Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 28 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
The UAE Ministry of Community Empowerment has issued a ministerial resolution announcing the official establishment of the Safety and Emergency Security Association, designed to promoting a culture of safety and enhancing community readiness in the face of emergencies
The association, which will be headquartered in the Emirate of Sharjah, is the initiative of a group of distinguished national experts with extensive experience in safety and emergency security and stems from a belief in the importance of collective action and cross-sector collaboration to promote prevention, safety, and empowerment across various fields.
The association is set to play an important role in raising public awareness of safety concepts and preventive measures. This will be achieved through awareness campaigns and activities aimed at various segments of society across all age groups. It will also target non-Arabic and non-English speakers who might struggle to access safety information due to language barriers, with dedicated training in their languages, and multi-lingual information.
In addition, it will offer specialised training programmes to develop skills in safety and emergency preparedness, a key initiative being to train fresh graduates interested in this area. It will strengthen collaboration with government, academic, and private entities to expand strategic partnerships—ultimately enhancing the community’s readiness to respond to emergencies.
The launch of the association coincides with the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, designating 2025 as the “Year of Community” under the theme “Hand in Hand.” This national initiative aims to strengthen social bonds and community cohesion, instill values of cooperation and belonging, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage active participation through community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives—all of which reinforce a culture of shared responsibility and drive collective progress.
The association will emphasise the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility across sectors to enhance prevention, promote safety, and empower communities.
"Safety and security are not limited to environmental disasters. A disaster can take many forms, environmental or health-related," said Haitham Mohammed Al Raeesi, the association's Chairman and Manager, Emergency, Crisis & Business Continuity at Dubai Municipality.
"Our role is to raise awareness among individuals on how to act in emergencies, whether it's a fire or a personal crisis. As a non-profit organisation, our goal is to build an informed community."
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 27 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Global HSE Group's training division has launched a new fire safety qualification, crafted for construction professionals
Understanding Fire Safety Design hopes to establish the foundational fire safety knowledge required to work in safety-critical environments such as construction sites.
The course promises both theory and practical application to integrate fire safety into the project design and execution stages.
Global HSE Group's head of technical and training, Chris Sharman, said the qualification "has been created for individuals working on construction projects such as Principal Designers, or individuals within Principal, Main, or sub-contractors with a level of design liability where fire safety knowledge is crucial.
"This demonstrates Global Academy’s commitment to delivering industry-leading training that aligns with ever-evolving fire safety regulations."
Andrew Cooper, Global HSE Group's managing director, added, "Fire safety is a fundamental aspect of building design, and ensuring that professionals have the right knowledge to integrate it effectively is vital.
"The Understanding Fire Safety Design qualification is a significant step forward in equipping learners with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical application needed to enhance safety in the built environment."
Professionals can enrol for the course via Global Academy now.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 26 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
bp is one of the Gulf of America’s largest oil producers, operating five major production platforms in the region. In an article on its website, bp outlines five ways it is working to keep its Gulf of America employees safe:
1. Principles to keep bp’s people safe
Making sure contractors are fully supported to work safely is critical to the company’s goal of eliminating Tier 1 process safety events. bp hosts a quarterly contractor forum – a dedicated space for bp’s contractors and leaders to talk about safety. Under the company’s Safety Leadership Principles, bp employees and contractors are empowered to speak up when something does not seem right and to stop work if they have concerns.
2. Leveraging digital technology for better planning and monitoring
bp’s Argos platform is using a digital twin of the facility that enables individuals to monitor Argos from bp’s US headquarters in Houston. The technology was recently used to remotely plan an inspection campaign of 300 valves on Argos to ensure they are being maintained correctly, eliminating the need for the team to physically travel back and forth to the platform. Using the twin, the time to complete the inspections was reduced by 50%. The technology is in use across all five of bp’s operated Gulf of America platforms and in other regions.
3. Deploying other cutting-edge technology to reduce risk
In addition to the digital twin, bp is using drones to inspect tanks in its Gulf of America platforms, eliminating the need for employees and contractors to enter confined spaces.
4. Weather safety
Temperatures on bp platforms in the Gulf of America can reach between 125 to 130° Fahrenheit. Keeping bp personnel on the platforms cool is critical to their ability to safely make decisions and follow protocols. bp started a pilot project on the Mad Dog platform for all offshore personnel to use specially designed, lightweight, cooling, fire-retardant clothing. Heat stress meters are being used to provide real-time data of the current heat risk on the platform. For hydration, test systems have been installed in bathrooms allowing the team members to self-monitor and regulate hydration. Hurricane preparedness sessions are also held, and weather forecasts distributed to warn of severe weather events.
