Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 9 April 2026
- Year: 2026
The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force has reiterated its instructions to all members of the public to exercise the utmost caution for their personal safety, in the context of Iran’s attacks on its critical infrastructure
Citizens and residents are advised to keep clear of affected areas and any suspicious objects; refrain from filming or photographing military operations or debris sites; avoid spreading unverified information; and consult only official and government media channels for updates, alerts, and advice.
The General Command says that the BDF's air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 194 ballistic missiles and 515 drones targeting the Kingdom’s facilities since the onset of hostilities.
Two people sustained light injuries following an Iranian drone attack in Bahrain on 8 April, the interior ministry said, hours after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect.
“Two citizens sustained minor injuries and a number of houses were damaged in the Sitra area as a result of shrapnel falling from the interception of an Iranian drone,” the Bahrain Ministry of Interior said in a statement.
Bahrain’s critical infrastructure has been significantly impacted by drone attacks. These incidents have tested safety protocols, business continuity and emergency response plans, and it is testimony to the strength of these, and the top priority accorded to the safety of employees, that minimal casualties have been reported and operating companies have demonstrated resilience.
Bapco Energies confirmed that a tank fire broke out earlier on 6 April at one of its storage facilities, following an Iranian drone attack. In a statement it said the fire was fully extinguished and that damage is being assessed. No injuries were reported.
Bapco Energies had on 9 March declared Force Majeure on its Group operations as a result of the on-going regional conflict and an attack on its refinery complex. The company stressed that all local market needs are fully secured according to the proactive plans in place, ensuring the continuity of supplies and meeting local demand without impact.
While Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) confirmed that its operations were affected by an Iranian attack on 28 March, with two employees suffering minor injuries.
In a statement, the company said it is currently evaluating the extent of damage to its facilities while implementing precautionary measures to ensure the continued safety of personnel and infrastructure. Emergency protocols were activated in line with established operational and safety procedures, and the company said it is taking all necessary steps to protect employees and stabilise operations.
Alba earlier declared force majeure on metal deliveries due to severe shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and carried out a controlled and safety shutdown of part of its operations as “an operational measure to preserve business continuity amid ongoing supply and transit disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.”
The safety of Alba’s employees and contractors’ personnel, the protection of its assets, and the reliability of supply to customers remain Alba’s highest priorities, the company said.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Year: 2026
Bahrain has approved its 2026 midday outdoor work ban, reinforcing measures to protect workers from extreme summer temperatures and direct sun exposure.
The regulation, now formalised through the Official Gazette, will be implemented from 15 June to 31 August. During this period, outdoor work will be prohibited between 12pm and 4pm, targeting the hours of highest heat intensity.
The directive applies across all sectors involving open-air labour, including construction and other physically demanding roles. Authorities aim to reduce the risk of heat stress, dehydration and related occupational hazards that can arise during peak summer conditions.
Officials highlighted the strong compliance achieved in previous years as a sign of growing awareness among employers. In 2025, adherence to the regulation reached 99.96%, supported by regular inspections and enforcement measures designed to safeguard worker wellbeing.
Monitoring efforts are expected to continue throughout the enforcement period, with authorities conducting site visits to ensure companies follow the rules. The initiative forms part of broader occupational health and safety strategies across the Gulf, where high temperatures present seasonal risks to outdoor workers.
Employers found in breach of the ban may face financial penalties or temporary suspension of operations, underlining the government’s strict stance on worker protection.
The policy reflects Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to improving labour conditions, particularly in sectors exposed to environmental risks, and reinforces the importance of preventative measures in maintaining safe working environments during the summer months.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 8th April 2026
- Year: 2026
The General Directorate of Civil Defense has delivered a series of emergency safety workshops aimed at strengthening preparedness across educational institutions in Qatar.
Held over four days at the Officers Club, the sessions brought together nearly 1,200 participants, including school leaders, deputy heads and safety personnel from both public and private institutions. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance emergency readiness within the education sector.
