Industrial Insights

Details

Louise Waters

HSE

25.Oct.2024

• Topic: HSE
• Date: 25 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

Nearly one in five (18%) workers have experienced harm at work globally, with nearly half of this going unreported, according to the latest edition of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll

The research comes from global safety charity Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s latest report: Engineering safer workplaces: Global trends in occupational safety and health using World Risk Poll data collected by global analytics firm Gallup, who conducted 147,000 interviews in 142 countries and territories around the world.

According to the report, rates of harm vary greatly from sector to sector, with fishing named as the most dangerous occupation, just ahead of construction and mining. Low- and lower-middle-income countries were also found to have higher workplace harm rates (19% and 22%, respectively). Almost two thirds of the global workforce (62%) have never received occupational safety and health (OSH) training about risks associated with their work.

Those in less stable forms of employment, such as part-time employees, were found to be more likely to suffer from harm than full-time employees (20% versus 15%). This is compounded by the fact that rates of training were found to be lower for part-time employees – less than a quarter (23%) had received workplace safety training in the past two years, compared to 41% of full-time employees.

Only half (51%) of the workers globally who experienced harm at work say they reported it. The report found that the more recently people have had training, the more likely they are to report workplace harm if they experience it. Individuals who had received workplace safety training in the last two years are 3.3 times more likely to report harm, compared to those who had never received any. 

Nancy Hey, director of evidence and insight at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said, “Low reporting rates, combined with a potential lack of awareness due to low training rates, mean that the true extent of workplace harm is rarely revealed. That’s why safety and health interventions that are both regular and tailored must be a priority for both businesses and policymakers, along with clear reporting tools for all employees – including both part-time and full-time. Special efforts must be made to reach those most at risk and ensure they have a holistic understanding of what safety and health means, as well as an in-depth knowledge of essential procedures in place to keep them safe."

According to International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates, nearly three million people worldwide die of work-related accidents and diseases every year. Another 395 million workers sustain non-fatal injuries, particularly in hazardous industrial sectors such as agriculture and construction.

The report can be downloaded here

Details

Sania Aziz

Fire Safety

23.Oct.2024

• Topic: Fire Safety
• Date: 23 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, in collaboration with Core42, a G42 company specialising in sovereign cloud, AI infrastructure, and digital services, has unveiled an advanced digital portal aimed at improving fire and life safety standards across the emirate.

The portal allows the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, building owners, and maintenance companies to register, manage, and update safety protocols in real time. Developed as part of the Hassantuk programme by Core42, the new system enhances safety for residents by reducing property damage and accelerating emergency response times.

This innovative solution not only improves safety but also streamlines operational efficiency for maintenance firms and property owners, enabling them to monitor and maintain safety standards more effectively.

Introduced in 2018 by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, the Hassantuk programme requires the installation of fire detection devices and integration with the civil defence electronic system in residential and public buildings. The new digital portal, developed by Core42, strengthens this initiative by connecting buildings directly to a command centre, ensuring faster verification and response to fire incidents.

Establising a command centre

The command centre offers essential real-time insights into fire and life safety performance, enabling operators to identify non-compliant buildings, monitor maintenance companies' performance, and ensure transparency in the fulfilment of maintenance contracts.

This contributes significantly to enhancing community safety. The platform includes features such as real-time fault reporting, automated updates, and preventive maintenance tracking, creating a clear communication channel between building owners, maintenance companies, and Civil Defence. This ensures prompt action to address and prevent any safety issues.

Colonel Dr. Engineer Faisal Hassan Al-Qahtani, acting director of the Civil Protection Department, added, "The Hassantuk program has registered over 35,000 buildings in Abu Dhabi, significantly mitigating fire and life risks. With the new smart solution, we can now access real-time data, detect false alarms, and proactively monitor property maintenance, further enhancing safety in a controlled manner. This underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to leading in digital solutions that improve the well-being of its residents.”

"We are proud to deliver this state-of-the-art digital solution to the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority and help advance fire and life safety standards in the Emirate," said Yousef Al Harmoodi, chief business development officer, Core42 and general manager, Hassantuk. “Core42 is committed to advancing the digital ambitions of the UAE. Through this portal and command center, we aim to empower the Civil Defence team to monitor compliance, ensure service-level agreements are met, and track maintenance activities in real time. This collaboration reflects Core42’s commitment to driving the nation's vision forward, and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in smart city initiatives."

