Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: Technology
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10 June
- Year: 2025
According to Rockwell's 10th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, Saudi and Emirati manufacturers are leading the way in innovating with AI to tailor cybersecurtiy, energy management and quality control protocol
98% of the Middle Eastern respondents to the study, which collated feedback from over 1,500 manufacturing firms worldwide, use or plan to use generative AI for industrial processes: the highest rate of any region included.
Ediz Eren, Rockwell Automation's regional VP, Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, affirmed that the region is "not just experimenting with smart manufacturing technologies; they are applying them to address real operational challenges.
"From cyber resilience to ESG performance and workforce engagement, the data shows a shift toward outcome-driven digitalisation."
61% of operators intend to use AI for cybersecurity and 46% for energy management in the next 12 months.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Europe
- Date: 12 June
- Year: 2025
2025's edition of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards, the 69th in the event's history, saw leaders from over 20 different sectors recognised with awards
Health and safety trailblazers united at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, hosted by comedian Ed Byrne and joined by special guests, including RoSPA chief executive Rebecca Hickman. Reflecting on the awards, Hickman said, "The RoSPA Awards shine a light on unsung heroes, whose hard work saves real lives. In a world where more than three million people die every year because of an accident, health and safety professionals like those we honoured are proof that it does not have to be this way."
Among the award winners were NSG Environmental Ltd., recognised as a leader in the Engineering Services sector, and the Department of Work and Pensions, recognised with the Public Services and Local Government sector award.
NEBOSH, the headline sponsor, were represented at the ceremony by chief quality officer Dee Arp, who said, "The Award winners have achieved the highest standards in health and safety, and raised the bar for the entire profession... as a fellow registered charity, we deeply value our longstanding partnership with RoSPA and the shared mission that unites us: to prevent accidents and protect lives—whether at work, at home, or in our communities."
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 9 May 2025
- Year: 2025
Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) is partnering with Industrial Detection Solutions (IDS) to establish a new facility to manufacture gas detection sensors in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
In line with the IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) programme that promotes local manufacturing in KSA, the partnership will enable the local production of high-precision sensors for detecting toxic and combustible gases, helping to protect workers and assets at oil and gas production/drilling facilities, LNG/CNG plants, and refining and petrochemical sites.
The products concerned include the DM-700, a non-intrusive ‘smart’ sensor that detects and monitors oxygen and toxic gases in the air using electrochemical sensor technology. The intelligent, plug-in, field-replaceable cell automatically recognises gas type and range. While the FP-700 non-intrusive ‘smart’ sensor detects and monitors combustible gases over the range of 0-100% LEL using catalytic bead sensor technology. The IR-700 is a similar solution for combustible hydrocarbon gases. It uses miniature non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) optical sensor technology to detect and monitor gases over the range of 0-100% LEL.
All of these gas detectors support maximum safety with an innovative design that virtually eliminates sensor failure due to water ingress, corrosion, vibration or transient spikes.
“Our new partnership with Industrial Detection Solutions ensures that manufacturing is closer to both customers and suppliers, enabling even faster delivery of class-leading gas detection products in support of more efficient supply chains,” said Thomas Moeller, VP Sales & Marketing at Teledyne GFD. “The proven solutions manufactured in KSA will better serve a vast regional industry that recognises the importance of a robust and prevalent safety culture. We are proud to be part of KSA’s remarkable ongoing journey of economic and industrial growth, and we look forward to a successful future together.”
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 9 June
- Year: 2025
Between June 15th and September 15th, 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health are enforcing a ban on working in direct sunlight in all private-sector establishments
The ban applies between 12 pm and 3 pm each day, aiming to protect workers from the health risks associated with working in the extreme heat expected during this period.
Announcing the ban, the MHRSD urged employers to adjust working hours accordingly around the ban and highlighted the potential efficiency and safety benefits it enables.
