Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 17 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
News publications from across the USA have reported impending closures of occupational health and safety agencies in the county, in wake of the Trump administration's decisions to cut government spending. This could be disastrous for American workers, who may now have little recourse against workplace violations.
Louisiana workers may be more affected than others. The state is already known as one of the most dangerous places in America, from an occupational health and safety standpoint. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana is ranked the sixth most dangerous state for workers in the U.S. This is thanks to the more than 200 chemical facilities and refineries which line an 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to the state's capital New Orleans. It has been repeatedly called "Cancer Alley", due to the high cancer rates associated with petrochemicals.
US-based publication Capital & Main has recorded a few instances. In recent years, the news publication said, there have been several chemical plant exposures or explosions in the state. In December, a suspected explosion occurred at a Westlake Corp. chemical plant near the Nutrien plant. Four workers were hospitalised in October after being exposed to ammonia at a Formosa Plastics plant.
Two individuals were injured in September when a hydrogen gas explosion occurred at the neighbouring Chevron Renewable Energy Group factory. Last month, Mathew Roberts was working at a chemical facility on the outskirts of Baton Rouge when he was involved in a forklift accident. The father of two, who was unresponsive and in severe condition, was transported from the Nutrien nitrogen facility to a local hospital and died of his injuries.
Spending cuts
His death came weeks after the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the closure of 11 OSHA field offices. This includes one in Baton Rouge that is investigating Robert's death. It is the agency's only office in Louisiana, and its impending closure is causing anxiety among workplace safety professionals. The closures are still "under review," according to the US Department of Labor, which oversees OSHA.
In addition to the Baton Rouge office, which conducted 386 workplace inspections last year and imposed over $750,000 in penalties for major infractions, DOGE intends to eliminate field offices in Houston and Mobile, Alabama.
“Those enormous oil and petrochemical facilities with significant safety and health hazards will be inspected even less frequently than they are now,” former OSHA Director David Michaels told Capital & Main. “These closures will result in more injuries, illnesses and deaths,” Michaels added.
According to Michaels, OSHA employees in the office will have to choose between quitting the agency entirely or relocating to another region hundreds of miles away. Staff at the Baton Rouge office claimed they were not aware of any layoffs, despite rumours that have circulated since the DOGE announcement in mid-March.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 16 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
The world’s busiest international airport has been awarded the Airports Council International (ACI) Safety Recognition Award 2025, recognising Dubai International’s proactive and innovative approach to aerodrome safety, positioning the airport as a leading example of safety leadership in global aviation
Presented during the 2nd ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly and Conference in New Delhi, India, the award was accepted by Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Buti Qurwash, Senior Vice President of Safety & Security. ACI’s recognition is given to airport operators demonstrating a commitment to safety that extends beyond regulatory compliance, with a focus on operational resilience and risk management.
The airport has implemented several internal initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of safety. These include the Safety Superstar Award, highlighting exemplary individual safety practices, as well as a confidential reporting system to encourage early identification of safety concerns by employees at all levels.
Interactive educational tools, such as safety videos and targeted surveys, along with joint campaigns between departments and partners, further reinforce safety awareness and shared responsibility. Through the use of data, smart technologies, and real-time insights, DXB is enhancing its capacity to manage operational risks and anticipate future challenges.
Griffiths noted that safety at DXB is seen not only as a regulatory obligation but as a foundational element of airport operations. This recognition from ACI reflects the efforts of teams and partners working collaboratively to ensure a safe, smooth experience for passengers and stakeholders alike.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 14 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
e& UAE has launched a new initiative to modernise telecom tower inspections using autonomous drones enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI).
The rollout marks a significant step in transforming infrastructure maintenance, offering improved safety, faster operations, and reduced environmental impact.
The system integrates real-time data analytics, autonomous flight, and AI to streamline the monitoring and upkeep of telecom towers throughout the country. Flights are operated remotely via the company’s Drones Operations Centre, where teams monitor each mission in real time, enforce safety protocols, and verify the accuracy of inspections.
Unlike manual inspections that often involve significant risks and downtime, these drones can autonomously navigate complex sites, helping to protect workers while increasing the speed and efficiency of assessments. The drones are also designed to assist in emergency response scenarios, where they can support the delivery of aid and ensure network continuity in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations.
