Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 3 January, 2025
- Year: 2025
In its latest Sustainability Report, Aramco highlights its focus on safety as a core value throughout its global operations, where its “total workforce concept” is built on a robust safety culture and safe environment across its employees, contractors, and suppliers
This is complemented by innovative digital solutions that drive safety performance, elevate emergency readiness, and enhance safety governance.
A key factor in maintaining high safety standards is Aramco's monthly Executive Management Safety Review program, which it has run for over 40 years. This involves a management team visiting one of the company’s major operational areas to review HSE performance and engage directly with employees and contractors to discuss safety matters.
Aramco reports that its Total Recordable Case (TRC) rate has decreased by 22% since 2021, which it attributes to its investment in training initiatives and implementing a comprehensive lessons learned programme to prevent incidents re-occuring. All incidents are evaluated to identify root causes, following which corrective actions are introduced and lessons learned shared with all relevant departments and stakeholders.
The NOC has expanded its corporate safety assessment programmes, which assess all Aramco organisations against its robust Safety Management System (SMS) guidelines, to include in-kingdom and international affiliates, with more than 50 SMS assessments performed in 2023. supporting the reinforcement of their safety management system and providing the necessary resources,training, and guidance to improve and continually enhance their safety performance.
Ensuring contractor safety
One of the enduring challenges for major companies in Saudi Arabia is ensuring high and consistent standards across multicultural contractor workforces, where there may be variations in safety culture and behaviour as well as disparities in levels of competence. Ensuring contractor safety is a strong focus for Aramco, which partners with its contractors to build a strong safety culture across the value chain, with bespoke tools used to monitor contractor safety performance and compliance to corporate safety requirements. Along with its contractor safety index and turnaround safety index Aramco has introduced the Rig Safety Index, which monitors onshore and offshore drilling rig contractor safety performance. Another recent initiative has been the introduction of the ‘Line of Fire’ campaign to address risks associated with danger zones at construction sites. This aimed to raise the safety awareness of the contractor site workforce, improving their capabilities to identify work site hazards and enhancing safe behaviour.
In terms of emergency preparedness, Aramco’s Corporate Emergency Management Taskforce ensures resilience and readiness pre-planning, as well as risk based, and site-specific emergency response plans. A quarterly forum for emergency preparedness coordinators is held to continually improve emergency readiness, and the company has recently enhanced its digital safety system – SafeLife – to enable a company-wide tracking of emergency exercise schedules, as well as drill critique items until closure in a unified system.
The energy giant has also expanded safety training programmes, working closely with five National Training Centers (NTCs) to evaluate and enhance existing Safety Diploma Programs and to establish new ones.
With its focus on safety as a core value and the introduction of new methodologies, initiatives and technologies, Aramco ensures that it drives a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety across its global operations.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 1 January, 2025
- Year: 2025
Malta recorded the highest workplace fatality rate in the EU for 2022, with over five deaths per 100,000 workers, according to new data released by Eurostat.
Fifteen workplace deaths were reported, a rate 50% higher than France, the second-highest, and more than three times the EU average.
National Statistics Office data reveals that over half of these fatalities in 2022 and 2023 occurred in the construction sector, marking 2022 as the deadliest year for workplace accidents in 18 years.
Malta’s workplace fatality rate in 2022 was 75% higher than France’s and over three times the EU average, Eurostat data reveals.
In contrast, the Netherlands emerged as the safest EU country for workers, followed by Greece, Germany, and Sweden.
Construction was responsible for nearly a quarter of workplace fatalities across the EU, with transportation, storage, and manufacturing industries also recording significant numbers. Manufacturing had the highest proportion of non-fatal workplace accidents.
Overall, the EU saw nearly 3,300 workplace deaths in 2022, a slight decline from the previous year.
Most non-fatal incidents resulted in superficial injuries, dislocations, sprains, and strains.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 31 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) stands as a global leader in energy production, with its vast oil reserves fueling industries worldwide. As one of the largest producers of petroleum, the country’s industrial and economic activities span oil and gas, petrochemicals, mining, and infrastructure development.
These sectors bring unique Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) challenges shaped by the Kingdom’s climate, geography, workforce composition, and economic priorities. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions and adherence to international best practices to ensure worker safety, environmental preservation, and operational efficiency.
