Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 14 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
The new Operational Skills Development Program for Women aims to empower women, equipping them with the operational skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the water industry.
The training initiative covers all three pillars of HSE awareness, laying the groundwork with foundational technical training on a six-month programme.
Upon completion of the course, participants will have their performance evaluated before formal employment opportunities may be presented at various ACCIONA plants across Qatar, including the Ras Abu Fontas RO desalination plant.
Over 30% of ACCIONA's Qatar operations and maintenance workforce is currently comprised of women, but the organisation nonetheless remains committed to social development through the empowerment of women.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 13 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform Motive has unveiled new AI features intended to tackle drowsy and distracted driving, one of Mexico's biggest traffic safety issues.
Safety managers can now proactively address driver weariness and other risky behaviours to increase fleet safety with Motive's AI-powered Forward Collision Warning and Drowsiness Detection, which have been introduced to the Mexican market.
In Mexico, driver weariness poses a serious concern to road safety. The Mexican Institute of Transportation (IMT) claimed that driver behaviour, particularly distracted and sleepy driving, was responsible for about half of all traffic collisions in 2023. Drivers are pushed to their limits by long driving hours, which are made worse by a lack of workers.
This leads to harmful behaviours including crossing into oncoming traffic, making unsafe lane changes, and being involved in fatal collisions.
Motive has introduced advanced AI-driven safety features designed to tackle driver fatigue and prevent collisions, enhancing overall road safety. Integrated with Motive’s AI Dashcams, these innovations proactively detect drowsiness and potential crashes, offering real-time alerts to drivers and safety managers.
Key features
The AI-driven feature identifies both early and advanced signs of driver fatigue, such as repeated yawning and prolonged eye closure. Once these indicators are detected:
- Drivers receive immediate in-cab alerts, encouraging them to take necessary breaks.
- Safety managers are promptly notified, allowing them to intervene and reinforce rest periods.
- If a driver begins to nod off, the system issues an urgent alert to wake them and prevent a possible accident.
Rear-end collisions, often caused by distraction or drowsiness, can now be significantly reduced with Motive’s AI-powered Forward Collision Warning. This system, available with all Motive AI Dashcams, continuously assesses vehicle speed, following distance, and estimated time to impact. When a driver approaches another vehicle too quickly, it triggers an alert, allowing them to brake in time. Studies show that such warnings can reduce rear-end crashes by 27%.
Motive’s technology generates alerts for these behaviours three to four times more frequently than competing solutions, giving fleet operators greater visibility into driver performance.
Organisations using Motive’s AI Dashcam have seen up to an 80% reduction in accidents, a 30% drop in accident-related expenses, and a 21% decrease in insurance costs.
Motive is further refining its safety tools with the upcoming Driver Fatigue Index (DFI), which will analyse multiple fatigue indicators such as yawning frequency, lane deviations, eye movement, unusual speed changes, total driving hours, and environmental factors.
The AI-powered drowsiness detection and forward collision warning capabilities integrate directly into Motive’s platform, equipping transportation, logistics, and fleet operators with the necessary tools to mitigate safety risks.
Also read: Intersec 2025 sets new benchmark for global safety and security
- Details
- Leah Kelly
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Date: 13 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
It is nearly time for the doors to open on Offshore Network’s inaugural North Sea Health, Safety and Environment conference (HSE North Sea) which will make its debut this summer in Scotland.
Building on the success from previous HSE forums produced by Offshore Network (HSE GOM, HSE MENA and HSE KSA), the inaugural conference will deliver deep insights and analyses from Europe’s leading offshore industry experts covering diverse topics under the HSE umbrella.
With a focus placed on urgent HSE challenges offshore, delegates will spend two days gaining insights into the latest pioneering technologies dutifully addressing these factors and have the opportunity to learn even more with 10 bespoke tech demos.
An array of sessions and panels will take place over the two-day affair, including an exclusive key note address by Dr. Fawaz Bitar, Senior VP HSE & Carbon at bp. Other representatives from Ambrey, bp, IOGP, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Mental Health In Energy, Shell, and the UN Environment Programme will also be taking to the stage to deliver talks on safety culture, regulation navigation, emerging challenges, and mental resilience within the industry.
