Al-Ali: Artificial Intelligence is an Effective Addition to the Health, Safety, and Environment Conference to Achieve Loss Prevention

Deputy Assistant Minister of Oil Nadia Abdul Aziz Al-Attar affirmed that the safety of workers and the protection of lives represent a fundamental priority in the oil and gas sector. This responsibility extends beyond merely applying regulations and procedures; it is built on establishing a robust 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.

In her speech, delivered on behalf of Oil Minister Tariq Al-Roumi during the opening of the 13th International Conference on Safety, Occupational Health, and Loss Prevention 2026, Al-Attar noted 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 toward a more advanced concept based on anticipating risks, predicting them, and mitigating their impacts before they occur.

Al-Attar highlighted the growing role of modern technology and digital transformation in developing the safety system through monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, data analysis, and smart technologies. These advancements enable the early identification of risk sources, support decision-making, and enhance the efficiency of responses to incidents and emergencies. She emphasized that developing the safety system is closely linked to human capital development through continuous training, knowledge and experience transfer, skills enhancement, and improving workers’ ability to handle modern technologies and emerging risks. These interactions strengthen the oil sector’s readiness and capacity to face challenges.

Al-Attar stated that the Ministry of Oil is committed to supporting these trends by reinforcing a culture of safety and prevention, monitoring emergency preparedness and response systems, and participating in exercises and field visits in coordination with relevant entities in the oil sector and government authorities. She pointed out that achieving advanced safety levels requires the integration of three key elements: cutting-edge technology, a qualified human workforce, and a strengthened institutional culture that embeds safety as a core value at all levels of work.

She noted that such conferences and professional forums provide an important opportunity to exchange experiences and successful practices, discover innovative solutions, and build bridges of cooperation among specialists and institutions. Furthermore, translating knowledge and expertise into practical applications 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 the event success and hoping its discussions and recommendations would enhance safety culture, develop competencies, support innovation, and lead to a safer work environment and a more efficient and sustainable oil sector.

She added that this event, which brings together a select group of specialists and experts to exchange knowledge and experiences and to learn about the latest practices and technologies in safety, health, and environmental fields, 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 sector.

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 carrying out tasks, especially in light of current developments. She added that the role of government entities in 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 educational and training programs, and by presenting technical papers on the latest developments and technologies in the field.

Al-Ali added that this year’s conference theme is “Introducing Artificial Intelligence to Serve Health, Safety, and Environment to Achieve Loss Prevention,” noting that AI is beginning to encompass all industrial, scientific, and medical fields, and has entered the health, safety, and environmental sector, promising to make a significant difference. He emphasized the need for caution, stating that users must have expertise 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 is to enable host and participating companies to access the latest products and ideas, along with associated 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 conference edition covers new developments in health, safety, and environment to prevent losses in the work and industrial environments, alongside an exhibition where carefully selected new products that contribute to improving the work environment and preventing accidents and injuries are showcased. Companies present their latest innovations, and they have already seen new items that did not exist before.

He explained that workshops are a fundamental part of the conference organization, held two or three days before and one 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 environment with strong participation from companies.

Ahmed Al-Shatti, Chairman of the 2026 Health, Safety, and Environment Conference Committee, stated that oil sector companies must possess high flexibility in dealing with local challenges in Kuwait and regional challenges in the area. He noted that there are always proactive plans to manage situations, even if production stops, ensuring that alternative plans and lessons learned enable the achievement of desired goals.

Al-Shatti told journalists that there must be alignment between our commitment to safety and security standards and the avoidance of major risks, especially since we may take some minor risks based on specific studies and standards to achieve 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 possible 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, technical papers, exhibition participants, and workshops before and after the event. He noted that launching the conference required tremendous effort from all volunteers on the conference committee, as well as the support received from the Oil Minister and government and private organizations within Kuwait and in the Gulf region and worldwide.

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, both within companies and institutions in the country or region, there must be specific standards and requirements that we adhere to, whether in environmental, security, or health aspects.