Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
At the HSE MENA 2025 conference, attendees were moved by a deeply personal and compelling story shared by Theo, an Australian worker and safety advocate.
Theo captivated the audience with a harrowing account of a life-altering electrical accident and the lessons he hopes will inspire safer practices across industries.
Theo recounted the morning that changed his life: while working on high-voltage power lines, he momentarily set aside his insulated gloves to finish what seemed like a minor task.
That decision triggered a catastrophic accident, 22,000 volts surged through his body, an event that experts later told him could have killed a thousand people or animals.
Safety and leadership
Against all odds, Theo survived, but the journey to recovery was long and arduous: seventeen surgeries in the first month, extensive hospital stays, and profound psychological challenges.
He spoke candidly about facing severe depression and the impact the accident had on his family, reflecting that, at his lowest, it was the thought of his children that gave him the will to fight on. Theo’s story is not only one of survival but of personal growth; he emphasised the necessity of personal accountability, listening to gut instincts, and maintaining a vision for a better future.
Drawing on his experience, Theo urged leaders and workers alike to instill habits of safety, courage, and authenticity, highlighting six key leadership lessons. His message echoed throughout the conference: “Learn from my mistake, don’t let a simple shortcut cost you everything.”
Theo’s powerful narrative, marked by vulnerability and purpose, inspired attendees to reflect on their own practices and recommit to fostering safer workplaces.
Afterwards, he offered to share his story further, hoping to reach even more organizations with his message of resilience, reflection, and responsibility.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
The occupational therapy market is poised for strong growth in the coming years, driven by technological innovation and evolving healthcare demands, according to a report by The Business Research Company.
The sector, increasingly focused on personalised care and mental well-being, is projected to reach a valuation of US$6.97bn by 2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.
Key factors supporting this growth include the integration of telehealth services, rising cases of developmental disorders, and a shift toward client-centred care practices. Additionally, increased emphasis on workplace mental health, evidence-based therapy methods, and technological advancements in rehabilitation are expected to contribute to market expansion.
The ageing population is also driving demand for geriatric occupational therapy, alongside a focus on paediatric care, workplace ergonomics, and wellness programmes.
Key companies to look out for
The market features a diverse range of prominent players, including Abbott Laboratories, STERIS Corporation, Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Midmark Corporation, Ergotron Inc., Performance Health Holdings, WebPT Inc., and Net Health Systems.
Other notable companies include Rifton Equipment, BioSensics, Divine Physiotherapy Equipments, and Total Therapy Inc., the latter of which was acquired by US behavioural health technology firm Rethink Autism in January 2022 to expand its service offerings for developmental disabilities.
Emerging trends in the sector include the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in rehabilitation. AI-powered solutions are improving therapy outcomes by providing interactive, real-time feedback to patients.
For instance, Portugal-based Sword Health launched its Phoenix platform in June 2024, a virtual physical therapy system that adjusts exercises based on patient progress and monitors safety, while compiling performance data for clinicians.
The occupational therapy market is segmented by product type, disease category, and application area. Product types include cloud-based solutions, such as teletherapy platforms and virtual rehabilitation systems, and on-premises solutions like physical therapy equipment and on-site patient management systems.
Applications range from psychological and physical disorders to hospital settings and other healthcare environments.
With technological integration and a growing focus on personalised care, the occupational therapy market is set to play an increasingly vital role in supporting patient recovery, workplace wellness, and broader healthcare initiatives globally.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
McLeod Occupational Health has received two statewide safety awards for 2024 from Palmetto Hospital Trust (PHT), recognising its performance in reducing workplace risks and managing employee injury claims across its operations.
The organisation was presented with both the Safety Award and the Claims Impact Reduction Award, honours administered by Antum Risk on behalf of PHT, South Carolina’s workers’ compensation self-insurance pool for hospitals and healthcare providers.
The Safety Award is given to organisations that achieve a Risk Reduction Objectives score of at least 90% while maintaining a claims rate of 2.70 or lower. McLeod met both benchmarks, completing more than 90% of PHT’s prescribed safety and prevention initiatives. These included enhanced staff training, addressing workplace hazards, and strengthening incident reporting processes, alongside consistently low injury rates.
