Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- 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.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Region: North America
- Date: 5th May 2026
- Year: 2026
Twiceme has expanded its presence in the fall protection sector through a partnership with Guardian, introducing digital safety technology into self-retracting lifelines (SRLs).
The collaboration marks the first integration of Twiceme’s connected safety platform into SRLs, which are widely used in construction and industrial environments to reduce the risk of serious injury when working at height.
SRLs automatically extend and retract in response to worker movement and are considered a critical component of fall arrest systems. Through the partnership, Guardian’s SRLs will now feature embedded digital capabilities designed to improve equipment monitoring, compliance management and emergency response.
Using a smartphone tap, workers and safety teams can access inspection records, work documentation, compliance data and Medical ID information directly from the equipment. The system is intended to help reduce information gaps while supporting quicker decision-making during emergencies.
The move strengthens Twiceme’s position within the connected safety market, where digital technologies are increasingly being used to improve visibility and operational oversight on jobsites.
According to the companies, integrating digital tools into protective equipment can also support more efficient inspection processes and simplify access to safety documentation, particularly on large or high-risk worksites.
Twiceme said the technology aims to create an additional layer of protection by combining physical fall safety systems with real-time digital information and connectivity. The partnership also reflects growing industry demand for smarter safety solutions that improve both compliance and worker protection.
By embedding digital functionality directly into essential fall protection equipment, the companies aim to support safer working environments while enabling faster response times when incidents occur.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Europe
- Date: 4th May 2026
- Year: 2026
DNV and Equinor have introduced a new incident classification framework designed to help organisations improve how they analyse, understand and learn from operational events.
Known as Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE, the new approach aims to move companies away from traditional blame-focused reporting systems by using neutral terminology and a systems-based method for incident analysis. The framework is intended to support stronger organisational learning and improve safety, quality and operational performance across industries including construction, manufacturing, maritime and energy.
Many existing incident reporting systems rely on language that focuses heavily on individual error or failure, which can create hindsight bias and limit broader understanding of the conditions that contribute to incidents. According to DNV and Equinor, the CLUE taxonomy has been developed to encourage more balanced and constructive assessments by examining the wider operational environment rather than assigning direct blame.
The framework simplifies incident analysis by reducing the number of categories used in reporting and replacing the concept of a single “cause” with multiple “contributing factors”. This approach reflects the view that incidents often result from interconnected conditions rather than isolated mistakes.
Unlike conventional systems that primarily focus on failures, the taxonomy can also be used to capture lessons from successful operations and everyday work practices. Developers of the framework said this broader perspective can help organisations gain a more complete understanding of operational risk and resilience.
Prajeev Rasiah said effective safety improvement depends on how organisations learn from both routine activities and operational failures.
“Meaningful safety improvement depends on how well organisations learn, not just from failures but from everyday work,” he said. “Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE helps organisations move beyond blame and focus on understanding the conditions that influence performance. That shift enables better decisions, stronger learning, and more resilient operations.”
The framework draws on principles from Human and Organisational Performance (HOP) and Safety-II methodologies, both of which emphasise understanding workplace systems, context and operational variability.
Per Henry Gonsholt said the initiative would support improved organisational learning and more effective safety management.
“For better learning, we need to tell better stories,” he said. “CLUE not only modernises incident analysis but also simplifies it. This will help us get better data, and ultimately better insight into areas that need improvement.”
DNV and Equinor said the initiative is intended to help organisations strengthen operational resilience by encouraging more system-focused learning and reducing reliance on blame-centred incident models.
- Details
- madhurima sengupta
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Training
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 1st May 2026
- Year: 2026
Safestart, in association with Offshore Network, is set to initiate multiple tours to introduce its safety programme globally, starting with Manila in Philippines.
The sessions will be led by expert trainers from Safestart International, namely Larry Wilson, author and founder; Sarah Stoker, development director; Anmol Tiwari, territory manager and consultant - Asia Pacific and Middle East, and Mitchell Wilson, territory manager and consultant - Asia Pacific and Middle East.
The comprehesive safety programme known as Safestart Trainer Certification Level 1 Course will be held at Taguig, Manila, from 5-6 May, indulging participants in a structured six-step implementation process that helps foster a sustained culture of safety while increasing awareness on tackling workplace incidents.
