27-04-2025
SPF marks World Safety Day with focus on AI
MUSCAT: Under the theme 'Revolutionising Occupational Safety and Health: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation at Work', the Social Protection Fund (SPF) celebrated the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on April 28. The event reaffirmed the Fund's ongoing commitment to fostering a safer, more advanced work environment in step with rapid technological advancements.
The celebration reflects the Fund's efforts to promote a culture of workplace safety through sustainable awareness programmes, specialised training, continuous risk assessments and the regular updating of operational procedures to align with international best practices.
Emphasising the significance of the occasion, the Fund highlighted that the World Day for Safety and Health at Work serves as a strategic opportunity to integrate social protection goals with digital transformation initiatives — ensuring safer, more efficient and sustainable workplaces. The 2024 theme underlines the role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in enhancing occupational safety systems, such as real-time risk prediction, incident analysis and advanced workplace monitoring, all of which contribute to reducing workplace injuries and fostering a culture of sustainable safety.
Speaking at the event, Shamsa al Tamimi, Director of the Medical Affairs Department at SPF, spotlighted the Fund's ongoing initiatives in this critical field. She also outlined the current status and challenges facing occupational safety and health in Oman and elaborated on the transformative role of modern technologies.
'Ensuring human safety at work is not a choice — it is a fundamental right,' Al Tamimi emphasised. 'Oman is steadfast in its efforts to align workplace legislation and practices with international standards, striving to create safer and more dignified work environments that adapt to the technological transformations shaping today's workplaces.'
Al Tamimi noted that technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics have become essential for detecting potential risks, enabling early interventions to prevent incidents, thereby enhancing productivity and sustainability in the workplace.
She elaborated on the key initiatives undertaken by the Fund, highlighting the continuous upgrading of digital infrastructure to support evaluation and oversight processes. The Fund also regularly conducts employee training and awareness campaigns to foster a safety-first culture.
Further, she explained that the Fund uses advanced electronic systems to monitor and analyse occupational incidents, allowing for swift, data-driven corrective actions. Efforts are also underway to incorporate AI applications capable of predicting risks and identifying incident patterns, thus bolstering the Fund's ability to safeguard its workforce.
In her remarks, Al Tamimi emphasised the importance of addressing mental health as an integral part of occupational safety — adopting a holistic approach that prioritises both physical and psychological well-being.
She also pointed to emerging challenges, noting that the rapid digital transformation and the growing adoption of flexible and hybrid work models demand continuous innovation in safety strategies and a redefinition of workplace policies.
Concluding her address, Al Tamimi reaffirmed the Fund's unwavering dedication to enhancing workplace safety, embracing international best practices and aligning with Oman's broader vision of creating safer, more inclusive work environments.
