Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Training
- Date: 2nd July 2026
- Year: 2026
A new global study has found that the maritime workforce is not keeping pace with the rapid adoption of digital technologies, with implications for safety, efficiency and sustainability
The report, “Digital skills in maritime education and training: A global deep dive into people, skills, and readiness for change”, was written by the World Maritime University (WMU) and commissioned by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, based on a survey of 532 seafarers across 64 countries and interviews with 110 stakeholders. The report finds that digital tools - from automated navigation to data driven decision making - are transforming operations, but training and certification frameworks are not keeping up.
More than 80% of seafarers report receiving little or no digital skills training, despite strong appetite to learn. Two thirds say they are willing to upskill, but a lack of shared understanding of what “digital skills” means is holding back progress. Seafarers report a lack of confidence about working with automation and data intensive tools. Just 13% say shore based training consistently matches the systems they encounter onboard. Maritime education providers are responding, but face barriers including limited funding, a shortage of digitally skilled instructors and slow moving regulation.
The report also warns that digital transformation could deepen global inequalities, as access to training depends on resources and investment. It reflects findings from the Global Maritime Trends Digital Transition Barometer that workforce skills, training and readiness for change remains one of the weakest areas of the transition, highlighting the risk that technology is advancing faster than the people needed to use it safely and effectively.
Co-ordinated action
The report calls for coordinated action across the sector, including faster updates to global training standards, more investment in education and stronger collaboration between industry, regulators and training providers.
Dr Jan Przydatek, director of Technologies at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said, “Digitalisation is changing how people work and how risks are managed. If we don’t invest in people alongside technology, we risk creating new safety challenges rather than solving existing ones. This research shows that gaps in digital skills have real implications for safety. Closing them means making sure seafarers have the confidence and capability to operate in an increasingly digital environment.”
Mark Warner, Global Client marketing director at Lloyd’s Register, commented, “Technology adoption is moving faster than training standards, instructor capability and certification frameworks. In many cases, innovation is outpacing preparedness. Technology only improves safety when people understand how systems work, trust their outputs, and know when not to rely on them. As digital tools become part of everyday operations, human judgement and confidence remain essential.”
Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., president of the World Maritime University, said, “Maritime digitalisation is no longer a future possibility - it is already shaping how ships are designed, operated and regulated. The question is whether the workforce is ready. Achieving the benefits of this transition depends on people having the skills and confidence to use digital tools effectively.”
The report calls for coordinated action across the sector, including faster updates to global training standards, greater investment in education, and stronger collaboration between industry, regulators and training providers.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 30th June 2026
- Year: 2026
In high-risk industrial environments, safety depends on visibility. Knowing where workers are, understanding the conditions they are operating in, and responding quickly when something goes wrong are fundamental to protecting people and maintaining operational integrity
Today, connected technologies are transforming how organisations achieve this visibility. Gas detectors, wearable devices and monitoring platforms can provide real-time insights into worker safety, enabling faster decision-making and more proactive risk management.
As connected safety becomes more widely adopted, organisations are increasingly considering how these systems fit within their existing operations. Connected safety solutions can be broadly understood through two approaches: outsourced monitoring services and integrated safety ecosystems.
Two approaches to connected safety
Connected safety solutions typically follow one of two approaches.
The first relies on outsourced monitoring services. In this model, alerts and worker status updates are routed to an external monitoring centre that operates around the clock. When an incident occurs, third-party agents review the alert and escalate the issue if necessary.
The second approach centres on integrated safety ecosystems. Here, connected devices feed data directly into a unified platform used by the organisation’s own safety team. Alerts, reporting and insights remain within the company’s operational structure, supporting alignment with existing processes.
Both approaches aim to improve worker protection, but they are suited to different operational needs. For example, outsourced monitoring can support organisations without dedicated in-house safety teams to manage alerts at all hours or, equally, those with in-house teams working standard business hours. While integrated approaches enable organisations that have round-the-clock safety teams to handle alerts internally within their existing workflows.
Why integration and access matter
Safety teams not only respond to incidents, but also work to understand why they occur and how they can be prevented. This understanding can improve significantly with access to accurate, comprehensive data and the ability to analyse it within the context of daily operations, regardless of how alerts are managed.
It is important to consider where safety data is stored, how it is accessed, and who should act on it. Different models support different organisational needs. For example, outsourced monitoring can provide reassurance for smaller teams, while integrated approaches may suit larger organisations that can manage safety processes in-house at all hours.
