Managing HSE Risks efficiently & Risk Acceptance - Middle East

Do we truly learn from accidents by implementing the identified controls or providing the necessary training? Do we continue to investigate and discover that human behavior or culture is still to blame for the accident, or do we discover that large corporations are abusing the absence of monitoring or unwilling political parties to protect workers, and we decide that we cannot change the workplace culture?

Let me know what you think; I believe a heavy burden should be placed on these organizations to protect their assets, the "Workers" who are doing their jobs; after all, they were at home with their families when called for duty; companies should ensure that these workers return as they came in, but with a living and knowledge to apply at home.

As someone who works as an HSE Manager in the Middle East, I often think about how our workers view and deal with risks. It's a complex relationship, influenced by cultural beliefs in fate and destiny. Many of our workers have this idea that if something is meant to happen, it will happen. And this belief deeply affects how they approach safety and risk management.

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Let's take the example of a construction worker who decides not to wear his safety harness while working at a height. He might think, "I can finish this task much faster if I don't bother with the harness." He's taking the risk because he wants to finish early and maybe impress his supervisor. But what if he slips? Suddenly, that shortcut doesn't seem so smart.

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This attitude is often made worse by the fact that we don't have strong safety systems and GHE absence of monitoring agencies in place. Without strict enforcement, our workers might feel compelled to take shortcuts in order to meet deadlines and targets. They might even think it makes them look like heroes. They'll say things like, "Look at me, I finished the job in record time!" But when an accident happens, they end up looking more like a character from a cartoon stepping on a rake than a hero.

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On top of that, the lack of political will to protect workers' rights and safety makes the situation even worse. The Middle east political and regulatory frameworks aren't always strong enough to enforce strict safety standards, leaving our workers vulnerable. In this kind of environment, workers often feel like they have to accept risks and take shortcuts just to get the job done, and receiving the voices heard in their heads.

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These behaviors of “Accepting Risks” and taking shortcuts are well-known factors that contribute to most of the accidents I have investigated so far, not just in the Middle East but all around the world. Cultural beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes towards risk and safety have a big impact on how often accidents happen. In our region ”MENA”, the belief in fate and the pressure to perform can sometimes overshadow the importance of safety precautions.

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In our imperfect world, there are many factors that influence how people accept risks, beyond just their own thoughts. Our workers are often driven by immediate pressures like tight deadlines, inadequate training, and the constant need to maximize productivity. The voices telling them to finish quickly can easily drown out any rational thoughts about safety.

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The first step should always be to stop and think about the consequences and the likelihood of an accident happening. But in the heat of the moment, those rational thoughts can easily be pushed aside by urgency and the temptation of shortcuts. Understanding these motivations is crucial if we want to create safer work environments.

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As a safety manager, I believe in taking a human-first approach and recognizing the cultural and systemic factors at play. By promoting a culture that values safety, providing proper training, and implementing strong safety monitoring systems, we can ensure that our workers are not only motivated but also protected. Because at the end of the day, it's better to be safe and steady than fast and regretful. Investing in safety isn't just about avoiding accidents—it's about valuing human life and well-being.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

IOSH , IIRSM Wood ADNOC Group KBR, Inc. Kent