The programme focused on equipping attendees with practical knowledge on managing crisis situations, with particular emphasis on evacuation procedures and precautionary measures during emergencies or unusual events. Officials highlighted the importance of having clear, standardised guidance that can be applied consistently across schools.
A key objective of the workshops was to align response protocols when alerts are issued through the National Alert System. Participants were guided on how to coordinate evacuation and shelter procedures effectively, ensuring the protection of students as well as teaching and administrative staff.
In addition, the sessions addressed varying alert levels and the appropriate actions required at each stage. Safety officers were briefed on their roles in implementing response plans, managing communication and maintaining order during emergency scenarios.
The Directorate noted that such training programmes play a critical role in reinforcing a culture of safety within schools, while ensuring that staff are prepared to respond swiftly and efficiently to potential risks.
By standardising procedures and strengthening awareness, the initiative aims to improve overall resilience within Qatar’s education system and safeguard school communities in the event of emergencies.
- Details
- madhurima sengupta
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 6th April 2026
- Year: 2026
The recently concluded International Occupational Health Summit (IOHS) held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre celebrated Oman's progress in facilitating occupational health on local, regional, and global scales, matching world-class standards across industries.
Organised by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Oman Energy Association (OPAL), the show was inaugurated by Mahad bin Said Baowain, Oman’s Minister of Labour. Themed 'Towards a Sustainable Health Excellence at the Workplace'," Abdulrahman al Yahyaei, CEO of Oman Energy Association (OPAL), who was the chairman of the summit, spoke on the significance of embracing a workplace that puts equal importance on productivity, sustainability and health orientation.
He also acknowledged the support received from international bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
With more than 100 experts from 20 countries joining the summit to advance discussions and workshops matters of occupational health, industrial hygiene, mental health, and non-communicable diseases, Al Yahyaei said that putting in place the right laws and regulations to build industry standards are importat in establishing occupational health.
While delivering the keynote address, Saeed al Lamki, Under-Secretary for Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health, noted that occupational health and its impact on the well-being of the Omani workforce is bigger than just a medical concern, set to drive the country's economic and social advancement at large. Establishing the urgency of the matter, he accounted that occupational injuries and diseases globally make up for more than 4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually. According to him, focusing on maintaining present well-being and working towards a sustainable future is the need of the hour to secure the huge workforce of the country.
Oman has already put in place the necessary organisations and policies for the seamless integration of occupational health into the global health and development agenda. The Ministry of Health has implemented a comprehensive strategy that aligns occupational health initiatives with their Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) objectives.
Technology, for example, has been inbuilt into an ongoing service system, ensuring event-based surveillance for threats to public health. In the patient safety front, a comprehensive system combines healthcare worker safety into quality improvement projects.
Al Lamki revealed plans to extend occupational health services to all the governorates of Oman by 2024.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 6th April 2026
- Year: 2026
Sharakat has reported a major occupational safety milestone at the Juranah Strategic Water Storage Project, with the site achieving 4.9 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI).
The achievement underscores the project’s strong emphasis on health and safety management, particularly during complex construction phases involving large-scale infrastructure and high-risk activities.
Located in the Makkah Region, the project has prioritised rigorous safety protocols, workforce training and continuous monitoring to maintain a zero-LTI record.
Sharakat highlighted that the milestone reflects a consistent commitment to embedding best-in-class occupational health and safety practices across all stages of development.
From site induction procedures to real-time hazard identification and mitigation, the project has adopted a proactive approach aimed at preventing incidents before they occur.
The Juranah Independent Strategic Water Reservoir (ISWR) scheme is being delivered under a build-own-operate-transfer model by a consortium comprising Vision International Investment Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and Gulf Investment Corporation.
Alongside construction of the reservoir, the scope includes associated infrastructure designed to support long-term water security in the region.
Speaking following a site visit, CEO Engineer Khaled Alqureshi noted that maintaining a safe working environment remains central to the project’s delivery strategy.
He emphasised that robust safety frameworks, combined with strong collaboration between contractors and stakeholders, have played a key role in achieving the milestone.
Beyond safety performance, the project represents a significant investment in the Kingdom’s water infrastructure, valued at approximately AED1.5bn (US$400mn).
