Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 9 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Health and safety will be a central theme at WETEX 2025, reflecting Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) commitment to promoting global standards of workplace well-being.
Hosted at Za’abeel Hall 6 across the three-day exhibition, the dedicated Health & Safety Hub offers an extensive programme designed to raise awareness, share best practices, and explore the latest innovations in occupational health and safety management.
Running from 30 September to 2 October 2025, the sessions will provide a platform for industry leaders, safety practitioners, and policymakers to address key aspects of workplace health. Discussions will span occupational health and safety standards, emergency preparedness, workplace well-being, stress management, and resilience building. This comprehensive agenda ensures that delegates gain both practical and strategic insights into safeguarding workers in high-risk industries such as energy, water, construction, and manufacturing.
The brochure emphasises WETEX’s goal of aligning with international benchmarks in health and safety, while also tailoring solutions to the region’s evolving industrial and environmental context. By focusing on prevention, preparedness, and mental health alongside physical safety, the Health & Safety Hub represents a progressive approach to risk management.
Health and safety will also be integrated into other areas of the event programme. On the second day of the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) agenda, DEWA will deliver a dedicated session on “Health and Safety Overview”. This engagement underlines the authority’s proactive role in ensuring that suppliers and contractors maintain compliance with its rigorous safety framework. The session will highlight best practices for safe operations, while also exploring how DEWA collaborates with its partners to build safer supply chains.
The inclusion of well-being, stress management, and resilience highlights a broader recognition that workplace safety goes beyond compliance. WETEX 2025 will showcase strategies that support not only accident prevention but also workforce sustainability and productivity. By providing a dedicated platform, the event ensures that health and safety remain integral to the conversation about energy transition, sustainability, and innovation.
Through its Health & Safety Hub and supporting sessions, WETEX 2025 reinforces the importance of embedding safety at every level of organisational practice. Visitors can expect actionable insights, exposure to global standards, and opportunities to engage with experts committed to shaping safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces across the region.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: North America
- Date: 8 September 2025
- Year: 2025
Blackline Safety’s EXO 8 portable area monitor has won seven awards this year, making it one of the most recognised health and safety innovations in the industry
The EXO 8 with gamma detection is a next-generation connected area monitor that advances gas detection and early hazard identification for companies and emergency responders. It launched in September 2024 and combines gas and gamma detection in a single connected unit — a capability that’s critical in high-hazard sectors such as oil and gas, mining, decommissioning, emergency response, and even public safety.
Most recently, the product was recognised in the 2025 Occupational Health & Safety New Product of the Year Awards in the categories of Emergency Response & Preparedness and Industrial Hygiene: Gas Monitors/Instrumentation. These Awards, now in their 15th year, celebrate the most impactful innovations in workplace safety. The program highlights manufacturers whose products demonstrate exceptional advancements in design and functionality, with a proven ability to enhance worker protection and overall safety outcomes.
Other awards this year include the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award, the Preventica Paris Innovation Award and three OH&S Industrial Hygiene Awards.
“EXO 8 continues to set the bar for innovation in area monitoring,” said Cody Slater, CEO and chair, Blackline Safety, a global leading in connected safety technology. “Being recognised across multiple award programs underscores the monitor’s real-world impact and validates our mission to ensure that every worker gets home safely, no matter what hazards they face.”
"EXO 8 with gamma detection has an even wider application beyond industrial use,” said Chris Johnson, deputy chief for the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services in New York State. “It allows hazmat teams to use the device for public safety as part of event protection. It will also keep our people more protected because we can detect more gases."
EXO 8 has already been deployed at a high-profile awards show and during a large public gathering for a renowned religious leader, and security teams for global sporting events are also considering it.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: ESG
- Region: North America
- Date: 5 September 2025
- Year: 2025
SLB’s Methane LiDAR Camera has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an alternative test method (ATM) for methane detection, enabling it to be used as a standalone methane detection solution
This eliminates the need for labour-intensive traditional methods such as Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) surveys.