Using advanced AI-powered analytics, the drones can identify structural faults or irregularities on the spot, allowing maintenance teams to act before problems escalate. This proactive maintenance approach reduces potential service disruptions and extends the lifespan of infrastructure.
Beyond structural inspections, the drones can also support oversight of safety procedures and detect unauthorised activity around telecom assets, contributing to a more secure and resilient network.
All data collected during inspections is fed into e& UAE’s digital infrastructure management platform. This enables predictive maintenance planning, more efficient asset use, and a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional methods of tower inspection.
Marwan bin Shakar, acting chief technology & information officer, e& UAE, said, “The integration of autonomous drones into our operations reflects our commitment to reimagining network operations through cutting-edge innovation that improves reliability, safety and sustainability. Through AI-powered insights and real-time control, we are enhancing the safety and accuracy of telecom tower inspections while enabling faster, data-driven decisions that future-proof our infrastructure. And with the support of the Drones Operations Centre, we’re demonstrating how technology can elevate operational resilience while supporting the UAE’s broader ambitions for smart, sustainable cities.”
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 11 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
As EU-OSHA research reveals that tech innovation and emerging mental health issues are impacting workers, the association has unveiled a suite of resources (including dedicated publications) about the risks of 'invisible' challenges in the workplace
A dedicated 11-page publication, 'Electromagnetic fields: present and future challenges for occupational safety and health', examines the risks of electromagnetic fields, such as cancer, and discusses how excitement around the opportunities that EMFs present cannot be divorced from the risks and challenges they introduce to occupational health and safety.
Similarly invisible yet almost as devastating are the risks proposed by mental health challenges in the workplace. One such issue has been dubbed 'eco-anxiety', and refers to the worry induced by climate change and environmental damage. The 12-page 'Eco-anxiety and its implications for occupational safety and health' report hopes to explore how practitioners and policymakers can address eco-anxiety concerns and mental health challenges.
A full breakdown of emerging HSE risks and challenges has been added to EU-OSHA's website alongside the new publications.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
Abu Dhabi-headquartered EMSTEEL, one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, has been recognised as a 2025 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association (worldsteel) for the second consecutive year
The recognition was presented during the worldsteel Special General Meeting held in Sydney, Australia. Now in its eighth year, the Steel Sustainability Champion accolade—part of The Steelie Awards—honours companies demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainable development in the global steel industry. They have to fulfil stringent criteria, including signing the worldsteel Sustainability Charter, meeting 20 sustainability criteria, providing Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data, and participating in worldsteel’s initiatives such as the Steelie Awards or the Safety and Health Recognition Programme.
The recognition is a direct result of the significant progress EMSTEEL made throughout 2024 in enhancing sustainability. For example, the company has partnered with Masdar to launch the MENA region’s first green hydrogen demonstration project for the steel industry, positioning EMSTEEL as a leader in the UAE’s hydrogen economy and a driving force for providing sustainable solutions for the construction and manufacturing sectors.
EMSTEEL is also active on the global stage. As a co-chair of the Alliance for Industry Decarbonisation, an initiative led by the International Renewable Energy Agency, EMSTEEL is working alongside 84 partners to set joint decarbonisation targets, including tripling renewable energy production and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 54% by 2030.
As part of its ambitious decarbonisation roadmap, EMSTEEL aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in its Steel Business Unit and 30% in its Cement Business by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company has already made substantial progress, having reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity by 23%.
Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, said, “Being named a worldsteel Sustainability Champion is a true honour and a reflection of the dedication and hard work of everyone at EMSTEEL. It reinforces our commitment to driving the transition towards a low-carbon future, not just for the steel industry, but for the entire global industrial landscape. With a continued focus on innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, we will build a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.
“As the first steelmaker in the world to capture part of its CO₂ emissions, we have been able to operate with 45% less carbon intensity than the global average and are excited to continue playing a cataclysmic role in decarbonising this hard-to-abate sector and the downstream supply chain.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 9 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a federal agency tasked with researching and promoting workplace safety, is undergoing a dramatic restructuring that could impact occupational health across industries, including those in the Gulf of America region.
Announced in early 2025, the overhaul has sparked concerns about weakened protections for workers in high-risk sectors like offshore oil and gas, mining, and firefighting.
