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Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January. (Image source: Messe Frankfurt)

HSE

A record number of exhibitors representing 61 countries have participated in the 26th edition of Intersec, the largest business event in the world that maps the future of security, safety, and fire protection.

The largest edition of the event took up 61,000 sq m of space at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a 20% increase from the previous year.

Under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event, which ended last month, drew 47,300 visitors from 142 countries and featured state-of-the-art technologies and vital solutions in five major areas: Homeland Security & Policing, Cyber Security, Safety & Health, Fire & Rescue, and Commercial & Perimeter Security. The show's theme was "Mapping the Future of Security, Safety, and Fire Protection."

Among the new features this year was the successful opening of the two-day Intersec Policing Conference, which brought together more than fifty knowledgeable speakers. Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including the future of road safety, proactive and productive policing, strategic automation in policing, drone operations, and quantum-led crime. Senior law enforcement officials from the Abu Dhabi Police, INTERPOL, the Metropolitan Police, and the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit were among them.

The top Chief Information Security Officers (CISO) in the area were also invited to the CISO Business Briefing, which was successfully launched while examining the main information security trends, threats, and opportunities. The opening keynote speaker was H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government.

The annual awards

The exhibition's ground-breaking collaboration with Ignyte, which resulted in the opening of the Intersec Startup Arena, was another first. It gave startups a chance to present their innovative ideas and solutions to a group of government officials, business executives, and elite investors, opening doors for them to secure investment, mentorship, and strategic alliances.

ASIS International, Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA), Gallagher, Sharjah Civil Defence, NAFFCO, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, Nordon, Saudi Sicli, and UXE Security Solutions were among the companies that signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the three-day event held by Intersec 2025.

Several industry leaders were honoured at the 4th annual Intersec Awards, which honour people, groups, and organisations for establishing new benchmarks for excellence in vital sectors.

Winners on the evening included Dubai Civil Defense, NAFFCO, Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Emirates Safety Laboratory LLC, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

Wajahat Hussain, show manager, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “The team and I are thrilled to have welcomed an unprecedented gathering of industry professionals from around the world. Intersec has once again proven to be the premier platform where global leaders, innovators, and experts converge to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and explore cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of safety, security, and fire protection.

“Surpassing previous exhibitor records is a testament to Intersec’s growing influence and its pivotal role in driving forward-thinking solutions for a safer, more secure world. This milestone underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration, showcasing pioneering technologies, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in this critically important industry.”

Intersec 2026 will take place from 12 – 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Gerald V. Sims will assist Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection in further growing its market share. (Image source: TGFD)

Industrial

In an effort to spur expansion throughout the continent, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has appointed a new vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas.

Gerald V. Sims will assist Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection in further growing its market share in this significant geographic market thanks to his extensive experience in gas utilities and his proven track record of sales leadership.

Over many years, Teledyne GFD has been expanding throughout the Americas. Teledyne Detcon, the company's US manufacturing facility in Cypress, Texas, has been offering industrial-grade gas detectors, control systems, analysers, and wireless technologies to the gas detection market for more than 40 years.

“Gerald will use his expertise and deep industry knowledge to play a pivotal role in maximising our growth potential and enhancing the presence of our product brands across the Americas,” said Thibault Fourlegnie, vice president and general manager, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. “We’re excited to see the gains that Gerald can provide, not just for Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, but also for our customers. After all, an even stronger Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection is beneficial for stakeholders up and down the supply chain, including distributors and end users.”

 

The new uvex phynomic cut glove range is manufactured in Germany using 3D hand ‘formas’ to mimic the contours of the hand. (Image source: uvex)

PPE

uvex has announced the launch of new safety eyewear and safety gloves, which it will be showcasing at the Health and Safety Event in Birmingham, UK from 30 April-2 May

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised 61 training courses and awareness sessions on occupational health and safety during the first half of 2024, with the participation of 2,110 male and female employees from various divisions. (Image source: DEWA)

Training

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) conducted 61 training courses and awareness sessions on occupational health and safety in the first half of 2024.