Details

Sania Aziz

HSE

22.Oct.2024

• Topic: HSE
• Date: 22 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE's largest industrial company outside the oil and gas sector, has announced achieving zero heat-related illnesses for the third consecutive summer.

Heat-related illnesses pose a significant risk for anyone working outdoors during the UAE's intense summer heat, with the potential to be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. EGA’s industrial operations, which generate additional heat, run continuously throughout the summer, requiring round-the-clock outdoor work.

EGA's 'Beat the Heat' programme, in place for over a decade, is a comprehensive, summer-long initiative designed to combat occupational heat stress. It focuses on raising awareness among employees about the early signs of heat-related illness and empowering them to take proactive measures to prevent its onset.

Stress prevention

EGA’s ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign incorporates several measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, including hydration tests conducted before and during shifts, regular breaks, and cooling showers. The programme also features cooling booths, drinking stations, icemakers, and portable air conditioning units installed throughout the production areas to ensure that both employees and contractors remain cool and comfortable during their work shifts.

Medical personnel from EGA’s on-site centres play an active role in heat stress prevention, working closely with employees and providing immediate treatment to anyone reporting early symptoms of heat stress.

Since 2022, EGA has partnered with US technology firm Kenzen to trial wearable technology that monitors key physiological indicators such as core body temperature and heart rate. This summer, 300 EGA employees used these devices, which provide real-time feedback to both the wearer and EGA’s safety team, allowing for the detection of early heat stress signs before they are physically felt.

The last recorded cases of heat-related illness at EGA were in 2020 when two employees required treatment. Both individuals received intravenous hydration and fully recovered within hours.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, said, “Our success in completely preventing heat-related illness on our sites for the third year in a row proves that this key hazard for outdoor workers in region can be overcome. Occupational heat stress remains a serious challenge in our region and beyond, and we believe our experience has important lessons for everyone employing people to work outside.”

Details

Sania Aziz

Industrial

18.Oct.2024

• Topic: Industrial
• Date: 18 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

Data and analytics company GlobalData has released a thematic report, Robotics in Oil and Gas, which highlights the role of major oil and gas companies, such as ADNOC, BP, Eni, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Repsol, Rosneft, Shell, and TotalEnergies in the development and adoption of robotics to enhance safety and productivity on the field

With the applications of robotics continuously evolving, the oil and gas industry has emerged as a significant adopter of the technology to improve safety and efficiency of operations. According to the GlobalData report, robots equipped with advanced technologies are yielding increasingly positive results, bringing a continued transformation in the operations of oil and gas companies.

Ravindra Puranik, oil and gas analyst at GlobalData, said, “Robots are proving invaluable to execute complex tasks at production facilities, thereby protecting workers from hazardous environments and reducing the likelihood of costly shutdowns. As a result, companies such as Equinor, TotalEnergies, and Shell are deploying them to work alongside humans on offshore sites. For instance, robotic automation can manage remote operations, such as those conducted on Equinor's Oseberg H platform in the North Sea. Their ability to perform repetitive and mundane tasks with minimal errors is saving time and internal resources for companies. Furthermore, it allows them to deploy field technicians on more critical issues.”

Oil and gas operations are labor-intensive and involve numerous repetitive tasks, many of which occur in hazardous environments and face various obstacles. Robotics presents an excellent solution to many challenges within the industry, as they can handle more strenuous tasks and complex procedures more effectively than humans.

Puranik said, “Robots provide greater reliability and efficiency in completing assigned tasks while also enhancing operational safety. The integration of terrestrial, aerial, and underwater robots is already playing a crucial role in several high-stakes oil and gas projects throughout the value chain. French oil major TotalEnergies, in collaboration with Oceaneering, recently conducted a pilot inspection of subsea pipelines in the North Sea using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).”
Robots can access hard-to-reach areas, carry out tasks beyond human capabilities, and operate continuously without needing breaks. Hence, they are being utilized as effective solutions for conducting inspections in difficult or hazardous environments, thereby avoiding preventing human exposure to such sites. Recently, cleaning of storage tanks is emerging as another prominent use case for robotics with companies, such as Saudi Aramco, Woodside, SK Innovation, and Indian Oil Corp, exploring the potential of robotic crawlers in this application.“Advancements in technology have equipped robots to effectively replace field personnel on oil rigs. Additionally, there is an increase in collaboration between oil and gas companies and technology vendors, enabling the diversification of robotic use cases with the integration of AI, IoT, cloud, and edge computing. These developments are anticipated to drive future growth in robotics within the oil and gas sector, reducing risks to human workers who operate alongside heavy machinery in often remote and challenging environments,” said Puranik.

