The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has warned against the use of substandard PPE, and highlighted its wide availability in the UK market
The BSIF notes that that a recent recall of safety shoes sold via TikTok highlights this issue, where the recalled product claimed to offer protection despite failing to meet essential safety requirements. Similar footwear remains on sale on other platforms.
The shoes in question have now been recalled by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) thanks to the work of Lewis Collantine, a product safety consultant specialising in trading standards.
According to the OPSS the product, “presents a serious risk of injuries because although advertised as ‘anti-smash’ and ‘anti-puncture,’ there is no evidence it has undergone conformity assessment as PPE and it is not CE or UKCA marked.”
“The product does not meet the requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment or the Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) Regulations 2018.”
Alan Murray, BSIF chief executive officer, said, “No surprises here. The BSIF has been aware of a burgeoning volume of substandard footwear available on platforms such as TikTok for some time, but we are pleased to see Trading Standards take action and we must applaud the work of Lewis Collantine, who has been instrumental in bringing this example to light.
“This is exactly why the new Product Safety and Metrology Bill needs to ensure there are real ramifications for online suppliers who fail to provide properly certified products. Employers and users deserve confidence that PPE described as protective genuinely meets standards and offers the protection it claims.”
The BSIF warns that many of these products are unwittingly purchased by individuals who have been given budgets to buy their own PPE but may not fully understand the rules, regulations, and certification requirements surrounding safety products.
Murray stresses that substandard PPE claiming to be protective does not protect workers, and can put lives at risk.
Roy Wilders, BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme manager, said that the BSIF’s latest statistics show a 90% failure rate for products bought and tested from non-registered suppliers, compared to products from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, where almost 90% of products passed all the test criteria and where issues arose, they were immediately rectified.
The BSIF reiterates the importance of buying PPE only from BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers, who are committed to supplying certified and compliant products that keep workers safe.
Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) has partnered with Industrial Detection Solutions (IDS) to establish a 699 m² manufacturing facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step towards localising production of advanced gas detection technologies in the Kingdom.
The facility, which opened on 19 June 2025, will produce high-precision sensors used in hazardous environments such as oil and gas drilling sites, LNG/CNG plants, and petrochemical facilities.
The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s IKTVA programme, which encourages economic diversification and local supply chain development in the energy sector.
By bringing manufacturing closer to end users and suppliers, the partnership is expected to reduce lead times and enhance safety support across the region.
Key products to be produced at the new plant include Teledyne GFD’s DM-700 toxic gas sensor, and the FP-700 and IR-700 sensors for combustible gas detection.
These ‘smart’ sensors offer non-intrusive monitoring using electrochemical, catalytic bead, and infrared technologies, with robust designs that resist common causes of failure such as water ingress, corrosion, and vibration.
“Our new partnership with Industrial Detection Solutions ensures that manufacturing is closer to both customers and suppliers, enabling even faster delivery of class-leading gas detection products in support of more efficient supply chains,” said Thomas Moeller, VP Sales & Marketing at Teledyne GFD. “The proven solutions manufactured in KSA will better serve a vast regional industry that recognises the importance of a robust and prevalent safety culture. We are proud to be part of KSA’s remarkable ongoing journey of economic and industrial growth, and we look forward to a successful future together.”
Teledyne GFD recently also introduced the PS DUO, a new portable dual-gas detector designed to improve personal safety in hazardous environments. The compact handheld device can detect two gases simultaneously using passive diffusion sensing, and features real-time monitoring with audible, visual and vibrating alarms to alert users when gas levels exceed safe limits.
The PS DUO offers a broad selection of gas combinations including carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ammonia (NH₃), oxygen (O₂), hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). Its ATEX/IECEx rating and 2-year warranty make it ideal for industrial settings. Users can select gas pairings tailored to their specific applications, such as H₂S and SO₂, particularly relevant in Middle Eastern operations.
