Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 2 October, 2025
- Year: 2025
SHOWA is set to make a strong impact at A+A 2025 in Düsseldorf, where it will unveil a wide range of new product innovations alongside its latest sustainability and service initiatives.
With innovation as the focal point of this year’s stand, the company is introducing 16 new gloves designed to raise performance standards across industries that demand both safety and efficiency.
Among the headline launches is the SHOWA CC700, a glove that successfully combines chemical and cut resistance with high dexterity, meeting a challenge long faced by sectors such as mining, construction and chemicals.
Also making its debut is the TEMRES 282-02, a thermally insulated, breathable and water-resistant glove engineered for cold and wet environments.
Another key innovation is the S-TEX Alpha, which showcases SHOWA’s cutting-edge use of tungsten-based fibres to deliver Level F cut protection without sacrificing flexibility. Visitors will also see the MFT PRO line, which incorporates a microfibre liner for enhanced breathability and comfort while maintaining durability.
Key products
The new Product Demo Hub will allow visitors to experience these technologies in action. Demonstrations will simulate real-world conditions, including chemical and cut resistance trials with the CC700, knife-based testing of the S-TEX Alpha, breathability comparisons featuring the MFT PRO, and a showcase of SafeDoff Technology, which enables safe removal of contaminated gloves.
Alongside new products, SHOWA is underlining its environmental and social responsibility with the launch of ‘SHOWA In Balance’, a global sustainability report detailing progress on reducing the environmental footprint of glove manufacturing and the integration of sustainable materials across its range.
In addition, SHOWA will highlight two service platforms designed to help employers strengthen safety culture and compliance. Sentinel by SHOWA offers on-site risk assessments and structured glove trials, while ChemRest provides detailed permeation data to guide safe glove selection.
Backed by SHOWA’s chemical research laboratories, ChemRest supports professionals working with hazardous substances by enabling more informed decisions in protective equipment.
“As the scale and complexity of workplace risks continue to evolve, our role is to provide solutions that protect workers while also addressing the environmental responsibilities our industry faces,” said Tony Lynch, vice president EMEA & USA at SHOWA. “A+A provides the ideal platform to demonstrate not only our innovations but also our commitment to sustainability and services that deliver long-term value.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 1 October, 2025
- Year: 2025
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MODON, the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, to advance fire safety across the Kingdom’s industrial facilities.
The agreement was formalised at Intersec Saudi 2025 in Riyadh, with Eng. Ali Al-Oliwah, Director of Safety and Security at MODON, and NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley signing the MoU.
The partnership focuses on building institutional capacity, improving fire prevention measures, and embedding a culture of safety within industrial operations.
Through joint initiatives, NFPA and MODON will promote fire safety education, exchange expertise, and expand research efforts, drawing on the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem as a foundation for their work.
Enhancing prevention practices
Planned activities include sharing fire safety research relevant to industrial zones, hosting conferences and training programmes, and providing certification opportunities for MODON staff and industry partners. In addition, both organisations will work to raise awareness of NFPA codes and standards while equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools required to strengthen fire prevention practices.
This collaboration marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reinforce industrial safety. By pooling resources and expertise, NFPA and MODON aim to introduce stronger prevention frameworks, improve emergency response strategies, and set higher benchmarks for industrial fire safety, supporting both national safety objectives and the Kingdom’s long-term development vision.
“We are honoured to join with MODON in elevating safety standards within industrial zones,” said Jim Pauley, president and CEO of NFPA. “This collaboration will be instrumental in developing comprehensive fire prevention guidelines, conducting thorough incident investigations, and providing expert training to MODON's workforce. By sharing NFPA standards, we aim to significantly reduce risks within industrial facilities of the Kingdom.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 30 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
HSE Review speaks with Shebin Abraham, founder of QHSE Directory, about the region’s evolving safety culture, the rise of digital tools, and how his platform is connecting professionals and solutions worldwide. Read on:
Having been in the region for close to two decades, how would you describe the HSE landscape has evolved in recent years?
What was once largely seen as a compliance requirement has steadily evolved into a central core value for organisations and their people. Stronger and more clearly defined legal frameworks have reinforced accountability and consistency across industries, laying a solid foundation for progress.