Extreme Climate and Geography
Saudi Arabia’s harsh environmental conditions pose one of the most significant HSE challenges. The Kingdom experiences extreme heat, with summer temperatures often exceeding 50°C (122°F). Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration, putting workers in construction, oil fields, and industrial sites at significant risk. Managing these conditions requires robust safety protocols, such as hydration programmes, shaded workspaces, and modified work schedules during peak heat hours.
Furthermore, vast desert landscapes and remote locations add logistical challenges for emergency response and worker safety. Oil fields, refineries, and mining operations are often situated in isolated areas, making it essential to have well-equipped emergency medical facilities and efficient evacuation plans in place.
Diverse and Multinational Workforce
Saudi Arabia’s workforce in key industries is highly diverse, comprising Saudi nationals and a large number of expatriates from various countries. This diversity presents challenges in communication, safety training, and cultural alignment. HSE policies and safety procedures must be communicated across language barriers to ensure all workers understand and comply with regulations. Employers often utilise multilingual training programs and visual safety aids to bridge these gaps.
Additionally, fostering a unified safety culture can be difficult when workers come from regions with differing safety standards. To address this, organisations are increasingly implementing global HSE frameworks, such as ISO 45001 for occupational safety and ISO 14001 for environmental management, ensuring consistency and best practices regardless of workforce composition.
High-Risk Industrial Operations
Saudi Arabia’s economic backbone relies heavily on industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, and construction—sectors inherently fraught with risks. In oil and gas, hazards include flammable materials, gas leaks, explosions, and operational failures. The Kingdom’s petrochemical plants operate under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, necessitating strict safety measures to prevent catastrophic accidents.
The construction sector, driven by Saudi Vision 2030 megaprojects such as NEOM and the Red Sea Development, presents additional safety risks. High-rise construction, heavy machinery usage, and working in confined spaces require thorough risk assessments and advanced safety equipment to protect workers. Ensuring compliance with stringent safety protocols becomes critical to mitigate accidents and maintain productivity.
Environmental Preservation and Sustainability
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development introduces unique environmental challenges. Industrial operations, particularly in oil and gas, carry risks of emissions, oil spills, and water contamination. The Kingdom’s fragile ecosystems, such as the Red Sea coastline and desert environments, must be protected from industrial byproducts. Companies are increasingly adopting technologies to minimise environmental impact, including carbon capture, emission reduction systems, and zero-flaring initiatives.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasises environmental sustainability through projects like the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions, increase renewable energy usage, and plant billions of trees to combat desertification. Companies operating in the Kingdom must align their HSE strategies with these national priorities to ensure compliance and support long-term sustainability goals.
Regulatory Landscape and Compliance
Saudi Arabia has established robust regulatory frameworks to address HSE challenges. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) oversees labour laws, while the Saudi Aramco HSE standards serve as benchmarks for safety in the oil and gas industry. Organisations are required to comply with national and international regulations, and enforcement mechanisms ensure accountability. Regular audits, inspections, and training programs play a crucial role in maintaining compliance.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates advanced technology, comprehensive safety training, and alignment with global standards. By fostering a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting workers and preserving its natural resources while advancing its economic ambitions under Vision 2030.
- Details
- shivani dhruv
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 31 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
United Rentals, Inc., the leading global equipment rental company, has introduced the Excavation Safety Training for Competent Persons Program, offering an innovative approach to trench and excavation safety
This program aims to improve compliance and productivity through interactive learning activities that equip participants with practical knowledge for managing one of construction’s most hazardous tasks.
The training supports competent persons—those responsible for excavation safety—and assists employers and workers in understanding and applying OSHA Standard 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart P. It provides advanced insights into topics such as soil evaluation, protective systems, and interpreting safety standards.
Available through United Academy, the program offers multiple learning formats, including in-person sessions, virtual instructor-led classes, and e-learning modules. With engaging features like virtual reality simulations and hazard hunts, the program sets a benchmark for safety training across industries like infrastructure, oil and gas, and utilities.
“Working below ground, and building underground structures and utilities is demanding and requires relevant up-to-date safety training. Leading-edge training takes the information and classroom lessons to the field, which helps promote safe and compliant jobsites,” said Todd Hayes, region vice president – Trench Safety, United Rentals. “Our revised program will help our customers foster a culture of safety, while reducing risks and improving jobsite results.”
Created in collaboration with Mosaic Learning, the platform incorporates knowledge assessments, simulation exercises, and interactive learning activities designed for adult learners. It also integrates the United Rentals Trench Safety app, offering tools like a slope calculator and OSHA resources on iOS and Android.