The detector features a bright LCD screen displaying continuous gas concentration, wireless connectivity for easy data transfer, and internal memory capable of storing 30 alarm logs. Housed in a rugged IP67-rated rubberised casing, the PS DUO is lightweight (200g), ergonomic, and designed for comfort and ease of use in demanding environments. It runs for up to two years on a single replaceable battery.
The global occupational health market is on an upward trajectory, valued at approximately US$4.8bn in 2023 and projected to reach nearly US$8.5bn by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%.
According to Credence Research, this sustained growth is being driven by increasing awareness of workplace safety, mental health, and chronic disease prevention, alongside regulatory pressure and the growing size of the global workforce.
Sectors such as construction, manufacturing, mining, and healthcare are witnessing rising demand for occupational health services, including health screenings, injury prevention, ergonomic support, and psychological care.
As organisations face growing expectations to ensure safe, compliant, and resilient working environments, they are investing more heavily in structured health programmes.
The integration of telemedicine, wearable devices, and data analytics is enabling a shift from reactive to proactive occupational healthcare, expanding access and improving efficiency.
With the workforce becoming more diverse and mobile, spanning hybrid models, remote work, and an ageing demographic, occupational health solutions are evolving to meet a wider set of needs across both developed and emerging economies.
Occupational health is increasingly viewed as a strategic business function rather than a compliance burden. Businesses are adopting preventive health strategies such as wellness programmes and stress reduction initiatives not only to protect staff but also to enhance productivity and reduce long-term costs.
Regulatory frameworks are tightening globally, especially in high-risk industries like mining and chemicals, pushing companies to implement regular health monitoring, risk assessments, and employee safety training.
At the same time, digital tools are revolutionising service delivery. Telehealth consultations, real-time data monitoring, and predictive analytics are transforming occupational health from a periodic check-up model to a continuous care approach. These innovations are especially valuable in managing decentralised and gig workforces, where traditional models are less effective.
Despite this momentum, several barriers remain. In many small-to-medium enterprises, particularly in developing regions, occupational health is still seen as a discretionary cost. Limited awareness, budget constraints, and insufficient regulatory enforcement all contribute to low uptake.
Moreover, the fragmented nature of global regulations complicates implementation for multinational companies. Inconsistent standards between countries make it difficult to deploy uniform occupational health protocols across geographies.
Finally, while digital solutions offer great potential, companies often face significant hurdles in adoption. These include concerns around data privacy, technical integration of health platforms, and employee apprehension about monitoring tools. Unless addressed, these challenges could slow the pace of transformation in the occupational health sector.
Ergodyne, a leading manufacturer of safety work gear, has expanded its range of safety glasses with new designs that prioritise both style and on-the-job performance.
With a focus on encouraging consistent wear through comfort and aesthetics, the latest additions reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to practical, protective eyewear.
Featuring sleek, classic silhouettes alongside more modern blade-style frames, the new releases offer an updated look for the job site, while delivering robust protection and comfort during extended wear.
At the forefront of the launch is SIXTEN, a versatile frame combining everyday style with job site toughness. Optional polarised mirrored lenses help reduce glare and eye fatigue, while the upgraded Fog-Off+ technology ensures clarity in humid and temperature-variable environments.
Also returning with new features is AEGIR, known for its aggressive wraparound design, now available with high-contrast, colour-enhancing lenses and a refreshed palette of frame colours. Both models have been engineered with real-world usage in mind, with emphasis on staying power, visibility, and durability.
The Skullerz SIXTEN and AEGIR safety glasses from Ergodyne are engineered for high-performance protection and comfort on tough job sites. The SIXTEN offers durable construction with anti-fog, anti-scratch lenses and optional polarisation to reduce glare and eye strain in variable conditions. The AEGIR, built with an oversized wraparound design, now includes high-contrast lenses that improve visibility and colour recognition in challenging environments. Both models are equipped with Ergodyne’s Fog-Off+ technology, helping workers maintain clear vision in humid or extreme temperatures.
