Oil Ministry: Worker safety top priority in oil, gas sector

10 HSE workshops held at 2026 safety conference

She stated that such a responsibility is based on building a robust corporate safety culture, ensuring every individual is aware of their role in hazard prevention. She pointed out how modern technology and digital transformation could contribute to enhancing safety systems through monitoring, early warning mechanisms and data analysis, indicating that these advancements are closely linked to human capital development and workforce upskilling. She added that achieving high levels of safety requires the integration of three key elements: advanced technology, qualified workforce and strong corporate culture.

Also, speaking to the press on the sidelines of the conference, Al-Attar described the private sector as a genuine partner in executing tasks and advancing oil and environmental operations. She commended the efforts of the American Society of Safety Professionals (Kuwait Chapter) in organizing the event, which is a vital opportunity to exchange expertise and translate knowledge into practical applications that guarantee safety and sustainability in the oil and gas industry. On the other hand, Fadel Al-Ali, Head of the Kuwait Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), stated that the conference aims to reduce accidents and injuries and ensure a safe workplace for employees. He explained this will be achieved through training and awareness programs, as well as the presentation of technical papers showcasing the latest developments and technologies in the field. Al-Ali added that this year’s conference theme focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance health, safety and environmental practices, and prevent losses. He indicated the significant impact of AI in industrial and medical sectors, stressing the need for users to possess the expertise and awareness to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate information—a topic the conference will address through several specialized papers.

He said the conference offers participating companies an opportunity to explore the latest products and ideas, as well as to establish partnerships and contracts. He explained that the society is a nonprofit organization providing a platform to serve its members and examine industry developments related to loss prevention, in addition to organizing an exhibition featuring innovative products that contribute to improving the work environment and preventing accidents. He revealed that the workshops are an essential part of the conference -- 10 workshops on Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) are being held with strong corporate participation. He said these workshops aim to enhance companies’ resilience and ability to handle challenges, and develop proactive plans for managing emergencies.

Ahmed Al-Shatti, Chairman of the 2026 HSE Conference Committee, stated that oil companies must demonstrate high resilience in overcoming local challenges and addressing regional issues. He asserted that proactive plans are always in place to manage situations, such that even in the event of production halt, alternative plans and lessons learned from past experiences must be available to ensure the achievement of desired goals. He indicated that there should be balance between adhering to safety and security standards and avoiding major risks.

He added that while minor risks might be taken into consideration to achieve objectives, such actions are guided by specific studies and standards. He said the current edition of the conference launched with the support and trust of government and private institutions aimed to present the best possible image, and emphasized that the concerted efforts and accumulated expertise over the years resulted in the outstanding launch of the conference this year. Regarding current global and regional developments and their impact on safety and the environment, he said “in the midst of new conditions and challenges, we analyze the market and take advantage of the expertise of surrounding companies -- government and private sectors -- to understand the insights and advancements they achieved.”