Intersec Saudi Arabia hosted a key session that examined critical lessons from major fire disasters, including the Grenfell Tower fire in London, the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, California, and the Marco Polo high-rise fire in Honolulu, Hawaii. The discussion underscored the urgent need for international collaboration to strengthen global fire safety frameworks.
The session was led by Jim Pauley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), who emphasised that individuals, organisations and authorities must work collectively to address safety gaps and create more resilient communities.
In response to tragedies such as Grenfell, NFPA developed the ‘NFPA Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem’, a comprehensive model that identifies key components required for effective safety systems. These include an informed public, government responsibility, the use of current codes and referenced standards, investment in safety, a skilled workforce, code compliance, and preparedness and emergency response.
Explaining the concept, Pauley said, “The ecosystem is a framework that defines the elements necessary to create and maintain an effective safety environment. The interconnected components mean that the failure of a single element can compromise the entire system, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property loss.”
Established in 1896, NFPA is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to reducing death, injury, and economic loss caused by fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers expertise through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, as well as through education, research, and advocacy.
“We live in an era of innovation, but innovation without safety is a risk we cannot afford. To do this work, and to do it well, we have to see what’s coming, and we have to remember what came before,” Pauley added.
He also linked the discussion to Saudi Vision 2030, describing it as “a bold and ambitious plan to transform the Kingdom's economy and to elevate its global stature.” He noted that achieving this vision required world-class infrastructure built on robust safety standards.
The NFPA day at Intersec Saudi Arabia, curated by NFPA and chaired by Zahi Daher, NFPA’s Country Manager in Saudi Arabia, brought together key stakeholders from government and industry to explore innovative ways to enhance fire and life safety in support of Vision 2030.
The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the associated fire risks were discussed at the Fire Protection & Technology Summit at Intersec Saudi Arabia by Mike Brunzell, Vice President of Global Business Development at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Research from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicated that global EV sales surpassed 17 million in 2024, representing more than 20% of total vehicle sales. As EV adoption accelerated, new and complex fire risks emerged, particularly in densely populated areas such as residential and commercial parking facilities.
Brunzell explained, “One of the major concerns we face is the risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. While the data shows us that EV fires occur less frequently than fires in gas or diesel-powered vehicles, the research also shows that when they do occur, they can present unique and difficult challenges including longer burn durations, high heat release, toxic gases, re-ignition risks and significant water demand for suppression.”
Through the NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation, extensive studies had been conducted into vehicle fire dynamics, suppression methods and ventilation system design. The findings showed that modern vehicles contained a significantly higher percentage of plastic (rising from less than 3% of total vehicle weight in the 1970s to nearly 10% today) creating greater combustible fuel loads. The increasing use of electronic components and intricate wiring systems had also introduced additional ignition hazards.
Brunzell underscored the critical need for safety regulations to evolve alongside advancing technology. “It is through the development of our codes and standards, research initiatives and training programmes that NFPA is proactively working to provide the guidance and the resources needed by fire protection professionals, property owners and policymakers to ensure the integration of EV infrastructure safety strategies,” he said.
The discussion highlighted that as EV adoption continued to expand globally, updating fire protection measures, codes and emergency response strategies would remain essential to mitigating emerging risks in the electric mobility era.
Two 102 sq m homes in Buena Vista, Colorado, were built using A1-rated 3D printed concrete walls that provided the highest level of fire resistance and did not fuel combustion at any stage. This marked a significant step forward in fire-safe construction, particularly in a state where nearly half the population lived in wildfire-prone regions.
The project showcased the advantages of COBOD’s open-source 3D printing technology, which allowed real concrete to be used and material mixes to be customised for local conditions. This adaptability made the structures more resilient to wildfires, seismic activity and extreme temperature fluctuations.
The superstructure of one home was completed in just 16 days, highlighting the remarkable speed and efficiency of automated 3D construction.
The printer followed a precise, predefined path, reducing manual labour and ensuring consistent quality. This rapid process saved weeks of traditional construction time and improved overall project cost efficiency. Known as the VeroVistas, the two homes demonstrated 3D printing’s flexibility in design, one retained the distinctive layered concrete aesthetic, while the other adopted a traditional stucco finish.
“In an era of fast housing, VeroTouch is creating legacy homes that can be passed down, rather than torn down,” said Grant Hamel, VeroTouch’s Chief Executive Officer. “Beyond merely great design, we’re proud that VeroVistas homes offer a level of resilience to natural disasters like wildfires unmatched by any other product in this region. Because of that, we expect these homes to be standing strong 100 years from now.”