These sessions saw the participation of 2,110 employees from various departments. This initiative is part of DEWA's ongoing efforts to enhance its employees' knowledge and skills in occupational health and safety.

Trainings throughout the year

“We are dedicated to effectively implementing quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems according to the highest international standards. We strive to cultivate a culture of occupational safety and health among all employees, enabling them to keep pace with the latest developments in this field. This is part of our responsibility towards our employees, customers, and the employees of suppliers and contractors who work on DEWA’s projects. Additionally, we are committed to providing our services according to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, availability, and reliability,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of DEWA.

“We offer the best training and awareness programmes to enhance the safe work environment and raise health and safety standards across all DEWA’s projects and operations. This contributes to achieving employees’ happiness and enhances productivity and quality,” said Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, executive vice president of business support and human resources at DEWA.

In addition to the training courses, DEWA organises many events and awareness activities throughout the year. These include Public Health and Safety Week, Internal Health and Safety Week, Contractor Health and Safety Awareness Day, and other activities and events aimed at improving the health and safety systems of human resources. Employees who complete the training provided by DEWA staff are awarded certificates in occupational health and safety.

The collaboration will help Aramco to advancing fire safety standards and enhancing emergency response capabilities. (Image source: UL Solutions)

Middle East

UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, has signed an MoU with Aramco to collaborate on advancing fire and life safety to meet Aramco’s requirements and support public safety in Saudi Arabia, as well as testing and personnel training on UL standards and workplace safety

The MoU includes collaboration to support Aramco’s IKTVA programme goals, which support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation plan, including developing the local energy sector, creating new jobs, improving supply chain efficiency and promoting Saudi Arabia as an export hub.

“With our mission of working for a safer world, we are ready to support the goals of Aramco and Saudi Arabia for a safer and more sustainable future,” said Jomy Joseph, regional director of the Middle East and Africa at UL Solutions. “This MoU fosters a better understanding of stakeholder requirements and how we can help enable innovation for a safer and more successful future in Saudi Arabia with our longstanding expertise in fire and life safety science.”

“Our potential collaboration with UL Solutions through this MoU marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to advancing fire safety standards and enhancing emergency response capabilities,” said Abdullah M. Ghamdi, vice president of Fire Protection at Aramco. “Together, we look forward to combining our strengths toward achieving Vision 2030 by creating safer environments, enhancing our respective capabilities and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in fire safety practices.”

Saudi Arabia’s fire and life safety standards are being upgraded as part of the Vision 2030 plan, in alignment with the Kingdom’s rapid growth, with the expansion of mega and giga projects significantly increasing the demand for specialised Fire & Life Safety expertise. International consultancy AESG recently announced it is strengthening its fire and life safety business in Saudi Arabia, and the US-based NFPA is stepping up its collaboration with Saudi Arabia to advance fire and life safety standards in line with the country’s rapid development, to support the Kingdom’s mega projects. Local and regional demand for fire prevention and safety implementation systems is anticipated to continue to grow strongly.

Businesses that take workplace safety seriously will have a competitive edge. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

North America

Small businesses are adopting a reactive approach to safety, rather than proactively guarding against potential risks, according to Pie Insurance's 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report

The report is based on a comprehensive workplace safety survey of 1,018 small US business owners (up to 500 employees), providing insights on safety concerns, workplace accidents, AI trends and more.

According to the survey, 75% of small businesses experienced workplace injuries in the past year, with nearly half saying they had to improvise safety measures due to a lack of proper equipment. Half of those injuries were reported to be preventable. Preventing such injuries could dramatically reduce injury-related costs such as medical expenses and compensation costs, as well as the costs incurred by operational downtime, with small businesses losing four employee workdays and three full business days to workplace injuries.

The most common preventable workplace injuries were reported to be mental health-related injuries (22%), slips, trips and falls (20%) cuts and lacerations (18%) and overexertion and repetitive strain injuries (13%).