At the same time, the region has become a hub for international safety organisations bringing in advanced HSE solutions, which has fostered both a healthier workplace culture and a more competitive safety ecosystem. Post-COVID-19, the pace of change has accelerated. Safety digital tools, AI safety, and VR HSE Training are no longer viewed as “future possibilities” but are now part of daily safety practice.
Equally important is how the definition of “occupational health” has broadened. Organisations today are giving more attention to mental well-being, stress and fatigue management, and work–life balance. This holistic approach is shaping workplaces that care not only about physical safety but also about the overall quality of life.
Another inspiring change is the rise of highly competent multicultural HSE professionals across the region. Their expertise has elevated standards and cultivated a culture that is adaptive, innovative, and future-ready.
What are some of the key HSE initiatives that leading organisations in the region are focusing on today?
Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced safety software are no longer viewed as experimental tools, they are becoming central to how organisations make decisions in real time and manage risks more effectively on the ground. My recent visits to exhibitions and conferences clearly highlighted this transformation, the conversation has moved from “if” to “how fast” organisations can adopt these safety solutions.
Bigger organisations are developing their own AI safety platforms to predict and prevent incidents, while others are building customised VR systems to simulate high-risk scenarios and train their workforce more effectively. What is equally encouraging is the growing demand from end clients too. They are no longer satisfied with contractors meeting minimum compliance. Instead, they expect their contractors to demonstrate an adaptive mindset and integrate technology into their safety management systems.
This shift signals a new era in HSE, one where leadership is measured not only by compliance but by innovation, foresight, and the ability to create safer workplaces through technology.
Could you share more details about the QHSE Directory platform and what sets it apart?
I have always believed that the health and safety profession, which has been evolving for more than 200 years, holds the power to save lives and transform industries. Over time, I noticed something very significant. It is not that good safety solutions don’t exist, in fact, there are thousands of innovative and effective HSE products and services available around the globe. The real challenge is that many of these solutions never reach the professionals and organisations that need them most.
In my own experience, I faced this gap many times. When I needed a solution, it wasn’t readily available, or I simply didn’t know where to find it. That sparked the vision for www.qhsedirectory.com, a global platform created to bridge this gap.
Since 2021, QHSE Directory is designed to connect two critical groups. HSE professionals searching for reliable, high-quality solutions, and solution providers eager to reach the right audience. It’s not just a listing platform but it’s a mission-driven safety platform to make access easier, faster, and more transparent.
What sets QHSE Directory apart is the purpose behind it. This isn’t just a business venture for me or it started as a business, it’s the result of a lifelong passion for occupational health and safety. My mission is to empower safety professionals, enable solution providers, and build a global safety ecosystem where safety innovation and people come together.
In your view, how can the wider HSE community benefit from engaging with this platform?
As an HSE professional who has worked in this region for close to two decades, I’ve often experienced the frustration of knowing that great safety solutions exist somewhere in the world, yet not being able to access them when I needed them most. That experience shaped my vision for QHSE Directory, a global platform that ensures solutions are not just created, but also reach the people and organisations that truly need them.
If you are an HSE professional, no matter where you are, this specialised safety platform is designed to support you throughout your career. For example, if a professional in Africa is searching for a solution that originates in the UK, QHSE Directory makes that connection possible.
What sets QHSE Directory apart is accessibility and choice. Big and small companies alike want to adopt modern safety technologies, but not every solution is available, accessible, or affordable. Our approach is to bring multiple options onto one platform, so if one solution is out of reach for a company, there are always alternatives. This creates flexibility, affordability, and a level playing field for organisations of all sizes.
The platform spans eight services: health and safety products, digital solutions, training companies, consultants, books, freelancers, conferences, and exhibitions.
My vision is simple but powerful: make the best safety solutions in the world accessible to every professional and organisation.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the major challenges and opportunities for HSE professionals in the region over the next decade?
We live in a society where the workforce belongs to different generations. Millennials, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and the coming Gen Beta etc - each brings a different mindset to the workplace. Some are highly technology-driven, others are less so, and many fall somewhere in between. For HSE professionals, this is both a challenge and a gift. The challenge is ensuring that safety systems and cultures are inclusive and effective for everyone. The opportunity is to build an ecosystem where each generation’s strengths contribute to a stronger, safer workplace.