Once completed, it will provide a strategic storage capacity of 2 million cu m, alongside an operational tank capacity of 500,000 cu m, strengthening potable water supply resilience in the Makkah region.
Importantly, Sharakat stressed that sustaining high safety standards will remain a priority as construction progresses towards completion.
With works advancing steadily, the project is scheduled to enter commercial operation in the second quarter of 2027, after which it will be operated for 30 years before being transferred to the Saudi Water Partnership Company.
The milestone positions the Jaarana project as a benchmark for integrating occupational safety excellence into large-scale infrastructure development across Saudi Arabia.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 3rd April 2026
- Year: 2026
Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat) has reaffirmed its commitment to high health, safety and environmental (HSE) standards through its participation in a key regional industry gathering held in Sharjah.
The company used the platform to highlight how HSE principles are embedded across its operations, shaping decision-making, investments and day-to-day activities. Emarat continues to position safety, environmental responsibility and operational discipline as core drivers of long-term performance and resilience.
Burhan Al Hashemi, CEO of Emarat, emphasised that HSE is not treated as a standalone function, but as a leadership priority integrated into every aspect of the business. He noted that the company’s approach spans its full portfolio, including fuel retail, aviation fuel, lubricants, LPG and natural gas, where maintaining high standards is essential to ensuring reliability and building trust with customers and partners.
According to Al Hashemi, prioritising HSE enables the company to strengthen operational continuity while supporting sustainable growth across the energy value chain. He added that Emarat remains focused on advancing industry standards and contributing to a safer and more responsible operating environment.
Across its operations, Emarat applies strict safety protocols and continuous improvement measures, from frontline procedures to process management and environmental stewardship. This integrated approach is designed to enhance performance, reduce risk and reinforce accountability at all levels of the organisation.
The company also highlighted the role of HSE in its product segments, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). As a supplier of composite LPG cylinders, Emarat adheres to internationally recognised safety benchmarks, ensuring that its products meet stringent quality and environmental requirements.
Ali AlAstad Alhammadi, vice president of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality at Emarat, said the company values opportunities to engage with industry stakeholders and exchange practical insights on improving safety and sustainability outcomes. He noted that collaboration and knowledge-sharing remain essential to driving progress across the sector.
Emarat’s participation underlines its broader strategy of aligning with global best practices while strengthening regional standards. By embedding HSE across its operations and product lines, the company aims to support a culture of safety, enhance environmental performance and maintain operational excellence in an evolving energy landscape.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 2nd April 2026
- Year: 2026
Methanex Egypt has signed a new agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to support the next phase of the country’s energy sector capacity-building programme, with a strong focus on safety and operational reliability.
The deal, finalised on the sidelines of EGYPES 2026, marks the launch of Wave III of the initiative. It aims to strengthen process safety management (PSM) frameworks and enhance asset integrity across Egypt’s oil, gas and petrochemical industries.
Under the agreement, a series of specialised training modules will be introduced to improve workforce capabilities and embed a stronger safety culture aligned with international standards. The programme is designed to address both technical competencies and leadership development, supporting long-term sector resilience.
Mohamed Shindy, managing director of Methanex Egypt, said, “Through initiatives like Capacity Building Wave III and our recently launched PSM professional diploma with AUC and the ministry, we continue to support efforts that develop capabilities, nurture future leaders, and enable safer, more reliable operations across Egypt’s energy industry.”
The initiative builds on previous collaboration between the two parties, including a US$1mn agreement signed during the 2025 edition of EGYPES. That earlier partnership introduced a professional diploma in process safety management in collaboration with the American University in Cairo, aimed at equipping industry professionals with advanced safety knowledge.
Officials said the latest phase will further strengthen human capital development by promoting best practices in risk management, operational safety and infrastructure reliability. The programme also aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy to modernise the energy sector while prioritising workforce safety and sustainability.
Industry stakeholders view the initiative as a key step towards reinforcing safety standards across Egypt’s energy value chain, particularly as the sector continues to expand and adopt more complex technologies.