More than 150 delegates will descend into the Chester Hotel in Aberdeen on 11-12 June, 2025, to share knowledge and connect with operators, government representatives, experts and technology developers. With eight dedicated networking events and two exclusive breakout workshops, HSE North Sea provides unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and innovation in an ever-changing sector.
For more information about speaking, sponsorship or delegate packages, please contact Gabrielle Foster at:
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Date: 12 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
The UK's Health and Safety Executive inspected 13 production operators across the North Sea as part of its Process Safety Leadership Principles (PLSP) programme; it has now published its findings and uncovered the risks that remain amongst offshore companies.
The PSLP were developed after the Executive flagged concerns about stagnating safety standards to the offshore industry in 2018. They cover management and regulatory skills to improve and ensure safety on sites.
Inspections took place between January 2022 and May 2024; industry leaders were also engaged with to determine exactly how the safety leadership principles were being embedded throughout project lifecycle stages. The final report, reflecting the outcome of the inspections, quality assessments and actionable next steps, has now been published.
Samantha Peace, director of the HSE's Energy Division, reported that "offshore companies are now engaging with one another on an unprecedented level... firms were looking at themselves, identifying areas of improvement, engaging with other companies and above all, finding solutions."
While these successes are, of course, critical to ensuring that safety regulation is not snubbed moving forward, the report found "several consistent themes" where safety was dismissed or lacking, and that the themes "were not unique to individual organisations."
One such shortcoming was the dwindling workforce, which has in turn sparked a decrease in knowledge and competency within operator workforces.
Despite the final inspection taking place in May of 2024, Samantha affirmed that the HSE "will continue to question companies on how they are implementing PSLP and whether they are still collaborating with other firms on the same level we witnessed during the programme."
The report itself promises "anonymous feedback... on any common trends or themes," identified by the Executive moving forward.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Date: 11 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
The director-general of the UN International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert Houngbo, has praised Saudi Arabia's role in shaping the future of the global labour market.
Speaking at the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 in Riyadh, Houngbo highlighted the Kingdom’s comprehensive labour reforms, which can enhance market competitiveness and drive sustainable economic growth.
Saudi Arabia has implemented significant changes in its labour market, including updates to labour laws, improvements in occupational safety, and initiatives to boost employment for youth and women.
Speaking on occupational safety, the ILO chief acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance workplace safety through labour market reforms. The adoption of the National Policy on Occupational Safety and Health, the establishment of a dedicated national council, and the implementation of modern reporting systems for workplace incidents demonstrate the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ well-being.
Digital transformation
Houngbo commended Saudi Arabia’s investment in digital technologies and its proactive approach to addressing challenges. He noted that the Kingdom’s focus on digitalisation is not just about improving efficiency but also about creating attractive and sustainable workplaces. These efforts, he said, place Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the global transition towards a sustainable economy that balances development with social equity.
The ILO and Saudi Arabia have been working together across multiple areas, including occupational safety, aligning workforce skills with market demands, and enhancing social protection. Houngbo noted that the Kingdom’s experience serves as a valuable model for other nations looking to modernise their labour markets.
The GLMC in Riyadh provided a crucial platform for dialogue on the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping today’s global labour landscape. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s priorities, including addressing labour market disparities, promoting social justice, and preparing for the impacts of digitalisation and demographic shifts. He stressed that achieving social justice is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity that fosters stability and inclusion.
Promoting diversity and equality
Houngbo highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle youth unemployment in the Arab world. He emphasised the importance of quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives to bridge the gap between education and employment. While global youth unemployment rates have improved, the ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Youth report indicates a 1% rise in unemployment across Arab nations. Houngbo called for stronger alignment between educational systems and labour market needs to address this issue effectively.