United Rentals Trench Safety Solutions
United Rentals Trench Safety delivers efficient safety solutions for worksites through underground services and training. With 92+ trench safety locations and North America's largest fleet of shoring and underground excavation rental equipment, the company offers customised, cost-effective solutions. Its offerings include OSHA-compliant trench protection systems, such as shoring, shielding, lasers, and optical instruments. United Rentals also provides pre-bid protective system analysis, on-site consultations, and engineering design support.
- Details
- Madhuri Ramesh
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 30 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
Smart digital systems have revolutionised EU workplaces through state-of-the-art innovations in smart wearables, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and Internet of Things (IoT), among others
In order to investigate the practical implications of these tools and new occupational safety and health (OSH) monitoring systems, EU-OSH developed nine case studies that investigate aspects related to the development and implementation stage.
A recent report that compared and analysed these case studies highlighted the diverse array of smart monitoring systems that use new technologies and tools currently developed and deployed to improve OSH. While new OSH monitoring systems are generally perceived as beneficial, they also pose significant challenges to OSH. From the analyses, it was inferred that the key to overcoming these challenges is the manner in which the systems are integrated into existing OSH frameworks.
When it comes to introducing digital technologies to the workplace, it was observed that although smart OSH digital monitoring systems serve to boost workers’ safety and wellbeing, the employer remains the primary user. The concern and primary considerations therefore, relate to the privacy of workers’ data and the potential misuse of such data.
This emphasises the need to consider data privacy when introducing smart digital systems into the workplace, while also developing regulations that would safeguard workers’ rights.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 27 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
Workplace safety remains a pressing issue across the European Union, with over 3,000 deaths and nearly 3 million injuries reported in 2022, according to Eurostat. The figures reveal that for every fatality, there are approximately 905 non-fatal injuries.
Workplace incidents can have devastating consequences, from fatalities to life-altering injuries. Fatal accidents are defined as those leading to death within a year of the incident, while non-fatal injuries often result in long-term harm, such as disabilities. These incidents not only affect victims but also impose emotional and financial burdens on families.
While workplace accidents occur across various industries, some sectors face disproportionately higher risks. Construction stands out as the most dangerous, accounting for nearly a quarter of all work-related deaths in 2022. Transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture also reported significant numbers of fatalities, collectively making up 65.5% of deadly incidents. In terms of non-fatal injuries, manufacturing led the way, followed by healthcare, construction, and trade.
Men are overwhelmingly represented in accident statistics, with over two-thirds of incidents involving male workers. This imbalance is largely attributed to the gendered nature of high-risk sectors, which tend to employ more men.
The lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in 2022 coincided with a 3% rise in non-fatal injuries, translating to an additional 87,139 incidents compared to the previous year. While fatal accidents saw a slight decline, the overall increase in injuries underscores the need for renewed focus on worker protection.
Germany recorded the highest number of non-fatal injuries, with over 700,000 cases, followed by France, Spain, and Italy. However, France reported the most fatalities, with over 600 deaths, highlighting stark differences in safety outcomes across EU countries.
While physical injuries dominate the statistics, the psychological impacts of work, such as burnout, remain an underreported yet critical issue. These disorders, though excluded from accident data, are increasingly recognised as a significant threat to worker wellbeing.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 26 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
Dubai-based AG Engineering and Power and AG Metal Industries, have been awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour by the British Safety Council, underlining their efforts and commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of their workforce
AG Engineering and Power and AG Metal Industries, part of Al Ghurair, one of the largest diversified family businesses in the Middle East, were among 71 successful applicants that have received the honour, following a stringent Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit conducted by an independent adjudication panel. It is the second year in a row that an Al Ghurair company has received the award, with AG PCS Switchgear being honoured with this achievement in 2023.
Jacob John, chief executive officer - Construction and Services Sector, Engineering Cluster at Al Ghurair, said, “Winning the Sword of Honour for two of our business units is a major achievement for Al Ghurair. We dared to benchmark our Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards against the best practices of the world's most esteemed organisations, and found ourselves at par. In this endeavour, the globally renowned British Safety Council has served as our partner, advisor and assessor. This collaboration has been instrumental in our diligent and rewarding journey towards safeguarding our people, related stakeholders and strengthening Al Ghurair’s position as a leader in the industry.”
To compete for the Sword of Honour, the companies first had to achieve the maximum Five Stars in British Safety Council’s audit scheme, which verified the divisions’ HSE Managements Systems and their approach to identifying and mitigating risks at the workplace. The companies were also required to demonstrate a proven track record and culture of best practice for excellence in health and safety management throughout the business, from the shop floor to the boardroom.