Priced at about $625,000 (which is comparable to average homes in Colorado’s mountain communities) the 3D printed houses offered modern design, superior fire resilience and market competitiveness. VeroTouch collaborated with local contractors, supporting regional employment and introducing cutting-edge building methods. The company received support from Colorado’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program (IHIP), which aimed to facilitate construction of 7,500 homes within three years.
Governor Jared Polis stated, “We are proud to accelerate innovation in housing to better address Colorado’s housing needs. The unveiling of these 3D printed homes is a great example of how we can support new building methods to create more housing now.”
Following the project’s success, VeroTouch began work on a 32-home community in Salida, expanding its workforce to meet rising demand. “3D construction printing provides a safer, more efficient, and sustainable way to build,” said Philip Lund-Nielsen, Co-founder and Head of Americas at COBOD International. “Colorado investing in broader application of 3D construction printing shows that this scalable method can help address the housing crisis, not only in Colorado, but across the U.S.”
AuCom is leading the way in the transition from fossil fuels to zero-emission heat generation.
The specialist in electronic drive solutions has developed the MV Heater Control, a powerful medium-voltage solid-state heating controller for industrial applications of up to 11 kV and 10 MW. AuCom will present the Heater Control Kit at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi from 3–6 November 2025. Visitors to the world’s leading energy exhibition can find AuCom at stand 13393 in hall 13, where they will also see the H1 Series of variable speed drives and the energy-efficient MVH2.0 medium-voltage drive.
“Our drive solutions – and particularly the MV Heater Control – contribute to carbon free production,” said Thomas Zirk-Gunnemann, CEO of AuCom Applied Motor Controls. “We support the sustainable use of oil, gas and energy technologies for a clean and green future.”
The MV Heater Control offers significantly higher efficiency than conventional fossil-fuel heating systems or heat exchangers. Its fully integrated control solution ensures a high level of safety, minimising the risk of workplace incidents caused by hot oil, explosions or vapours. In addition, the system extends the lifespan of individual heating elements and reduces capital expenditure, as the advanced control system removes the need for step-down transformers. The innovative cooling system also allows for a compact, space-saving design.
Energy efficiency is central to AuCom’s wider product portfolio. The universally applicable H1 Series variable frequency drives (VFD) also feature a compact design. Covering a power range from 4 to 450 kW (380 to 460 V, 9 to 820 A), the H1 Series supports motor control types including SPM, IPM, SynRM and IM. For precise torque control and integration into higher-level control systems, the H1 drives offer multiple encoder cards, industrial application macros and a wide range of communication protocols such as CANopen, PROFIBUS-DP, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT.
Both the H1 Series and the MVH2.0 medium-voltage drive set new benchmarks in energy-efficient drive technology with their energy-saving control solutions. The MVH2.0 provides extensive monitoring functions and, thanks to real-time data and cloud monitoring, is well suited to diverse and demanding industrial applications. Pre-installed standard functions, easy scalability and the ability to control multiple motors in parallel save both time and costs.
At ADIPEC, visitors will have the opportunity to explore AuCom’s innovative drive and control solutions and learn how the company supports manufacturers in their transformation towards sustainable and zero-emission production. The AuCom team looks forward to welcoming visitors and engaging in forward-looking discussions about the future of clean industrial energy.
In our increasingly complex workplaces around the globe, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be a valuable ally in enhancing occupational health and safety (OHS).
Here are five ways AI is helping to protect workers and promote safer working environments:
Predictive analytics to anticipate hazards
Rather than simply reacting to accidents after they happen, AI systems can analyse vast datasets (such as incident logs, maintenance records or environmental readings) to identify patterns and predict potential risks. Research indicates that AI-driven technologies offer “predictive insights” which enable organisations to move from reactive to proactive safety strategies. For instance, in high-risk sectors such as construction or manufacturing, AI models may highlight equipment likely to fail or tasks that are statistically more accident-prone.
Real-time monitoring & computer vision for unsafe behaviour
AI-powered computer vision systems, often combined with wearable sensors or CCTV, can monitor workspaces for unsafe acts or conditions. As an example, some systems detect when a worker enters a restricted zone without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), or when machinery guards are missing. This enables rapid alerts so corrective action can be taken immediately, thereby reducing the window for harm. It also supports continuous, rather than intermittent, oversight of safety compliance.
Smart wearables and environmental sensors
AI is increasingly embedded in wearable devices and ambient sensors to monitor worker health and environmental conditions in real time. These might include monitoring of air quality (toxins, dust), temperature, humidity, or even biometrics of the worker (such as fatigue indicators). A recent review noted that “smart wearable devices … provide real-time risk detection or environmental sensors that track air quality”. In doing so, organisations can protect workers from exposure to harmful agents, heat stress, or other ergonomic and environmental hazards.
