Playing it safe at work: OS+H Asia 2018
OS+H Asia will feature product demonstrations, seminars and technical presentations by safety and health professionals, thought leaders and policy-makers. Photos: Messe Duesseldorf Asia
Age may be nothing but a number, but a recent Ministry of Manpower (MOM) report (WSH 2018 Plus) showed an increased incidence of workplace injuries affecting workers aged 55 and above, even as the overall injury rate fell.
In addition, though the construction workplace fatality rate for 2017 was 2.6 per 100,000 employees – down from 7.2 per 100,000 in 2013 – there is growing concern among observers that the rate will increase alongside heightened construction activity in the near future.
While the MOM has announced greater enforcement measures in addition to existing incentives such as the WSH (Workplace Safety and Health) Culture Fund, companies, regulators, safety professionals and other stakeholders will also be marking OS+H Asia on their calendars. The biennial Occupational Safety and Health Exhibition for Asia – now in its 11th year – runs from Aug 29 to 31 at Suntec Singapore, in concurrence with the Singapore WSH Conference 2018 and the Forum on Workplace Safety and Health 2018.
THE LATEST IN SAFETY AND HEALTH NEEDS
This year, OS+H Asia expects to attract an estimated 5,000 international and local visitors. Its 200 exhibitors hail from 25 countries. First-time participants include up-and-coming exhibitors from Brazil, Russia and Ireland, as well as prominent names in the occupational safety field, such as 3M Technologies, Fujitsu Asia and Galmon.
Over 1,500 products and services will be on display at the exhibition, giving visitors the opportunity to interact first-hand with cutting-edge WSH technologies and solutions, and engage in sourcing and procurement.
The exhibition goes beyond standard operational safety equipment to feature the latest services, products and developments. These will be of interest to a wide range of safety professionals, including but not limited to industry regulators and advisors, engineering and technical professionals, safety procurement consultants and experts.
AN EXPANDED DEFINITION OF WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH
Selected for their strong relevance to exhibitors and global WSH concerns, the seven focus areas of OS+H Asia 2018 include issues familiar to local and regional companies – such as environmental control and fire protection – as well as newer threats, such as crisis and emergency management.
The other focus areas are smart technologies, work at height – one of the most common causes of construction worksite deaths – health at work, and workplace ergonomics, both of which are especially pertinent in the light of Singapore’s ageing and stressed population. In recent years, the definition of workplace health has expanded to incorporate mental well-being, with companies eager to tackle stress and depression in their workforce, both of which are acknowledged to impact workplace efficiency and contribute to employee attrition.
While mental health services and solutions are a new focus, physically, workplaces are continuing to become more comfortable. The science of ergonomics is advancing to new heights, with workstations equipped with the latest ergonomic equipment and accessories promising to ease fatigue, increase productivity and even play a role in extending older workers’ employment.
MORE THAN A SHOWCASE
OS+H Asia also features a line-up of product demonstrations, seminars and technical presentations by safety and health professionals, thought leaders and policy-makers. For visitors who are short on time or simply require assistance sorting through the extensive list of exhibitors in order to identify potential suppliers or partners, there is a free business matching service that offers opportunities to review exhibitor profiles and schedule in-person appointments during OS+H Asia.
In addition, the day-long Forum on Workplace Safety and Health 2018 takes place on Aug 31. At the forum, WSH professionals will gain insights into new industry developments and concerns, technological innovations and updates on competency requirements. The forum covers topics like Zero Harm Strategies and Practices in the Pharmaceutical Industry, as well as more general issues like going paperless in WSH documentation, management strategies to enhance employees’ mental health and addressing the threat of terrorism in workplaces.
For professionals in the occupational safety and health industry, OS+H Asia 2018 is not to be missed. Admission is free. Pre-registration on osha-singapore.com is required, and the first 1,000 registrants will receive a gift.