Participants will walk away with a fresh perspective on safety that explores the root causes behind most unintentional injuries by identifying the human factors and critical errors. Be at work, home or on the road, developing a heightened sense of awareness that goes beyond good maintenance and focus on specific hazards can eliminate possible accidents.
The interactive session will highlight key paradigm shifts and ensure personalised experience for participants.
There will be introduction to the concepts of states and errors, three types of at-risk behaviour, three sources of unexpected events, the personal risk pyramid, and four critical error reduction techniques. The session will also explore long-term strategies and recommendations for bringing in change as well as sustaining it.
On successful completion of the programme, candidates will be acknowledged with a certificate.
Safestart Trainer Certification Level 1 Course will be travelling across the globe:
- Dubai, UAE from 12-13 May
- Singapore from 16-17 June
- Jakarta, Indonesia from 23-24 June
- Kula Laumpur, Malaysia from 28-29 July
- Dammam, KSA from 17-18 November
For more details visit: https://events.offsnet.com/events
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 1st May 2026
- Year: 2026
Dubai Investments, through its real estate arm Dubai Investment Real Estate (DIR), has reported a major health, safety and environment (HSE) achievement at its Danah Bay development, recording 2 million safe working man-hours without a lost time injury across its residential and hotel towers.
The milestone has been reached while construction continues across the beachfront project on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, with core structural works progressing on both the residential and hospitality elements.
According to DIR, maintaining such a record during active construction reflects the strength of its site safety systems, operational discipline and risk management framework, all of which are embedded across project delivery stages.
Obaid Al Salami, General Manager of Dubai Investment Real Estate, said safety is treated as a fundamental part of project execution rather than a standalone requirement.
“Health and safety is central to how we operate across all our developments,” he said. “It is not simply about compliance, but about ensuring that every stage of construction is delivered responsibly, with clear accountability and strong oversight. Achieving 2 million safe man-hours without a lost time incident demonstrates the effectiveness of our systems and the commitment of everyone on site.”
He added that maintaining rigorous HSE standards supports both delivery performance and long-term asset quality. “When safety is embedded into daily operations, it enhances project efficiency, protects workers and ultimately strengthens the value we deliver to investors and end users,” he said.
The Danah Bay development is being delivered in phases and includes residential units, a hotel and lifestyle components aimed at creating a fully integrated waterfront destination. Current works focus on vertical construction of the residential tower and structural progress on the hotel, alongside ongoing building services and site operations.
DIR also confirmed that the villa component, comprising 189 units, is fully completed, with partial handover already underway. This marks a key step in the project’s phased delivery programme.
As construction advances, Dubai Investments and DIR say they will continue prioritising HSE performance alongside timely execution, reinforcing confidence in delivery standards and long-term project sustainability.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 30th April 2026
- Year: 2026
Arada has recorded more than 100 million safe man-hours without a lost time injury (LTI) at its flagship Aljada development in Sharjah, underscoring its focus on worker safety across large-scale construction projects.
The milestone follows the completion of residential works in the Naseej District earlier this year, part of the AED35bn master-planned community. Since construction began in 2018, over 9,000 homes have been delivered across the 24mn sq ft development, with the first residences handed over in 2021.
Today, Aljada is home to around 20,000 residents and includes a mix of residential, commercial and lifestyle offerings. Completed works span multiple sectors, including retail, hospitality, education, sports facilities and infrastructure, reflecting the scale and complexity of the project.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said the achievement highlights the company’s commitment to prioritising safety across all operations. “The wellbeing of frontline workers remains our top priority across every project,” he said. “Reaching more than 100 million safe man-hours without a lost time injury at Aljada is a significant accomplishment and reflects the dedication of our teams and partners.”
He added that the company’s safety performance is built on a culture of shared responsibility and proactive risk management. “Our approach is based on strong systems, continuous monitoring and empowering all stakeholders to prioritise safety above operational pressures. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and environmental performance.”
Once complete, Aljada is expected to feature more than 25,000 homes, alongside hotels, a major commercial district, schools and a large retail destination, all integrated within landscaped green spaces. Its location offers connectivity to key transport routes, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and proximity to major airports.
The achievement positions Aljada as a benchmark for construction safety in the region, reflecting growing emphasis on robust health and safety practices across major developments in the UAE.