Automation and robotics to take humans out of harm’s way
One of the most direct applications of AI for OHS is the deployment of robots or automated systems to handle the “dirty, dangerous and demeaning” tasks thereby reducing human exposure to hazardous environments. For example, robots might handle heavy materials, work in extreme temperatures, or enter environments with toxic exposures. By combining robotics with AI control, organisations can reduce worker injuries while improving operational efficiency.
Enhanced training, risk communication and decision support
AI is also aiding the human side of safety. AI-driven systems can analyse inspection reports, maintenance logs and safety-audit data to flag systemic issues or emergent risks through natural language processing (NLP). Moreover, virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) training modules powered by AI can sensitise workers to hazards in immersive ways, improving their hazard recognition and safety behaviour. Effective risk communication, backed by AI analytics, helps safety professionals prioritise interventions and resources more efficiently.
Globally, AI is reshaping the landscape of occupational health and safety by making it more proactive, data-driven, and responsive. As noted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), it is not simply about new tools but about transforming how risks are identified, prevented and managed across industries.
That said, the empirical research base remains relatively modest and further study is needed to fully realise and validate these benefits. Organisations adopting AI in OHS must attend carefully to issues such as data quality, worker privacy, algorithmic bias, and the safe integration of automation into human workflows.
The Saskatchewan government has launched a comprehensive review of its occupational health and safety regulations — the first major update since 2006 — to ensure workplace safety standards align with today’s evolving work environments.
Deputy Premier and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter emphasised that the review will help keep regulations relevant and reflective of modern needs. “We look forward to hearing insights from organisations and individuals,” he said.
The review responds to nearly two decades of workplace change, driven by technological advancements and shifting work practices. It also follows recent amendments to the occupational health and safety provisions of the Saskatchewan Employment Act, prompting regulatory updates for consistency.
The review will unfold in three phases, beginning with sections one to five of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020. Stakeholders have until 30 November to submit feedback on these sections, which address notification requirements, youth employment, occupational health and safety programmes, accident investigations, and first aid provisions.
Among the key topics under consideration is the threshold for reporting serious injuries. Current regulations require a hospital stay of at least 72 hours for an injury to qualify as serious — a standard that may no longer reflect modern healthcare practices. Other areas of focus include youth employment protections, as workers under 25 accounted for 15% of accepted injury claims in 2024, with 2,689 cases reported to the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Additionally, the review will explore harmonising first aid requirements with other Canadian jurisdictions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement, updating harassment and violence provisions, and reassessing occupational health committee requirements for workplaces with 10 or more employees.
As part of its participation at GITEX Global 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) unveiled its latest digital initiative, the Smart Safety Tracker, designed to enhance monitoring and enforcement of occupational health and safety standards in workplaces.
The project demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solutions, aiming to modernise field inspection tools and advance intelligent regulatory oversight.
Her Excellency Shayma Yousef Alawadhi, Acting Undersecretary of Labour Market Development & Regulation and Assistant Undersecretary for Communications & International Relations at MoHRE, said, “The project embodies the Ministry’s drive to adopt cutting-edge AI technologies that enhance on-field supervision and streamline the monitoring and enforcement of occupational health and safety standards, in line with the UAE Government’s ambitious vision to lead in public service excellence and innovation through digital transformation and artificial intelligence.”
She added, “The project supports MoHRE’s strategic priorities of promoting worker wellbeing and happiness by fostering safe and healthy work environments, and reflects the Ministry’s broader goal of building a sustainable and human-centred labour market, where safety and well-being remain top priorities. This initiative marks an important step towards making workplaces across the UAE safer and more sustainable.”
The Smart Safety Tracker uses GenAI and advanced computer vision technologies to automatically analyse field images and data, identifying violations and potential risks such as missing protective equipment, unsafe work practices, or hazardous material accumulation.
Deep Learning algorithms trained on thousands of real-world scenarios allow the system to detect unsafe patterns in real time, while GenAI generates intelligent reports detailing the type, location, severity, and recommended corrective actions for each violation.
This approach reduces the effort required from field inspectors, elevating inspection efficiency and enabling data-driven decisions that focus on analysis rather than routine tasks.
The Big 5 Global exhibition and conference, taking place in Dubai from 24-27 November 2025, will once again gather key stakeholders from across the built environment to address the industry’s most pressing challenges and innovations.
Among the central discussions at this year’s event are two highly anticipated panel sessions that will delve into critical aspects of fire, life safety, and building standards shaping the region’s construction and HVACR sectors.
