approach is aimed at improving workplace safety standards across Sharjah and contributing to the emirate’s overall well-being and development.
Al Zarouni said, "We are very proud of the positive results from the Safety Officers programme. It has successfully improved participants' understanding of safety and created a group of skilled individuals who can help promote awareness and oversee safety efforts at workplaces. Remarkably, 85% of participants passed their written and practical exams. We've also seen a noticeable increase in their ability to recognise and respond to safety risks."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 29 July 2025
- Year: 2025
Saudi Arabia has showcased its health, safety and sustainability advancements at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has received the WELL Health-Safety Rating, a globally recognised standard which recognises the measures taken by building owners and operators to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of their staff, visitors and stakeholders, in areas ranging from air and water quality to health and safety communications, access to health services, emergency planning, and sanitisation.
The Saudi pavilion is the first temporary structure to receive this certification.
Designed by Foster + Partners and inspired by traditional Saudi villages, the pavilion incorporates sustainability elements, including roof-top solar panels, low-carbon and light-weight materials, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative.
The Kingdom took part in the Global Initiative for Safety, Health and Well-being Conference held from 16-19 July at Expo 2025, where, for the first time in the history of the expo, Safety, Health and Well-being Days formed part of the official EXPO2025 programme, with a series of events dedicated to safety, health and well-being at work.
The Kingdom’s National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and led by Secretary-General Majed Al-Fawiz, took part in the conference, where the delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Saudi companies.
This participation is a part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to highlight its advancements in occupational safety, health, and employee well-being under Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s NCOSH, along with the Ministry of Energy and several Saudi companies, also participated in the accompanying exhibition, which focused on cutting-edge solutions that enhance protection against occupational risks and promote health and well-being at work.
A key objective is to drive the digital transformation of workplace safety and prevention, leveraging AI to support all aspects of OSH management, risk prevention, and health promotion. The Kingdom highlighted key programmes and initiatives, as well as the latest technologies used to enhance work environments, and activities related to awareness, training, and incident reporting.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 29 July 2025
- Year: 2025
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), in collaboration with Majalis Abu Dhabi at the Presidential Court, has held a series of community awareness sessions during the first half of 2025 focused on gas safety in buildings.
The initiative is part of the DoE’s broader efforts to promote public safety and strengthen social awareness across the Emirate.
Aimed at improving safe gas usage practices in homes and businesses, the sessions were designed to enhance community preparedness and reduce the risk of accidents.
By offering guidance on emergency response and safe handling procedures, the campaign supports the protection of lives, property, and infrastructure across Abu Dhabi.
The sessions were hosted at community Majalis in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, including venues in Mohammed bin Zayed City, Khalifa City, Al Falah, Al Rahbah, Al Sila, Remaah, and Al Alia.
Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, share feedback, and contribute their experiences, fostering two-way dialogue between residents and DoE representatives.
Eng. Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Sector at the DoE, emphasised the role of Majalis as key platforms for public engagement and consultation.
He stressed the importance of incorporating community input into service development and affirmed the DoE’s commitment to working with gas providers to update systems and adopt best practices to mitigate safety risks.
The initiative also falls under the broader "Year of Community" framework, underscoring the DoE’s drive to build stronger public connections and promote a culture of safety through inclusive communication.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 28 July 2025
- Year: 2025
Honeywell has been selected to upgrade the fire alarm system at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4, the busiest terminal at the airport with over 80 gates across eight concourses.
The project will replace the original 2003 Honeywell system with advanced fire safety technology that meets the latest UL standards.
As part of the upgrade, new automated devices and enhanced system modules will improve emergency response and operational efficiency.
A digital dashboard will provide real-time insights, helping to cut maintenance costs and reduce manpower amid ongoing labour shortages.
Updated maps through Honeywell’s Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI) platform will also improve alarm visualisation and guide emergency responders more accurately.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will ensure full protection for the terminal, which serves nearly 94,000 passengers daily, throughout the process.
The project highlights Honeywell’s role in delivering safety-critical infrastructure upgrades while supporting broader megatrends in automation, aviation, and the energy transition.
“This award to enhance the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's fire alarm system reflects our commitment to delivering innovative and reliable automation solutions that protect this busy airport while also helping ensure uninterrupted operations for passengers and staff,” Sudhakar Janakiraman, president, Honeywell Building Solutions.