5. Training bp’s future leaders
Under bp’s health, safety, environment and carbon (HSE&C) early careers program, recent college graduates are placed in teams with experienced safety professionals and visit platforms in the Gulf of America to learn about the work there. The participants take helicopter training before visiting, do a safety orientation once they arrive and shadow the HSE&C site lead at the facility. Current participants are developing safety resources that focus on specific Process Safety Fundamentals including engaging videos, case studies and discussion prompts for all frontline employees.
“These five aspects reflect bp’s belief that every incident is preventable,” says bp. “Technological improvements, a focus on early training and constant communication, with a continuous drive to learn and improve, go a long way toward reaching that goal. Simply put, everyone must go home safely when their shift is done – full stop.”
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 25 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Saudi Arabia has made notable strides in Numbeo's recently-published Safety Index, climbing from 26th place in 2024 to 14th in 2025. This remarkable improvement places Saudi Arabia among the top 15 safest countries in the world, surpassing notable nations such as Switzerland, Finland, the Netherlands, and China.
Saudi Arabia’s jump in the rankings saw it overtake several European nations known for their high safety standards, including Switzerland (17th in 2024 to 23rd in 2025), Finland (23rd to 24th), and the Netherlands (21st to 26th).
Overall, as a region, the Middle East reported varying performances in the safety index. The UAE (2nd place) and Qatar (3rd place) continue to earn their status as some of the safest countries worldwide. Oman (5th) also remains a regional leader in safety. Bahrain, though still ranked highly, dropped slightly from 13th to 16th.
Kuwait and Israel, both in the top 40, have also maintained relatively strong positions, though not recording a major upward shift like Saudi Arabia.
Numeo also recently released its Quality of Life index of 62 Asian cities, where the Middle East earned all top three slots. Explore full coverage of those rankings here.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 24 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Exposure to welding fumes is a significant occupational hazard, with documented links to lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. In 2019, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) classified welding fumes as a Group 1 carcinogen, mandating effective respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for all indoor welding tasks and outdoor welding where ventilation is inadequate.
Darren Binns, Jefferson Tools' national sales manager, emphasised the danger presented by welding fumes. "The risks associated with welding fumes are too serious to ignore. Employers need to take proactive steps to ensure their workers are protected and that means investing in the right equipment."
Jefferson Tools has long supplied the Tundra Air Fed Welding Helmet, designed to provide continuous, filtered airflow to reduce welders' exposure to hazardous fumes. The helmet includes a comfortable carrying belt and a protected air hose for durability. A lightweight, ergonomic design promises comfort for extended use, while an auto-darkening filter ensures clear vision and smooth task transitions.
Introducing the upgraded revision of the helmet, which responds to industry feedback about the former version's visibility with an increased viewing window, Darren continued, "Our enhanced Tundra Air Fed Welding Helmet provides welders with superior protection, comfort, and visibility, making compliance easier while safeguarding long-term health. At Jefferson Tools, we’re committed to helping businesses meet HSE requirements with solutions that put worker safety first."
As regulatory requirements and enforcement measures continue to evolve, effective RPE remains essential in ensuring welders’ long-term health and safety.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 24 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
In a Q&A with Health, Safety and Environment Review, Ali Abdulla Al Ali, UAE country chair at Petrofac, talks about workplace safety in the UAE and the importance of instilling safety principles from the get-go. Read on:
Can you tell us more about your approach to promoting employee safety and wellbeing and how it has evolved over time?
Safety has been at the heart of my career since the late 1980s, thanks to some incredible mentors like John McFarth. Back in 1980, when I was at Amoco, John drilled three key principles into me: thorough risk assessment, careful planning, and strong supervision. These became my foundation in health and safety, and more recently employee wellbeing.
I’ve built on these values by focusing on the power of training and engagement. Throughout my career at Petrofac in particular, workshopping - for both our teams and clients – has helped make sure safety isn’t a mere checklist, but rather a mindset that is lived every day. I’m also a firm believer in taking time to recognise and reward good safety behaviours. Even small things, like handing out certificates for internal training, can make a big difference.
Over the years I’ve expanded my approach beyond traditional safety measures to include overall wellbeing. One such initiative that I’m involved with is our ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign, where thousands of our people have taken advantage of free screenings to monitor key health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI. I am also a certified mental health first aid provider and have led multiple awareness sessions to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.
Beyond that, we ensure colleagues are physically prepared for their roles through our ‘Fitness to Work’ programme, which includes health assessments, surveillance for high-risk roles, and return-to-work support for employees recovering from illness or injury.
How do you see your role as an Emirati leader who connects with the subcontinent workforce? What value does this connection bring to your projects and teams?