Gender equality remains a core focus for the ILO, and Houngbo underscored the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all workers. He praised Saudi Arabia’s recent legislation mandating maternity insurance for female workers, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting gender equality in the labour market. He also called for further measures to support work-life balance, including flexible work arrangements and enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 10 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Jubail refinery, a project developed in joint partnership between Aramco and Total Energies, will see workers monitored and protected by Wiloc technologies.
Wiloc Technologies will integrate a Bluetooth 5.0 Long Range (BLE-LR) system in the site's workplace safety infrastructure, tracking workers and monitoring their presence to optimise staff management processes.
Leap-Network will partner with Wiloc to integrate the monitoring system, hoping to improve the site's occupational safety.
Javier Benjumea, Wiloc Technologies' CEO, said, "We are proud to work together with Leap-Network in implementing technologies that will facilitate safer working conditions for more than 25,000 people at Amiral SATORP, which in turn will directly contribute to process optimisation and a clear positive impact on Aramco's and TotalEnergies’ bottom line.
"Investing in digitalisation and workplace safety not only boosts operational efficiency, but also ensures safer and more sustainable work environments."
The project, expected to go fully online in 2027, will produce a variety of low-cost feedstocks and 1.65 million tonnes of ethylene annually once operational.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Date: 7 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
SPIE, Europe’s leading independent provider of multi-technical services in energy and communications, has earned the Step 4 Safety Culture Ladder (SCL) certification for its Substations business unit within the High Voltage operational division in Germany.
This achievement marks SPIE as the first company in Europe to attain the second-highest certification level in the field of switchgear engineering, recognising its exceptional workplace safety culture.
The certification remains valid for three years, with performance monitored through regular audits. Notably, the Transmission Lines business unit within the same division was awarded the Step 4 SCL certificate in 2023.
Encouraging mindful safety behaviour
“The certification independently confirms SPIE’s commitment to fostering a proactive safety culture. Ensuring all our employees return home safe and sound each day is part of our shared responsibility,” said Hannes Simon, head of substations in the high voltage operational division of SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria. “Being the first company to reach Step 4 on the Safety Culture Ladder in switchgear engineering is a source of great pride for us, not to mention clear proof that we are on the right track.”
“That both the Transmission Lines and now the Substations business units have achieved the second-highest SCL certification step is a testament to the importance of workplace safety in our operational division. We will continue to pursue this path with determination,” said Burkhard Sager, head of the high voltage operational division at SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria.
“The progress made by the High Voltage operational division sets an example for others. It demonstrates that workplace health and safety efforts succeed when employees at all levels actively contribute to establishing a sustainable safety culture in their daily work through mindful and safety-conscious behaviour,” said Markus Holzke, managing director of SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria.
SPIE places workplace safety at the core of its operations, conducting regular safety briefings, training sessions, and workshops while adhering to globally recognised occupational safety standards. The company strives to foster a strong safety culture, ensuring that employees remain vigilant while continuously minimising risks and potential hazards in daily operations.
The Safety Culture Ladder (SCL) is an internationally recognised framework that promotes workplace safety through a behaviour-based approach. Consisting of five levels, it assesses safety awareness across all organisational tiers through audits based on employee interviews and on-site observations. The evaluation also includes collaboration with partner companies, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of safety culture beyond SPIE’s immediate workforce.
SPIE is a leading independent European provider of multi-technical services in energy and communications, with a workforce of 50,000 employees across six major European countries. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, SPIE’s mission is to combat climate change by advancing energy transition and enabling a digital transformation that fosters long-term progress for communities and citizens alike.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 6 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
One factor highlighted by health and safety practitioners in Saudi Arabia is the need for training and upskilling in all areas, both for the workforce and for HSE professionals themselves
Training needs range from the basics of HSE and proper use of PPE, to competency-based training and training in new technologies, and call for diverse methods, from practical on-the-job training to immersive digital learning. With calls for leaders to ‘walk the talk’ and employ good communication strategies, there is also a need for leadership and psychological training. Furthermore, the Saudisation of the HSE profession and government plans to recruit several thousand more HSE officers by 2025, will require an expansion of training and certification programmes.
