Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 11 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Emerson has announced the new PACSystems RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller, designed to enable Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2) strategies for infrastructure, fire and gas, burner management systems, and other emergency shutdown systems.
The PACSystems Safety Controller is a compact, high-performance solution with robust security measures and a scalable architecture with 2,000 available I/O points, ideal for complex projects with evolving requirements.
As project automation becomes more sophisticated and data-driven, OEMs and systems integrators need a range of more powerful hardware and software products to ensure compliance with standards and regulations for protecting workers, whether onboard a single piece of equipment or distributed across a larger process.
With a large 64-megabyte memory capacity and scalable digital architecture, the PACSystems Safety Controller supports a wide range of mission-critical applications.
Using built-in industrial communications protocols, including OPC UA, Ethernet Global Data (EGD), and Modbus TCP, the RX3i CPS400 controller is ready for peer-to-peer connections and integration with higher-level hosts, providing complete operational visibility.
As a secure-by-design solution incorporating Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) standards, the controller delivers strong data integrity and protection against potential threats.
Safety-certified function blocks and pre-configured templates simplify system certification in accordance with the IEC 61511 standard.
Available in simplex or redundant configurations, the RX3i CPS400 controller can perform all safety data messaging with duplex communications using the black channel principle over EGD, enabling standardized and reliable connectivity with Emerson’s PACSystems VersaMax SafetyNet I/O system.
The platform is IEC 61508 safety-certified, providing a capable SIL2 solution to help designers build appropriate protection schemes.
Developers can configure the controller using familiar software tools employed for programmable logic controllers (PLC), operator interfaces, and other automation elements through Emerson’s PAC Machine Edition development environment.
This unified tool chain with a user-friendly interface streamlines development efforts, allowing users to create integrated automation, visualisation, and safety solutions for rapid startups and maximum operating efficiency.
“Adding the PACSystems RX3i CPS400 Safety Controller to our extensive portfolio of safety products, we continue to deliver tools users need to create compliant safety systems that are easily developed and integrated into sophisticated automation solutions,” said Daniel Smith, senior product manager with Emerson’s discrete automation business.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 10 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
3E, a global leader in regulatory compliance and workplace safety solutions, has announced that its AI assistant within the 3E Insight chemical regulatory compliance platform has been recognised as New Product of the Year in the EHS Software category.
The award highlights 3E’s ongoing focus on innovation and excellence.
The AI assistant simplifies complex regulatory landscapes and supports proactive compliance strategies.
Embedded in the 3E Insight platform, it leverages proprietary data and advanced generative AI to provide precise, real-time answers to regulatory queries, interpret technical language, and connect users to critical chemical data.
Serving industries including chemicals, manufacturing, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, and retail, the assistant is a valuable tool for EHS and regulatory compliance professionals, product stewards, R&D scientists, and supply chain managers.
It helps users save time, reduce risk, and make informed decisions throughout the product lifecycle, reinforcing 3E’s position as a market-leading AI solution for product compliance.
"At 3E, our mission is to be the most trusted provider of compliance and sustainability intelligence for the global economy," said JP O’Sullivan, COO of 3E. "Our innovation is now fulfilling that mission via a new class of expert-led, trustworthy AI-powered solutions purpose-built to advance product compliance and workplace safety workflows. We will continue to innovate market-leading, expert-led AI solutions for product compliance."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 9 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
The global construction worker safety market is forecast to expand significantly over the next decade, with its value projected to rise from US$3.5bn in 2025 to US$7bn by 2035, according to research by Future Market Insights.
This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%, driven by regulatory enforcement, rising safety awareness, and the adoption of advanced protective technologies.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) will remain the cornerstone of the industry, accounting for more than 40% of total demand in 2025. Helmets, gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and fall protection gear continue to be indispensable on construction sites. Bulk procurement by major contractors and mandatory compliance with occupational safety laws are expected to sustain this segment’s dominance over the forecast period.