Details

Sania Aziz

HSE

17.Oct.2024

• Topic: HSE
• Date: 17 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

The New Murabba Development Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced significant progress on the creation of its ambitious urban destination.

Excavation at the iconic Mukaab and its surrounding podium sites is now 86% complete, with over 10 million cubic metres of earth moved. This milestone highlights the fast pace of the project and reaffirms the company’s commitment to delivering the world’s largest, modern downtown.

In addition to the sheer scale of the development, the project prioritises worker safety, having logged over 3 million safe work hours to date.

This focus on safety underscores the company's belief that progress and worker well-being must go hand in hand as it builds Riyadh's new downtown.

^{Around 900 workers work on-site every day.} 

Managing a large number of workers

“These milestones are a testament to the dedication and skill of our team, and our ambition to build a world-class destination that prioritises both innovation and the well-being of our workforce. We are proud of the progress made at New Murabba, and excited to continue shaping the future of Riyadh”, said Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Company.

The recent progress that New Murabba made highlights the team’s effort during the excavation process.

One crucial element of the development is the focus on environmentally friendly methods for managing the excavated materials.

The excavation process required the daily use of approximately 250 excavators and over 400 pieces of equipment to effectively manage the extensive excavation work. This serves to underline the considerable scale and magnitude of the operation.

New Murabba is set to build a temporary bridge, a key infrastructure element that will link the construction site by crossing King Khalid Road.

This bridge will play a vital role in enabling continuous development and preparing for the start of Mukaab piling in the coming months. By reducing approximately 800,000 truck movements on public roads during earthworks, the bridge will have a positive effect on the surrounding infrastructure. With around 900 workers on-site daily, the project is progressing swiftly, bringing the landmark destination closer to completion.

Details

Sania Aziz

HSE

16.Oct.2024

• Topic: HSE
• Date: 16 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has officially launched its 2025 health and safety awards, with NEBOSH as the headline sponsor.

The awards celebrate organisations and individuals dedicated to improving health, safety, and wellbeing within communities. RoSPA and NEBOSH, both longstanding leaders in safety improvements, are inviting applications from businesses and organisations seeking recognition for their achievements in health and safety.

RoSPA's health and safety awards programme, established in 1956, is the longest-running of its kind in the UK. NEBOSH, founded in 1979, has been a key partner in driving global health and safety advancements alongside RoSPA. Together, they have contributed to saving countless lives and promoting safety best practices across industries.

Judging process

Applications are open to organisations of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations. The awards highlight excellence in safety management systems, while the Inspiration Awards recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and teams. RoSPA has partnered with Chas, the UK's leading health and safety accreditation scheme, to simplify the entry process for Chas members.

Entries will be evaluated through a comprehensive and impartial judging process, conducted by experienced occupational health and safety professionals. The main award panel will be chaired by Dee Arp, Chief Quality Officer at NEBOSH.

Rebecca Hickman, CEO at RoSPA, said, “We are delighted to kick off the RoSPA 2025 Awards and honoured to have NEBOSH by our side as headline sponsor. Together, we have a long history of improving the health, safety and wellbeing of our communities and the Awards is the perfect way for us to stand together and make a difference.

“We look forward to reading about the health and safety innovations of organisations and individuals around the world.”

Andy Shenstone, chief executive, NEBOSH said, “Aligned with our new strategy, we’re committed to advancing NEBOSH’s mission through social purpose initiatives that expand our charitable impact in the UK and globally. Collaborating with like-minded organisations is crucial to our success, and as a fellow charity, we’re honoured to support RoSPA’s vital work in preventing harm.”

To enter the 2025 RoSPA Awards, find out more information on the process or to see the extra benefits for RoSPA members see www.rospa.com/awards.

Details

Sania Aziz

Technology

15.Oct.2024

• Topic: Technology
• Date: 15 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

Synectics, a leader in surveillance technology, will introduce a range of cutting-edge solutions to enhance safety and security in the oil and gas sector at ADIPEC 2024.