An integrated approach enables safety teams to maintain direct access to the information that matters most. By connecting detection devices with safety management platforms, organisations can help keep alerts, worker data and operational insights are readily available within their existing workflows.
Each approach offers different advantages depending on how safety is managed within the organisation. Where integrated systems are in place, safety teams can access and use data within their existing workflows, supporting a more proactive approach to safety management. This enables organisations to analyse patterns in exposure, identify emerging risks and refine safety procedures before problems escalate.
From monitoring to safety leadership
As industrial environments become more complex, the role of safety leaders is evolving. Today’s safety teams are expected not only to respond to alarms but also to shape strategies that prevent incidents altogether.
Systems that provide a complete view of safety performance across sites and operations can help safety leaders achieve these goals. Detection technologies, monitoring platforms and reporting tools can work together to create a single source of truth that supports faster, better-informed decisions.
For this reason, many organisations are moving towards integrated safety ecosystems rather than relying solely on standalone devices or external monitoring services.
When detection technologies are designed to work within a broader safety platform, they become part of a connected system that supports both immediate protection and long-term safety improvement.
Supporting the next generation of gas detection
For industries operating in high-risk environments, such as entering confined spaces, gas detection remains a key component of this ecosystem. Workers need reliable instruments capable of identifying hazards while also feeding data into the wider safety strategy.
Modern gas detection technologies are increasingly designed with this integration in mind. By connecting detection devices with safety management platforms, organisations can gain real-time visibility into worker status and environmental conditions while also capturing valuable data for reporting and continuous improvement.
Solutions such as the ALTAIR io™ 6 Multigas Detector from MSA Safety are designed to support this ecosystem-led approach. By combining advanced multi-gas detection with seamless integration into connected safety platforms, organisations can enhance worker protection while maintaining control of their data and supporting compliance within existing safety processes.
Looking ahead
Connected safety is not simply about adding new technology to the workplace. It is about building systems that give organisations the insight and flexibility needed to protect workers effectively.
As connected technologies continue to evolve, organisations will gain the greatest value from solutions that integrate easily into their operations, support streamlined compliance processes and accountability, and provide clear, actionable insights to the teams who help keep people safe.
To explore how integrated gas detection can support a connected safety ecosystem, discover more about the ALTAIR io 6 Multigas Detector and the wider connected safety solutions from MSA.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 26th June 2026
- Year: 2026
Oil Review Middle East, in association with Flyability is hosting a webinar on “NDT drones for the oil and gas industry: from innovation to implementation" on Tuesday 14 July at 2pm GST
The oil and gas industry continues to face increasing pressure to improve safety, reduce operational downtime and enhance inspection efficiency. Increasingly, operators are deploying drone technology to improve inspection quality, enhance safety and drive greater operational efficiency across oil and gas assets, discovering new ways to conduct inspections in hazardous and confined spaces such as flare stacks, storage tanks, boilers and pipe racks, while minimising risks to personnel. Flyability estimates that the use of NDT drones can cut inspection time by up to 80% and save US$15,000 on tank inspections by avoiding scaffolding and rope access. Detailed visual, UT and LiDAR data can be gathered from inaccesible areas with precise data localisation, eliminating the need for personnel to enter hazardous environments.
Learn from the experts
This practical session will explore how drone technology is being used to perform remote NDT inspections, collect critical asset data and create digital twins that support more effective asset integrity management. Through real-world case studies and industry experience, attendees will gain valuable insights into implementing drone solutions within their own operations. Experts from Saudi Aramco, Flyability, and Sagerdrone will share their insights on different aspects of drone deployment, and how they are transforming operations.
Register here
Key highlights
• Visual inspections: Learn how drone technology is improving access to difficult and hazardous inspection environments
• Remote NDT applications: Explore the use of UT spot measurements and other remote inspection capabilities
• Digital twins: Understand how digital asset models are supporting integrity monitoring and maintenance planning
• Industry success stories: Hear practical examples from asset owners and service providers successfully utilising drone technology
• Implementation strategies: Gain insights into integrating drone-based inspections into existing operational workflows.
Whether you're responsible for asset integrity, inspection, maintenance, reliability, engineering, operations, or HSE, this session will provide practical guidance on how leading operators are transforming inspection workflows while improving safety, reducing downtime and cutting operational costs.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take away exclusive insights from the leading lights of the drone technology world!