At the same time, technology is reshaping the market. Smart PPE — which integrates sensors, connectivity, and data analytics into protective gear — is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, commanding nearly 39% of the technology share in 2025. These devices enable real-time hazard detection, biometric monitoring, and geolocation tracking, helping prevent accidents and reduce downtime on high-risk projects. Their adoption is expected to accelerate as costs fall and miniaturisation improves, making advanced safety equipment more accessible across both developed and emerging markets.
The market’s expansion can be divided into two distinct phases. From 2025 to 2030, growth will be driven primarily by rising adoption volumes, as more companies equip workers with standardised protective equipment to comply with stricter safety regulations. In the following five years, between 2030 and 2035, growth will increasingly be fuelled by higher-value products, including connected wearables and premium safety solutions that command higher prices.
Major drivers of this trend include rapid infrastructure development, urbanisation, and the global push to reduce occupational injuries. Employers are also placing worker safety at the centre of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, aligning investment in safety solutions with broader corporate responsibility goals.
Industry analysts highlight growing opportunities in smart wearables, integrated safety management platforms, and workforce training programmes. Digital tools such as real-time monitoring systems, predictive analytics, and IoT-enabled helmets are becoming integral to modern construction practices, supporting proactive risk mitigation and improved emergency response.
However, challenges remain. Supply chain constraints for specialised equipment, regulatory compliance requirements, and technical integration issues — such as ensuring device reliability under harsh site conditions — could slow adoption in some markets. Buyers are increasingly favouring suppliers that can provide not only certified equipment but also training, reliable logistics, and post-sale support.
Leading global players include Honeywell, 3M, Ansell, Delta Plus Group, Drägerwerk, DuPont, and MSA Safety, all of which are investing heavily in product innovation and ergonomic design. Their strategies emphasise durability, comfort, and compatibility with digital monitoring systems to encourage consistent use by workers.
With construction activity intensifying worldwide and safety frameworks evolving, the outlook for the sector is strong. As one of the report’s key findings notes, the integration of traditional PPE with smart, connected technologies is expected to define the next phase of growth, ensuring that worker protection keeps pace with the scale and complexity of global construction projects.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 8 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Cal/OSHA is urging employers across California to take urgent action to protect workers from unhealthy air conditions as multiple wildfires continue to spread across the state.
Fires including the TCU September Lightning Complex in Tuolumne, Calaveras, and Stanislaus counties, the Salt 14‑2 Fire and Garnet Fire in Fresno County, and the Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties are generating smoke that affects large regions, posing hazardous conditions for outdoor workers.
For up-to-date information on wildfire incidents, employers and workers can visit CAL FIRE’s Incident Page.
Under Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard, employers are required to shield workers from harmful air quality caused by wildfire smoke.
This includes monitoring air quality, adjusting work practices when necessary, and providing N-95 respirators for voluntary use.
The standard also mandates specific training to ensure employees understand the risks and how to protect themselves.
Employers must actively monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 at worksites when wildfire smoke may impact the area.
If the AQI exceeds 150, respirators must be made available to all workers, and their use encouraged. When levels exceed 500, respirator use becomes mandatory.
Air quality can be tracked via the U.S. EPA’s AirNow website, local air quality management districts, or through employer-owned monitoring instruments that comply with Cal/OSHA requirements.
Cal/OSHA also emphasises that workers cannot face retaliation for refusing to work under unsafe conditions, including in evacuation zones. Employers must respect workers’ rights to refuse dangerous work and ensure their safety in accordance with state regulations.
Additional guidance on safety in wildfire smoke and evacuation zones can be found in Cal/OSHA’s fact sheet “Worker Safety Wildfire Smoke and Evacuation Zones.”
By following these measures, employers can help protect workers from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke while maintaining compliance with state safety standards.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 5 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has reached a new milestone in its safety journey, recording 39 million safe working hours without a lost-time injury (LTI) as of 3 September 2025.
This achievement reflects the strong commitment of Alba’s employees and contractors to maintaining a safety-first culture across all operations.
Alba continues to embed safety at the heart of its operations through ongoing training, transparent practices, and active workforce engagement. By aligning operational excellence with employee well-being, the company reinforces its reputation as a global industry leader. Producing more than 1.62 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2024, Alba is one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters with over 50 years of excellence in safety, environmental responsibility, and community development.