McLeod also secured the Claims Impact Reduction Award, which recognises organisations that keep both lost time claim frequency and severity below the PHT average. The award reflects McLeod’s ability not only to prevent injuries but also to respond effectively when incidents occur, ensuring timely support for affected employees.
The dual recognition highlights McLeod Occupational Health’s continued focus on proactive safety management and effective claims handling within the healthcare sector.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 22nd December 2025
- Year: 2025
New York has moved to strengthen protections for healthcare workers with the introduction of a new law mandating workplace violence prevention programmes across hospitals and nursing homes.
Signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on 12 December 2025, Senate Bill S5294-B requires healthcare facilities in the state to take structured action to prevent and respond to violence in clinical settings. The legislation comes amid rising reports of assaults and abuse targeting healthcare workers nationwide and follows the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s decision to pause work on a national workplace violence prevention standard.
Under the new law, general hospitals and nursing homes must establish workplace violence prevention programmes by September 2027. The requirements apply to facilities defined as general hospitals or nursing homes and introduce new obligations around risk assessment, planning, training and security.
For general hospitals, the law requires alignment with existing federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations on emergency preparedness and patient safety. These regulations already mandate regular risk assessments, emergency response strategies and coordination with local and federal authorities. Hospitals will now need to ensure that these plans explicitly address workplace violence risks and include training for staff.
Nursing homes will be considered compliant if they meet federal long-term care emergency preparedness requirements, provided these plans also cover workplace violence threats and hazards.
From 1 January 2027, general hospitals will face additional requirements. They must conduct annual workplace safety and security assessments and develop site-specific safety and security plans to address identified risks. These plans must consider factors such as hospital layout, previous incidents, and concerns raised by staff, patients or visitors. Importantly, employees and their collective bargaining representatives must be actively involved in developing these plans.
Hospitals will also be required to implement measures to reduce identified risks, which may include staff training, increased staffing levels, physical security enhancements or changes to hospital infrastructure. Workers must be informed of the plans and of procedures for reporting incidents of workplace violence.
The law also introduces mandatory security staffing for emergency departments. Hospitals in jurisdictions with populations of one million or more must have at least one trained security officer or off-duty law enforcement officer present in emergency rooms at all times, subject to limited exceptions. Smaller jurisdictions must ensure a constant on-site security presence, prioritising proximity to emergency departments. Certain rural and critical access hospitals are exempt, unless violence rates increase.
The New York legislation positions the state as a leader in addressing workplace violence in healthcare, filling a regulatory gap left at the federal level and setting a potential model for other states to follow.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 19th December 2025
- Year: 2025
uvex has introduced hypervision, a new addition to its range of safety spectacles that underlines the German manufacturer’s long-standing focus on functional design and workplace protection. Developed and produced in Germany, the goggles are designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of industrial applications where clear vision and wearer comfort are critical to safety.
A defining feature of uvex hypervision is its optimised lens geometry, which provides a wide, almost unrestricted field of view. By minimising visual limitations, the design supports improved hazard perception and helps reduce the risk of accidents in demanding working environments. The large viewing area is intended to support users who require consistent situational awareness during precision or high-risk tasks.
Comfort is central to the design. The goggles feature a soft, adaptive face piece that delivers a secure seal without creating pressure points, even during extended periods of use. This universal fit is suitable for a broad range of face shapes and sizes. Importantly, uvex hypervision also accommodates prescription spectacles, with sufficient internal space and integrated recesses to allow side arms to sit comfortably without causing irritation. An indirect ventilation system further enhances comfort by promoting airflow and reducing heat build-up inside the goggles.
The hypervision system includes a length-adjustable textile headband with multiple incline points, allowing users to tailor the fit precisely to their head and facial contours. The robust polycarbonate lens is treated with uvex’s supravision coating technology, providing permanent anti-fog and scratch-resistant properties. In addition, the lens offers reliable protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation up to 400 nm, supporting eye safety in both indoor and outdoor environments.