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the diversity of our workforce. We employ more than 70 nationalities in total. But a great number of our people come from the Indian subcontinent, and when they realise I can speak Hindi or Urdu, it immediately breaks down barriers, builds trust, makes conversations easier.
When people feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to speak up, whether it’s about a concern or an idea for improvement. That kind of openness is crucial in our industry. And on a bigger scale, as an Emirati leader, I see it as my responsibility to foster inclusion and lead by example.
What do you consider to be the biggest health and safety risks in your industry, and what proactive steps are you taking to mitigate them?
Our role is to design and build big energy infrastructure plants. Its inherently dangerous work, but to give you a specific example, one of the biggest risks we face is during the commissioning and startup phase, especially when introducing hydrocarbons into a facility. This is a critical moment, if something goes wrong, it can have serious consequences.
That’s why we take a comprehensive approach to safety, from detailed start up reviews, regular drills to awareness workshops. Everyone on site needs to know the protocols inside out. We also place a huge emphasis on supervision and attention to detail.
Learning from the past is just as important. We record every incident, no matter how small, because that data helps us improve. We have an app where our people can log HSEQ observations and we look for trends in observations and make interventions before incidents occur. We also survey our staff to give us feedback on our processes, and we hold lots of open forums like town halls to keep communication regular, open and two-way.
What advice would you give to other HSE leaders looking to implement a more inclusive and multilingual approach to health and safety?
Instead of translating HSE materials as an afterthought, we design them from the start with different audiences in mind. That means using clear visuals, straightforward translatable language, and real-world examples that make sense to the people reading them. When safety feels relatable, people engage with it more.
It’s also important to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background or language, feels empowered to contribute to the overall culture of safety in an organisation.
How do you measure the success and effectiveness of your safety initiatives at Petrofac?
We believe in keeping things simple. Going back to basics is key to safe and reliable operations so we track our progress through hard data and real feedback.
Some of the key factors we look at include lost time injuries (LTIs), safety observations, audits, permits issued, kilometres travelled, and total man-hours worked. Beyond the numbers, we listen to our people. If employees feel safer, more engaged, and more empowered to take ownership of safety, that’s when we know we’re making an impact.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 21 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Radars are playing an increasingly pivotal role in advancing autonomous driving technology, with front and side radars forming essential components of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
According to IDTechEx’s latest report, "Automotive Radar Market 2025-2045: Robotaxis & Autonomous Cars," innovations in radar technology are pushing autonomy to new levels, particularly with the growing adoption of Level 2+ systems in the US and Europe.
Front radars are fundamental for object detection, supporting key ADAS functions such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and automatic emergency braking (AEB). The push to enhance front radar capabilities is driving innovation in the sector, with angular resolution and range emerging as top priorities. These improvements are expected to significantly refine vehicle automation and safety features, taking precedence over factors like field of view and compactness.
Side radars: improving blind spot detection
Side radars are primarily utilised for blind spot detection (BSD), with lane change assist (LCA) serving as an advanced extension of this technology. LCA helps vehicles assess approaching traffic before executing lane changes, enhancing overall safety. Cross-traffic alert (CTA) is another crucial function, particularly useful when reversing out of parking spaces. Additionally, junction pedestrian AEB combines input from front and side radars to detect pedestrians at intersections before a vehicle completes a turn, demonstrating the collaborative potential of radar systems in improving road safety.
Unlike front radars, side radars require a wide field of view to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings effectively. Compact design is also a priority, allowing for seamless integration into vehicles without compromising aesthetics or functionality. However, long-range detection is less critical for side radars, with an effective range of up to 50 metres being sufficient for their primary tasks.
IDTechEx describes Level 2+ as a bridge between Level 2 and Level 3 autonomy, allowing drivers to operate vehicles hands-free while maintaining focus on the road. This level of automation has gained significant momentum, particularly in the US, where Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ and Ford’s ‘BlueCruise’ systems are already in operation.
Following its European debut in 2023, Ford’s BlueCruise now operates in 15 countries, according to IDTechEx. Meanwhile, Tesla is targeting 2025 for the launch of fully self-driving vehicles in China, a move expected to accelerate the adoption of Level 2+ systems worldwide. The requirement for driver supervision in Level 2+ systems may be a key factor in their rising popularity over Level 3, as they provide a blend of automation and security, easing liability concerns for manufacturers.
4D radars and the path to higher autonomy
The future of vehicle autonomy hinges on the development of 4D and imaging radars, which offer enhanced elevation and azimuth resolution. These advanced radars will be instrumental in refining vehicle perception, enabling more precise planning and adaptive responses. As a result, they are expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the transition to Level 3 and Level 4 autonomy, bringing fully autonomous vehicles closer to reality.