“This achievement is a result of the collective vigilance, responsibility, and dedication of our employees and contractors,” said Ali Al Baqali, Alba’s CEO. “Every safe hour is a testament to our shared mindset — that safety is not just a policy, but a way of life.”
Alba’s certifications include ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety), and ISO 18788 (security operations management). The company also holds certifications such as IATF 16949 (automotive quality), ISO 22301 (business continuity management), ASI Performance and Chain of Custody Standards, and has earned a Platinum sustainability rating from EcoVadis, ranking it in the top 1% globally.
Driving sustainability in Bahrain and beyond
Alba has been at the forefront of Bahrain’s aluminium industry since its inception as the Middle East’s first smelter. Today, it remains central to the Kingdom’s downstream aluminium sector and a major contributor to GDP diversification. Alba employs a workforce that is 87% Bahraini and invests extensively in training and development, underlining its commitment to national talent development.
Recognised for its ESG efforts, Alba launched a comprehensive roadmap in 2022 built around six key areas: decarbonisation, green energy and aluminium, circular economy and secondary aluminium, employee welfare, collaboration and partnerships, and transparency and due diligence. Among its flagship projects are the US$37.5mn Spent Pot Lining Treatment Plant, the PS5 Block 4 power station expansion, and a +6MW solar farm project. Collectively, these initiatives align Alba with Bahrain’s Net Zero Carbon Targets by 2060.
Safety first, safety always
Guided by its motto, “Safety First, Safety Always,” Alba remains dedicated to protecting the well-being of its people. The achievement of 39 million safe working hours without LTI is a testament to this philosophy and to the continuous engagement of employees and contractors in safety programmes.
Alba’s excellence in health and safety has been recognised globally. The company has earned the RoSPA Lifetime President and President Awards (10+ Gold Medal Awards), the British Safety Council’s International Safety Award with Merit and 4-Star Audit Rating, and multiple honours from the National Safety Council (NSC).
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 4 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
KiddeFenwal has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and safety following the first anniversary of its independence as a standalone business.
Since July 2024, the global fire suppression and safety controls specialist has accelerated investment in future-ready solutions designed to meet eco-friendly standards while addressing emerging risks.
A core focus has been the development of environmentally responsible technologies. Among these is the company’s NATURA™ Inert Gas System, an alternative to chemical-based agents that extinguishes fires by reducing oxygen levels to halt combustion. With zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential, the system exemplifies KiddeFenwal’s push towards sustainable fire safety.
The company is also tackling the challenges posed by the rising use of lithium-ion batteries across sectors, particularly in battery energy storage systems (BESS). To mitigate associated risks, KiddeFenwal has introduced a comprehensive solution covering anomaly detection, fire detection, control, notification, and suppression, tailored specifically for lithium-ion applications.
These innovations highlight KiddeFenwal’s position at the forefront of industry disruption and safety leadership. CEO Rekha Agrawal, who joined in November 2024, has been instrumental in driving this transformation. Her strategy has focused on leveraging the company’s independence by streamlining processes, removing legacy obstacles, and enhancing agility to better respond to customer needs and evolving industry standards.
With its renewed direction, KiddeFenwal is positioning itself not only to meet today’s demands but also to shape the future of fire safety through sustainable, cutting-edge solutions.
“Agility is a core value at KiddeFenwal and reflects our commitment to moving quickly, with an eye focused on the industry’s future, without compromising quality or discipline,” said Agrawal. “We are grateful to be positioned to point the way forward.”
KiddeFenwal provides fire suppression and safety control solutions for industrial and commercial sectors. Backed by more than a century of expertise and strengthened by the agility of operating as an independent company, KiddeFenwal delivers advanced technologies designed to safeguard lives, businesses, critical infrastructure, and even irreplaceable cultural treasures. Its portfolio of trusted brands — Kidde Fire Systems, Kidde Fire Protection, and Fenwal Controls — supports diverse industries including energy, manufacturing, marine, infrastructure, and OEM applications. From its headquarters in Ashland, Massachusetts, KiddeFenwal continues to expand its footprint worldwide, with a strong and growing presence across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 3 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE’s largest industrial company outside oil and gas and the world’s biggest producer of “premium aluminium,” has announced the successful completion of a debottlenecking expansion at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery, achieving the milestone with zero lost time injuries.