Register here
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 17th June 2026
- Year: 2026
Intersec Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s leading platform for security, safety, and fire protection, is ensuring that its flagship conferences are aligned with national priorities with the appointment of advisory committees bringing together the region’s experts to provide input into their agendas
Taking place during Intersec Saudi Arabia 2026 from 16–18 November at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC), the Future Security Summit and Fire Protection & Technology Summit will bring together international experts, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss trends, technologies and strategies in the fast-evolving security and fire protection landscape. AI, resilience, cyber-physical securtiy convergence, predictive risk management and next-generation fire protection strategies are just some of the hot topics that will be explored.
The Future Security Summit Advisory Committee includes representatives from the Royal Commission for AlUla, Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Dubai Airports, IFPO MENASA, King Salman International Airport and other leading organisations. Meanwhile, the Fire Protection & Technology Summit Advisory Committee brings together specialists from Saudi Aramco, Red Sea Global, Qiddiya City, King Fahd International Airport and AECOM.
Riham Sedik, exhibition director, Intersec Saudi Arabia, said, "The advisory committees bring together professionals with decades of operational, strategic and technical experience across security, emergency management, fire protection and resilience.
"Their in-depth knowledge will help ensure that the Future Security Summit and Fire Protection & Technology Summit address the real-world challenges facing organisations today, while providing practical insights into the technologies, frameworks and leadership strategies shaping these sectors in the Kingdom and beyond."
Addressing the next generation of security challenges
Yusuf Hasan, senior aviation security advisor at the International Civil Aviation Organization and member of the Future Security Summit Advisory Committee, comments that the convergence of rapid development and evolving risks is creating a new security paradigm across the region.
"The key challenge today is managing rapid growth while maintaining secure, resilient and trusted environments," said Hasan. "As Saudi Arabia's tourism, aviation, logistics and digital sectors expand, so too does the complexity of the threat landscape."
He added that artificial intelligence is accelerating the shift from reactive security to predictive, intelligence-led models through enhanced threat detection, analytics and automation.
The Future Security Summit will explore many of these themes through discussions focused on cyber-physical security convergence, AI-enabled security operations, crisis and emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, workforce development and resilience planning.
Advancing fire protection for a new generation of infrastructure
The fire protection sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, according to Dr Reginald D. Freeman, member of the Board of Directors, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and member of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit Advisory Committee.
"One of the most significant trends is the shift from traditional code compliance toward risk-informed, performance-based fire engineering. The complexity of today's mega-projects requires more sophisticated approaches to fire and life safety.
"The future of fire protection in Saudi Arabia will not simply be about responding to emergencies; it will be about anticipating risk, strengthening resilience, and enabling sustainable growth," said Freeman.
Intersec Saudi Arabia 2026 is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors and over 500 exhibitors from around the world.
- Details
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Europe
- Date: 8th June 2026
- Year: 2026
Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection is actively responding to updated International Maritime Organization recommendations to enhance 'enclosed-space' safety protocols aboard ships worldwide.
Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, a division of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, is stepping up to help maritime operators strengthen their atmospheric monitoring and address evolving safety expectations for entering enclosed spaces. At the core of these changes is the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution MSC.581(110). This resolution broadens the recommended gas testing protocols to explicitly include carbon dioxide alongside other key atmospheric hazards.
There is a growing demand across the maritime sector for these updated solutions, reflecting an increased focus on safety readiness and compliance. This surge in interest has already contributed to multiple related awards for the company year-to-date.
"The IMO’s revised recommendations represent an important advancement for maritime safety," said Thibault Fourlegnie, vice president and general manager of Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. "We provide practical gas detection solutions that help customers improve enclosed-space safety and meet evolving compliance expectations."
The company's marine-approved gas detection solutions are manufactured at its facility in Renfrew, Scotland. These systems draw upon more than 75 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise in industrial safety technologies. To keep pace with growing global demand, investment at the Scottish plant is ongoing.
Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection aims to equip ship operators, partners, and stakeholders with technologies that protect personnel, strengthen compliance, and promote safer working practices across the industry.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 29th May 2026
- Year: 2026
A new white paper from the Global Initiative for Industrial Safety (GIFIS) has introduced a practical framework aimed at helping industrial companies assess the effectiveness of emerging safety technologies and improve workplace risk management.
Developed by GIFIS in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, United Nations Industrial Development Organization and University of Cambridge, the paper highlights how rising workplace fatalities and injuries continue to create a significant global burden while industries face increasing pressure to modernise safety practices.