Several resources have been published, including a procedural guide on the risks of heat stress and other heat-related health risks and an advisory guide for working in heat, available via the MHRSD website.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 6 May 2025
- Year: 2025
The USA's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), whose role it is to ensure the safety and environmental stewardship of offshore energy operations, has successfully completed its first annual inspection of Shell’s Whale, one of the newest and most innovative oil production facilities in the Gulf of America
The eight-day annual inspection thoroughly examined all safety equipment aboard the Whale platform, including systems designed to prevent leak, fires, spills or other potential incidents. BSEE’s team of inspectors and engineers verified that all safety components, equipment and production processes met stringent industry standards and complied with all relevant federal regulations.
“We are BSEE are extremely proud to contribute to the ongoing pledge of safe, responsible and efficient energy production in the Gulf of America,” said Gulf of America Region director Bryan Domangue. “This inspection is a critical milestone in our efforts to support energy security, enhance safety and strengthen Americas leadership in energy production.”
Whale is Shell’s 14th deep-water development in the Gulf of America,and its most efficient to date. Whale is located around 200 miles south of Houston on the Outer Continent Shelf and has an estimated peak production capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day. The facility features a semi-submersible production host at a depth of more than 8,600 feet of water, with 15 wells connected to the host via advanced subsea infrastructure. Whale currently has an estimated recoverable resource volume of 480 million boe.
Most of Whale's operations can be managed from the control room in New Orleans, keeping the number of people needed on the platform to a minimum. This has a positive impact on emissions reduction as well as on costs and safety.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- North America
- Topic: Training, HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: June 5 2025
- Year: 2025
Geneva-headquartered SGS, a testing, inspection and certification specialist, has acquired H2Safety Services Inc., a provider of emergency response management, HSE training, and emergency software services
H2Safety, which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary, serves oil & gas, mining, transportation, energy and government entities, specifically centring its services around regulatory compliance and consultation.
CEO and chairman of H2Safety, James Harasen, explained, "Our approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure, communities, employees and natural environments is rooted in building authentic relationships and addressing community concerns transparently."
On the acquisition, Harasen added, "We are excited about joining SGS to expand our emergency management footprint while also leveraging SGS's proven expertise in delivering comprehensive HSE solutions across various industries."
The H2CommandCentre platform is chief among the firm's service and solution suite. The platform has vast-reaching incident response capabilities, activating emergency response, delivering rapid notifications and real-time check-ins; and maps hazard zones and critical residents and stakeholders. Over 15,000 operators currently use the platform.
SGS' North American head of industrial services, Patrick Beck, emphasised, "Operational integrity is at the core of SGS's corporate culture, since our customers entrust us with their quality assurance and operational fluidity needs in a wide range of industrial environments.
"HSE is at the core of what we do. We also have a strong HSE record within our own operations, so we really walk the talk when it comes to protecting assets, employees and the environment."
SGS has committed to doubling North American sales between 2023 and 2027.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 4 June, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has successfully completed its Gas Systems Remediation Project with a 100% completion rate, recording more than 200,000 safe working hours since the programme began in August 2023.
The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to enhance the safety of gas systems across the Emirate.
Dr. Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the DoE, said, “Safety is a collective effort and a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in this sector. Building owners play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of the community. We began our inspection and remediation project in August 2023 and have successfully inspected over 3,100 buildings across the Emirate.”
The DoE confirmed that over 2,400 buildings were remediated, including more than 200 high-risk properties addressed as a priority. The project also identified and repaired 550 previously undetected gas leaks, relocated all gas filling lines outside buildings, replaced more than 450 gas tanks and control panels, and installed over 10,000 gas leak detectors in kitchens.
Dr. Al Qubaisi added, “I would like to express my gratitude to the building owners in Abu Dhabi for their significant efforts and cooperation, which enabled us to focus our efforts on achieving a safer, more stable, and more sustainable energy sector for the Emirate.”