The project added a third ball mill at the refinery, increasing operational resilience and unlocking up to 50,000 tonnes of additional alumina production annually. Ball mills play a critical role in grinding bauxite ore into fine particles for chemical processing into alumina, a vital raw material for aluminium production.
EGA highlighted that the expansion was completed entirely by in-house teams, covering engineering design, project management, construction, and commissioning. During the construction phase, more than 650,000 hours of work were delivered without a single lost time injury, underscoring EGA’s strong commitment to workplace safety and its wider health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards.
Since its start-up in 2019, Al Taweelah alumina refinery has consistently operated above its nameplate capacity of two million tonnes of alumina per year. In 2024, the refinery supplied 49% of EGA’s total alumina requirements.
EGA said the latest expansion not only strengthens operational reliability but also demonstrates how safety and production excellence go hand in hand, ensuring growth while protecting the workforce.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said, “This expansion is a key step forward for Al Taweelah alumina refinery, unlocking additional production capacity as we reorient our bauxite supply chain beyond Guinea. It further strengthens our operational resilience and unlocks capacity growth. I thank every member of the team who contributed to this success.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 2 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has intensified its oversight of household gas distribution operations, conducting 4,322 field inspections as part of its commitment to public safety and professional regulation of commercial transport.
The inspections, carried out between 2023 and the first half of 2025, resulted in 1,098 violations issued through joint campaigns led by the Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products Trading, comprising 15 entities across the Emirate.
Saeed Al Ramsi, Director of Licensing Activities Monitoring at RTA’s Licensing Agency, called on all household gas distribution businesses to strictly comply with regulations and use only licensed vehicles. He emphasised that RTA will maintain rigorous inspections and take firm legal action against violators to ensure the safety of Dubai’s residents and uphold service quality standards.
“Household gas distribution is a critical activity with direct implications on the environment, public health, and safety. It requires strict oversight to ensure full compliance with licensing requirements and identify counterfeit or untraceable gas cylinders, thereby avoiding serious potential risks,” said Al Ramsi.
“These campaigns are part of RTA’s efforts to realise its strategic objectives of enhancing public safety, advancing environmental sustainability, and boosting operational efficiency across the transport sector, ultimately supporting the goal of a safe and happy urban environment for all residents,” he added.
“The campaigns covered multiple locations across the Emirate. Among the most serious violations recorded were the possession of counterfeit or unverified gas cylinders, and the unauthorised practice of transport and rental activities without the necessary permits. Approximately 170 non-compliant vehicles were impounded over the course of these operations.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 1 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
HIMA Group, the global safety automation expert, is setting new benchmarks for functional safety in the offshore sector as the energy industry undergoes rapid transformation. From oil and gas to offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon storage, HIMA continues to deliver solutions that enhance safety, security, and efficiency across the entire energy mix.
With Sella Controls and Origo Solutions now part of the HIMA Group, operators and contractors benefit from combined expertise and a significantly expanded portfolio covering the full safety automation value chain. This integration creates synergies that strengthen project delivery for both conventional and renewable offshore applications.
Central to HIMA’s offering is its independent open safety platform, which unites hardware and software within a single framework. Certified by TÜV, Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas and DNV, the platform ensures functional safety and operational technology security while supporting compliance, process efficiency, and plant availability.
The company is also advancing its #safetygoesdigital strategy, introducing technologies that bring digitalisation to every stage of the safety lifecycle.
Its portfolio includes SCADA+ for scalable plant control and visualisation across wind, hydrogen, and oil and gas projects; Safety Lifecycle Digitalisation (SLD) Cockpits, which monitor operating data in real time to optimise productivity and compliance; and High-Integrity Pressure Protection Systems (HIPPS) with Planar 4 technology for critical offshore applications.
HIMA also offers SIL3-compliant turbomachinery control systems with advanced load-sharing features, FLOWorX® Pipeline Management & Control for leak detection and real-time monitoring of even hydrogen pipelines, and SafeHMI solutions designed with inherent safety features for plant operations and digitalised management of change.