For tasks requiring extended protection, uvex hypervision can be combined with an optional faceguard. This accessory provides additional coverage for the eyes and face, offering protection against dirt and minor injuries during activities such as sanding, sawing, grinding, or painting. uvex notes, however, that this configuration is not intended to replace a full visor, which delivers greater mechanical strength. Instead, the combination is suited to applications where complete face coverage is required but extreme impact resistance is not.
Designed for flexibility, uvex hypervision can be used alongside helmets, respirators, or hearing protection earplugs, enabling integrated and task-specific personal protective equipment solutions across diverse workplaces.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 19th December 2025
- Year: 2025
Developed in Germany for professional firefighting environments, SCHUBERTH’s latest helmet range reflects more than a century of engineering focused on safety, performance, and operational reliability. Long recognised for its expertise in advanced head protection, the company continues to refine its firefighting portfolio to meet the evolving demands placed on emergency responders.
At the core of SCHUBERTH’s firefighting helmets is the HighTemp-Fibre shell, engineered to provide dependable protection against extreme heat and mechanical impact. Designed for use in high-risk, high-temperature scenarios, the material balances durability with comfort, enabling firefighters to operate effectively during prolonged and physically demanding incidents. The helmets’ modular construction further supports operational flexibility, allowing components to be adapted to different mission requirements and personal preferences.
Building on these foundations, SCHUBERTH has introduced Twiceme Technology across its latest F300, F220, and F130 helmet models. The integration marks a significant step towards digitising personal protective equipment in the fire and rescue sector. Twiceme Technology enables firefighters and safety managers to access embedded digital safety information directly through a smartphone, providing instant visibility of equipment data when it is needed most.
Through the technology, users can store and retrieve critical information such as ownership details, inspection records, and compliance documentation. This simplifies equipment tracking and routine checks, reducing administrative burdens while helping organisations maintain high safety standards. In emergency situations, faster access to reliable data can also support more informed decision-making, contributing to improved situational awareness on the ground.
For SCHUBERTH, the adoption of Twiceme Technology aligns with a broader focus on innovation that enhances both protection and usability. Rather than adding complexity, the digital layer is intended to streamline safety workflows, supporting firefighters before, during, and after incidents.
The partnership also represents an important milestone for Twiceme, as it expands its safety ecosystem further into the firefighting sector. By embedding its technology into frontline protective equipment, Twiceme continues to advance its ambition of establishing a global digital safety standard across high-risk industries.
As fire services face increasingly complex operational environments, the convergence of advanced materials engineering and digital safety tools highlights a growing shift towards smarter, more connected personal protective equipment. SCHUBERTH’s latest helmet range illustrates how traditional safety gear is evolving to support the modern firefighter, combining proven physical protection with data-driven functionality.
“This is a historic step for Twiceme and for the firefighting community,” said Christian Connolly, CEO of Twiceme Technology. “We turn to firefighters when we need help the most, yet we rarely think about how dangerous their profession is. For the first time, they will have access to integrated digital safety information directly in their helmets, empowering action when seconds matter.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: ESG
- Date: 17th December 2025
- Year: 2025
Abu Dhabi-based district cooling company Tabreed, has partnered with Sparklo, a UAE-based cleantech company building smart recycling infrastructure, to install 16 reverse vending machines (RVMs) across the UAE
The RVMs, known as Sparklomats, will enable residents to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans in exchange for digital rewards in the Sparklo app, redeemable for discounts at places such as grocery stores and taxi rides. One Sparklomat has been installed at Tabreed’s headquarters, while 15 others will be placed in high-traffic locations including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Water World and malls in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
It is estimated that the partnership will collect more than four million bottles and cans annually, averaging 11,600 containers per day across the network. This is expected to prevent approximately 637,400 kilograms of CO₂ emissions each year, directly contributing to the UAE Net Zero 2050 and Circular Economy Policy goals, while encouraging sustainable behaviour through positive motivation. The initiative reinforces Tabreed’s 2024 sustainability commitments, including its Net Zero 2050 target, energy-efficiency retrofits, and supply chain decarbonisation principles.