Located at stand 14545 in the digitalisation zone (Hall 14), Synectics will demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence (AI), COEX cameras with built-in analytics, and new integration capabilities can significantly boost both remote and on-site monitoring for oil and gas facilities.

With nearly four decades of experience, Synectics' solutions are deployed across onshore refineries, pipelines, vessels, FPSOs, and other offshore facilities. The company is the top provider of surveillance equipment for FLNG facilities, a key component in the global energy transition.

Among the innovations on display will be Synergy DETECT, an AI-powered solution that integrates with Synectics' Synergy software, allowing users to customise AI-driven detection capabilities to meet their specific needs.

“When the PPE detection tool is activated, for example,” said Darren Alder, head of oil & gas at Synectics, “an alert is generated whenever a worker appears in the frame without a protective helmet or high-visibility vest. This is a significant benefit for efficient safety protocol enforcement.”

Darren added, “Another safety-related feature I think will be of interest is Fall Detection. It’s common practice for oil and gas teams to have ‘man-down’ sensors linked to their radios, but in reality, this only detects when the radio falls or is placed on the floor. The Fall Detection feature uses AI to immediately spot a slip, trip, or fall – ensuring those in need receive help as quickly as possible.”

Analytics-based risk detection ‘at the edge’ with COEX

“Our cameras have featured edge-based video analytics for a while, but our latest models take things a step forward”, explains Darren. “For instance, where they were previously able to detect left or removed objects or intrusion into areas marked by ‘virtual tripwires’, they can now classify people and vehicle types for improved risk detection and filtering so that surveillance teams can quickly focus in on what matters, and – by reducing the risk of false positives – rule out what doesn’t.

“The flexibility of both COEX cameras and our Synergy security and surveillance software is particularly beneficial for upgrade projects as, whether working with TSIs, EPCs or directly with end users, we can advise on and implement the best options for the existing infrastructure.”

Ross Chapman, international business development manager at Synectics, said, “We’re seeing a great deal of interest from the sector, in particular regarding radiometrics, and with good reason. Wherever visibility is compromised due to operating conditions, or where 24/7 security is non-negotiable, radiometrics integration delivers a range of very clear benefits, making it possible to detect risk through heat variation.”

Remote monitoring for cost and energy-saving

Ross added, “Remote monitoring is a key trend right now, especially offshore, where we are seeing more sites switch to being unmanned or operating with skeleton crews to reduce energy consumption. Monitoring these sites remotely means fewer human resources are needed without compromising safety or security.

“Remote surveillance solutions also appeal to oil and gas operators who wish to centralise process and security monitoring. For management teams, securely viewing live data and dashboard reports from multiple sites, whether in the same country or across an entire continent, is crucial. We look forward to discussing the opportunities available with those attending the show.”

Details

Sania Aziz

Technology

14.Oct.2024

• Topic: Technology
• Date: 14 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

Dicode Technologies (Dicode) has announced a strategic partnership with Australian Internet of Things (IoT) provider X2M Connect Limited (X2M) at WETEX, with plans to introduce X2M’s advanced utility platform to the Middle East, starting in the UAE.

 The “pay as you go” model offers gas companies a cost-effective way to modernise their infrastructure using IoT technology with zero upfront capital expenditure (Capex).

The partnership aims to transform the UAE's gas sector by offering a complete end-to-end solution, designed to help companies shift from a Capex to an operational expenditure (Opex) model.

Increasing safety

The service is delivered through a “Platform as a Service (PaaS)” model and includes smart gas meters, LoRaWAN communications powered by Digital DEWA’s InfraX, and X2M’s patented IoT software solution.

The X2M software provides key benefits, such as being device-agnostic, allowing compatibility with a variety of smart meters and sensors. It supports multiple utilities, including gas, water, and electricity, facilitating broader integration and operational efficiency.

With compatibility across various communication protocols, such as Zigbee, WISUN, Modbus, LoRaWAN, NBIoT, and LTE, the platform ensures seamless connectivity. It also includes leak detection features, improving safety and reliability by identifying and preventing leaks.

The software offers flexible deployment options, either on the edge, on-premises, or in the cloud, making it adaptable to different business needs. It can easily integrate with any Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for smooth operational transitions.

Additionally, the platform supports AI-driven analytics, delivering real-time data to help gas companies make smarter, more informed decisions.