Having already delivered major offshore projects in collaboration with Sella Controls and Origo Solutions, HIMA brings together consulting, engineering, and project execution expertise under one roof. This strengthened capability positions the group as a partner of choice for clients seeking to navigate the challenges of today’s evolving energy landscape while ensuring the highest levels of safety and operational resilience.
Jörg de la Motte, CEO of the HIMA Group, said, "We are delighted to present our enhanced solutions portfolio for the first time. The integration of Sella Controls and Origo Solutions proves the power of combined expertise and delivers added value to our offshore customers in the UK, in Norway, and in Continental Europe.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 1 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Maintaining cool water in safety shower header tanks is essential for effective emergency decontamination. Insulation, shading, cooling systems, and regular monitoring ensure safe, reliable performance even in hot climates. In this short article, Aqua Safety Showers explains why and how.
Safety showers are a critical component of workplace safety, providing immediate decontamination in case of hazardous substance exposure. However, in certain regions or industries with hot climates, maintaining cool water in safety shower header tanks can be a challenge.
High water temperatures can cause discomfort, possible scalding and can further exacerbate injuries.
This is why it is essential to keep water cool in the safety shower header tank at all times of the day and night whilst ensuring optimal functionality and employee well-being during emergencies.
1. Insulation:
Proper insulation is key to minimising heat transfer and maintaining cooler water temperatures in safety shower header tanks. Insulating materials, such as foam or thermal wraps, can be applied to the tanks and associated pipes to create a barrier against external heat sources. This insulation helps preserve the initial water temperature and prevents heat absorption from the surrounding environment.
2. Shade or Shelter:
Placing safety shower header tanks in shaded or sheltered areas can shield them from direct sunlight and excessive heat. By positioning the tanks away from direct exposure to the sun's rays, the water temperature within the tanks can be significantly reduced.
Utilising natural shade or constructing shelters can effectively protect the tanks from heat buildup and help maintain cooler water.
3. Cooling:
Incorporating a water cooler to the safety shower header tank is the most reliable and effective solution for maintaining water temperature. These coolers circulate the water, ensuring the temperature of the water within the tank will not rise above 25°C.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance:
Continuous monitoring of the safety shower system is crucial to identify any potential issues that may affect water temperature and shower operation. Regular inspections, maintenance, and servicing of the unit is essential to ensure their proper function.
Maintaining cool water in safety shower header tanks is vital for ensuring effective emergency decontamination and the well-being of employees. By implementing strategies such as insulation, shade or shelter, cooling systems, temperature regulation, regular water replacement, and vigilant monitoring, organisations can overcome the challenges posed by high ambient temperatures.
These measures ensure that safety showers deliver water at a comfortable temperature, encouraging their proper use during emergencies. By prioritising the cooling of safety shower header tanks, workplaces can enhance their emergency response capabilities, minimise the risk of injury, and promote a culture of safety.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 29 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
BKT has announced that its Bhuj manufacturing plant has successfully achieved the coveted Five Star Occupational Health and Safety Audit rating, following a rigorous assessment conducted by the British Safety Council.
Announcing the news on its LinkedIn account, BKT said that the Five Star Audit is recognised globally as a best-practice benchmark in health and safety performance. The detailed evaluation involved a review of BKT’s occupational health and safety policies, processes, and practices. It also included interviews with senior management and employees, engagement with key stakeholders, and sampling of operational activities across the plant.
The five-star grading reflects BKT’s strong emphasis on safeguarding the wellbeing of its workforce while ensuring operational excellence. By attaining this rating, BKT has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to continually improving its health and safety management systems and aligning with international standards.
The British Safety Council, a leading authority on workplace health, safety and environmental management, stresses that no one should be injured or made ill through their work. BKT has echoed this philosophy by embedding a culture of prevention and care across its operations.
This achievement at the Bhuj plant is not only a recognition of BKT’s dedication to employee welfare but also a testament to the company’s vision of sustainable and responsible growth. The recognition strengthens BKT’s reputation as a manufacturer that prioritises the health, safety and wellbeing of its people while delivering on its long-term business objectives.