“We are honored to work on this vital safety initiative that builds on a long-standing and valued relationship.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Date: 25 July 2025
- Year: 2025
A landmark Founding Declaration aimed at promoting safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces worldwide was signed as part of Expo 2025 in Osaka-Kansai, Japan this month.
The Declaration marks the launch of the World Assembly of Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellbeing Professionals and Stakeholders, a global network committed to driving collaboration, promoting safety and wellbeing, empowering future leaders, and developing a roadmap of concrete actions leading up to 2030.
The announcement took place during the four-day “Days on safety, health and wellbeing” programme, organised by the Global Initiative for Safety, Health and Wellbeing at the EXPO2025 and Beyond (GISHW).
It is the first time in more than 170 years that workplace safety and health has been spotlighted at a World Expo, underscoring how essential good work is to the Expo’s wider theme: “Designing future society for our lives.” The signing of the Declaration marks the beginning of a five-year collaboration to improve working conditions and protect lives and livelihoods around the globe.
Endorsed by global leaders in the occupational safety and health (OSH) field, the Declaration serves as both a foundation for action and a global call to prioritise health, safety and wellbeing in the world of work. It affirms that these principles are central to building equitable, inclusive, and resilient societies.
The World Assembly provides a unified platform to elevate these priorities, ensuring they remain central to global development conversations.
The signatories have pledged to promote workplace safety and wellbeing by integrating proactive risk management, inclusive design, and ethical technology.
They also aim to enhance international collaboration in response to major challenges such as digital transformation, climate change, and demographic shifts.
Future OSH leaders will be empowered through diverse representation and innovation, while a shared roadmap will guide collective actions through 2030 based on insights from Expo 2025 workshops.
The Declaration sets a clear intention to measure and share progress, with signatories committing to revisit these goals during the GISHW Days in Riyadh in 2030. The World Assembly will remain an active platform for dialogue, learning, and leadership, supporting a sustained global movement to place safety, health, and wellbeing at the heart of working life.
Founding signatories include companies and organisations such as ACWA Power, Siemens AG, GalaxyEDGE Safety Inc, Global Solutions Inc., IOSH, NEBOSH, RoSPA, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and others.
Marijana Zivkovic Mtegha, member of IOSH and chair of the World Assembly Working Group and vice-chair, GISHW Executive Committee, said, “In a rapidly changing world, driven by geopolitical and economic volatility, digital transformation, climate change and shifting demographics, the need for safe and healthy workplaces is more urgent than ever. This Declaration acknowledges that safety, health, and wellbeing are not only critical to the workplace but are fundamental to the broader societal agenda, including the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and beyond.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 24 July 2025
- Year: 2025
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has announced that it will offer free and confidential black lung screenings for coal miners throughout July and August 2025.
This mobile screening initiative is designed to help detect coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung disease, at an early stage.
The disease is a serious but preventable occupational condition caused by prolonged exposure to coal mine dust.
To ensure easy access, NIOSH will deploy a mobile testing unit across various communities and mine sites in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland.
The programme is open to all coal miners, including current and former workers from underground, surface, and contract mining operations.
Participants will receive a private lung health report at no cost. All results will remain confidential and are protected under federal law.
The screening process takes approximately 30 minutes and includes a work and respiratory history, chest x-ray, blood pressure check, and a breathing test (spirometry).
While walk-ins are welcome, miners are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Test results are generally sent to participants within 8-10 weeks.
In West Virginia, screenings will take place at the NMRA Post 5 Mine Rescue Contest at Mylan Park, Morgantown, from 29-31 July, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Another session will be held at Price Cutter in Mannington on Tuesday, 5 August, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In Maryland, screenings are scheduled for Wednesday, 27 August, at the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
NIOSH completed its screenings in Pennsylvania at Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg on 16 and 17 July.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 23 July 2025
- Year: 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor has updated its policy on penalty and debt collection procedures with the aim of minimising the burden on small businesses and encouraging prompt action to address hazards
The new policy, outlined in the Penalties and Debt Collection section of OSHA’s Field Operations Manual, increases penalty reductions for small employers, making it easier for small businesses to invest resources in compliance and hazard abatement. For example, a penalty reduction level of 70%, which was previously only applicable for businesses with 10 or fewer employees, will now be extended to include businesses who employ up to 25 employees. The revisions also include new guidelines for a 15% penalty reduction for employers who immediately take steps to address or correct a hazard.