According to the report, work-related deaths increased from around 2.8 million in 2015 to 2.9 million in 2019, accounting for 6.7% of all global deaths among the working-age population. In addition, around 395 million workers suffer occupational injuries annually, with poor occupational safety and health conditions estimated to cost more than US$3.2tn each year, equivalent to 4.1% of global GDP.
The white paper argues that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, wearable devices, drones, predictive analytics and digital twins are reshaping industrial safety by enabling organisations to move from reactive to anticipatory risk management.
It also notes that adoption of these technologies remains relatively limited due to challenges including high implementation costs, integration difficulties, skills shortages, worker privacy concerns and uncertainty over measurable safety outcomes.
To address these barriers, the report introduces a “4Ps” framework that categorises safety technologies into prevention, precaution, prediction and protection. The framework links technologies to their ability to reduce hazards, lower the likelihood of incidents and minimise the severity of injuries.
The paper also includes a case study examining more than 19,000 patented fall-protection technologies developed between 2004 and 2024. Findings show a growing shift away from traditional mechanical safety systems towards digitally enabled monitoring devices and predictive safety tools.
GIFIS said the framework is designed to help industrial users compare safety technologies more systematically while supporting stronger return on investment analysis by factoring in implementation effort, operational feasibility and long-term safety benefits.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 28th May 2026
- Year: 2026
A new report from the International Labour Organization has warned that the ongoing Middle East crisis could place increasing pressure on global labour markets, with rising energy prices, disrupted supply chains and weaker tourism activity expected to affect jobs and incomes worldwide.
According to the organisation, the impact of the conflict is likely to extend well beyond the region, influencing employment conditions through higher transport costs, reduced trade flows and uncertainty across key industries. The report noted that the consequences may continue to unfold over an extended period, particularly as the global economy remains vulnerable to slow growth and existing labour market challenges.
The ILO outlined a scenario in which oil prices rise by around 50% above their average levels recorded earlier in 2026. Under those conditions, global working hours could decline by 0.5% this year and 1.1% in 2027. The organisation said this would be equivalent to the loss of approximately 14 million full-time jobs in 2026 and 38 million in the following year.
Real labour income could also come under significant pressure, with projected declines of 1.1% in 2026 and 3% in 2027. Global unemployment is expected to increase more gradually, although the report highlighted that the impact would vary considerably between regions and sectors.
The Arab States and Asia-Pacific region were identified as particularly exposed because of their reliance on Gulf energy markets, regional trade routes and labour migration flows. In the Arab region, industries such as construction, transport, manufacturing and hospitality are considered especially vulnerable, with migrant workers likely to face disproportionate risks.
In Asia-Pacific economies, dependence on imported energy and remittance flows from Gulf countries is also creating growing concerns. The report noted that labour deployments to Gulf Cooperation Council countries have already slowed in several labour-exporting nations, while some countries are seeing early signs of weaker remittance inflows.
Sangheon Lee, Chief Economist at the ILO, said the crisis should not be viewed as a temporary disruption. He explained that external economic shocks often reach workers and businesses gradually, weakening employment conditions and putting pressure on decent work standards over time.
The organisation urged governments to introduce employment-focused policy measures to protect vulnerable workers, small businesses and migrant labour communities. It also called for stronger social dialogue and coordinated responses aimed at safeguarding incomes, working conditions and economic stability as the crisis evolves.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 27th May 2026
- Year: 2026
NAFFCO Group has signed a strategic agreement with the Department of Civil Aviation and Fujairah International Airport to strengthen aviation safety and emergency response capabilities in the emirate.
The memorandum of understanding was announced during International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience 2026 and focuses on enhancing airport preparedness through specialised firefighting infrastructure and advanced training programmes.
Under the partnership, the organisations will collaborate on the deployment of airport emergency response assets and the establishment of a firefighting training centre designed to improve operational readiness and response efficiency. The initiative also aims to align airport safety procedures with international aviation standards.
The agreement was signed by Khalid Al Khatib, Ali Khalid Al Khatib, Esmaeil M. Al Boloushi and Ebraheem Al Qallaf.
As part of the collaboration, aviation firefighting personnel will also receive specialist instruction through the NAFFCO Training Academy, supporting the development of advanced emergency response skills for airport operations.
Ali Khalid Al Khatib said the agreement reflects the company’s ongoing focus on delivering modern firefighting technologies and integrated safety solutions tailored to the aviation sector.