Another area that will demand attention is the pace of technology versus regulation. Technologies like AI, VR, and advanced digital solutions are evolving at lightning speed, while legal frameworks are often slower to adapt. This creates a gap, where innovation runs ahead of regulation. For HSE professionals, this means we must learn to responsibly harness new technologies, set internal benchmarks, and lead with foresight even before formal regulations catch up.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 30 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
FIREX Egypt 2024, the country’s leading fire safety exhibition, is taking place from 14-16 October at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in Cairo, alongside the 33rd edition of Egypt Energy.
The event highlights fire protection technologies and solutions, including fire prevention, detection, and extinguishing systems, emergency lighting, and risk management strategies for industrial and commercial facilities.
Organised by Informa Markets, the exhibition brings together over 180 exhibitors from 25 countries and expects around 10,000 visitors.
Sessions and forums focus on modern fire safety challenges, emergency preparedness, and industrial risk mitigation. A dedicated Women in Fire Safety reception highlights the role of women in the sector and promotes leadership development.
FIREX Egypt 2024 emphasises the adoption of advanced fire safety technologies and encourages knowledge exchange between government authorities, industry experts, and international suppliers, supporting improved occupational health and safety standards across the region.
Mark Ring, group director of the energy events at Informa Markets, said, "This year’s event captures the dynamic global shifts in renewable energy and fire safety, as global energy investments are projected to surpass US$3 trillion for the first time in 2024, with US$2 trillion allocated to clean energy technologies and infrastructure. This event serves as a key platform for exchanging ideas on global policies and market transformations, showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in this field, and reinforcing Egypt’s position as a regional leader in the energy sector."
Medhat Shawky, exhibitions manager at Informa Markets Egypt, said: "We’re thrilled to organise this event, which includes the only exhibition in Egypt dedicated to the fire safety sector, highlighting the importance of enhancing safety and protection standards in critical facilities. We are proud that the exhibition is supported by the Egyptian government, reflecting the vital role it plays in raising awareness about the latest fire prevention technologies and reaffirming Egypt’s position as a key supporter of innovation and advanced solutions in this field."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Region: Middle East
- Date: 29 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
At the recent HSE KSA Forum in Riyadh, industry experts engaged in a powerful dialogue about transforming workplace safety culture. The panel discussion offered profound insights into creating holistic approaches to employee well-being and safety engagement.
HSE Manager Mubarak Rashed set the tone early, quoting, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress. Working together is success." This philosophy underscored the panel's collaborative approach to safety management.
The conversation centered on three critical aspects of safety management: prioritising employee welfare, enhancing engagement, and developing effective leadership strategies. Larry Wilson, CEO of SafeStart emphasised the importance of understanding an organisation's current safety culture, noting, "You have to start with where you are now. Where you are now may not be ideal, but that's where you have to start."
Syed Mazhar, director HSSE Department at AlBawani, shared practical implementation strategies from his experience at the company. He introduced innovative engagement methods like monthly HSE pulse surveys available in multiple languages. "We have 20,000 people in our company," he explained, "and we apply monthly HSE pulse assessment surveys in seven different languages to ensure comprehensive feedback."
The panel developed comprehensive strategies for workplace safety. They introduced a supervisory HSE training program that initially revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 80% of supervisors failing the first assessment. By implementing translator support, practical assessments, and a buddy system, they transformed supervisor capabilities.
Mental health emerged as a crucial component. The experts shared examples of supporting employees through challenging situations, from providing mental health sessions after traumatic incidents to creating recreational opportunities that help workers recover and reconnect.
Transforming safety culture
A key breakthrough was integrating safety performance into performance evaluations, with 10-20% of increments tied to safety metrics. The approach goes beyond traditional compliance, focusing on creating an environment where employees feel genuinely valued.
The panel unanimously agreed that changing safety culture requires patience. Behavioral change doesn't happen overnight. Leaders must provide consistent support, create accessible communication channels, and demonstrate genuine commitment to employee well-being.
Accountability was another significant theme. The discussion challenged traditional blame-based approaches, advocating instead for a collaborative model where responsibility is shared across leadership levels.
The panel's most powerful message was simple yet profound: creating a strong safety culture is about seeing employees as whole individuals. It is not just about preventing accidents, but nurturing an environment of care, respect, and continuous improvement, the panel said.