The SLB Methane LiDAR Camera is an autonomous measurement tool with component-level spatial resolution capabilities that clearly distinguish between fugitive leaks and permitted emissions, without requiring secondary measurements.
“Advanced technology solutions are crucial to address the industry’s emissions of methane — a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with a near-term warming impact up to 80 times that of CO2,” said Ravi Peddibhotla, emissions business manager, SLB.
“Unlike other EPA-approved technologies, the Methane Lidar Camera's spatial resolution allows it to identify emissions sources precisely, preventing false alarms from permitted methane vents. This will enable our U.S. customers to improve their compliance and more efficiently mitigate fugitive emissions from their operations.”
SLB’s Methane LiDAR Camera operates effectively in diverse conditions. Unlike OGI cameras, it is not affected by the temperature difference between the gas and the surrounding environment — a crucial factor for accurate detection. The camera features built-in laser imaging technology which visualises and quantifies emission rates, duration, location, persistence and timing. Operators can access measurements and images remotely via a digital platform, facilitating efficient management of Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) activities and reporting.
To date, 100 LiDAR Cameras have been deployed by SLB’s customers across four continents.
According to Momentick’s 2024 Methane Emissions Report, 68% of global methane emissions stem from upstream facilities. However they are relatively easy to tackle. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that over 75% of the methane emissions in the oil and gas sector could be reduced today using existing technologies. There is a high level of commitment in the industry to reducing methane emissions, with more than 50 companies, representing almost 45% of global oil production, signed up to the COP28 Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) which includes a commitment to reduce methane emissions to near zero by 2030. The majority of signatories are on track to meet its goals, according to a progress report.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 4 September 2025
- Year: 2025
Two strategic partnerships with MEJA Construction hope to instil a stronger attitude towards health and safety on two projects in Henry and Clayton counties in Georgia
The construction projects include the demolition of two school gymnasiums and the construction of their replacements, and the construction of a premises encompassing a kitchen & cafeteria, gymnasium, media centre, classrooms and collaboration spaces.
OSHA will lead training around injury prevention and hazard exposure to workers set to take part in the projects, assist contractors in establishing health and safety management systems and conducting inspections, and monitor potential chemical risks.
The Georgia Institute of Technology On-site Safety and Health Consultation will also be involved in the partnership and projects in a stakeholder capacity.
OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP) has been estimated to protect two million workers thus far.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 3 September 2025
- Year: 2025
Reports have confirmed that the Saudi Water Partnership Company's Al-Rayes-Rabigh pipeline project has surpassed two million safe work hours
Upon completion, currently estimated in Q2 2026, the 150km-long pipeline will process up to half a million cubic metres of water daily.
TradeArabia has reported comments from Khaled Al-Quraishi, the chief executive of the Saudi Water Partnership Company. "The project has achieved more than two million safe work hours... with work in full swing, the project is on track for commercial operations by the end of the second quarter of 2026."
The project is the first pipeline connecting water desalination sources in Makkah and Madinah, estimated to cost around 2.5 billion Saudi Riyals. Finance was secured in March 2024.
Announcing the financial close of the project last year, Al-Quraishi said, "Rayis-Rabigh IWTP consortium managed to successfully complete the financial closure... despite the floating global market conditions.
"This demonstrates SWPC’s commitment to fully support investment projects and to increase private sector participation by giving local and foreign investors the opportunity to participate in the implementation of these projects. As a result, these projects will create job opportunities and support local content to complement the strategic objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 2 September 2025
- Year: 2025
Newly-released figures from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) show an improving picture in workplace health and safety in the Kingdom
According to the Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics publication 2024, 95% of workers have coverage for basic healthcare, 39% of workers received training in health and safety measures, 40.4% have access to a dedicated occupational health and safety department at their workplace, and 38.8% have an occupational health and safety representative at their workplace. 32.2% of workers received periodic medical examinations provided at their workplace.