NIOSH, established under the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act, conducts research and provides recommendations to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
Its work has been critical for industries prevalent in the Gulf region, where offshore platforms face hazards like explosions, toxic exposures, and severe weather.
However, recent reports indicate that NIOSH is facing massive layoffs, with up to 90% of its workforce potentially cut.
This restructuring, driven by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., involves merging NIOSH into a newly formed Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), alongside other agencies like the CDC.
A threat to HSE operations in the region
Critics, including labour unions and public health experts, warn that the layoffs and merger threaten NIOSH’s ability to fulfill its mission.
The agency’s research into workplace hazards, such as silica dust for miners, PFAS chemicals for firefighters, or hydrogen sulfide for oil workers, requires specialised expertise that could be lost.
For Gulf workers, NIOSH’s studies on offshore safety protocols and heat stress are vital, given the region’s hurricane-prone environment and labour-intensive rigs.
The agency’s data-driven recommendations often inform OSHA regulations, which set enforceable standards.
A diminished NIOSH could mean fewer updates to these protections, leaving workers vulnerable.
The restructuring has also raised questions about funding and priorities. While the AHA aims to streamline public health efforts, skeptics argue it may prioritise broader health initiatives over workplace-specific research.
Congressional oversight is expected, with hearings planned to assess the impact on industries reliant on NIOSH’s expertise. For now, the agency’s remaining staff face uncertainty, with morale reportedly low.
In the Gulf, where economic activity hinges on safe operations, the NIOSH cuts could have ripple effects.
Without robust research, employers may struggle to address emerging risks, potentially increasing accidents or exposures.
Stakeholders are urging policymakers to preserve NIOSH’s capacity to protect the nation’s workforce.
Also read: DOGE terminates Louisiana federal agency leases; OSHA affected
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 7 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
2,864 workers attended a construction safety lesson at Diriyah's Wafi Safar development, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest construction safety lesson
The 30-minute lesson covered the 'Top Five Critical Safety Hazards in the Construction Industry'.
A dedicated outdoor venue was constructed specifically with the world record in mind.
Diriyah Company's group CEO, Jerry Inzerillo, ceelebrated the record. "This new world record, in which Diriyah’s project staff gathered in Wadi Safar, one of Diriyah Company’s masterplans covering an area of over 62 sq km demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety and our goal of ensuring everyone returns home safely to their families.
"Our Health & Safety management system goes above and beyond to ensure and protect the welfare of employees, contractors and on-site teams working across the Diriyah project."
Diriyah is one of several giga-projects backed by the Public Investment Fund, and aims to provide homes for around 100,000 residents upon completion.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 4 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
Small businesses are adopting a reactive approach to safety, rather than proactively guarding against potential risks, according to Pie Insurance's 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report
The report is based on a comprehensive workplace safety survey of 1,018 small US business owners (up to 500 employees), providing insights on safety concerns, workplace accidents, AI trends and more.
According to the survey, 75% of small businesses experienced workplace injuries in the past year, with nearly half saying they had to improvise safety measures due to a lack of proper equipment. Half of those injuries were reported to be preventable. Preventing such injuries could dramatically reduce injury-related costs such as medical expenses and compensation costs, as well as the costs incurred by operational downtime, with small businesses losing four employee workdays and three full business days to workplace injuries.
The most common preventable workplace injuries were reported to be mental health-related injuries (22%), slips, trips and falls (20%) cuts and lacerations (18%) and overexertion and repetitive strain injuries (13%).
Many of these injuries could be prevented by taking proactive measures such as ensuring employees have the right equipment and PPE; conduct regular engaging safety training, encouraging employees to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal, and performing regular workplace safety audits, the report says.
Growing role of AI
The report highlights the growing role of AI in preventing accidents, with 65% of business leaders thinking it will improve safety in the next five years, and 44% already using it to improve safety and efficiency. From predictive analytics that anticipate risks to AI-driven telematics that monitor driver behaviour and automated safety training, AI is facilitating a more proactive approach to preventing accidents and reducing risks.