One of the headline sessions, titled Fire and life safety in HVACR: New mandates and technological developments, will focus on the evolving regulatory landscape in the GCC, particularly the updates to fire and life safety codes in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The discussion will emphasise HVAC-related systems, including smoke control, fire-rated ductwork, and automated testing protocols, areas that have seen significant advancements in both regulation and technology. The panel will also explore how updates to US standards could influence the regional HVAC industry, reflecting the growing alignment between international and GCC safety frameworks.
Experts are expected to highlight the latest innovations in HVAC-related fire and life safety technologies, addressing how automation, smart monitoring, and integrated control systems are reshaping compliance and risk management strategies. The session will also examine compliance challenges specific to the GCC, such as balancing cost efficiency with the stringent demands of fire safety enforcement, while showcasing global best practices and future outlooks that could redefine regional standards in the coming years.
Another key session, Benchmarking building safety: The role of SDOs in shaping regional standards and global alignment, will bring together leading representatives from some of the world’s foremost standards development organisations (SDOs). Moderated by Mohamed Amer, Managing Director – MENA at the International Code Council (ICC), the panel will include Engr Fouad Yazbeck, Global Cooperation Representative – MENA at ASTM International; Hassan Abou Jawhar, Director for Europe and the Middle East Regions at the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA); Nabil Shahin, Managing Director of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); and Dr George Borlase, Senior Vice President at UL Standards & Engagement.
The session will explore how international and regional SDOs are collaborating to harmonise standards, streamline compliance, and promote safer, more sustainable building practices across the Middle East. By benchmarking building safety and fostering dialogue among global and regional experts, the discussion aims to ensure that construction in the GCC aligns with international benchmarks while reflecting the region’s unique climatic and regulatory requirements.
The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) has expressed deep sorrow and outrage following the catastrophic explosion on October 10 at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant in Bucksnort, Tennessee.
The blast killed 16 workers and completely destroyed the facility.
"This horrific tragedy is a stark reminder of what happens when worker safety takes a back seat to production and profit," said Jessica E. Martinez, executive director of National COSH. "Explosives manufacturing is inherently dangerous - yet every single one of these deaths was preventable if proper oversight, safety measures, and accountability were in place. No one should die for a paycheck."
Authorities confirmed that all 16 workers inside the building at the time of the explosion perished, leaving behind grieving families and coworkers, and depriving investigators of critical firsthand accounts of the conditions leading up to the disaster. While the cause remains under investigation, the nature of the facility's work and the scale of the destruction underscore the urgent need for stronger safety enforcement.
"Without survivors, we've lost not only lives but also voices - the very people who could have told us what was happening inside that plant," Martinez continued. "That silence demands a louder response from our government. OSHA and federal investigators must act swiftly, transparently, and independently to determine what went wrong and to hold those responsible accountable."
The Accurate Energetic Systems facility, covering 1,300 acres in rural Tennessee, manufactures and stores explosives for military and industrial use. It employed over 100 workers, many from surrounding small communities. While the company offers wages above the regional average, the explosion highlights the limited options available to workers in economically vulnerable areas and the dangers of placing profits above people.
"This is not an isolated event," said Martinez. "Across the country, we see too many employers in high-risk industries cutting corners while regulators lack the staffing, funding, and authority to prevent disasters. Workers, especially in rural and marginalised communities, are treated as expendable. That must end."
National COSH is urging federal and state officials to launch a fully independent investigation into the explosion, increase funding and staffing for OSHA and other safety agencies, strengthen whistleblower protections to allow workers to report hazards without fear of retaliation, and ensure full transparency and accountability for the causes of this deadly incident.
"Safety isn't optional - it's a right," said Martinez. "We stand with the families, the workers, and the Bucksnort community in demanding the truth, accountability, and real changes so tragedies like this never happen again."
Construction workers’ health cash plan claims rose 6% over the past year, according to new figures from Westfield Health.
With the Construction Skills Network forecasting the need for an additional 250,000 workers by 2028, experts warn that untreated health issues could force experienced employees out of the sector amid an existing skills shortage.
The data highlights mounting pressure on the workforce, with therapies, dental, and optical services among the most frequently claimed.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of manual workers report it has become harder to get health appointments, while one in three say they have no wellbeing support at work. Therapies, including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and acupuncture, accounted for around three in ten claims, rising 10% year on year, with claim values up almost 20%.
Dental claims increased 3% in volume and 8% in value, while optical claims rose 2% in volume and 7% in value. Together, dental and optical claims represented 59% of claims and 62% of total value, showing how much construction workers rely on employer-backed support for both routine healthcare and treatments linked to physical strain.