The rate of work injuries among workers aged 15 and above reached 245.7 non-fatal injuries and 1.1 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, excluding road traffic injuries. The non-fatal injuries rate has shown a significant improvement in recent years, dropping by 30% compared with 416 per 100,000 reported a few years ago. Regarding risks at workplace, the results highlighted that 5.4% of workers were required to work on hazardous machines, 2.1% were required to deal with chemicals, and 1% are exposed to heavy metals.
The results also showed that over the past 12 months, 79.5% of workers reported that they had not experienced any work-related health problems. The most common work-related health problems were "work-related stress" at 2.1%, followed by "eye and vision problems" at 2%.
The estimates of Health and Safety at Workplace Statistics are based on self-reported data from participants through field visits conducted in the 2024 National Health Survey (NHS), except for the work-related injury rate, which was calculated from the register-based data from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and the 2024 population estimates from the General Authority for Statistics.
Updated systems and regulations
In line with Vision 2030 objectives aiming to minimise workplace injuries, diseases, and fatalities across all sectors, the systems and regulations related to occupational safety and health have been developed and updated in recent years, aligned with the needs of the Saudi labour market and international standards.
Key legislative measures passed in the last couple of years have included quotas for HSE practitioners for a certain numbers of workers, along with Saudization quotas for HSE practitioners; and regulations prohibiting outdoor work in the middle of the day, in common with other Gulf states. Initiatives launched by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) have included the creation of a national platform for reporting and investigating work-related accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases to identify root causes of accidents, establish appropriates rules to reduce them and prevent their recurrence. It is also conducting training and awareness initiatives, establishing OSH research and development centres, developing a system to verify OSH practitioners, improving the knowledge and capabilities of OSH practitioners to implement mandatory health and safety regulations, and running programmes to enhance companies’ compliance with OSH requirements and regulate high-risk occupations.
These policies and initiatives are achieving results, with a significant reduction in the Kingdom's work-related injury rate.
At the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference held in Riyadh in May, H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, announced landmark initiatives aimed at enhancing the occupational safety and health system in both Saudi Arabia and across the region. These included the launch of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the creation of an Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide in collaboration with the General Organization for Social Insurance, as well as the introduction of the National Incentive Program for Compliance and Excellence, among others.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 1 September 2025
- Year: 2025
Workers in Oman's energy and minerals sector must meet mandatory licensing requirements implemented by the Sultanate's Ministry of Labour
Effective from September 1st, 2025, the licensing rule change aims to regulate the labour market and improve workplace efficiency and safety.
43 professions, including HSE advisor, excavator operator, and machinist, among others, are subject to mandatory licensing under the new rules.
Licenses can be obtained via the Oman Energy Association, and are (as of September 2025) a prerequisite for the renewal or issue of work permits. Work permits will not be granted without the professional practice licenses. The Ministry of Labour has urged organisations to take measures to ensure their workforces adhere to the new regulations.
Similar regulation has been introduced to the logistics sector, including refrigerated truck drivers and waste transport truck drivers.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Date: 29 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to strengthen collaboration and provide safety professionals with greater recognition for their skills and experience.
As part of the agreement, Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs) can now apply for the CertIOSH membership grade. This credential highlights advanced safety leadership abilities and positions members one step closer to achieving Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH), one of the most respected titles in the industry. More details on the application process are available on the CertIOSH webpage.
The partnership is reciprocal. BCSP has reaffirmed its recognition of CMIOSH and, for the first time, added Chartered Fellow of IOSH (CFIOSH) as credentials that meet its qualified credential requirement for CSP applicants. This means that IOSH members who hold either designation, and who also meet BCSP’s education and experience criteria, can apply directly for the CSP and complete the examination required to obtain it. Information for IOSH members interested in pursuing the CSP can be found on the BCSP website.
The agreement goes beyond credential recognition. Both organisations have committed to enhancing access to professional development opportunities and resources for their members worldwide. This includes joint initiatives to provide training, educational programmes and knowledge sharing that will support safety professionals in their career advancement.