With radar technology continuing to evolve, its role in autonomous driving is set to expand, reinforcing safety and accelerating the transition towards self-driving vehicles on a global scale.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 20 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Omrania, part of the Egis Group, has announced the successful completion of the KAFD Fire Station, a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) that sets a new standard for fire station design as well as promoting firefighter wellbeing
The fire station is an essential emergency response facility and a model of innovation, integrating sustainability, functionality and health-conscious elements. The first LEED Platinum v4-certified fire station in the world, it sets new standards in emergency response infrastructure and energy efficiency. Designed with advanced safety systems, cutting-edge technologies, and a louvered glass façade illuminated by matrix LED lights, the facility is optimised for climate-conscious operations while enhancing firefighting capacity and public safety within the district.
As well as its striking architectural design with dynamic façade screen, the two-level structure has been meticulously designed with operational efficiency in mind. As a fire station within a high-rise district, particular attention has been given to the roof design. The green roof and photovoltaic panels enhance sustainability and reduce the visual impact of mechanical equipment, creating a clean, organised appearance that aligns with the overall aesthetic of the district.
Inside, the facility has been designed with a focus on occupant well-being. A minimalist yet robust interior aesthetic complements the operational needs of firefighters while ensuring long-term durability. In recognition of the intensive nature of firefighting, the station includes dedicated wellness and relaxation spaces, such as a gym, lounges and a central courtyard.
Marwan Bsaibes, managing principal at Omrania, said, "The completion of the KAFD Fire Station marks a milestone in sustainable and functional design. This project is a testament to Omrania’s commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality architecture that enhances the built environment while prioritising the well-being of its users."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 20 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
MSA Safety discusses the benefits of a layered defense incorporating both gas and flame detection for safety in industrial environments
In industrial settings, safety is paramount, especially in environments where flammable or toxic gases are present, such as the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.
A robust gas detection system is an important line of defense, but it is not the whole story. Integrating flame detection into your safety setup can create a safer and more reliable environment.
The role of gas and flame detection systems
Gas detection systems are designed to identify harmful gases in the air, whether combustible, toxic, or asphyxiating. They provide early warnings, helping to enable preventive action before conditions become dangerous. However, gas detection alone doesn’t account for what happens when a gas leak ignites.
Flame detection systems complement gas detectors by identifying the presence of fire, which may occur even where gas concentration hasn’t yet reached detectable levels. Together, these systems can contribute to a more comprehensive safety net that addresses both potential and actual hazards.
Why include flame detection in gas detection systems?
1. More comprehensive hazard mitigation
Gas detectors and flame detectors work hand-in-hand to prevent accidents and mitigate risks. While gas detectors alert you to the presence of a leak, flame detectors respond to fires that could result from undetected or ignited gases.
2. Faster response to fire emergencies
A gas leak can ignite in seconds, turning a potential hazard into an active emergency. Flame detectors react in real-time to the presence of a flame, helping to enable prompt action to contain the fire and prevent escalation.
3. Helps eliminate blind spots
Gas detection systems can only monitor specific zones. In scenarios where a leak occurs outside the detection range or a minor leak ignites directly, flame detectors can be an important second layer of protection.
4. Tailored for high-risk industries
In industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing, the risk of fire due to flammable gases is ever present. Flame detection helps protect these high-stakes environments against both minor and catastrophic ignition events.
5. Meeting regulatory standards
Safety regulations often require both gas and flame detection systems for compliance. Adhering to these standards not only protects your team and assets but also ensures your operations meet legal and industry benchmarks.
6. Minimising damage and downtime
Early flame detection can activate suppression systems, limit the spread of fire, and enhance the safety of personnel. By containing incidents quickly, businesses can avoid costly equipment damage and extended downtime.
7. Enhanced operational safety and continuity
Combining gas and flame detection creates a more resilient safety framework that reduces the likelihood of accidents and enables a quicker recovery in the event of an incident. This reliability is key to maintaining trust and productivity.
A layered defense
Safety in industrial environments is not about choosing between gas or flame detection — it’s about understanding the benefits of both to build a layered defense.
While gas detectors prevent potential hazards by identifying leaks, flame detectors act as a safeguard when ignition occurs.
Safety managers may consider this combination a necessity in today’s high risk, high stakes industries. By integrating flame detection into your gas detection system, you help to ensure that your operations are protected from the full spectrum of potential hazards, safeguarding lives, assets, and your reputation.