Khalid Al Marzooqi, chief executive offficer of Tabreed, said, “At Tabreed, we believe that innovation and collaboration are essential to achieving the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision. This project with Sparklo reflects our commitment to decarbonisation through innovation and strategic partnerships, allowing us to make the places we cool more sustainable overall. By introducing smart recycling solutions in communities across Abu Dhabi, we are extending our sustainability efforts beyond our operations – creating real opportunities for residents and visitors to take part in climate action.”
Maxim Kaplevich, founder of Sparklo, added, “Sustainability works best when it’s built into people’s daily lives. Together, we’re addressing two sides of the same challenge: making the places where people live, shop, and spend time both more energy-efficient and more circular. This partnership shows how shared infrastructure and positive incentives can turn sustainability into everyday action, achieving real progress.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 15th December 2025
- Year: 2025
Andy Holt, business development manager, AkzoNobel – Middle East discusses the role of passive fire protection in future-proofing high risk assets
In today’s energy landscape, the concept of ‘future-proofing’ has become central to how we think about building and maintaining high-value assets.
As industries transition toward lower-carbon operations and come up against tightening regulatory expectations, the ability to ensure resilience, reliability and long-term value has never been more critical.
For operators in complex, high-risk environments such as oil and gas, this isn’t just about meeting today’s safety standards – it’s about safeguarding tomorrow’s productivity. And one area that supports how we approach asset resilience is passive fire protection (PFP).
Traditionally, PFP has been viewed as a compliance-driven necessity – a layer of defence designed to maintain structural integrity during a fire. That purpose remains important, but its strategic value has evolved.
Increasingly, operators are recognising that effective PFP isn’t simply about meeting codes, it’s about enabling operational efficiency, reducing total cost of ownership, and supporting sustainability objectives.
When specified and applied strategically, PFP can accelerate project delivery and improve the longevity of critical assets. By optimising protection early in the design and fabrication stages, operators can reduce rework, streamline installation, and extend maintenance cycles, all of which contribute to measurable savings and reduced environmental impact.
In an industry where project schedules are under constant pressure and margins continue to tighten, this shift in mindset matters. Forward-thinking operators are viewing fire protection as an investment in resilience, not an expense. The question is no longer ‘what does it cost?’ but ‘what value does it add over the lifetime of the asset?’
At International, we’ve seen this evolution play out first-hand through our work in passive fire protection. The Chartek range, developed over more than five decades, has become synonymous with durability and performance in the world’s toughest operating environments.
Our latest innovation – Chartek 2218E, introduced at ADIPEC 2025 – represents the next step in that journey. It’s designed specifically for shop-applied steel and achieves a two-hour UL1709 rating in a single-coat application over Charlok mesh. The result is up to 50% fewer application hours and up to 25% less material use, enabling savings in shop-applied costs without compromising on safety or performance.
But what’s most exciting is not just what this means for productivity – it’s what it means for sustainability. Fewer application hours and less material translate to reduced energy use and waste. Over the full project lifecycle, those incremental efficiencies add up to a meaningful reduction in environmental footprint.
That combination of performance, efficiency and sustainability is where PFP’s future lies. As energy systems evolve and asset specifications become more complex, the ability to tailor protection to meet precise operational and environmental needs will define the leaders in this space.
Asset operators should opt for suppliers that continue that long-term strategy with their approach to partnership. This is why at International, we aren't just suppliers, we work with customers over decades, advising and supporting on projects as part of an indefinite future-proofing fire protection strategy.
Our global network of technical specialists works with customers from design through to maintenance and beyond, ensuring every system delivers consistent performance and compliance across regions and project types.
By combining deep technical expertise with local insight, our teams help operators tailor passive fire protection solutions to their unique asset and environmental demands. This collaboration extends beyond product selection – it's also about optimising application efficiency, reducing waste and enhancing long-term durability.
Through this partnership approach, operators gain the confidence to make informed choices that balance productivity, safety and sustainability from the outset, as part of their strategic long term planning.