Also highlighted is the increased impact of mental health on workplace safety, with stress, burnout and mental-health related injuries accounting for 22% of workplace injuries, while only 52% of firms have mental health related safety protocols in place. A culture where employees feel safe and supported needs to be created, with measures such as providing employee assistance programmes (EAP), offering wellness initiatives and creating an open culture where employees are not afraid to raise mental health challenges.
Employee resistance to safety measures is another challenge cited, with suggested measures being to involve employees in safety discussions and decision making, make training engaging and rewarding employees who follow safety protocols and leading by example, with the leadership walking the walk.
Businesses that take workplace safety seriouslly will have a competitive edge, the report stresses. “By implementing proactive mental health support, investing in the right equipment, leveraging AI and ensuring employees follow safety protocols, small businesses can reduce injuries, lower costs and create a more productive workforce,” it says.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Date: 2 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
In a significant move to address evolving workplace health challenges, Luxembourg’s health minister, Martine Deprez, has pledged to reactivate the High Commission for Occupational Diseases.
The decision, announced following a pivotal meeting on 2 April, marks a turning point in the nation’s approach to occupational health, particularly as it grapples with the emerging risks posed by climate change.
The push to revive the commission stems from a January 2025 motion tabled by déi Lénk deputies David Wagner and Marc Baum.
Their proposal called for a reassessment of occupational health policies to include diseases linked to climate-related factors, a growing concern as rising temperatures, extreme weather, and shifting environmental conditions begin to impact workplaces across the Grand Duchy.
The motion gained traction, culminating in this week’s commitment from Minister Deprez to breathe new life into the commission.
The High Commission, established under Luxembourg’s robust labor framework, is tasked with identifying and cataloging diseases directly attributable to workplace conditions.
Updating disease list
Historically, its work has ensured that workers afflicted by occupational illnesses, ranging from respiratory conditions caused by industrial exposure to musculoskeletal disorders tied to repetitive tasks, receive recognition and support.
However, as medical knowledge advances and new risks emerge, the need for an updated list has become undeniable.
Deprez emphasised that the commission’s revival would align Luxembourg’s policies with the latest scientific insights, particularly those highlighting the intersection of climate change and occupational health.
Opposition voices have largely welcomed the move. Djuna Bernard, a deputy from déi Gréng, described it as “a positive and necessary step” in safeguarding workers’ well-being.
Outdoor workers, in particular, are increasingly exposed to extreme heat and UV radiation, while indoor environments contend with poor air quality linked to wildfires and pollution.
The reactivation of the commission signals Luxembourg’s proactive stance in a world where occupational health is no longer confined to traditional hazards.
Experts anticipate that the updated list could include conditions such as heatstroke, exacerbated respiratory illnesses, and psychological stress tied to climate-induced disruptions—issues that have gained prominence in medical literature over the past decade.
The commission’s work will also likely draw on international models, with countries like France and Germany already adapting their own occupational disease frameworks to account for environmental factors.
For now, the timeline for the commission’s first meeting remains unclear, though Deprez has promised swift action.
According to Luxembourg Times, left-wing lawmakers cited that “Studies conducted in France showing that people who frequently work in conditions of thermal stress (at least six hours per day, five days per week, for two months of the year) are more likely to suffer from kidney diseases or acute kidney injuries.”
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 1 April, 2025
- Year: 2025
Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic celebrate AI's potential "to continue to advance and fulfill our mission of caring for life, researching for health and educating those who serve" when signing a partnership agreement with G42
The taskforce will strategise the advancement of AI technology in healthcare, evaluate and accelerate potential projects, and co-develop solutions.
Continuing, Mihaljevic vowed, "Cleveland Clinic is committed to finding opportunities that improve patient safety, patient experience, patient outcomes and access."
Solutions developed as a result of the partnership are expected to be implemented not only within the Ohio-headquartered Cleveland Clinic institutes and G42's anchor operations in the Middle East but worldwide.
Peng Xiao, G42's group CEO, noted that, "AI’s potential to transform the healthcare industry remains largely untapped... AI is paving the way for a future where care is not only more precise but also deeply personalized and preventative.