X2M CEO and MD Mohan Jesudason, said, “We like the digitisation landscape in the Middle East with the UAE being a very logical entry point. X2M has built a strong working partnership with Dicode over a period of time. We are now looking forward to taking our proprietary utility solutions into this market in collaboration with the Dicode team.”

Dicode co-founder and CEO, Satish Chandran, said, “In line with Dicode’s vision of helping Gas Utilities migrate to smart infrastructure, we are proud to enter into partnership with X2M. X2M’s advanced software is a pivotal piece of our PaaS offering. The versatility of X2M software and its on-ground experience will help us rapidly scale the UAE market.”

Details

Sania Aziz

Technology

11.Oct.2024

• Topic: Technology
• Date: 11 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

Niftylift is at the forefront in the mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) sector, offering some of the most fuel-efficient diesel-powered equipment, as well as hybrid and fully electric models.

Recently, it introduced the world’s first hydrogen-electric-powered access platforms – the HR15 H₂E and HR17 H₂E – marking a breakthrough in zero-emission construction in the Middle East.

"When powered by renewable energy, Niftylift’s fully electric platforms provide a dependable zero-emission solution for a wide range of urban jobsites. However, we recognise that not all projects, especially those in remote locations, have access to grid power for charging. This is where the hydrogen fuel cell comes into play. By adding it on top of the electric system, we offer a versatile and practical solution that’s viable for virtually any jobsite," explains Thomas Hadden, global technical sales manager at Niftylift.

The HR15 H₂E and HR17 H₂E can run for up to five days on batteries alone, with the hydrogen system doubling this range. Even with daily use, the hydrogen cylinder only needs replacing every two to three weeks. These boom lifts integrate hydrogen technology seamlessly, maintaining Niftylift's renowned low weight and compact design while emitting only water vapour and heat as by-products. This makes them ideal for both urban and remote sites, aligning with the region’s sustainability goals.

Johnson Arabia became the first rental company in the region to acquire a Niftylift HR15 H₂E, impressed by its performance during a demonstration. The company also added 19 fully electric units to its fleet. The HR15 H₂E is now operational on a high-profile UAE construction site, delivering zero emissions without downtime for refuelling or recharging.

Enhancing safety at sites

Niftylift sees strong potential in the Middle East, driven by the focus on sustainability and safety in construction. “We’ve seen an ever-increasing growth for Niftylift products in the region even given the fierce market competition,” says Thomas. “This surge in demand is largely due to the heightened awareness of safety standards in the region and we are internationally renowned at Niftylift for our advanced safety features, such as SiOPS (sustained involuntary operation prevention system), load-sensing, and tilt-sensing technologies.”

To support growing demand, Niftylift is establishing a regional office in Dubai, serving as a hub for direct sales and support for key account rental companies. This will strengthen its partnerships in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, and expand its customer base in Saudi Arabia, a key growth market.

Niftylift also maintains close relationships with customers through regular face-to-face meetings and participation in industry events, including sponsorship of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Middle East Conference 2024 in Riyadh.

“The Middle East’s transition to a sustainable future hinges on innovative technologies, such as hydrogen-electric equipment,” Thomas concludes. “As a leader in this field, we at Niftylift are committed to empowering the region’s construction industry to achieve ambitious decarbonisation goals.

Details

Sania Aziz

Fire Safety

10.Oct.2024

• Topic: Fire Safety
• Date: 10 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has appointed Zahi Daher as the new manager of international business development for Saudi Arabia.

Joining Dana Kamal, director of international business development for the MENA region, Daher will focus on advancing NFPA initiatives in the Kingdom by promoting fire and life safety standards in line with the country’s rapid development.

Daher brings extensive expertise in fire protection, standards management, and business development, having previously worked at UL Standards & Engagement as the regional standards manager for the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). In his prior role, he played a key role in building strategic relationships with government bodies, industry associations, and regulatory entities, driving the adoption of international safety standards throughout the region.

His appointment follows the recent opening of NFPA’s regional office in Riyadh and marks a strategic move to enhance fire, electrical, and life safety efforts as part of the Saudi Building Code. 

“Saudi Arabia is undergoing an incredible transformation, and I am honoured to help NFPA play a role as fire and life safety standards are implemented throughout this process, aligned with local risks and hazards,” said Daher, adding that, “I look forward to working with stakeholders across the Kingdom to foster an environment where safety continues to be prioritised at every level.”