Through continued innovation and collaboration, the industry must strive to continue to help operators not only protect their assets, but also strengthen the resilience of their entire business. In an era of transition, future-proofing means building smarter, safer and more sustainably, and passive fire protection is proving to be a powerful way to achieve exactly that.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 12 December 2025
- Year: 2025
UAE-based Cleanco Waste Treatment, provider of medical and hazardous waste treatment solutions, has raised its treatment capacity and expanded into the industrial waste segment, supporting the UAE’s net zero goals and the Abu Dhabi Waste Conversion Target 2030
This is thanks to its investments in advanced technologies, including its state-of-the-art ‘Rotary Kiln Incineration (RKI) technology’, recognised as the European Union’s Best Available Techniques (BAT). The company operates two RKI facilities in Al Dhafra and Al Ain Region, both designed, constructed, and operated in strict compliance with EU Directive 2000/76/EC and UAE Emission Standards as outlined in UAE laws.
The advancement allows 90-95% volume reduction, converting waste safely into ashes, which is then disposed of using secured Class I Hazardous Waste Engineered Cell. In addition, Cleanco is collaborating with strategic partners to explore innovative fly ash recovery and conversion solutions, further supporting the UAE’s circular economy goals.
Jamal Abdulla Lootah, Group CEO and President of MEFMA, said, “As one of the largest and most trusted ESPs in the region, a daily cumulative treatment capacity of around 60 tons is an achievement that underscores the importance of what we do every day to protect businesses, communities, and the environment. At Cleanco, we are committed to shaping a greener future by providing innovative solutions and comprehensive support to help our clients adopt sustainable, long-term waste management practices.”
At the Middle East Waste and Recycling (MEWAR) Awards, Cleanco earned the ‘Medical Waste Management Best Practice Award’ in Gold Category, at a time when the UAE expects biomedical waste management to reach US$67mn in 2025 and the hazardous waste sector to reach USD 235.8mn by 2030.
Dr. Jayesh Panchal, general manager, Cleanco Waste Treatment LLC said, “Our technologies and compliance standards are critical, but our impact on communities is what makes us truly unique. Every ton of waste we manage contributes to cleaner cities, safer hospitals, and a better environment for coming generations. As a result, we are proud to have expanded into the industrial waste segment while also sustaining our investments in technologies that promote the conversion and reuse of waste in various forms, ensuring that sustainability can be achieved through innovation and collaboration.”
Currently, the company supports around 3,000 healthcare facilities, commercial establishments, and other industries, ensuring safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible waste management. Additionally, Cleanco has led the Al Qusais Landfill Gas project in Dubai, which includes capping of the landfill, vertical gas wells, gas collection pipework, piping network, along with landfill gas compound.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 4 December 2025
- Year: 2025
The UK’s Fire Protection Association (FPA) has received UKAS accreditation to test to the new watermist standard
The new watermist standard: BS EN 14972-17:2025 – Fixed firefighting systems. Water mist systems – Test protocol for residential occupancies for automatic nozzle systems, replaces BS 8458 that was withdrawn in July 2025.
Isabel Elswood, suppression manager at the FPA, said, “The purpose of BS 14972 has been to align with the European EN 14972 fire testing series to allow for harmonisation of watermist testing standards across a multinational audience in line with the UK’s duties as part of the CENLEC agreement.”
The European EN 14972 series contains 17 parts, with Part 1 covering the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of watermist systems. Parts 2-17 then cover specific fire test protocols for different risk/building types (e.g. retail shops, offices, and garages).
The latest release covered by the new British Standard, Part 17, focuses on residential occupancies, including family dwelling/house, bed and breakfast, apartment buildings, blocks of flats, care homes, small hotels or hostels, and residential areas in hotel bedrooms and guest corridors.
Testing implications
In Wales, where automatic fire suppression systems are legally required in new residential buildings, government guidance currently specifies that watermist fire performance tests should be carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory (or equivalent) and references BS 8458 as an acceptable standard. This is expected to be updated to BS EN 14972-17.