MSA Safety is a North American manufacturer and supplier of safety equipment used in a range of hazardous environments, including construction, military, fire service, and chemical, oil, and gas production. The company has provided its products to sites all across the region, and also partnered with OSHA to highlight workplace safety in Houston.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 19 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
Doha, Qatar, has earned an impressive third-place ranking among 62 Asian cities in the 2025 Numbeo Quality of Life Index. This achievement highlights Doha’s evolution into a modern, globally competitive city that prioritises resident well-being.
The Numbeo index assesses cities based on factors such as purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, traffic, pollution, and climate.
Doha’s overall Quality of Life Index score reached 178.7, with a high purchasing power index of 151.8 and a strong safety score of 84.1. The city’s healthcare index stood at 73.4, while the cost of living remained relatively low at 47.8.
Other notable scores included a 6.2 Property Price to Income Ratio, 29.1 for Traffic Commute Time, 59.9 for Pollution, and 36.0 for Climate.
Doha follows only Abu Dhabi and Muscat in the rankings, a testament to Qatar’s strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sustainability. The city’s safety, healthcare facilities, and metro system contribute were evaluated to have contributed significantly to its high livability.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 18 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Gulf of America, historically known as the Gulf of Mexico, remains a crucial region for offshore energy production, with companies like bp leading the way in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) improvements.
In recent years, bp has taken significant steps to strengthen its safety culture, implement advanced technologies, and refine operational protocols to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety.
bp’s approach to HSE in the Gulf of America is guided by its Operating Management System (OMS), which provides a consistent framework for managing health, safety, security, and environmental risks.
The OMS integrates bp’s safety leadership principles, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers’ (IOGP) Life-Saving Rules, and process safety fundamentals. These elements collectively drive a strong safety culture, ensuring that best practices are embedded across BP’s operations.
To reinforce this culture, bp has prioritised psychological safety among its workforce. Employees in operations are encouraged to voice concerns and report potential hazards without fear of retaliation.
Training sessions have been expanded to help employees integrate safety principles into their daily routines, fostering a more open and proactive approach to risk management.
Life-saving rules and digital solutions
The IOGP Life-Saving Rules address high-risk activities that account for the majority of serious industry incidents.
Since their adoption, bp has measured their effectiveness, conducting site visits and safety audits to assess compliance.
In 2024, operational safety teams visited production sites in Azerbaijan, refining facilities in Spain, and terminals and pipelines in the US to ensure adherence to these critical safety measures.
Technology plays a pivotal role in bp’s HSE advancements. Digital solutions such as the IRIS system (for health, safety, security, and environment reporting) and the LENS platform (for learning and knowledge-sharing) have enhanced BP’s ability to standardise processes and collaborate across sites.
Additionally, the company has deployed Nova, an integrated management tool that helps monitor risk controls and enforce safety measures.
Despite bp’s efforts, the company faced challenges in 2024, reporting a fatality and several life-changing injuries across its global operations.
These incidents have reinforced the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols. To address these concerns, bp has focused on leveraging lessons learned to prevent future occurrences, including a renewed emphasis on safe manual handling procedures and emergency response preparedness.
Process safety remains a priority, with bp implementing stricter mechanical integrity frameworks in refining and production activities.
The company has also integrated IOGP’s Process Safety Fundamentals, ensuring that risk awareness and operational reliability are at the forefront of daily activities.
bp’s offshore operations in the Gulf of America benefit from enhanced monitoring and AI-driven solutions.
In drilling activities, bp uses advanced surveillance systems that allow experts in Houston and Sunbury to detect early warning signs of potential hazards, enabling timely intervention.
Additionally, bp’s US onshore subsidiary, bpx energy, has adopted AI-powered driving safety measures, significantly reducing driver distraction and tailgating incidents.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 17 March, 2025
- Year: 2025
In its announcement of a 4.1% revenue increase over the last year, Arabian Drilling listed HSE amongst its four top strategic priorities for 2025.
The addition of 13 unconventional land rigs in 2024 brings the operator's total fleet to 59. That increase represents a 20.4% growth against 2023.
Ghassan Mirdad, Arabian Drilling's CEO, described last year's performance as "strong and resilient."
CFO Hubert Lafeuille added, "Our strong balance sheet enables us to pursue geographical expansion, enhancing our ability to swiftly reposition ourselves to capture targeted growth opportunities that require our expertise."
Part of that repositioning includes the realignment of Arabian Drilling's strategic priorities for 2025, centring its approach around four pillars: increasing fleet utilisation, supporting the Kingdom's energy transition, expanding globally, and enhancing HSE activities.
The operator anticipates that Q1 2025 will maintain Q4 2024 performance and momentum.