Details

Sania Aziz

Technology

07.Oct.2024

• Topic: Technology
• Date: 7 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

Details

Sania Aziz

HSE

04.Oct.2024

• Topic: HSE
• Date: 4 October, 2024
• Year: 2024

When discussing risk management and workplace safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often regarded as the last line of defence. This traditional approach, doesn’t account for the most basic protective measures, especially those involving mechanical or kinetic energy.

The role of reflex actions in preventing incidents is a critical factor which is often overlooked. Understanding and leveraging the benefits of reflexes offers a powerful opportunity to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

The traditional model of safety management follows the hierarchy of controls, which places PPE as the last line of defence, a final measure after other controls have failed. However, in certain cases, PPE functions as an escalation control, protecting workers after an incident has already begun. Seat belts, fall arrest harness and similar gear do not prevent accidents but aim to reduce the severity of injuries once an error has occurred. While PPE plays an important role, reflex actions serve as the true last line of defence and the first line of protection in many scenarios.

The Bowtie Model helps illustrate this by mapping sources of hazardous energy—whether mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, or biological—and categorising controls into prevention and mitigation. In most cases (over 90%), mechanical or kinetic energy is the source of serious workplace injuries and fatalities, and as a result reflexes or whether the person will get the benefit of their reflexes becomes a critical factor in terms of the potential severity of the outcome. Outside the controlled work environment, where situations are more unpredictable, reflex actions often determine the difference between a close call or near-miss and a fatality. For instance, a reflexive movement could help a pedestrian avoid being hit by an oncoming vehicle.

Traditional safety practices tend to focus on high-risk activities through rules, procedures, and PPE. However, the majority of serious incidents occur during medium or low-risk tasks. Data from over 400 fatal workplace incident reports shows that 47-71% of these fatalities could have been avoided or lessened had the workers benefited from reflexive responses.

The data also reveals that in over 95% of incidents, the unexpected event that caused the injury stems from the individual themselves. Whether it’s due to rushing, fatigue, frustration, or complacency, human factors play a critical role in workplace safety. Reflexes are key to mitigating incidents in these medium to lower-risk scenarios, where more traditional controls may not be as effective.

The role of reflexes in preventing serious injuries

Reflexes are innate to humans and tested at birth to ensure they function properly. However, whether someone gets the benefit of their reflexes is influenced by human factors such as rushing, frustration, fatigue and complacency, which can cause eyes not on task and mind not on task. If a person’s mind is not on task due to complacency, their reflexes can still help prevent accidents, even if the reflex is a bit slower. But if their eyes are also off task, then they might not get a reflex at all, which can significantly increase the risk of a serious injury or fatality.

External factors like technology can exacerbate the issue. Mobile phones and fast-paced environments condition our brains to experience shorter bursts of focus, leaving us vulnerable to distractions.

This highlights the importance of critical error reduction techniques, such as self-triggering on states like rushing, frustration and fatigue, as individuals can feel and identify these states in the moment and then quickly think about keeping their eyes and mind on task. Complacency, on the other hand, is more passive and harder to detect.

One way to counteract complacency is to build strong safety-related habits, such as maintaining visual awareness before moving hands, feet, body or machinery. These habits ensure that employees will still get the benefit of their reflexes even if their minds are not on task, because they will still be looking at what they are doing.

At an organisational level, addressing human factors is crucial for reducing incident rates. Employers can help by ensuring workers have adequate rest, hydration, and a work environment that minimises unnecessary stress. When examining the Bowtie Model, it becomes clear that human factors like rushing, frustration, fatigue, and complacency need to be considered along with the various forms of hazardous energy as these factors lead to critical errors such as "eyes not on task" and "mind not on task," which can severely impact reflexive responses. By understanding and implementing critical error reduction techniques, organisations and individuals can add an extra layer of protection, leveraging reflexes as both a preventative and mitigation tool in workplace safety.

In conclusion, the role of human factors and reflexes and their significance as the real last line of defence and first line of protection has been largely overlooked in workplace safety. Organisations that focus on enhancing cognitive effectiveness and reflexive responses have a much better chance of preventing serious incidents or reducing their consequences.

To explore the full insights from Larry Wilson and Dr Waddah S Al Hashmi on workplace safety and reflexes, read the complete article at https://ae.safestart.com/article/the-hierarchy-of-controls-and-the-bowtie-model/