“In terms of style, they're built to stand out. But once the work begins, the best compliment is forgetting they're even there... no slipping, no fogging, no distractions,” said Justin Schuetz, Product Manager at Ergodyne. “They look great. They feel great. And most importantly, they'll help prevent you from adding to the 2,000 or so work-related eye injuries that happen in the U.S. every year."
"Safety glasses shouldn’t look or feel like a compromise," said Ergodyne President, Greg Schrab. “Workers won’t wear what gets in the way. These don’t. That’s the whole point.”
The latest annual fatality statistics from the UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that 124 workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain from April 2024 to March 2025, fourteen fewer than in the previous 12-month period
This compares to 223 twenty years ago (2004/05) and 495 in 1981.
The figures relate to work-related accidents and do not include deaths arising from occupational diseases or diseases arising from certain occupational exposures.
The industries accounting for the highest number of deaths were construction (35) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (23). Agriculture, forestry and fishing continues to have the highest rate of fatal injury per 100,000 workers, followed by waste and recycling.
The most common cause of fatal injuries continues to be falls from a height (35), representing over a quarter of worker deaths in 2024/25 and reflecting the global trend.
A further 92 people who were not at work were killed in work-related incidents in 2024/25, ie members of the public who were in a workplace but were not working themselves.
HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon said, “Great Britain is one of the safest places in the world to work, but we must remember each of these deaths represents a tragedy for families, friends and communities.
“Despite the stability in numbers, we cannot accept that fatal accidents are an inevitable part of working life. We are encouraged by the long-term trend but urge against complacency on workplace safety."
Qatar has taken a major step forward in strengthening maritime safety standards with the launch of the Maritime Training and Simulation Center (MTSC) at the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST).
Inaugurated by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Maadeed, and the University’s President, H.E. Dr. Salem bin Nasser Al-Naemi, the MTSC is the first facility of its kind in the country dedicated to advancing maritime operations through world-class training.
The MTSC is equipped with cutting-edge simulation technologies that provide realistic, scenario-based training in navigation, full-mission engine control, and emergency response.
Its facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms and safety training environments for firefighting, first aid, and other critical risk management procedures.
Certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the centre’s programmes are designed to meet international safety standards and ensure that Qatar’s maritime workforce is equipped to handle both routine operations and high-risk situations.
During the inauguration, H.E. Al-Maadeed toured the facility and received a first-hand demonstration of the centre’s advanced training systems, which are expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of maritime professionals in Qatar. The centre’s interactive simulations enable real-time learning and safety drills, reinforcing decision-making skills in complex and high-pressure environments.
The launch coincided with the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Transport and UDST, which formalises a long-term collaboration to support Qatar’s maritime sector. The agreement aims to drive continuous safety improvement through international certification programmes, research partnerships, and knowledge sharing.
By prioritising safety training and technological innovation, the MTSC will play a critical role in developing a resilient and skilled maritime workforce, strengthening Qatar’s leadership in safe, efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.
H.E. Al-Maadeed said, "Inaugurating the MTSC today marks a significant milestone embodying Qatari educational institution’s commitment to enhancing the country’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities through such training facilities equipped with state-of-the-art world technologies. As the global maritime landscape evolves, preparing our workforce to lead with expertise and resilience is essential.”
Today’s MoU with UDST, he added, “is a cornerstone of MOT’s broader action plans that aim at further enhancing our maritime transportation ecosystem to contribute to achieving sustainable development of that vital industry.”
H.E. the Undersecretary thanked those in charge of those initiatives at UDST and thought the day was a promising day for the future of Qatar’s maritime industry.