Eng Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector at DoE, said, “Abu Dhabi continues to lead in ensuring the safe use of gas systems, recognizing gas as a vital resource that impacts various aspects of daily life and plays a key role—alongside clean and renewable energy sources—in supporting the stability of the energy sector. I urge all Abu Dhabi residents to remain vigilant when dealing with gas; through collective efforts, we will continue to build a safer and more sustainable community.”
Alsheebani also acknowledged the support of key government entities, including the Department of Economic Development (DED), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Police, the Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA), and the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center.
Under current regulations, property owners must sign annual maintenance contracts with licensed gas operators and undergo regular third-party inspections approved by the DoE. Additionally, they must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming system safety—required to receive the ISTIFAA safety compliance certificate from Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 3 June 2025
- Year: 2025
A recent report by Grand View Research on the Saudi Arabia workplace safety market highlights a number of growth areas, with the market forecast to increase by a CAGR of 19.1% from 2025 to 2030
The personal protective equipment (PPE) segment accounted for a revenue share of over 51.0% of the workplace safety market in 2024, according to the report, and is set to grow further. The construction boom in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 giga-projects such as NEOM, Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya, is boosting the demand for helmets, gloves, harnesses, and high-visibility clothing to protect workers from falls, dropped objects and falling debris, and accidents. While demand is high in the buoyant oil and gas sector for flame-resistant (FR) suits, respirators, and protective eyewear to protect workers from fires, toxic gases, and chemicals, with high-quality PPE mandated by Aramco and government regulations.
Also forecast to grow strongly is the workplace safety services segment, as Saudi companies invest in comprehensive training programmes, behaviour-based safety initiatives, and thorough incident investigations to foster a proactive safety culture. Rising insurance costs and legal liabilities are accelerating the demand for professional safety consulting, risk assessments and compliance solutions.
With smart safety solutions in construction and industrial zones mandated under Vision 2030 and Saudi OSH regulations, demand is growing for wearable IoT devices such as smart helmets and vests that monitor worker vital signs and environmental hazards, ensuring real-time alerts for health and safety risks. In high-risk sectors like oil and gas and mining, IoT-enabled gas/chemical sensors can detect leaks instantly, preventing explosions and harmful exposures and sending alerts to control centres. With 5G and AI integration, IoT safety systems are facilitating predictive risk management, driving rapid market growth as industries prioritise data-driven, proactive safety measures.
Another growth area highlighted is the VR sector. VR in safety training effectively simulates real-world scenarios, enabling employees to practice addressing workplace hazards in a safe, controlled setting. This immersive experience increases engagement, making learning more interactive and memorable and leading to quicker response times in actual situations, thereby helping to reduce workplace accidents and enhance overall safety performance.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: PPE
- Date: 02nd May
- Year: 2025
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)'s annual 'Beat the Heat' programme has introduced wearable tech for workers that enhances location services, connectivity and real-time data to reduce the risk of heat-related illness
The industrial firm has recorded no cases of heat-related illnesses since 2021, yet continues its annual 'Beat the Heat' programme. CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said the programme strives "to engage everyone in ensuring we have zero cases of heat-related illness at our company, and together we have a long track record of success.
"Technology has the potential to make our Beat the Heat programme even more effective."
The wearable tech deployment was joined by new full-body cooling units at EGA medical centres and operational areas at several plants across Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah.
2024 was the third consecutive summer of no recorded heat-related illnesses, with the last two incidents recovering within hours of treatment in summer 2021.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: May 2025
- Year: 2025
Kuwait's Minister of Oil, Tariq Sulaiman Al-Roumi, reiterated the state's support for the sustainability of the oil market's balance and security
During three virtual events (the OPEC Ministerial Conference, the OPEC + Joint Ministerial Montioring Committee, and the OPEC + Ministerial Meeting), the Minister emphasised the importance of the "enhanced joint coordination among countries within the framework of the OPEC+ Declaration of Cooperation and the adoption of well-considered decisions that support the stability of global oil markets."
Al-Roumi highlighted Kuwait's policy and market support in a press statement from the Ministry of Oil.