Officials added that the partnership supports wider efforts to improve aviation resilience, strengthen emergency preparedness and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in airport safety and operational excellence.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 26th May 2026
- Year: 2026
International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience 2026 concluded in Abu Dhabi after attracting record participation and highlighting the growing role of advanced technologies in global security and resilience.
Held under the patronage of Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the three-day event brought together government officials, security experts and technology companies from around the world under the theme “Securing Tomorrow Today”.
Organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police, the exhibition welcomed more than 37,000 visitors, representing a sharp increase compared with the previous edition.
Exhibitor participation also expanded significantly, with more than 250 companies showcasing solutions across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, resilience, digital policing and emergency response technologies. Organisers noted strong representation from both local and international firms, alongside growing participation from small and medium-sized enterprises.
Ahmed Naser Al Raisi said the exhibition demonstrated the UAE’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in security and resilience while promoting innovation-driven solutions to emerging challenges.
The event introduced several new initiatives, including the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Summit for Sustainable Security, which explored institutional resilience, preparedness and the future of security systems. The summit featured panel discussions, workshops and roundtable sessions involving experts from multiple countries.
Artificial intelligence also featured prominently during the event through the AI Security Forum, where participants discussed the growing role of AI-powered systems in protecting infrastructure, transport networks, smart cities and energy assets.
Cybersecurity was another major focus area, with the Code Breaker Hackathon offering participants hands-on experience in tackling simulated cyber threats and digital attack scenarios.
The final day of the exhibition included discussions on family digital safety and community security, with speakers stressing the importance of cyber awareness, responsible technology use and stronger cooperation between families and authorities to address online threats.
Organisers confirmed that the 10th edition of ISNR will take place in April 2028.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Security
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 25th May 2026
- Year: 2026
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed a new resolution adopted by the International Maritime Organization during the 111th session of its Maritime Safety Committee, addressing concerns over navigational safety in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution, proposed by the UAE and backed by several member states, highlighted growing concerns over the use of drones, missiles and sea mines in the region and the risks posed to commercial shipping and seafarers. Member states expressed alarm over the impact on maritime operations, with reports indicating fatalities among crew members and thousands of seafarers stranded due to regional tensions.
The agreement reaffirmed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation for merchant vessels operating in the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman, while supporting the continued use of internationally recognised maritime transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution also called on countries to work together to safeguard shipping operations and support the safe movement of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. In addition, member states were encouraged to assist efforts led by the IMO Secretary-General to facilitate the evacuation of ships unable to leave the Gulf region safely.
The UAE, alongside Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, also rejected proposals linked to an alternative shipping route and a newly announced maritime authority related to the Strait of Hormuz, stating that such measures conflict with international law and established maritime governance frameworks.
Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei said the adoption of the resolution reflected international concern over maritime security and the wellbeing of seafarers affected by disruptions in the region.
He added that ensuring the safety of thousands of stranded seafarers remains a priority, while calling for continued international cooperation to maintain safe navigation and support humanitarian needs for vessels operating in the Gulf.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: ESG, HSE
- Date: 21st May 2026
- Year: 2026
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence, automation and digital workplace tools is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace.
From predictive analytics and wearable technologies to remote collaboration platforms and robotics, organisations are increasingly relying on digitalisation to improve productivity, streamline operations and maintain competitiveness. Yet, according to a new white paper from Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), many businesses are still failing to place worker wellbeing at the centre of these transformations.
The report, titled The digital dilemma: balancing progress with worker protection, warns that while organisations are investing heavily in cyber security, AI implementation and digital skills development, the human consequences of these technologies are often overlooked. IOSH argues that digital transformation must be approached not only as a commercial or operational initiative, but also as a workplace health and safety issue.
The findings are based on research involving more than 1,000 senior business decision-makers across 22 countries. According to the report, the leading priorities for organisations over the coming year are ensuring cyber security and data protection, implementing and using AI, and improving digital capabilities among workers. However, ethical considerations and the broader health and wellbeing impacts of technology rank significantly lower on corporate agendas.
This imbalance is creating what IOSH describes as a widening gap between technological ambition and worker-centred priorities. Businesses are adopting new systems to increase efficiency and monitor productivity, but many are failing to assess how these technologies influence stress levels, mental health, job security and worker autonomy.