His Excellency Dr. Al-Naemi, President of UDST, expressed the university’s pride in this achievement, "This centre represents more than just a facility, it is a strategic national asset that embodies our shared commitment to applied, industry-driven education. Through this collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, we are providing opportunities for hands-on learning with the most advanced simulation technologies in the region. Our mission is to ensure that Qatar’s maritime professionals graduate with the skills, confidence, and competence to meet the highest international standards. This initiative directly supports Qatar’s goals for economic diversification and maritime leadership."
Qatar Tourism, in partnership with the General Directorate of Traffic, has held a dedicated road safety awareness workshop as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and reliable tourism environment.
The session brought together tour guides, travel agencies, and licensed tour operators to highlight the legal and safety requirements for organising tourist transportation across Qatar.
The initiative aimed to reinforce awareness of safety protocols and traffic regulations that must be followed when transporting tourists between destinations.
Specialists led interactive sessions and open discussions, providing practical guidance on compliance with the Traffic Law, and offering insights into common violations that often lead to road accidents.
Key focus areas included ensuring tour operators understand the legal obligations that apply to road use during guided excursions, promoting responsible driving behaviour, and encouraging the adoption of best practices for safe tourist mobility.
The workshop also examined strategies to minimise unsafe conduct in tourist zones and ensure that both domestic and international visitors can enjoy seamless and secure experiences.
Brigadier Jassim Nasser Al-Hamidi, Director of the Media and Traffic Awareness Department at the General Directorate of Traffic, reiterated the department’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s tourism sector by fostering a culture of traffic law awareness.
He stressed the importance of ongoing education efforts through seminars, lectures, and awareness campaigns to safeguard tourists and enhance their experience throughout the country.
This workshop is part of Qatar Tourism’s wider strategy to elevate the standards of professionalism within the tourism industry and ensure that safety, training, and compliance remain integral to the visitor journey.
The initiative supports Qatar’s broader vision of positioning itself as a safe and attractive regional destination.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Fahad Hassan Al-Abdulmalik, Director of Tourism Licensing at Qatar Tourism, said, “At Qatar Tourism, visitor safety is a top priority. This workshop is part of our continued commitment to enhancing the efficiency of the tourism sector and improving the preparedness of its workforce, particularly tour guides and operators, who serve as the first point of experience for visitors. These interactive workshops present an important opportunity to instil a culture of responsibility and compliance with traffic regulations, while also contributing to the development of effective partnerships between government bodies and the private sector, reflecting a spirit of cooperation in building a safe and inclusive tourism environment.”
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has entered into a three-year alliance with Amarillo College to improve safety training and hazard awareness among students, employers, and workers.
Signed on 26 June 2025, the partnership will focus on delivering free safety training and continuing education focused on preventing workplace incidents such as falls, electrocution, and struck-by injuries.
These risks are especially prevalent in the construction, oil and gas, and general industry sectors.
As part of the alliance, participants will engage in sharing best practices and proven safety strategies through a series of workshops, seminars, and lectures.
The initiative will also promote worker involvement in OSHA’s cooperative programmes, including its on-site consultation services, voluntary protection programmes, and formal safety partnerships.
This agreement is part of OSHA’s broader Alliance Program, which aims to build strategic relationships with organisations that prioritise workplace safety.
These partners range from trade associations and educational institutions to labour unions and government bodies.
Through such collaborations, OSHA works to equip both employers and employees with vital knowledge and resources while reinforcing workers’ rights and employers’ obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
"We are excited to announce the formation of a new alliance with Amarillo College, focused on increasing safety awareness among students and workers," said OSHA area director Elizabeth Linda Routh in Lubbock, Texas. "This alliance represents a commitment to provide essential training in hazard identification techniques, empowering individuals to recognise and minimise risks in their work environments."
Trina Storage has become the first company in the energy storage sector to receive the IEC 61508 Functional Safety Process Certificate, awarded by UL Solutions, a global leader in safety science.
This certification was validated through the multilateral recognition of ANAB (U.S.) and the International Accreditation Forum.
It was marked by a ceremony attended by Dr Sheng Yun, Vice President of Trina Storage’s Product Research Institute, and Sam Wei, Global & Strategic Accounts Director at UL Solutions for Greater China.