Global safety standards
The collaboration is expected to benefit thousands of professionals globally who hold, or aspire to hold, either BCSP or IOSH designations. It reflects the growing need for international cooperation in occupational safety and health, especially as industries become more interconnected and as organisations seek consistent benchmarks for safety leadership.
Through this partnership, BCSP and IOSH reaffirm their commitment to advancing the profession and supporting safety practitioners in making workplaces safer worldwide.
“This collaborative approach to safety credentialing provides highly skilled safety professionals additional opportunities for recognition globally,” said BCSP Past President Ashok Garlapati, CSP, QEP, CFIOSH, FASSP. “This MoU is in line with BCSP's strategic objective of working toward global impact by expanding recognition and value of BCSP certification across international markets, ensuring cultural and regulatory relevance. I am glad to have worked alongside IOSH to enhance the careers of proven professionals from our organisations, building their influence so that they can better create a safer world.”
“As a body committed to championing the global occupational safety and health profession, we are delighted to sign this MoU. It sets out how we plan to continue engaging with BCSP, who we have been successfully collaborating with to drive global standards in occupational safety and health,” said Nicole Rinaldi, IOSH director of Professional Services. “IOSH members and CSPs share a dedication to ensuring people can go to work and return home without being harmed. We believe this MoU, by providing them with the opportunity to expand their credentials, will support them through greater professional recognition globally as well as enhance career development opportunities.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 28 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) has successfully commissioned the Bisat-C Expansion Facilities in Block 60, raising total oil processing capacity to 67,000 barrels per day, according to the Oman News Agency.
The project, described as a major milestone in OQEP’s upstream growth strategy, was delivered in record time, from contract award in January 2024 to first crude in less than 18 months. The early completion reflects what the company called “high levels of coordination, planning, and technical execution.”
The expansion enables an additional gross fluids handling capacity of 447,000 barrels per day, including 37,000 bpd of oil and 410,000 bpd of Produced Water treatment. OQEP said this strengthens the maturation of production growth from its flagship Block 60 asset.
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards were a central pillar of the project’s delivery. At its peak, Bisat-C hosted 1,200 personnel, achieving three million safe man-hours without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI). The project also recorded two million kilometres driven without any Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), underscoring OQEP’s commitment to safe operations.
Oman’s localisation agenda also benefited from the development. OQEP reported an In-Country Value (ICV) spend of RO 24.6mn directed to SMEs, Made in Oman goods, and local service providers. In addition, 23 Omani graduates were trained and employed through the project.
On the technical side, the expansion required 486 piles (each 12 metres deep) to support new tanks and processing infrastructure. The Produced Water tank, the largest installed, has a storage capacity of 27,784 cubic metres (174,700 barrels). Other key units include a Gas Flotation Tank (15 metres high), a Gross Inlet Separator weighing 145 tonnes, and a Heater Treater and Desalter package with a combined capacity of 40,400 bpd.
OQEP added that the new water injection pumps, powered by a 4 MW system, will enhance reservoir management by re-injecting 1,130 cubic metres per hour at 90 Barg.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 27 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration renewed its alliance with the National Waste & Recycling Association and the Solid Waste Association of North America with the aim of improving the safety and health of workers in the solid waste and recycling industry
Over the term of the three-year agreement, OSHA, NWRA and SWANA will focus on safety issues, including transportation hazards such as backovers and distracted driving, slips, trips and falls, as well as needlestick and musculoskeletal injuries. They will also address potential health issues associated with lithium battery hazards in waste and recycling collection and processing.
The participants will collaborate to develop resources such as educational articles, fact sheets, and toolkits aimed at preventing and mitigating hazards and will share information at industry conferences, forums and meetings. Particular attention will be paid small- and medium-sized employers, to ensure that all businesses within the waste and recycling industry have access to essential safety information and resources.
The initiative takes place under OSHA's Alliance Program, whereby the agency develops voluntary, collaborative working relationships with organisations committed to workplace safety and health. They include trade and professional associations, labour unions, educational institutions, community and faith-based groups, and government agencies.