For organisations seeking to transform their safety culture, the key takeaways are clear: listen to employees, provide comprehensive support, invest in training, create meaningful engagement channels, and lead by genuine example.
As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve its industrial landscape, these insights from HSE leaders offer a blueprint for building safer, more resilient workplaces that prioritise human potential and well-being.
The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrating that effective safety culture is an ongoing journey of learning, engagement, and mutual respect.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 26 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
The UK must improve access to occupational health services if it is serious about reducing sickness absence and helping people back into work, according to a new report from IOSH.
The study highlights concerns among the workforce, with one in six employees doubting their employer would support them if they developed a long-term physical condition or disability. A further one in five said they would not expect adequate backing if faced with mental health challenges.
IOSH’s report, Fixing sick Britain: getting people back to work through good occupational health and safety, sets out a series of measures to close these gaps. Key recommendations include greater government investment in occupational health, targeted public health initiatives, stronger support for SMEs, and incentives for employers to promote healthy workplaces and work-life balance.
The report is being released ahead of IOSH’s fringe event at the Labour Party Conference, Healthy workers, stronger economy: Labour’s occupational health opportunity. Speakers will include Sir Charlie Mayfield, who is leading the Government’s Keep Britain Working Review.
IOSH argues that stronger occupational health systems are vital to complement workplace safety, with 2.8mn working-age people currently out of work due to ill health. The cost to businesses is estimated at £150bn annually, alongside additional strain on the NHS and welfare services.
Yet only 45% of the workforce currently has access to occupational health provision. In a YouGov survey of 1,100 workers commissioned by IOSH, nearly three-quarters said they want universal occupational health services available locally.
"The number of people unable to work due to ongoing health conditions shows we need to create the right occupational health and safety frameworks that focus on prevention, support good work and job design, and create supportive environments that accommodate people’s needs," said Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH.
“As part of this, we need stronger, more accessible occupational health services that can drive prevention strategies, promote good health and help people stay in work, as well as support return to work and rehabilitation when people do become ill. This can help to cut sickness rates, ease NHS and benefit pressures, and boost economic growth.
“We’re calling on the Government to invest in this area. And we don’t just want this to be something which benefits those employed in large organisations; this needs to cover smaller employers to ensure that people are able to remain healthy and safe and remain in work for the benefit of both themselves and the economy.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 25 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Zonegreen, a leading provider of rail safety solutions, is set to showcase its advanced technology at this year’s Global Rail exhibition in Abu Dhabi from 30 September to 2 October.
The event, organised by Etihad Rail and held at the ADNEC Center, will feature over 300 exhibitors from 40 countries.
At the exhibition, Zonegreen will present its full suite of depot protection solutions, including the flagship Zonegreen Depot Personnel Protection System (DPPS) and the Zonegreen Electronic Interlocking Solution.
The DPPS automates safety procedures to physically protect rail depot workers from unexpected vehicle movements.
Since its initial deployment in 2008 across three Dubai Metro depots, the system has been installed in three additional depots serving the Doha Metro in Qatar, safeguarding 22 maintenance roads across these state-of-the-art facilities.
“The exhibition will be an excellent opportunity to expand Zonegreen solutions' footprint across the globe, by making new contacts and learning more about forthcoming projects in the Middle East and Asia,” said Sebastian Baucutt, Zonegreen head of sales.
“Dubai Metro is renowned for its use of technology to operate the fastest, most effective and safest rail system possible. The part DPPS plays in this project is a fantastic reflection of the trust staff place in the system. Global Rail is a great opportunity to show other depot operators how Zonegreen solutions could benefit them.”
Alongside Baucutt, business development manager Muadh Khan will engage with delegates and provide insights into Zonegreen’s latest innovations.
Visitors will be able to view the company’s solutions at the UK Pavilion, stand 3B33, gaining firsthand experience of technologies that combine safety, reliability, and operational control for modern rail systems.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 24 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Two distinguished leaders in the health, safety, and environmental field have been recognised with the NEBOSH Honorary Diploma, celebrating their lifelong dedication to workplace wellbeing.
Errol Galloway and Manal Azzi received the honour at the NEBOSH Graduation Ceremony in the UK this September, highlighting their influential contributions to global HSE standards and their role in protecting lives across industries.