IEC 61508 is the foundational international standard for functional safety, governing safety requirements for electronic systems across the entire lifecycle, from design and development to ongoing maintenance.
It serves as the basis for various industry-specific standards, including ISO 26262 for automotive systems and IEC 61511 for industrial applications.
With this certification, Trina Storage can more effectively mitigate critical risks such as thermal runaway and battery management system (BMS) failure by implementing proactive safety controls in line with defined Safety Integrity Levels (SILs).
In a landscape marked by increasing system complexity, Trina Storage’s achievement underscores its leadership in risk management and safety assurance.
Through its vertically integrated research, development, and manufacturing processes, the company has developed a world-class functional safety framework that spans product design, production, and operations.
This strengthens the reliability and robustness of its energy storage solutions.
Trina Storage said it remains committed to delivering safe, high-performance energy storage systems.
Looking ahead, the company will continue working closely with global organisations like UL Solutions to push the boundaries of safety and innovation in the energy sector.
Dr. Sheng Yun said, "This certification validates our holistic functional safety management system and reflects Trina Storage’s engineering excellence. We’ll continue advancing safety practices aligned with global leading methodologies and contributing to the development of the industry.”
Sam Wei of UL Solutions said, "The energy storage sector relies on functional safety to maintain safe operating conditions for energy storage, whether through the use of a battery management system, charging station, inverters or other control systems for safe operation. We at UL Solutions are honored Trina Storage turned to us to apply our testing expertise to confirm their mitigation of potential safety risks."
Also read: Teledyne GFD launches dual-gas detector
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abu Dhabi, UAE: SafeStart International, a world leader in human factors training and safety performance improvement, will host a specialised health and safety workshop in Abu Dhabi from 18-19 November 2025, bringing together safety professionals from across the region for an immersive two-day programme.
The workshop will be led by renowned safety expert Larry Wilson, Author and Founder of SafeStart International. With over 25 years of consulting experience and implementation across 75 countries, Wilson is widely recognised for his pioneering work in human error reduction and safety awareness. His methodologies have transformed safety cultures in over 4,500 organisations globally.
Joining him will be Sarah Stoker, Development Director at SafeStart International, who brings over two decades of operational and safety consulting experience. Known for her dynamic delivery and deep implementation knowledge, Stoker has supported organisations of all sizes in embedding SafeStart principles into their operations.
This high-impact workshop will introduce participants to proven approaches that address the root causes of human error, offering practical techniques to reduce incidents both on and off the job. Rather than focusing on regulatory compliance or mechanical safeguards, the programme dives into behavioural patterns and decision-making processes that lead to critical safety moments.
Participants will engage in structured discussions, peer learning and hands-on activities designed to drive meaningful and lasting change. The session also includes a certification component for those who complete the workshop and demonstrate understanding of key concepts.
The Abu Dhabi workshop underscores the growing regional emphasis on proactive safety cultures and the importance of addressing human factors in safety strategy.
Limited seats are available, and interested participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. Venue details will be confirmed soon.
Register for the Super Early Bird offer.
More information can be found on Offshore Network.
About SafeStart International
SafeStart is a proven safety awareness and human performance programme that has helped millions of people in thousands of companies reduce injuries and improve performance. It is built around critical error reduction techniques and is designed for 24/7 applicability at work, at home, and on the road.
About Offshore Network
Offshore Network is a leading platform that connects the offshore oil and gas community through high-quality content, industry events and collaborative initiatives. The company facilitates knowledge sharing and innovation across global energy markets. It is a trusted platform dedicated to advancing safety, operational excellence, and innovation.
For media enquiries or to register, please contact:
Imran Uddin
Project Manager
Offshore Network
UK (Tel) +44 (0) 207 834 7676
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Participants will become certified SafeStart trainers, gaining the ability to deliver the programme internally within their own organisations.