"We look forward to embarking on this journey alongside Cleveland Clinic and other global partners, harnessing AI to unlock new frontiers in medicine, empower clinicians with unprecedented insights, and ultimately, reshape the way humanity experiences health and longevity."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 31 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has signed an MoU with Aramco to collaborate on advancing fire and life safety to meet Aramco’s requirements and support public safety in Saudi Arabia, as well as testing and personnel training on UL standards and workplace safety
The MoU includes collaboration to support Aramco’s IKTVA programme goals, which support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, including developing the local energy sector, creating new jobs, improving supply chain efficiency and promoting Saudi Arabia as an export hub.
“With our mission of working for a safer world, we are ready to support the goals of Aramco and Saudi Arabia for a safer and more sustainable future,” said Jomy Joseph, regional director of the Middle East and Africa at UL Solutions. “This MoU fosters a better understanding of stakeholder requirements and how we can help enable innovation for a safer and more successful future in Saudi Arabia with our longstanding expertise in fire and life safety science.”
“Our potential collaboration with UL Solutions through this MoU marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to advancing fire safety standards and enhancing emergency response capabilities,” said Abdullah M. Ghamdi, vice president of Fire Protection at Aramco. “Together, we look forward to combining our strengths toward achieving Vision 2030 by creating safer environments, enhancing our respective capabilities and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in fire safety practices.”
Saudi Arabia’s fire and life safety standards are being upgraded as part of the Vision 2030 plan, in alignment with the Kingdom’s rapid growth, with the expansion of mega and giga projects significantly increasing the demand for specialised Fire & Life Safety expertise. International consultancy AESG recently announced it is strengthening its fire and life safety business in Saudi Arabia, and the US-based NFPA is stepping up its collaboration with Saudi Arabia to advance fire and life safety standards in line with the country’s rapid development, to support the Kingdom’s mega projects. Local and regional demand for fire prevention and safety implementation systems is anticipated to continue to grow strongly.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 31 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Houston-based SureWerx, a prominent global supplier of safety gear, tools, and equipment, has completed its acquisition of Reliance Fall Protection, LLC, a company specialising in fall safety solutions.
The financial details of the deal were not made public.
Reliance Fall Protection, with operations in Houston, Texas, and Arvada, Colorado, has been a key player in the industry since its founding in 2000.
The company initially gained recognition for developing horizontal lifeline systems that minimise fall height requirements while maintaining structural integrity at the endpoints.
Over the years, it has expanded its portfolio to include a broad range of safety products tailored for construction and height-related work.
These offerings encompass self-retracting lifelines—such as the Enviroshield Sealed-Block, Skyloc II, and MicroLoc—along with harnesses, lanyards, an Aluminum Rail Fall Arrest System, and various anchors, including adjustable davits.
The acquisition enhances SureWerx’s position in the fall protection market, adding Reliance’s expertise to its existing lineup.
“Adding Reliance Fall Protection to our growing, world-class portfolio of fall protection products and SureWerx brands moves us ever further toward our goal of becoming the global leader in safety and productivity,” said SureWerx CEO Chris Baby.
“Reliance Fall Protection complements our FALL SAFE and PeakWorks fall protection brands and brings us closer to building a robust and innovative fall protection portfolio as part of the SureWerx platform. Reliance Fall Protection excels in the most technical and demanding portion of the fall protection market, setting them apart from their competition. We are thrilled to be adding this highly respected brand to our market-leading portfolio of best-in-class safety products.”
Reliance Fall Protection has built its brand on advancing safety standards through accessible, high-quality equipment.
“Reliance Fall Protection has always been dedicated to raising the standards of personal fall protection equipment by providing readily accessible products both regionally and nationally. Reliance Fall Protection prides itself on exceeding customers’ expectations by meeting regulatory safety standards in ANSI Z359 and ISO 17025 internally,” said Reliance Fall Protection founder, Joe Shaw.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with SureWerx, a company that holds the same values and commitment to worker safety as Reliance Fall Protection. Their reach into the global industrial markets across multiple channels will undoubtedly accelerate growth of all Reliance Fall Protection’s well-respected brands. We are in good hands—the future for Reliance Fall Protection is destined for accelerated growth and the shared continued commitment to keeping workers safe!”
The move aligns with SureWerx’s strategy to expand its influence in the safety and productivity sector, particularly in construction and industrial markets worldwide, including the GCC region where it has a growing presence.
Industry observers see this acquisition as a step toward consolidating advanced fall protection solutions under one umbrella, potentially benefiting workers in high-risk environments.