One of the most concerning findings relates to psychosocial risks associated with digitalisation. Hybrid and remote working environments, while offering flexibility, are also linked to growing reports of mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety and burnout. The research found that 60% of hybrid workers reported mental health issues, yet organisations continue to prioritise productivity tracking and data protection over wellbeing support.
Algorithmic management and digital surveillance also emerged as major concerns. Increasingly, businesses are using automated systems to allocate tasks, monitor worker performance and assess productivity. IOSH cautions that without transparent governance and human oversight, these technologies could undermine trust and increase workplace pressure. Employees may feel constantly monitored, while decisions made solely through algorithms risk overlooking individual circumstances and wellbeing considerations.
Technology fatigue is another issue highlighted in the report. Workers are often required to navigate multiple digital platforms, disconnected systems and continuous online communication channels. Rather than simplifying work, poorly integrated technologies can create frustration and confusion, contributing to higher levels of stress and reduced job satisfaction.
Despite these challenges, the report notes that workers are generally receptive to workplace technology. Most organisations surveyed said employees are informed about digital initiatives and encouraged to engage with new systems. However, IOSH argues that consultation alone is not enough. Businesses must ensure that health and safety considerations are embedded into every stage of technology adoption, from planning and design to implementation and ongoing monitoring.
The white paper also points to gaps in digital skills and training. Many organisations, particularly smaller businesses, struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies. Limited resources, uncertainty around best practice and a lack of industry-wide guidance are making it difficult for employers to implement digital systems safely and responsibly.
To address these issues, IOSH is calling for stronger collaboration between governments, businesses and occupational safety and health professionals. The organisation believes governments should establish clearer legislation and standards around ethical technology use, including mandatory worker impact assessments for AI systems and digital workplace tools.
The report also recommends integrating “safety-by-design” principles into technological development. This means ensuring that health, safety and wellbeing considerations are built into digital systems from the outset rather than addressed retrospectively after problems emerge. Human oversight, transparency in data usage and worker consultation are also identified as essential components of responsible digital transformation.
For businesses, the report stresses the importance of embedding occupational safety and health considerations within digital strategies. Risk assessments should not only focus on physical hazards but also address psychosocial risks linked to remote working, surveillance technologies, workload management and technology fatigue. Employers are encouraged to adopt human-in-command approaches that ensure final decisions remain under human control rather than being left entirely to automated systems.
IOSH also sees a growing role for occupational safety and health professionals in helping organisations navigate the digital transition. This includes developing expertise in technology-related risks, collaborating with IT and HR departments, and advocating for inclusive, human-centred workplace design.
Ultimately, the report argues that digitalisation should not be viewed solely as a tool for efficiency and profit. When implemented responsibly, technology also has the potential to improve worker wellbeing, enhance safety and create more sustainable workplaces. However, achieving this balance will require organisations to move beyond compliance-driven approaches and place people at the centre of innovation.
As businesses continue to accelerate digital adoption, IOSH’s message is clear: technology should serve workers, not the other way around.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 15th May 2026
- Year: 2026
Ergodyne has introduced a new Tool Belt and Suspender system designed to improve comfort, mobility and safety for employees working at height, while also helping companies strengthen dropped-object prevention measures.
The latest system has been developed to address common issues faced by workers carrying heavy tools for extended periods, including poor weight distribution, discomfort and constant adjustments that can affect concentration and productivity on site.
According to the company, the equipment features padded and breathable materials, enhanced load distribution and patent-pending pivoting suspender attachments that move with the wearer to improve flexibility during demanding tasks.
The system also incorporates tethering points compliant with the ANSI/ISEA 121-2023 standard, supporting efforts to reduce the risk of dropped tools and equipment on elevated worksites.
Chris Reilly, Product Manager at Ergodyne, said many existing tool belt systems have not kept pace with the changing demands of modern industrial worksites.
“A lot of tool belts were not designed for the realities of today’s at-height work environments,” said Reilly. “Workers are carrying more equipment while operating under stricter safety requirements and increasing productivity pressures. We wanted to create a solution that removes as much friction as possible.”
He added that poor load distribution and uncomfortable equipment could distract workers and potentially increase the likelihood of accidents.
Industry attention on dropped-object prevention has grown significantly across sectors including industrial construction, telecommunications, aviation and wind energy. Ergodyne noted that many traditional carrying systems still lack features designed to support modern tethering standards and improve on-site safety performance.
The company said the new range aims to help employers improve operational efficiency while enhancing worker comfort and reducing safety risks associated with working at height.