Official statistics underline the scale of the challenge. The Health and Safety Executive reports that more than half (52%) of work-related ill-health days in construction are caused by musculoskeletal conditions, while the Chartered Institute of Building’s 2025 report highlights persistent stress, anxiety, and depression. Both musculoskeletal and mental health issues are largely preventable with early intervention, yet continue to drive absence across the industry.
Mark Hamson, managing director of insurance at Westfield Health, said, “Construction firms have a duty of care to protect their people, but there is also a business reality. When workers cannot access timely support, productivity drops, absenteeism rises and retention suffers. Our data shows strong demand for everyday preventative services that reflect the pressures construction workers face. Investing in workforce health is essential if the industry wants to keep hold of its skilled people.”
Westfield Health says tailored health benefits help employees access support early, promoting wellbeing while boosting productivity and retention, crucial at a time when keeping skilled workers is more important than ever.
Finland is facing the tangible impacts of climate change, with a record-breaking summer heatwave highlighting the urgent need for workplaces to adapt.
During July and August 2025, the country recorded 22 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 30°C, the longest stretch of extreme heat ever measured in Finland.
A recent report by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health warns that long heatwaves and other extreme weather events increasingly affect working conditions and employees’ ability to perform their jobs. Heat stress, high humidity, UV exposure, slippery surfaces, and other unusual weather conditions raise the risk of accidents, particularly for outdoor workers, though indoor environments are also affected.
“Workplaces are not yet sufficiently aware of how climate change affects the physical and psychological demands of work and the operational practices of different organisations. Small and medium-sized companies in particular are not sufficiently prepared,” said Arja Ala-Laurinaho, senior specialist at the institute.
Employers can mitigate risks by adjusting working hours, increasing breaks, cooling break rooms, and using digital monitoring of conditions.
The report also cautions that the green transition, while essential for sustainability, can introduce new occupational risks. Emerging technologies in hydrogen, biofuels, battery production, and circular economy materials may expose workers to hazards that are not yet fully understood. Focusing solely on emission reductions could lead to safety being overlooked.
“Proactive safety work improves employee protections and also helps make the transition more acceptable at workplaces,” said Anna-Maria Teperi, research professor at the institute.
The report outlines five key recommendations for sustainable work life, including integrating the green transition into strategic goals, reforming legislation and occupational safety practices, allocating resources for research and training, and strengthening sustainability competence at all levels. Teperi suggests that a coordinated national programme could help share guidelines and best practices to ensure a safe and sustainable green transition.
Despite advances in awareness and technology, manual handling injuries remain one of the leading causes of workplace absence and compensation claims in the UK, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 543,000 workers suffered from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in 2023-2024, resulting in 7.8 million lost workdays. Many of these MSDs are directly linked to poor manual handling practices, with 32% of work-related ill health attributed to MSDs and 17% of non-fatal injuries resulting from lifting, carrying, or handling activities.
Once organisations have taken steps to avoid, assess, and reduce manual handling risks, it is crucial to provide thorough and ongoing training for all employees involved in essential handling tasks. One of the most common mistakes is offering training only once, typically at induction, without any follow-up. Good practices can fade quickly under real-world working pressures, and without regular refresher sessions, unsafe habits and injury risks increase.
Another frequent issue is failing to tailor training to specific sectors or roles. Generic training that does not reflect the tasks employees perform—whether in a warehouse, on a construction site, or in care settings—fails to connect and protect staff effectively. Using real-life scenarios and investing in trainers who can customise sessions to different departments improves relevance and impact.
Organisations also risk relying on outdated techniques that do not align with current understanding of biomechanics and risk. Working with qualified trainers who follow up-to-date HSE and evidence-based guidance, and regularly auditing training materials, ensures employees learn safe and effective methods.
It is equally important to include team leaders and supervisors in training. Managers influence workplace behaviour and, if untrained, unsafe practices can become the norm. Training supervisors to recognise poor technique, correct unsafe practices, and support injured staff fosters a culture of safety rather than simply enforcing productivity.
Finally, organisations often overlook the need to develop internal expertise. Relying solely on external trainers can be inefficient, especially in industries with high staff turnover. Identifying internal staff to complete recognised qualifications allows consistent, cost-effective delivery of manual handling training across teams.
Manual handling training is not just a compliance requirement, it is essential for protecting workforce wellbeing, maintaining productivity, and reducing costly claims. Investing in the right training, at the right time, and for the right people can significantly reduce both risk and cost. The information in this article is provided by