With growing awareness of the importance of ensuring personal safety in the workplace and instituting stringent safety regulations towards that end, the Middle East market for personal protective equipment and safety gear is in an exciting growth phase, according to the organiser of Intersec, the region’s premier safety, security and policing trade event to be held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 15-17 January 2012.

With industry research estimating that 80% of the accidents in the workplace - ranging from a simple finger cut to more serious accidents - are due to non-compliance in the use of personal protective equipment, there is an increased industry-wide push to impose greater adherence to safety regulations.

According to Global Industry Analysts, the world market for personal protective equipment is expected to be worth $33.3 billion by 2015. A large part of this growth is set to be driven by the strict emphasis by governments on safety regulations and mandates, increased awareness of safety and health issues and growing professionalism among the workforce.

“The Middle East is a far safer working environment today than ever before, thanks to the increasing attention to implementing strict regulations and safety guidelines by governments across the region,” said Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Intersec.

“The use of customised safety equipment and personal protective gear is now widespread and set to increase even further thanks to improved awareness of health and safety issues and the growing implementation of industry best practices across construction sites, factories, workshops and the entire petrochemical industry,” he added.

The region’s safety needs have spurred suppliers and manufacturers to provide unique solutions geared to combat what can be harsh working environments due to the region’s extreme weather conditions and harsh desert climate. The growing trend towards comfortable and easy to use safety equipment is a significant new development, with manufacturers and designers introducing comfortable safety gear that improves workers’ efficiency while at the same time heightening safety standards.

Intersec 2012 will feature a comprehensive range of the latest developments and trends in personal protective equipment and safety gear in its Safety and Health segment.

The LHD Group of Companies will be exhibiting their range of personal protective equipment for fire fighters, rescue, police and security forces, as well as emergency medical services during Intersec.

Global work wear brand Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. will launch their registered entity in the Middle East in January. Philip Williamson, Chairman and CEO, Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co., said: “The economy in the Middle East is growing exponentially across any number of industries. We believe these investments will strengthen our competitiveness in the Middle East marketplace.”

On show at the event will be the latest in available products and services including Chemical Protection Suits, Protective Eyewear, Life Jackets, Corporate Wear/Uniforms, Safety at Work Equipment, Emergency Exit Detection Systems, Beacons, Warning Signs, Safety Glass, First Aid and Medical Equipment, Health at Work, High Risk Prevention, Explosion Protection, Construction Safety, Road Safety, Gas Monitoring, Waste Treatment and Air Pollution Control equipment to name a few areas.

As part of the Conference series running parallel to the exhibition, the Maritime Security Summit, Fire System Integrity Assurance Workshop and the Emergency Planning for Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals workshop will address some of the key issues relating to safety in the workplace within these sectors.

Intersec 2012 will feature personal protective equipment from exhibiting companies such as MSA, JAL Group, Tempex, Draeger Safety, NAFFCO, Ateis, Akron Brass, Hockiki, BSI, DuPont Fluoroproducts, Advanced Electronics and Cooper via Haven Fire, to name a few.