The British Safety Council's Swoard, Globe and Sheidl of Honour awards ceelbrate and reward those organisations that have reached the pinnacle of health, safety, wellbeing and environmental management.
The Middle East was well represented in the list of award winners in 2024, illustrating the growing focus on raising health and safety standards in the region. Other recipients of the award in the Middle East included Al Ain City Municipality, Al Hamra Industrial Zone, Bapco Refining, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (which also received the Globe of Honour for environmental management), NFZ Ral Al-Khaimah, Qatar Gas Transport, Company Ltd (Nakilat), and Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions.
Applications for the 2025 awards are now open. See https://www.britsafe.org/p/international-safety-awards-application
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 24 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is going through a far-reaching social and economic transformation, driven by Saudi Vision 2030, its blueprint aimed at creating a vibrant society, building a diverse economy and championing environmental sustainability. This includes health and safety, with Vision 2030 objectives aiming to minimise workplace injuries, diseases, and fatalities across all sectors.
The last decade has seen a steady decline in work injuries recorded by GOSI (the General Organization for Social Insurance), with figures down by two thirds since 2012 (from 73,896 to 27,133 in 2023).
For the trend to continue in line with the ambition of Vision 2030, however, cooperation between all layers of the HSE ecosystem, from corporate entities to contractors, must continue.
Many challenges and concerns remain among members of that ecosystem, some of which relate to the sheer scale and pace of the developments underway in the Kingdom. At the heart of the Kingdom’s diversification efforts are several massive transformative gigaprojects, backed by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), designed to widen employment opportunities, open up new sectors such as tourism, leisure and culture, enhance Saudi Arabia’s position regionally and internationally and set new standards of sustainability and innovation.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is transforming every aspect of life in Saudi Arabia, and the HSE sector is no exception, with a positive drive from the government to improve standards and promote safe and healthy workplaces in line with international best practices. The scale and pace of developments pose both challenges and opportunities, with scope for partnerships and collaborations in areas ranging from training and consultancy to technology and equipment supply.
There is also a thirst for sharing knowledge and expertise more widely and building more valuable business connections.
This extract is from a 2024 outlook on the Saudi Arabia HSE landscape published by Offshore Network: the full report and others can be downloaded here.
- Details
- Madhuri Ramesh
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 24 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
A comparative study between two automotive companies in Belgium and Italy explores the digital impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence-based worker management (AIWM) systems on occupational safety and health (OSH)
AIWM system integration has become increasingly prevalent in industrial sectors to enhance productivity and streamline processes. However, they can significantly impact worker autonomy, job quality and OSH. Findings of the study indicate that the adoption of the system mainly depend on the level of worker involvement and the managerial strategies employed.
While the Italian firm involves employees in decision-making processes and reports superior OSH outcomes and overall wellbeing, the Belgian firm follows a hierarchical, top-down management model. The choice of the management model adopted may largely be influenced by the size of the companies and their positions in the global value chain.
Given their active engagement with technology adoption and development, workers in the Italian firm were found to experience lower levels of stress, increased job satisfaction and reduced exposure to OSH risks in comparison with workers in the Belgian firm who exhibited an absence in worker participation, resulting in adverse health effects including burnout and anxiety.
Italian case reports also showed zero turnover along with the presence of a stable workforce, while the Belgian case on the other hand showed a slightly higher turnover indicating potential challenges in maintaining a consistent organisational culture and overall instability.
Moreover, the study takes into account the dual role that AIWM systems play in OSH management. For instance, while these systems enable real-time hazard monitoring, provide ergonomic support and facilitate the delivery of safety training programmes, they can however lead to adverse outcomes if operated without adequate human oversight.
Overall, the findings of the study highlight that a successful integration of AIWM systems require active engagement and participation of workers in the adoption, development and implementation of digital tools. In addition, structured training programmes, job role rotations, and proactive health and safety measures are mandatory requisites to ensure worker wellbeing and optimisation of production processes.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 23 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
The global health, safety, and environment (HSE) landscape is experiencing significant growth.
On one side, unprecedented efforts are being channelled into tackling the climate crisis, with the international community steadfastly pursuing net-zero ambitions.
On the other, the focus on worker health and safety has intensified, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite substantial progress in occupational health and safety, work-related injuries and fatalities remain alarmingly high.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), work-related fatalities accounted for 6.71% of global deaths, while an estimated 374 million workers suffered non-fatal occupational accidents.