With workforce development and enhancing local capabilities at the heart of Vision 2030 and Saudi nationalisation objectives, there is scope for further investment in private-public partnerships, customised training programmes tailored to the specific needs of industries and businesses, and partnerships with international training providers and institutions.
Collaborations to upskill local talent
One recently announced initiative is a collaboration between Serco and SaveFast Training Academy, one of the region’s leading HSE training providers, which aims to enhance safety and upskill local talent in Saudi Arabia using SaveFast’s HSE, driving training and technology solutions. These incorporate the use of virtual reality technology, behaviour-based telematics and HSE technologies.
The collaboration addresses the requirements of the Saudi government to develop local capabilities in line with Vision 2030 and Saudi nationalisation goals, with Saudi nationals having the opportunity to gain safety qualifications through SaveFast Training Academy before continuing learning in a real-work environment with Serco. SaveFast and Serco will enhance the services they provide to current and future clients in the UAE and KSA through the HSE Training Academy, on-site tailored training courses and robust analysis of safety data. This initiative will provide insights and data essential for predicting and preventing workplace incidents, whether in office environments or on construction sites across cities, major developments or giga projects.
Meanwhile, GTSC, part of 3T, a leader in the provision of safety-critical training for high-hazard industries, is expanding its accredited training offering. This follows 3t’s recent acquisition of GTSC, acquiring its three training centres located in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Egypt. This strategic combination leverages GTSC’s comprehensive, industry-accredited training capabilities with 3t’s cutting-edge training technologies, including immersive digital learning platforms, virtual reality simulations, and advanced safety compliance solutions. The expanded training offering will include an enhanced range of courses for workers in high-hazard industries, such as a Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Safety Training program accredited by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), designed to ensure that workers in industries such as oil and gas, drilling, and offshore operations are properly trained and equipped to safely handle the risks associated with H₂S exposure.
The company is committed to supporting national visions, including Saudi Vision 2030, by upskilling the workforce and enhancing productivity, ensuring that personnel in safety-critical roles achieve the highest standards of safety, compliance and competence.
The e-learning sector in Saudi Arabia is also booming, driven by government support, the rising demand for flexible learning, the growing penetration of the internet and smartphones, significant technological advancements, and the rising focus on skills development and incentives for digital education, according to a recent report. Saudi companies across various sectors have implemented e-learning programmes, covering areas ranging from compliance and safety training to leadership development and technical skills enhancement. These programmes can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each organisation. The ability to track and assess employee progress and performance through e-learning platforms is an additional attraction.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Date: 6 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
As health, safety, and environmental (HSE) considerations take centre stage in the energy sector, companies are adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices to enhance workplace safety, reduce environmental impact, and improve operational efficiency.
In North America, a few companies have begun focusing on technology to safeguard HSE practices and enhance safety measures.
BP, for example, has integrated advanced monitoring systems and automated safety technologies across its operations. The Thunder Horse South Expansion Phase 2 project, launched in September 2021, achieved over a million hours worked without a safety incident. In response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, BP also launched a large-scale training programme, training more than 100,000 workers.
On the other hand, Shell has implemented strict zero-discharge policies to prevent hazardous waste from entering marine ecosystems. Additionally, its waste management initiatives focus on sustainable disposal methods. Shell regularly engages stakeholders through workshops to discuss safety and environmental concerns.
Chevron employs real-time monitoring systems to track drilling parameters and well integrity, improving safety across its operations. The company conducts Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) processes and third-party audits to mitigate risks. As a result, Chevron has seen measurable improvements in safety metrics, including reductions in recordable injuries and lost workdays.
Transocean focuses on workforce preparedness through regular safety drills and emergency simulations. The company also leverages advanced monitoring technologies to maintain high safety standards across offshore operations.
Leveraging technology for safety
Sonar technology plays a crucial role in offshore risk management, providing real-time data for environmental monitoring and structural integrity assessments. BP, for example, uses sonar to detect leaks in underwater pipelines and track marine wildlife, minimising environmental impact. Chevron similarly employs sonar to identify gas leaks and prevent structural failures.
