Driving HSQE Excellence

13 May 2025

Ross Hopwood

HQSE Manager

ISG Middle East HSQE: A Culture of Excellence and Consistency

At ISG Middle East, Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment (HSQE) is embedded in our identity—not as standalone disciplines, but as interconnected drivers of excellence. In 2024, we moved beyond traditional performance indicators to focus on creating the right environment for success: one rooted in mature culture, personal accountability, and doing the basics exceptionally well.

Leading with Culture: The Foundation of our Success

ISG’s approach to HSQE is not built on compliance alone—it’s shaped by a mature, proactive culture that enables teams to thrive. We’ve transitioned from a reactive mindset to one where learning from what goes right is just as valuable as learning from what goes wrong. Our leadership engages directly on the ground, setting expectations not just through procedures, but through presence, coaching, and setting an example.

In 2024, we continued to cultivate this culture by:

  • Embedding Just Culture principles, where blame is replaced by learning and trust.
  • Prioritising leadership visibility through structured site tours that educate and engage.
  • Creating a space where supply chain partners feel safe to speak up, challenge norms, and share ideas.
Quality and Safety Delivered First Time

We know that excellence starts with getting things right the first time. Our QA/QC framework is underpinned by structured scorecards and consistent closeout strategies, allowing our teams to stay ahead of potential issues before they impact delivery.

Key quality achievements in 2024 included:

  • “Right First Time” WIR approvals, reducing rework and accelerating progress.
  • Timely closure of NCRs and SORs, with clear ownership and accountability.
  • Snag-free handovers, achieved through robust inspections and a culture of pride in workmanship.

This consistent focus on practical delivery has positioned us well above industry benchmarks—proving that a disciplined approach to quality doesn’t need to slow down productivity.

Setting the Standard with Our Supply Chain

Through targeted initiatives such as the Supply Chain Masterclasses, Leadership Tours, and embedding our industry leading HSE and Quality Standards, we’ve created clarity around what good looks like—making it simpler for subcontractors to align with our expectations.

We’ve also evolved our traditional recognition models by:

  • Launching a commitment-based scoring system, visible to operatives and updated weekly.
  • Delivering animated safety and quality inductions in multiple languages.
  • Using feedback loops and surveys to understand where to enhance support and clarity.

These programs are not add-ons—they are embedded in our daily practice and reflect our belief that everyone has a role to play in delivering HSQE excellence.

Commitment to Sustainability & Environmental Excellence

Beyond safety, ISG remains dedicated to reducing its environmental impact by implementing sustainable construction practices. These include:

  • Waste management strategies to minimize landfill contributions.
  • Energy-efficient solutions in project delivery.
  • Environmental impact assessments to promote greener building practices.
Inclusive Work Environments

Creating an inclusive and respectful environment for women in construction remains a key priority at ISG Middle East. We have taken tangible steps to ensure that all members of our staff feel seen, supported, and safe—from the provision of properly fitted female PPE to ensuring adequate welfare facilities are available on every project. Female staff are actively included in our leadership tours and engagement sessions, where their contributions are recognised and their voices heard. By integrating gender inclusion into our core HSQE activities, we are not only meeting the needs of a diverse environment but also reinforcing our belief that excellence is built on equality, respect, and shared accountability.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As we move forward, ISG Middle East remains steadfast in its zero-harm ambition and to lead the industry, continuously evolving its safety and environmental strategies to meet the highest industry benchmarks. Our commitment to HSQE excellence is a shared responsibility, and we thank our employees, contractors, and partners for their dedication to maintaining a safe and sustainable workplace.

By prioritizing safety, quality, and environmental responsibility, we ensure the successful delivery of world-class projects while protecting the well-being of our workforce and communities.

Our H&S Ethos: The ISG Way

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