Oman Enhances Health, Safety, and Environmental Standards in Oil and Gas Sector

Oman is significantly upgrading its health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards across the oil and gas sector through an integrated system developed by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. This strategic initiative prioritizes robust legislation, effective governance, comprehensive risk management, and enhanced emergency preparedness to safeguard workers and the environment while boosting operational efficiency and sustainability.

The ministry's regulatory framework, particularly the Oil and Gas Law, mandates strict compliance with national standards and international best practices for operating companies. Through supervisory roles and field inspections, the ministry monitors performance and ensures the implementation of HSE plans. These efforts are yielding tangible results: despite an increase in operational hours and kilometers traveled in 2025 compared to 2024, lost-time accidents decreased by 23% to 30 cases, serious traffic accidents fell by 33% to 10 cases, and no fatalities were recorded.

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HSE had become an integrated institutional approach covering all stages of operations, from planning and design to risk reduction, operation and emergency response.

Zainab bint Ali Al-Saadi, Director of the HSE Department, emphasized that HSE is now an integrated institutional approach, covering all operational stages from planning to emergency response. The ministry is actively strengthening the legislative framework and promoting a culture of prevention and continuous improvement. This aligns with international best practices and supports Oman's broader goals for sustainable development and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Companies are adopting management systems aligned with international and Omani Energy Association standards. Increased emphasis is placed on field leadership, worker training, risk reporting, and empowering employees to halt unsafe work. Worker well-being, including occupational and mental health programs, is also a growing priority, alongside enhanced transportation safety measures utilizing advanced monitoring technologies to detect driver fatigue and distraction.

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the ministry is strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework while promoting prevention and continuous improvement to protect lives, preserve the environment and ensure sustainable operations in line with international best practices.