NEWS
WORKERS SOUND ALARM ON MAJOR INDUSTRIAL DISASTER RISK AS ‘NEAR MISSES’ INCREASE
https://www.draeger.com/Content/Documents/Content/DSHAW-Report-2026.pdf
New research published as part of the annual Dräger Safety & Health at Work Report has outlined a rising risk of a major industrial disaster, with more than half (53%) of respondents suggesting that the risk of such an event in their sector is higher today than it was 10 years ago.
The report, which is now in its sixth year and based on independent research commissioned by Draeger Safety UK, part of The Dräger Group, also explores the rise of ‘near misses’ in workplace safety, with half (51%) reporting that such events have increased in the last two years.
When it comes to the reasons behind the concerning findings, global volatility and uncertainty appear at least partly to blame, with almost three-quarters (72%) saying that supply chain disruptions have made it harder to obtain parts, materials, or support, and a further 69% reporting that global uncertainty has increased stress and fatigue, contributing to workplace errors or unsafe behaviours.
Frequent organisational changes or strategy shifts, driven by external volatility, are also making safety harder to manage, according to 61% of those taking part in the research, with global uncertainty increasing operational pressure, making it harder for people to focus on safety- critical tasks.
Respondents also report that staff fatigue, pressure to do more with less, as well as rising stress levels among workers and a reluctance among employees to speak up, are also to blame for the rise in near misses.
Perhaps most concerningly, almost two-thirds (63%) of ‘front line’ workers say that their employers don’t understand just how bad things have become ‘on the ground’ when it comes to workplace safety.
Matthew Bedford, Managing Director of Draeger Safety UK, said: “Over the past six years, the landscape of workplace health and safety has continued to shift, shaped by the immediate disruption of the pandemic, ongoing financial pressures, global instability, and changing workforce expectations as new generations enter employment.
“The findings of the 2026 report reflect a wider environment of ongoing global uncertainty and volatility, and concerningly, suggest that the ‘perfect storm’ of factors affecting workplace safety and health, as highlighted in last year’s report, may be closer to making landfall than is comfortable.
“If there is one clear message for health and safety professionals, it is that the warning signs are now unmistakable. It is imperative that organisations listen and act.”
http://www.draeger.com CHEMICAL FIRM FINED £3.8M AFTER TWO WORKERS SUFFER SERIOUS BURNS
An Essex-based chemical manufacturer has been fined £3.8m after two workers suffered serious injuries in separate incidents involving exposure to caustic soda, highlighting the importance of effective risk controls and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Industrial Chemicals Ltd (ICL) pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations following Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigations into incidents at its West Thurrock and Grays sites.
The most serious incident occurred in December 2019 when chemical loader Michael Bartholomew stepped into a puddle containing caustic soda while working at the company’s West Thurrock facility. HSE found the safety boots provided were not in good condition and had not been adequately tested against relevant British Standards for chemical protection. Mr Bartholomew suffered severe burns, resulting in the amputation of his leg below the knee.
Investigators also identified multiple leaks from pipework, hoses and vessels across the site, alongside inadequate maintenance, poor spill management and insufficient safe walkways.
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A second incident took place in August 2022 at ICL’s Titan Works site in Grays. An employee suffered chemical burns requiring skin grafts after caustic soda dripped onto his foot while he was manually decanting the substance into containers. HSE found there was no suitable risk assessment or documented safe system of work for the task.
The regulator concluded that the company had consistently failed to adequately assess and control the risks associated with handling hazardous chemicals. In the second case, an existing automated dosing system could have been used to eliminate manual handling of the corrosive substance altogether.
HSE Inspector Julia Gebauer said the incidents demonstrated “a pattern of avoidable risks” and stressed that employers must prioritise preventing exposure to hazardous substances, with PPE forming part of a wider risk-control strategy rather than the primary safeguard.
ICL was also ordered to pay costs of £124,748.
www.hse.gov.uk
WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM
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