In a landmark move, the ILO has incorporated “a safe and healthy working environment” into its Fundamental Principles and Rights framework, underscoring its commitment to preventing workplace injuries and diseases.
Adding to the discourse, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) published its ERM 2024 Global Health and Safety Survey, which highlighted increasing investments in health and safety, stronger leadership engagement, and greater utilisation of technology and data analytics.
Notable findings include 94% of health and safety leaders reporting heightened stakeholder expectations over the past three years, with 80% anticipating further increases across all sectors and regions in the next three years.
Additionally, 77% expect rising health and safety expectations among prospective employees.
While 81% of participants acknowledged improved leadership engagement in health and safety over the past three years, only 7% felt that sufficient time was being dedicated to the topic.
To bridge this gap, 85% of respondents plan to invest in safety leadership initiatives within the next three years, signalling a clear shift towards prioritising health and safety at the leadership level.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
The health, safety, and environment (HSE) market in the MENA region is experiencing significant growth, driven by developing economies, advancements in technology, increasingly stringent standards and new HSE approaches, frameworks and practices.
Industries are undergoing a transformation, driven by a focus on safety, compliance, and sustainability. In the oil and gas sector, advancements in technology and artificial intelligence are proving instrumental in strengthening safety protocols and improving operational efficiency.
These innovations enable companies to predict and mitigate risks more effectively, fostering safer and more sustainable practices.
The construction sector is similarly embracing technological progress to enhance safety measures and address the challenges posed by climate change.
Governments across the region are actively raising standards by fostering a positive safety culture in workplaces. Through the introduction of new regulations, strict enforcement, and collaborative safety awareness campaigns with businesses, they are driving significant improvements.
Ahead of the Intersec 2024 Safety & Health Conference in January, Dr Waddah S. Ghanem Al Hashmi, Honorary Chairman of the Energy Institute Middle East and Chairman of the Federal Occupational Health and Safety Committee, emphasised the substantial progress the UAE and the wider Middle East have made in establishing robust frameworks and practices for occupational health and safety (OHS).
In December 2022, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology issued a standard aligning with ISO 45001:2019, which aims to strengthen leadership engagement in OHS within organisations. Dr Al Hashmi said, “These updated standards are expected to drive a shift from mere compliance to a culture of value creation and sustainability. Greater leadership involvement will elevate OHS performance and employee engagement and foster a reduction in incidents across industries…I see positive thinking developing in the region.”
This extract is from a 2024 outlook on the MENA HSE landscape published by Offshore Network: the full report and others can be downloaded here.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 19 December, 2024
- Year: 2024
The landscape of health, safety, and environment (HSE) in the European Union has undergone significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology, stricter regulatory frameworks, and an evolving understanding of risks. Several trends and innovations now define the HSE landscape.
Digitalisation and smart technologies
Digital technologies are revolutionising HSE in the EU. Wearable devices, such as smart helmets and connected vests, monitor workers’ vitals, enabling prompt emergency responses. AI and machine learning are used for predictive risk management, identifying hazards before they materialise. Digital twin technology—virtual replicas of physical assets—allows companies like Siemens to simulate safety scenarios, optimising workflows in high-risk sectors. Similarly, Uvex Group develops smart PPE, including helmets and eyewear, to enhance workplace safety.
Regulatory updates and sustainability focus
The EU’s commitment to sustainability, through initiatives like the European Green Deal, is reshaping HSE strategies. Industries are adopting sustainable practices to reduce emissions and manage hazardous waste, ensuring compliance with stricter regulations. Updates to the EU’s Framework Directive on Safety and Health at Work address new risks, such as workplace stress and mental health. Companies like EcoOnline offer digital tools to help businesses navigate these evolving regulations effectively.
Focus on mental health and well-being
The pandemic highlighted the critical role of mental health in workplace safety. EU organisations are integrating stress management, resilience training, and work-life balance programmes into HSE frameworks. These initiatives aim to improve well-being, recognising its direct impact on safety and productivity.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing
The EU’s multi-national framework fosters collaboration between member states, enabling the sharing of best practices and innovations. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) supports these efforts by providing valuable resources and data to improve HSE outcomes.
As the EU prioritises safety and sustainability, the integration of technology and collaborative approaches is driving HSE advancements. Companies like Siemens, Uvex Group, and EcoOnline exemplify the innovation leading this transformation, paving the way for a safer, more sustainable workplace future.