Galloway, who began his career in Sheffield’s steel industry, went on to serve in the Health and Safety Executive, HM Railway Inspectorate, and the Office of Rail and Road, where he was Principal Inspector. His leadership and technical expertise have set new benchmarks for compliance and safety in the rail sector, improving workplace culture and inspiring others to prioritise safety.
Azzi, Team Lead on Occupational Safety and Health at the International Labour Organization, manages a wide portfolio covering chemical safety, environmental health, stress management, and workplace violence prevention. She also leads the World Day for Safety and Health at Work campaign and has authored influential reports addressing climate change, heat stress, AI, and digitalisation in occupational health and safety.
“I am honoured and humbled by this award. Being able to contribute to the development and delivery of health and safety standards in a variety of industries, both large and small, has given me great satisfaction,” said Errol.
“To be recognised with the NEBOSH Honorary Diploma is a matter of great esteem for me. Congratulations to this year’s graduates and fellow Honorary Diplomate. I am both confident and proud to say that our collective work as H&S professionals, underpinned by the knowledge developed through the world-class training provided by NEBOSH, continues to make a difference to the working lives of others.”
Manal said, “It is a true honour to receive this recognition from NEBOSH and to be part of such a meaningful occasion. Having dedicated over two decades to promoting safety and health at work, I know the commitment it takes to pursue this path. Standing alongside this year's Diplomates - professionals who have invested so much to protect the wellbeing of others - is deeply inspiring. I hope this passion and determination can be passed on to the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the global mission of safer, healthier workplaces for all”.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 23 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Fire chiefs from Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States gathered at NFPA headquarters in Quincy, Massachusetts, for the annual Urban Fire Forum (UFF).
Organised by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the 2025 event strengthened international collaboration while addressing the most pressing challenges facing fire and emergency services.
The agenda focused on a wide range of issues, including the growing threat of wildfire-driven urban conflagrations, the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, data-driven approaches to emergency planning, national mutual aid systems, and the evolving role of fire service leadership in shaping both public safety and policy.
At the close of discussions, the chiefs formally endorsed five position papers that will serve as official UFF–Metropolitan Fire Chiefs (Metro Chiefs) position statements. These statements offer strategic guidance on firefighter safety, leadership, and coordination across national and international levels. The position papers include Combating the Assault on Codes and Standards – Fire Service Leadership Toolkit, National Fire Apparatus Specification, Support for Advancing National Fire and Emergency Services Capabilities Through Strategic Leadership and Unified Advocacy, Statement in Support of Reauthorization of FirstNet, and Confronting the Risk of Wildfire-Initiated Urban Conflagrations.
In addition, the Forum endorsed a sixth deliverable: an informational bulletin titled Enhanced Tactical Considerations for Fighting Lithium-Ion Battery Electric Vehicle (EV) Fires. This bulletin will be released alongside a Fire Protection Research Foundation research report, offering critical guidance for fire departments faced with the increasing hazards posed by EV battery incidents.
Together, these outcomes highlight the Forum’s commitment to strengthening global fire service readiness, improving firefighter safety, and advancing coordinated strategies to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving risk landscape.
"Today’s fire and emergency services face challenges that reach far beyond traditional response," said Otto Drozd III, Executive Secretary of the Metro Chiefs and UFF facilitator. "The position papers endorsed this year focus on strengthening leadership, advancing national coordination, standardizing apparatus, and addressing emerging threats such as wildfire-driven urban conflagrations and lithium-ion battery hazards. These deliverables provide critical guidance for departments navigating an increasingly complex environment and highlight the need for collaboration across all levels of government and the private sector."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 22 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
Ergodyne has launched its new Type 2 safety helmets, designed to bridge the gap between traditional hard hats and modern protective gear by combining the familiar full brim style with the advanced protection of Type 2 certification.
The release comes as momentum grows for wider adoption of safety helmets following OSHA’s Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB 03-06-2024), which highlighted their superior protection and confirmed OSHA’s own transition to using them.
Unlike Type 1 hard hats, tested only for top impact, Type 2 helmets are tested against side, front and rear impacts, offering protection better aligned with workplace realities such as slips, trips, falls and angled strikes. According to the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), just 15% of impacts actually occur on the crown, underlining the limitations of older designs.
Despite these advantages, many crews have resisted switching due to their attachment to the look and feel of traditional hard hats. Ergodyne’s new model seeks to overcome this resistance by maintaining the recognizable full brim silhouette, while offering greater safety and comfort.