Alliance participants work with OSHA to provide workers and employers with information, guidance, and resources to promote safety and health in workplaces in order to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. Alliances also ensure that workers know their rights and employers understand their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: ESG
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 25 August 2025
- Year: 2025
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has signed an MoU with Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) to advance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives in support of Bahrain’s sustainability goals
The MoU covers co-operation to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and balance economic and environmental priorities. Key initiatives include a specialised research study to identify the optimal energy mix for Alba’s operations, and the development of a unified ESG framework. A joint task force of experts from both organisations will lead these efforts. This collaboration, aligned with Bahrain’s net-zero 2060 commitment reinforces the value of strategic partnerships in driving sustainable industrial growth, advancing research, and delivering long-term benefits to the local community.
Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali stated, “This MoU with Derasat is a testament to Alba’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. By combining our industrial expertise with Derasat’s research capabilities, we are laying the groundwork for transformative ESG initiatives that will not only benefit Alba but also contribute to Bahrain’s national goals. Together, we aim to pioneer solutions in renewable energy and carbon reduction that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.”
Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat)’s chief executive officer, Abdulla Mohamed Alahmed, added, "This memorandum reflects our shared vision to strengthen research partnerships in energy and sustainability. Through advanced mathematical modelling and scenario analysis conducted by our Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy Lab (AIRE Lab), we aim to deliver practical, data-driven solutions that support Bahrain’s long-term economic competitiveness and environmental goals.”
Since its inception, Alba has invested in numerous environment, sustainable and socio-economic development projects that have had a positive impact on society, launching a comprehensive ESG roadmap with six target areas in 2022. Alba’s recent projects such as the first-of-its-kind US$37.5 million zero-waste Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, the Power Station 5 Block 4 Project, and the upcoming +6 MW Solar Farm Project align with the goals of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 as well as the Kingdom’s Net Zero Carbon targets. In May 2024 Alba launched EternAl, its low carbon aluminium product line with two initial variants: EternAl-30 and EternAl-15 with a 30% and 15% recycled content, respectively. This advances its commitment to a circular economy and secondary aluminium, while addressing the growing global demand for low carbon aluminium.
Alba has been recognised for its initiatives to produce aluminium responsibly through awards such as Top ESG performer in Bahrain by ESG Invest, Safeguard Label from Bureau Veritas and Best Corporate Governance Award by Ethical Boardroom.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 21 August 2025
- Year: 2025
The US Department of the Interior is updating oil and gas commingling rules to align with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
'Commingling' means combining oil or gas production from two or more sources into a single stream for measurement and processing.
The updates, led by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), provide clear standards that support safe operations, improve efficiency and maximise recovery of America’s energy resources. BSEE has finalised a rule to clarify expectations for offshore commingling, ensuring production methods protect well integrity, safety and ultimate recovery. The BLM is also issuing interim guidance to broaden commingling authority on public and tribal lands until updated regulations are complete. Field offices are directed to process applications quickly and consistently under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s expanded provisions.
According to the Department of the Interior, these updates support the Trump administration’s energy and regulatory priorities by advancing the goals of Executive Order, “Unleashing American Energy.” which seeks to maximise the USA’s energy resources while reducing ‘burdensome and ideallocailly motivated” regulations which impede developemtn of these resources and put up costs. They also align with Secretary Burgum’s orders emphasizing safe, efficient and predictable oversight of oil and gas operations, reinforcing policies that remove unnecessary regulatory barriers while ensuring maximum resource recovery and environmental protection.
“From day one, the Trump administration has worked to cut red tape, strengthen America’s energy dominance and ensure responsible resource development,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “We’re delivering on that by aligning our regulations with the law, streamlining approval processes and giving operators a clear framework rooted in sound science and engineering. These updates make it easier to produce American energy without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, while at the same time protecting taxpayers, tribes and our shared energy future by ensuring production is safe, efficient and maximises the long-term value of our resources.”