Al-Attar: Smart Technologies Enhance Risk Proactivity

Deputy Undersecretary at the Ministry of Oil, Nadia Abdulaziz Al-Attar, affirmed that the safety of workers and the protection of lives represent a fundamental priority in the oil and gas sector. She noted that this responsibility extends beyond merely applying systems and procedures; it is built on establishing a deeply rooted institutional safety culture, where every individual is aware of their role and responsibility in preventing risks and safeguarding their own safety and that of their colleagues.

Al-Attar added in her speech, delivered on behalf of Oil Minister Tariq Al-Roumi during the opening of the 13th International Conference on Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment and Loss Prevention 2026, that given the rapid developments and evolving challenges facing the oil sector, it has become essential to shift from a reactive approach to risk management—dealing with risks after they occur—to a more advanced concept based on anticipating risks, predicting them, and mitigating their effects before they materialize.

She stated that the growing role of modern technology and digital transformation is developing the safety system through monitoring and early warning systems, data analysis, and smart technologies. This enables the early identification of risk sources, contributing to and supporting decision-making and helping to improve the efficiency of responses to incidents and emergencies.

Al-Attar highlighted that developing the safety system is closely linked to developing human capital through continuous training, knowledge and experience transfer, skills development, and enhancing workers' efficiency and ability to handle modern technologies and emerging risks. She noted that these interactions strengthen the oil sector's readiness and capacity to face challenges.

"We at the Ministry of Oil are keen to support these trends by enhancing the culture of safety and prevention, monitoring the readiness and emergency response system, and participating in exercises and field visits in coordination and cooperation with relevant parties in the oil sector and related government entities," she said. She pointed out that achieving advanced safety levels requires the integration of three main elements: cutting-edge technology, qualified human resources, and the strengthening of institutional culture, thereby embedding safety as a core value at all levels of work.

She emphasized that such conferences and professional forums represent an important opportunity to exchange experiences and successful practices, discover innovative solutions, and build bridges of cooperation among specialists and institutions. Furthermore, converting knowledge and expertise into practical practices positively impacts worker safety and the work environment.

Al-Attar commended the efforts of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) – Kuwait Chapter, as well as the organizers and participants of the conference, wishing its proceedings every success. She expressed hope that its discussions and recommendations would contribute to enhancing the safety culture, developing competencies, supporting innovation, and ultimately achieving a safer work environment and a more efficient and sustainable oil sector.

She noted that this event, which brings together a select group of specialists and experts to exchange knowledge and experiences and review the latest practices and technologies in safety, health, and the environment, contributes to developing the work environment and enhancing safety and sustainability levels. She hoped that the conference workshops and activities would translate experiences and expertise into practical applications that enhance safety in the oil and gas field.

When asked by journalists on the sidelines of the conference about the role of the private sector and the extent of cooperation between the government sector and institutions, Al-Attar stated that the private sector is a partner in performing tasks, especially in light of current developments. She added that the role of government entities with the oil sector is very important and represents a key partnership in developing environmental safety and oil and gas operations.

On his part, Engineer Fadel Al-Ali, President of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) – Kuwait Chapter, said the conference aims to reduce accidents and injuries and provide a safe workplace for workers and employees through training and awareness programs, and by presenting technical papers on the latest developments and technologies in this field.

Al-Ali added that this year's conference theme is "Introducing Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Health, Safety, and Environment to Achieve Loss Prevention," noting that AI has begun to encompass all industrial, scientific, and medical fields, and has also entered the health, safety, and environment sector, where it will make a significant difference. He emphasized the need for caution, stating that users must have experience and awareness to distinguish correct information from incorrect, and noted that several conference papers address this topic.

He mentioned that one of the conference's objectives focuses on enabling host and participating companies to access the latest products and ideas, along with subsequent contracts and collaborations upon agreement. He clarified that the Society is non-profit and provides a platform to serve members and participants.

Al-Ali pointed out that each edition of the conference highlights new developments in health, safety, and the environment to prevent losses in the work and industrial environments. He added that the accompanying exhibition carefully selects new products that contribute to developing the work environment and preventing accidents and injuries, with companies showcasing their latest innovations. "We have already seen new things that did not exist before," he said.

He explained that workshops are a fundamental part of the conference organization, held two or three days before and a week after the main event. There are approximately 10 workshops; three have been completed with good attendance, and seven more will begin after the conference, covering various aspects of health, safety, and the environment with strong participation from companies.

On his part, Ahmed Al-Shatti, Chairman of the 2026 Health, Safety, and Environment Conference Committee, stated that oil sector companies must have high flexibility in dealing with local challenges in Kuwait and regional challenges in the area. He noted that there are always proactive plans to address issues, and even if production stops, alternative plans and lessons learned from past experiences must be in place to achieve desired goals.

Al-Shatti added in statements to journalists that there must be alignment between our commitment to safety and security standards and the avoidance of major hazards. He explained that while we may take some minor risks, they must be based on specific studies and standards to reach objectives. He confirmed that the conference launched in its current form with the support and trust of government and private institutions, aiming to present the best image. He emphasized that the convergence of efforts and expertise over the years has resulted in the conference's distinction in this edition.

Al-Shatti said the conference includes two days of discussion panels, papers, exhibition participants, as well as workshops before and after the event. He clarified that launching the conference required tremendous effort from all volunteers on the conference committee, supported by the Oil Minister and government and private organizations within Kuwait and outside the region, in the Gulf area and globally.

Regarding current global and regional developments and their impact on safety and the environment, Al-Shatti said: "In light of new situations and challenges, we study the market and benefit from the experiences of surrounding companies, whether in government or private sectors, to learn what they have achieved."

He added that regarding global requirements, whether within companies or institutions in the country or the region, there must be a standard and specific requirements that we align with, whether in environmental, security, or health aspects.