Sampling technology, such as Real-time Sampling While Drilling (SWD), enables companies to collect geological data continuously during drilling. This technology enhances safety by providing insights into subsurface conditions, reducing the risk of blowouts. Oceaneering, a Texas-based firm, deploys remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with sampling tools in the Gulf of Mexico, allowing for detailed underwater inspections without human divers.
With the gradual introduction of carbon capture and storage (CCS) regulations, energy companies are being pushed to reduce emissions and align with global climate targets. Implementing CCS technology not only helps firms meet regulatory requirements but also enhances their reputation for sustainability and corporate social responsibility. While initial investment costs are high, long-term benefits include avoiding emissions penalties, improving regulatory standing, and driving innovation in environmental performance.
By prioritising HSE measures and integrating cutting-edge technologies, companies are not only ensuring worker safety and environmental protection but also positioning themselves for long-term operational success.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- North America
- Region: North America
- Date: 5 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
The energy tech provider has signed an MoU extending its long-standing partnership with Microsoft, specifically focusing on the innovation and integration of its Cordant suite of solutions.
Cordant and Microsoft Azure will be jointly developed to deepen the potential and widen the integration of both solutions. Cordant solutions will be rooted in the Azure AI Foundry to optimise energy operations, improve predictive maintenance models, enhance safety, foster greater energy efficiency, and push the industry and technological potential forward.
Aravind Yarlagadda, Baker Hughes' senior VP of Industrial Solutions, Industrial & Energy Technology, said the MoU will "drive operational excellence and support customers in driving value at scale from their digital investments."
Microsoft's corporate VP of Energy and Resources Industry, Darry Willis, promised "greater operational performance, energy efficiency, and growth through AI-powered digital solutions" as a result of the partnership.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 4 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the entity responsible for managing Bahrain International Airport (BIA), has introduced its 2025 runway maintenance plan, aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in airport operations.
To mark the launch, a site visit was held with Gulf Air Group (GFG) chairman Khalid Hussain Taqi and BAC chief executive officer Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, alongside key members of BAC’s management team.
The company is working closely with the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority to ensure full compliance with international aviation safety standards and regulatory requirements.
The first phase of the 2025 maintenance plan will focus on essential runway upkeep, including rubber removal, friction testing, asphalt patching, and remarking.
Increasing safety
Additional work will involve shoulder repairs, strip grading, joint sealant application, and upgrades to Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL), including LED replacements and photometric testing. Manhole dewatering will also be carried out to maintain optimal drainage conditions.
Survey operations will take place at two runway locations, while the Ministry of Works’ Rayya Road expansion project will oversee the replacement of Runway 12L approach lights with energy-efficient LEDs.
This maintenance initiative reflects BAC’s ongoing investment in Bahrain International Airport’s infrastructure, ensuring enhanced safety, efficiency, and world-class service for both passengers and airlines.
Bahrain Airport Company's acting vice president of facility management Eyad Ismaeel said, "This comprehensive runway maintenance plan shows BAC’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of safety and efficiency at BIA throughout 2025. By adhering to international aviation safety and operational standards, we are not only enhancing BIA’s regional standing but also ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience for all passengers."
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Date: 3 February, 2025
- Year: 2025
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has recognised Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) with the Life President Award
Alba's chief executive officer, Ali Al Baqali, was presented the award by RoSPA's life president, Lord Jordan of Bournville.
Recognising Alba's rigid safety standards, which have seen it recently surpass 30 million safe working hours with no lost time injuries (LTIs) and an 87.5% reduction in workplace injuries, Lord Jordan said, "Only exceptional leadership, hard work and inspiration could achieve such a remarkable outcome, and the inspiration comes from Alba’s CEO, Ali Al Baqali."
Al Baqali added, "We are not just building a safer workplace; we are building a culture of safety that prioritises the well-being of our people."
Alba was among a roster of other winners of this year's Life President Awards.