Many of these injuries could be prevented by taking proactive measures such as ensuring employees have the right equipment and PPE; conduct regular engaging safety training, encouraging employees to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal, and performing regular workplace safety audits, the report says.

Growing role of AI

The report highlights the growing role of AI in preventing accidents, with 65% of business leaders thinking it will improve safety in the next five years, and 44% already using it to improve safety and efficiency. From predictive analytics that anticipate risks to AI-driven telematics that monitor driver behaviour and automated safety training, AI is facilitating a more proactive approach to preventing accidents and reducing risks.

Also highlighted is the increased impact of mental health on workplace safety, with stress, burnout and mental-health related injuries accounting for 22% of workplace injuries, while only 52% of firms have mental health related safety protocols in place. A culture where employees feel safe and supported needs to be created, with measures such as providing employee assistance programmes (EAP), offering wellness initiatives and creating an open culture where employees are not afraid to raise mental health challenges.

Employee resistance to safety measures is another challenge cited, with suggested measures being to involve employees in safety discussions and decision making, make training engaging and rewarding employees who follow safety protocols and leading by example, with the leadership walking the walk.

Businesses that take workplace safety seriouslly will have a competitive edge, the report stresses. “By implementing proactive mental health support, investing in the right equipment, leveraging AI and ensuring employees follow safety protocols, small businesses can reduce injuries, lower costs and create a more productive workforce,” it says.

Climate change has an impact on workers, according to the health minister.

Europe

In a significant move to address evolving workplace health challenges, Luxembourg’s health minister, Martine Deprez, has pledged to reactivate the High Commission for Occupational Diseases. 

The decision, announced following a pivotal meeting on 2 April, marks a turning point in the nation’s approach to occupational health, particularly as it grapples with the emerging risks posed by climate change. 

The push to revive the commission stems from a January 2025 motion tabled by déi Lénk deputies David Wagner and Marc Baum. 

Their proposal called for a reassessment of occupational health policies to include diseases linked to climate-related factors, a growing concern as rising temperatures, extreme weather, and shifting environmental conditions begin to impact workplaces across the Grand Duchy. 

The motion gained traction, culminating in this week’s commitment from Minister Deprez to breathe new life into the commission.

The High Commission, established under Luxembourg’s robust labor framework, is tasked with identifying and cataloging diseases directly attributable to workplace conditions. 

Updating disease list

Historically, its work has ensured that workers afflicted by occupational illnesses, ranging from respiratory conditions caused by industrial exposure to musculoskeletal disorders tied to repetitive tasks, receive recognition and support. 

However, as medical knowledge advances and new risks emerge, the need for an updated list has become undeniable. 

Deprez emphasised that the commission’s revival would align Luxembourg’s policies with the latest scientific insights, particularly those highlighting the intersection of climate change and occupational health.

Opposition voices have largely welcomed the move. Djuna Bernard, a deputy from déi Gréng, described it as “a positive and necessary step” in safeguarding workers’ well-being. 

Outdoor workers, in particular, are increasingly exposed to extreme heat and UV radiation, while indoor environments contend with poor air quality linked to wildfires and pollution.

The reactivation of the commission signals Luxembourg’s proactive stance in a world where occupational health is no longer confined to traditional hazards. 

Experts anticipate that the updated list could include conditions such as heatstroke, exacerbated respiratory illnesses, and psychological stress tied to climate-induced disruptions—issues that have gained prominence in medical literature over the past decade. 

The commission’s work will also likely draw on international models, with countries like France and Germany already adapting their own occupational disease frameworks to account for environmental factors.

For now, the timeline for the commission’s first meeting remains unclear, though Deprez has promised swift action. 

According to Luxembourg Times, left-wing lawmakers cited that “Studies conducted in France showing that people who frequently work in conditions of thermal stress (at least six hours per day, five days per week, for two months of the year) are more likely to suffer from kidney diseases or acute kidney injuries.” 

 

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