While not mandated for the rest of the UK, third party testing conducted by a UKAS-accredited laboratory evidences the effectiveness of a system via an industry approved method.
Therefore, whilst there is no legislative requirement for systems that have previously been successfully tested to BS 8458 to now be tested to BS EN 14972, designers and installers may wish to do so to evidence that their system has been tested against the latest fire performance test standard, providing assurance of its effectiveness in a fire scenario, the FPA advises.
Speaking about the accreditation, Elswood said, “It is a huge achievement for the FPA to be accredited in such a timely manner and places us at the cutting edge of the industry.
“It took a lot of hard work from the team involved to get to this place, from operations to compliance, and the FPA is proud to be the first in the UK to achieve accreditation and become leaders in the residential watermist testing market.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 3 Deccemebr 2025
- Year: 2025
MSA Safety, a global leader in safety solutions, has launched the Gas Detection Hub, a new digital knowledge platform designed to help safety professionals move beyond reactive risk management and create a proactive, insight-led safety culture
The Hub provides a central destination for expert insight, practical resources, and the latest thinking in gas detection technology. Aimed at safety managers, operational leads, engineers, and decision-makers across key industries, it is free to access with a simple one-time registration. New content is added regularly so that professionals always have access to fresh, relevant information aligned with the latest developments in gas detection and safety.
“The Gas Detection Hub was built with one clear objective: to help safety professionals make informed decisions in high-risk environments by giving them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to enhance worksite safety” said Danny Stranks, MSA Safety Connected Sales Manager. “From real-world case studies to in-depth whitepapers and technical explainers, the Hub offers content that’s not only insightful but also offers the clarity and perspective to help you navigate complex changes.”
The Gas Detection Hub includes:
∙Expert blogs and leadership insight
∙Product information and application guidance
∙Customer stories and case studies
∙On-demand video explainers
∙Industry whitepapers
∙Updates on the latest safety standards and connected technologies
Global reach, local relevance
The Gas Detection Hub is accessible worldwide, with content tailored to regional needs and industry priorities. Whether working in oil and gas, utilities, manufacturing, or any sector where gas detection is important, the Hub serves as the go-to destination for education, expert advice, and connected safety innovation.
To sign up to the Hub, click here.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Topic: HSE
- Date: 2 December 2025
- Year: 2025
The Women in Safety Leadership (WiSL) programme, created by L’Oréal and delivered with RoSPA, Nike, Inc., and Leaderlike Ltd, has just won Most Innovative Institute Approved Programme at the Institute of Leadership Awards 2025
The Women in Safety Leadership (WiSL) programme empowers women to take leadership roles in health and safety, promotes diversity and inclusion through addressing the longstanding gender imbalance in the OSH workforce where only 30% of professionals are women, and ultimately makes workplaces and wider society safer.
Based around three core themes – Leadership by Design, Leadership in Action and Leadership as a Strategy – the training element was updated by Leaderlike Ltd and L’Oréal in 2023 and is delivered by global safety leadership specialist and Leaderlike Ltd founder Karen J Hewitt.
WiSL provides a safe, collaborative space where women from diverse industries can explore their leadership potential and develop their ability to influence across organisations.
Following the initial training session, participants are matched with a mentor to support their continued leadership journey. Participants also become part of the WiSL Alumni Network, enabling them to share advice, develop new skills and work together to inspire the next generation of female health and safety leaders.
More than 100 women have progressed through WiSL since the programme’s launch in 2023, with participants drawn from over 20 countries and a wide range of sectors including construction, utilities and shipping.
Baroness Crawley of Edgbaston, RoSPA vice president and consumer safety champion said, "This prestigious award represents well-deserved recognition for everyone at L’Oréal, RoSPA, Nike, Inc. and Leaderlike Limited, who have all come together to share their passion and expertise to empower women to lead in health and safety – at work, at home, and beyond. Most importantly, it is a testament to the dedication and energy of all of the inspiring women who have participated in the Women in Safety Leadership, and their commitment to developing skills not just for the benefit of their own careers, but to ensure others can work and live their lives free from the risk of accidental harm.’