“We are extremely proud to have been awarded the prestigious five-star rating by the British Safety Council,” commented Rajiv Poddar, joint managing director of BKT.
“This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and people-focused working environment. Health and safety are fundamental values at BKT and form an essential part of our corporate culture and long-term strategy.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 28 August, 2025
- Year: 2025
This article was written by SHOWA, a global leader in hand protection, highlighting how the right PPE can play a vital role in tackling heat stress and improving worker safety in extreme Middle Eastern climates.
In the Middle East, where summer temperatures frequently climb above 40°C, managing heat stress is a daily reality for employers and workers alike. While it is easy to picture heat stress in extreme terms - heatstroke, fainting, or hospital visits - most of its impact is far more subtle and accumulative. Everyday discomfort, reduced focus, and increased fatigue all affect performance long before heat becomes a medical emergency.
One area that is rarely considered in regard to heat stress is the hand. For workers in industries such as construction, oil and gas, and logistics, gloves are an essential part of their personal protective equipment. Yet, gloves can quickly become a source of discomfort in hot conditions, trapping sweat and restricting airflow. When hands overheat, concentration falters, grip weakens, and the risk of errors rises.
Heat stress as a widespread issue
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than 80% of workers in the Arab States are regularly exposed to excessive occupational heat. In practice, this means that heat is not an occasional hazard but a constant factor shaping how work must be managed across the region. Even with government-mandated midday rest breaks in some countries, studies show that the most intense heat stress often occurs before or after these periods. Workers continue to face challenging temperatures for much of the working day.
This constant exposure makes it vital to think about heat stress in broader terms than just emergencies. Sweaty palms, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue may not generate headlines, but they contribute to lower productivity and higher accident risk. Research has shown that injury risks are significantly higher on hotter days, even when rest periods are observed. The link is clear: as temperatures rise, so does the likelihood of accidents.
Why hands matter
Hands are at the centre of most tasks in the industries referenced above - lifting, handling tools, operating machinery, assembling parts. They are also among the first areas to suffer in the heat. One of the earliest symptoms of heat stress is difficulty concentrating, and glove discomfort can play a direct role in this. When gloves trap moisture, they not only cause irritation but also compromise dexterity and grip. Workers may find themselves adjusting gloves more frequently, working more slowly, or even removing protection altogether to cool down - which raises the risk of injury.
This is where the design of PPE becomes a critical factor. Just as hard hats are ventilated and high-visibility clothing is made from breathable fabrics, gloves too must evolve to meet the demands of hot working environments. Materials that wick moisture away from the skin, promote evaporation, and allow air circulation can make the difference between hands that feel clammy and fatigued, and hands that stay cool and effective throughout the day.
SHOWA’s research and product development in this area highlight how much of a difference material science can make. For example, its MFT PRO gloves use ultra-fine microfibres that absorb sweat in just over three seconds - more than twice as fast as traditional nylon liners, and significantly quicker than some mixed fibres. They also dry nearly twice as fast as comparable models. This means that moisture does not linger, reducing irritation and helping workers maintain a firm grip for longer periods.
The benefits of such innovation extend well beyond comfort. By reducing the distraction of damp gloves, workers can stay focused on their tasks. By maintaining grip, they reduce the risk of dropping tools or mishandling materials. And, by ensuring gloves remain wearable for a whole shift, employers reduce the likelihood that workers will discard PPE altogether.
A proactive approach
Heat stress will always be a challenge in the Middle East. Climate data shows that hot periods are arriving earlier in the year and lasting longer, extending the window of risk for outdoor and industrial workers. Employers cannot change the weather, but they can change how work is organised and how equipment is specified. By selecting PPE designed with heat stress in mind, companies show that they recognise the reality of daily discomfort as well as the risk of medical emergencies.
Ultimately, tackling heat stress is about seeing the full picture. It is not only the dramatic cases that matter, but also the everyday experiences of workers whose performance is shaped by how comfortable, focused, and protected they feel. Cool hands lead to clear heads, and in the heat of the Middle East, that is a vital advantage.