The Minister of Oil was joined by Kuwait's governor to OPEC, Mohammad Khudr Al-Shatti, and national representative to OPEC, Sheikh Abdullah Sabah Salem Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 29 May, 2025
- Year: 2025
Intersec Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s leading platform for security, safety, and fire protection, is set to return to the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) from 30 September to 2 October this year.
The event will bring together government authorities, industry leaders, and international solution providers to address the evolving needs of Saudi Arabia’s transformative giga-projects and global ambitions.
Organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, Intersec Saudi Arabia will operate under the theme “Securing progress, igniting safety: Unveiling tomorrow’s solutions for Saudi Arabia.”
The event aligns global innovation with the Kingdom’s national priorities, fostering collaboration to secure the infrastructure, environments, and communities driving Saudi Arabia’s prosperous future.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a monumental transformation with projects like Neom, Qiddiya, and Red Sea Global, alongside preparations for major global events such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
These developments position the Kingdom as a key player in global tourism, sports, and industry. Intersec Saudi Arabia serves as a critical platform for stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of these ambitious initiatives.
“Intersec Saudi Arabia provides an important platform for decision makers across Saudi Arabia’s major projects to connect with global innovators and work together to build a secure, future-ready environment,” said Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences.
“We look forward to facilitating important business connections that support the country’s growth and long-term success.”
Key themes
The event is divided into five product sectors: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, and Cybersecurity.
Intersec Saudi Arabia will also host CPD-certified content theaters, including the Future Security and Safety Summit Powered by ASIS and the Fire Protection & Technology Summit. New additions include a Thought Leadership Pavilion and the return of The Premium Club, offering exclusive benefits for select buyers and influencers.
The Future Security and Safety Summit will feature high-level discussions on emerging global threats, crisis response strategies, and responsible AI innovation. Speakers will include representatives from FIFA, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Company, Kearney, and Saudi Aramco, among others.
Meanwhile, the Fire Protection and Technology Summit will bring together fire and emergency service leaders to discuss challenges, standards, and technologies, with insights from Saudi Civil Defense, International Maritime Industries, and AESG.
“The conference and events element of Intersec Saudi Arabia continues to grow each year and will once again bring together the brightest minds in security, safety and fire protection from around the world,” said Riham Sedik, exhibition director, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
“The event will offer interactive showcases, live demonstrations and engaging panel discussions, all tailored to the unique needs of the Kingdom.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 28 May 2025
- Year: 2025
The USA’s Center for Offshore Safety (COS) has awarded a Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) Certificate to HWCG Holdings, LLC, a consortium of deepwater operators and non-operators formed to provide a rapid and comprehensive response to subsea well containment events
The award recognises the organisation’s successful completion of an independent audit and verification of its Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) by a CICS Americas, a COS-accredited Audit Service Provider (ASP).
SEMS Certificates are awarded to organisations that not only undergo an independent SEMS audit by a COS-accredited ASP but also implement all improvement actions identified during the audit process — actions that support a culture of continual improvement.
“The achievement is particularly impressive in that HWCG voluntarily chose to have their SEMS independently audited as part of their commitment to protect people, property, and the environment,” said Russell Holmes, COS senior director. “Under US regulations, only oil and gas operators are required to have their SEMS audited by a COS-accredited ASP.”
“By HWCG voluntarily achieving this SEMS Certificate, it reflects our dedication to protecting people, the environment, and the communities we support- it also demonstrates our unwavering commitment in response preparedness to our members and response providers,” commented HWGG.
HWCG is made up of a diverse and experienced group of deepwater operators and non-operators, representing two-thirds of the deepwater operators in the Gulf of America. Each HWCG member is committed to a robust, integrated, standardised and sustainable response solution to a deepwater blowout in the US Gulf of America. Each member company provides expertise and resources that collectively help achieve HWCG’s ultimate goal of rapid intervention, response and containment.
HWCG is the only source control and containment consortium and first not-for-profit to voluntarily earn a SEMS Certificate.