Additionally, the updated policy expands the penalty reduction for employers without a history of serious, willful, repeat, or failure-to-abate OSHA violations. Under OSHA’s revised policy, employers who have never been inspected by federal OSHA or an OSHA State Plan, as well as employers who have been inspected in the previous five years and had no serious, willful, or failure-to-abate violations, are eligible for a 20% penalty reduction.
The new policies are effective immediately, and investigations in which penalties have not yet been issued are covered by the new guidance.
OSHA retains the right to withhold penalty reductions where they do not advance the goals of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
"All employers should be offered the opportunity to comply with regulations that help maintain a safe working environment,” said deputy secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “Small employers who are working in good faith to comply with complex federal laws should not face the same penalties as large employers with abundant resources. By lowering penalties on small employers, we are supporting the entrepreneurs that drive our economy and giving them the tools they need to keep our workers safe and healthy on the job while keeping them accountable."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 22 July 2025
- Year: 2025
The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah along with government and private sector partners, is implementing the 14th Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention Campaign
Taking place from July to August under the theme “Your Safety is Our Priority,” the campaign coincides with the midday work ban, which prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm, from 15 June to 15 September to protect workers from injuries and illnesses caused by working in high temperatures during the summer months. The campaign aims to raise health awareness among outdoor workers and field personnel on the dangers of heat stress during the summer.
The campaign aims to reach 10,000 workers and has so far targeted more than 4,000 individuals across various sites in the emirate, with activities including lectures on heat stress, as well as free medical screenings and the distribution of preventive supplies to workers.
Field visits have also taken place, focusing on raising awareness among construction workers as well as employers about proper health practices during the summer and heat stress prevention.
The campaign also extends to workers at fuel stations, and public places as well as community members, including housewives and university students.
These activities aim to highlight the importance of health protection during the summer, promote a culture of healthy living that encourages positive behaviours, and encourage participants to share the knowledge and preventive measures with domestic helpers.
Mohammed Abdullah Al Zarooni, director of MoHAP’s Representative Office in Sharjah, stressed that the campaign is a humanitarian initiative that embodies the values of social responsibility and contributes significantly to promoting health awareness across all segments of society, particularly among outdoor labourers.
He emphasised that the campaign supports government efforts to safeguard labour rights and ensure a healthy work environment, in accordance with WHO standards and the human-focused objectives of the Year of Community.
Partners supporting the campaign include the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Police, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah Sports Council, Labour Standards Development Authority, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Prevention and Safety Authority, Sharjah Volunteering Centre, Sharjah Coop, Sharjah Charity International, the Friends of Kidney Patients Association, Emirates Red Crescent, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Fast Building Contracting, Al Jaber Optical, Medcare Group, Aster DM Healthcare, Burjeel Specialty Hospital, NMC Hospital, Zulekha Hospital, Life Pharmacy Group and Gaia Healthcare.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 22 July 2025
- Year: 2025
Angeles Equity Partners, a private investment firm focused on niche manufacturing, critical industrial services and specialty distribution businesses, and Kain Capital, a private equity firm investing in healthcare services and technology, have announced the merger of Agile Occupational Medicine and Akeso Occupational Health.
This strategic combination creates the second-largest independent occupational medicine provider in the United States, with 42 locations across California and Arizona.
By combining two high-performing platforms with complementary clinic networks, the merger aims to strengthen the delivery of high-quality, efficient care focused on improving patient outcomes and helping employers return injured workers to health and productivity.
Both Agile and Akeso are leaders in occupational medicine, a discipline dedicated to preventing, diagnosing and managing work-related injuries and illnesses.
Their combined offerings now include a wide range of clinical services, from work injury treatment to ancillary services such as physical therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture.
The new entity also provides comprehensive employer-focused solutions, including drug and alcohol screening, regulatory and pre-employment physicals, and hazardous material evaluations.
The merger is designed to expand access to care, enhance service offerings and streamline operations through innovation and a unified commitment to quality.
With an integrated platform and a shared vision, Agile and Akeso aim to be a trusted healthcare partner for employers while ensuring that injured employees receive prompt, expert treatment and are supported throughout their recovery journey.