By focusing on structured training and knowledge transfer, the programme is expected to support safer operations and improved performance across upstream and downstream activities.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 30th March 2026
- Year: 2026
Bahrain-based aluminium producer Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has confirmed that its operations were affected by an Iranian attack on Saturday, 28 March 2026, prompting immediate safety and damage assessments at the site.
The company reported that two employees sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Both cases were treated promptly, with no serious harm recorded. Alba emphasised that safeguarding its workforce remains its highest priority as it responds to the situation.
In a statement, the company said it is currently evaluating the extent of damage to its facilities while implementing precautionary measures to ensure the continued safety of personnel and infrastructure.
Emergency protocols were activated following the incident, in line with established operational and safety procedures.
Alba stated that it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating internally to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect employees and stabilise operations.
The company has also indicated that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 27th March 2026
- Year: 2026
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has introduced new initiatives designed to enhance workplace safety and health
They include the Safety Champions Program, a new cooperative initiative designed to help employers develop and implement effective safety and health programmes.
The Safety Champions Program has a focus on proactive prevention and continuous improvement to prevent workplace injuries, illness and fatalities. It emphasises seven key elements: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification, prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation, and communication. By incorporating these elements, employers can create safety and health programs that not only meet regulations but also enhance workplace safety and health.
The programme has three progressive levels, each aligned with OSHA's recommended practices for safety and health programmes. This structure is designed to allow employers to build their safety and health programmes over time and adopt best practices tailored to their needs and operations.
On completion of all three levels of the Safety Champions Program, participants are expected to have implemented all seven elements and show plans for continuous improvement of their safety and health programmes, thus demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
"The Department of Labor's new Safety Champions Program exemplifies the Trump Administration's commitment to supporting and empowering job creators," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. "By providing employers with these resources, we are putting American workers first and keeping them healthy and safe on the job."
Another new initiative is the OHSA Cares initiative, designed to help businesses meet federal requirements as well as building more effective safety and health programmes that benefit both employers and workers. It is aimed at supporting small and medium sized business in particular, strengthening collaboration between businesses and OSHA by increasing access to OSHA experts and compliance assistance specialists, improving access to educational and training materials, and offering consistent workplace assistance during enforcement visits and meetings.
The agency’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs is also launching a training programme that will standardise how the agency's compliance safety and health officers will offer real time assistance during inspections and enforcement activities.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 26th March 2026
- Year: 2026
Saudi-based Arabian Drilling Company has temporarily suspended a number of its offshore rigs as a precautionary measure, citing safety concerns linked to ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement to the Saudi Exchange, the company confirmed that the suspensions were implemented in line with established safety and operational procedures, with a primary focus on safeguarding personnel and protecting critical assets.
The move affects a limited portion of the company’s offshore fleet, while its onshore operations remain unaffected. Arabian Drilling said its land fleet of 39 rigs continues to operate at full capacity, maintaining uninterrupted activity across its domestic projects.
Management indicated that the decision was taken following consultations with clients and an internal review of the evolving situation. The company stressed that the suspensions are expected to be temporary, with operations set to resume once conditions stabilise and risks are reassessed.
Chief executive Fahad Albani said the company remains focused on ensuring operational safety during a period of uncertainty. He noted that while offshore activity has been paused in specific cases, Arabian Drilling retains the capability to restart operations quickly when it is deemed safe to do so.
The company operates a fleet of 60 rigs, of which 45 are currently active, according to its latest disclosures. By prioritising safety-led decision-making, Arabian Drilling aims to minimise exposure to potential hazards while maintaining readiness to respond to changing conditions.
Industry observers note that precautionary suspensions are a common response during periods of heightened geopolitical risk, particularly in offshore environments where safety considerations are paramount. Such measures are typically designed to reduce the likelihood of incidents involving personnel, equipment or infrastructure.
Arabian Drilling added that it expects only a limited financial impact in the first quarter of 2026, with a recovery anticipated once operations resume. The company continues to monitor developments closely and is maintaining operational preparedness across its fleet.