The helmet features a ventilated foam design to reduce heat buildup, a six-point suspension with a 36-point ratchet for a secure fit, and integrated slots for accessories including fans, lights, visors and hearing protection.
With its combination of familiarity, comfort and enhanced protection, Ergodyne’s latest helmet aims to encourage broader acceptance of Type 2 models across industries where head injuries remain a critical safety concern.
“Type 2 really expands coverage—not just from falling objects, but from slips, trips, and falls where you’re more likely to strike the side of your head,” said Ergodyne Product Manager, Justin Schuetz.
“We know workers have a personal relationship with their hard hats, and the look matters,” Schuetz added. “That’s why we introduced a full brim style. It’s familiar to construction crews, it looks good, and it adds real function against sun, rain, and debris. Pair that with a precision fit system and ventilation that keeps you cooler when compared to other options, and you’ve got a helmet workers want to wear—not just one they’re told to.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 19 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
The hearing protection devices (HPDs) market is experiencing significant momentum worldwide, fuelled by growing awareness of occupational safety, rising noise pollution levels, and an increasing emphasis on worker health and productivity.
These devices, which include earplugs, earmuffs, and advanced electronic protectors, are designed to reduce noise exposure and prevent hearing loss.
They are widely used across industries such as construction, mining, manufacturing, defence, and transportation, where workers are routinely exposed to hazardous sound levels.
According to Persistence Market Research, the global HPDs market is projected to be valued at US$2.4bn in 2025 and is expected to reach US$4.2bn by 2032, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. This growth trajectory reflects the tightening of workplace safety regulations, the rapid pace of industrialisation in emerging economies, and rising demand for technologically integrated solutions that combine effective protection with enhanced comfort and usability.
With noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) ranking among the most common occupational health conditions worldwide, industries are under increasing pressure to invest in protective measures that mitigate long-term health risks and related costs. Employers are recognising that protecting hearing is not just a compliance issue but also an essential part of maintaining workforce productivity and well-being.
Technological innovation is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the industry. The development of smart and electronic hearing protectors with features such as Bluetooth connectivity, active noise cancellation, and real-time monitoring is transforming how workers experience protection. These devices not only improve safety outcomes but also enable situational awareness, allowing users to hear essential alarms or communicate effectively while remaining protected.
Manufacturers are investing in ergonomic designs, lightweight materials, and customised fits to address one of the sector’s ongoing challenges: comfort and compliance. Long-term usage of hearing protection can sometimes be uncomfortable, leading to inconsistent adoption, and resolving this issue remains central to ensuring effectiveness.
Cost also presents a barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies, where advanced devices may be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, in low-income regions, a lack of awareness about hearing hazards and weaker enforcement of regulations continue to slow widespread adoption.
Dual-protection systems that combine passive and electronic technologies are also becoming popular in high-risk industrial and defence applications. Looking ahead, the hearing protection devices market is set to expand as stricter regulatory frameworks, awareness campaigns, and technological integration drive adoption. For employers, effective deployment of HPDs will not only support compliance but also safeguard one of the most valuable and irreplaceable human senses: the ability to hear.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 18 September, 2025
- Year: 2025
A new campaign titled Bad Vibrations has been launched by the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) to address confusion surrounding Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a serious workplace health risk.
The campaign was developed by BSIF’s Measurement and Instrumentation Special Interest Group, which includes test houses, certification bodies, manufacturers and distributors.
While a wide range of technical material already exists on HAVS, much of it is difficult for those directly exposed to vibrating tools and equipment to navigate.
The Bad Vibrations guide has been designed to simplify this information, presenting the essential facts in a straightforward and accessible way.
It explains what HAVS is, the types of tools most commonly associated with it, methods for controlling exposure in the workplace, how vibration is measured, and the relevant standards that should be followed.
The guide also provides links to further resources for those who want more detail.
HAVS remains a widespread and preventable health issue, with more than two million people at risk each year from the prolonged use of vibrating tools.
The condition can cause painful, permanent damage, but early awareness and the right protective measures can significantly reduce the risk.
By publishing Bad Vibrations, BSIF aims to make critical knowledge more approachable and ensure that workers and employers alike have the information they need to safeguard against HAVS.
The guide is available to download from the BSIF website.