“Combining Agile and Akeso strengthens our mission of providing timely, effective, and differentiated care to the workers we serve,” said Frank Spelman, managing director at Angeles Equity Partners and board member of Agile. “This merger puts us at the forefront of California’s occupational medicine segment, with the medical expertise, operational breadth, and geographic coverage required to deliver a full suite of healthcare services to, and superior outcomes for, statewide employers.”
“Employers need a reliable healthcare partner who can scale with their needs, and this merger delivers on that promise,” said Kunal Kain, managing partner at Kain Capital and chair of the board of Akeso. “With our combined footprint, we can now provide employers broader access to high-quality, flexible care options.”
“I’m excited to work alongside Dr. Yadidi and the talented team at Akeso,” said Dr. Minh Nguyen, chief medical officer of Agile. “Both organisations are committed to raising the standard of care for injured workers and improving their outcomes with faster recovery times and more efficient service.”
“This partnership strengthens our ability to care for injured workers throughout the state,” said Dr. Kayvon Yadidi, chief medical officer of Akeso. “I’m looking forward to partnering with Dr. Nguyen and combining our expertise to improve care and support for both employees and employers.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 21 July 2025
- Year: 2025
In a continued effort to embed a strong culture of occupational health and safety across its operations, Orange Jordan held a specialised two-day workshop at the Orange Training Center.
The event gathered representatives from more than 32 local and international partner companies, as well as officials from key ministries and national institutions.
Held under the patronage and attendance of Dr. Ibrahim Harb, Chief Legal, Regulatory, Sourcing & Supply Chain Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer at Orange Jordan, the workshop was led by the Human Resources Department’s Compensation and Benefits Management team. Its main goal was to strengthen safety awareness and promote preventive measures among contractors and business partners, aligned with national and international safety standards.
The agenda covered a broad range of critical topics including occupational safety laws, hazard identification and prevention, personal protective equipment, road safety, first aid, social security protocols, and injury management.
A session on positive thinking in the workplace also underscored the importance of mental wellbeing alongside physical safety. The event further showcased Orange Jordan’s internal achievements in building a robust occupational health and safety system.
Officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Social Security Corporation, Public Security Directorate – Civil Defense, and the Jordan Traffic Institute took part, alongside safety experts.
They praised Orange Jordan’s leadership and the broader role of private sector champions in raising health and safety standards and saving lives.
Dr. Harb reaffirmed that employee and partner wellbeing is a core priority for Orange Jordan. He explained that this workshop reflected their ongoing commitment to strengthening safety practices, exchanging knowledge, and ensuring that their operations comply with the highest standards.
The event closed with a strong call to action for all partners and contractors to maintain rigorous health and safety standards. Participants were thanked for their contributions and active engagement in making the initiative a success.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 16 July 2025
- Year: 2025
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has inaugurated its annual summer Safety & Health (S&H) campaign ‘Summer is Here! Ring the Safety Bell’
The opening ceremony was attended by the Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Relations at the Ministry of Labour, Aqeel Buhussein, along with several senior officials, representatives of contracting companies operating at Alba, and employees from across the plant.
Alba’s 2025 S&H campaign will focus on critical summer-related topics such as hydration, heat awareness and safe work practices to empower every employee with the knowledge and tools to thrive both on and off the job. It includes various panel discussions that emphasise cross-functional collaboration and safety best practices across departments; a health awareness session by General Practitioner Dr. Abrar Mahdi titled “Health in Summer”; and a ‘Young Albawee’ session, where the children of Alba employees will promote safety through creative presentations and video messages.
The 2025 S&H Campaign is a key part of Alba’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a world-class safety culture for its workforce, which has been recognised by several recent prestigious awards including RoSPA 2025 Health and Safety Achievement Award (President’s Award), British Safety Council 2025 International Safety Award, as well as numerous awards from the National Safety Council, USA.
“Our annual summer Safety & Health (S&H) campaign is more than just a seasonal reminder to stay safe; it is a call to action - Stay Vigilant. Stay Informed. Stay Safe,” stated Alba's chief executive officer Ali Al Baqali at the campaign’s inauguration.
“Summer brings its own set of challenges in our industry, all of which put our resilience to test. We are proud to have achieved eight years without any heat-related injuries and illnesses in 2024, and, most recently, surpassed 37 million safe working hours without LTI; but summer-related risks repeat every year, and we must stay proactive to ensure that every team member stays safe, supported and ready to beat the heat.”