The broader industry is also taking a cautious approach. ADES Holding Company recently indicated that a small number of offshore rigs across the GCC have been temporarily halted under similar circumstances, underscoring a wider emphasis on risk mitigation.
As regional uncertainty persists, safety remains a central priority for operators, with companies balancing operational continuity against the need to protect workers and infrastructure in challenging environments.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 25th March 2026
- Year: 2026
Global organisations are increasing investment in workplace safety as injury rates remain persistently high, according to new research commissioned by Blackline Safety.
The study, conducted by NewtonX, surveyed 200 senior safety and operations professionals from companies with more than 500 employees. Findings show that 95% of safety leaders plan to sustain or increase spending over the next two years, reflecting growing concern over the scale of work-related incidents worldwide.
The results, published in the report Keeping People Safe: Global Data on the State of Workplace Safety, highlight a continued disconnect between safety strategies and on-the-ground practices. While 97% of respondents agree that strong safety performance underpins productivity, nearly two-thirds (64%) reported a gap between established protocols and actual worker behaviour.
Industry experts suggest that this divide is driven by fragmented systems, where people, processes and technology are not fully aligned. In many cases, safety frameworks are designed without sufficient input from frontline operations, limiting their effectiveness in real-world environments.
Christine Gillies, chief product and marketing officer at Blackline Safety, said the findings point to a shift in how organisations approach safety management. She noted that companies are increasingly moving beyond compliance-driven models towards integrated systems that embed safety into core operations.
The report identifies training and workforce engagement as top priorities for investment, cited by 46% and 41% of respondents respectively. Infrastructure upgrades to reduce risk, adoption of new technologies and internal advocacy for safety also feature prominently among budget allocations.
However, the research indicates that simply increasing training volume is not enough. Nearly one-third of respondents emphasised the importance of more relevant, continuous and interactive training programmes that foster trust and encourage two-way communication between workers and management.
Technology is also playing a growing role in shaping safety outcomes. Many organisations are deploying tools such as personal protective equipment, communication devices and digital monitoring systems. Yet confidence in these measures remains mixed, with only 36% of workers expressing strong trust in existing safety tools and procedures.
Artificial intelligence is expected to become a key enabler in the coming years. Around 65% of safety leaders anticipate wider adoption of AI-driven risk prediction tools, particularly in areas such as data analytics, training simulations and predictive risk management.
Despite these advances, the report highlights a missed opportunity in proactive risk prevention. While most organisations review incident reports, only a third are actively using predictive analytics to identify and mitigate potential hazards before they occur.
The findings underscore the need for a more integrated and forward-looking approach to workplace safety, combining technology, training and data to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 23rd March 2026
- Year: 2026
The visitor experience at ADNEC Group venues is set to be transformed following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ADNEC Group and AI company Presight to deploy advanced artificial intelligence solutions within its event venues
The agreement covers ADNEC Group’s operations at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and ADNEC Centre Al Ain. ADNEC Group will leverage Presight’s AI powered platform (Intelli) to enhance traffic and visitor management, health and safety, crowd monitoring, and waste management. By connecting these systems into a single intelligent ecosystem, the collaboration will enable real-time visibility, predictive insights, and greater operational efficiency.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, group chief executive officer of ADNEC Group, said, “ADNEC Group is constantly seeking new ways to enhance the experience of our exhibitors, visitors and event organisers, while ensuring our operations are efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible. Partnering with Presight gives us access to world-class, nation-level and sovereign-grade AI that will help us achieve these objectives and further strengthen our reputation as a global destination for innovation by redefining the future of event management.”
Dr. Adel Al Sharji, chief operating officer, Presight, said, “Our partnership with ADNEC Group reflects a shared vision for innovation and operational excellence. By integrating Presight’s AI capabilities within their venues, we are transforming how large-scale events are managed, making them safer, smarter, and more sustainable. This collaboration demonstrates how applied intelligence turns complex data into real-time decisions that enhance every aspect of the visitor experience.”
It is hoped the initiative will lay the foundation for a new era of data-driven event ecosystems, to inspire innovation across the global events industry.