The course includes structured personal storytelling exercises to reinforce learning and enhance peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Manila, Philippines – SafeStart International, a global leader in human factors and injury prevention training, will hold its Trainer Certification Level 1 Course from 22-23 July 2025 at Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, located in Taguig, Metro Manila.
Designed to empower in-house safety leaders and training professionals, this certification course equips participants to deliver SafeStart’s core principles within their organisations. The highly interactive programme focuses on understanding human error, risk patterns, and behavioural safety, enabling internal trainers to drive long-term cultural change.
Leading the sessions are two of SafeStart’s top global facilitators: Larry Wilson, Founder of SafeStart and a pioneer in the field of human factors, and Sarah Stoker, Development Director at SafeStart with over 20 years’ experience in operational and safety consulting. Together, they bring unmatched expertise in safety performance training across industries and regions.
The course blends theoretical insights with practical application, covering critical error reduction techniques, state-to-error risk recognition, and strategies for improving decision-making in high-pressure environments. Participants will also engage in personal storytelling exercises and group discussions to reinforce the SafeStart methodology.
Upon successful completion, participants will be certified to deliver SafeStart Level 1 training within their own organisations, paving the way for stronger internal capability and a sustainable, 24/7 safety culture.
Event details:
Dates: 22–23 July 2025
Venue: Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, 5th Avenue, corner 28th Street, Taguig, Metro Manila - 1634 Philippines
Spaces are limited and early registration is encouraged. More details can be found on Offshore Network.
Register for the Early Bird offer, which expires June 30 2025.
About SafeStart International
SafeStart is a globally recognised human performance programme that helps organisations reduce injuries and improve performance by addressing human error. With more than 5 million people trained across 75 countries, SafeStart provides practical tools that work 24/7 on the job and beyond.
About Offshore Network
Offshore Network is a trusted platform dedicated to advancing safety, operational excellence, and innovation in the offshore oil and gas industry. Through events, insights and expert-led initiatives, it connects safety professionals and decision-makers across the global energy sector.
For all enquiries, please contact:
Imran Uddin
Project Manager
Offshore Network
UK (Tel) +44 (0) 207 834 7676
E:
-ENDS-
Aspen Medical has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Holistic Medical Centre (HMC) to enhance integrated healthcare services for high-impact industries across the UAE.
The partnership supports the nation’s increasing emphasis on workplace wellbeing and the advancement of occupational health standards.
With more than nine years of experience in occupational healthcare, Aspen Medical will collaborate with HMC to design and deliver tailored health programmes that promote safer, more resilient work environments.
Occupational medicine remains vital in preventing and managing work-related illnesses, helping ensure employees remain healthy and productive.
The agreement outlines a shared commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare solutions for key sectors, including defence, energy, corporate, and national security.
These services will be accessible in both urban centres and remote locations, ensuring readiness wherever it is required. Under the MoU, HMC will lead occupational health and specialist referrals, while Aspen Medical will provide onsite medical care and clinical advisory support.
The partnership also includes joint wellness initiatives such as immunisations, preventive screenings, and long-term health risk management.
Looking ahead, the collaboration will explore the introduction of additional services focused on workforce wellbeing. These could include mental health awareness initiatives and basic workplace training, such as first aid courses which strengthen organisational preparedness and support a culture of health and safety.
Claire Westbrooke-Keir, general manager of Aspen Medical UAE, said, “The UAE’s investment in occupational health reflects a clear understanding of the link between workforce wellbeing and long-term national resilience. Our partnership with HMC is built on shared values and a commitment to practical, high-quality solutions that meet the real needs of industries and employees alike.”
Dr. Nahyan Helal, founder and CEO of Holistic Medical Centre, added, “Occupational healthcare has long been a cornerstone of public health. This collaboration builds on that foundation, helping employers meet regulatory requirements while enhancing the wellbeing of their teams through accessible, tailored medical support.”