Asian occupational safety exhibition highlights workplace issues
The 14th edition of OS+H Asia, held from 11-13 September 2024 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, had 130 exhibitors from 17 countries and welcomed over 6,000 trade visitors from 40 countries, more than doubling the attendance compared to the previous edition in 2022.
Over the three days, more than 1,000 workplace safety, security, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hygiene products and solutions were showcased by leading local and international brands such as Birkenstock Southeast Asia, Draeger Singapore, Fischer Bell, Innogreen Solution, and the Institute of Ergonomics and Hygiene.
Gernot Ringling, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf Asia, organiser of OS+H Asia, shared: “The increase in exhibitor and visitor numbers from 2022, and the strong internationality of visitors from the region and as far as Australia, Hong Kong, and India, reflect the growing demand for robust workplace safety and health (WSH) practices across diverse industries, from building and construction to environmental protection, waste management, marine and offshore, food and beverage (F&B), hospitality, and healthcare.”
Ringling added: “The high attendance for the seminars on topics ranging from workplace harassment and bullying to workplace mental health, shows that WSH professionals are increasingly recognising that workplace safety goes beyond protective equipment and encompasses mental and emotional well-being, particularly in environments where physical protection may not be the primary focus.”
This year also saw strong attendance from international delegations, with notable groups from Indonesia and Malaysia. Delegations from National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Malaysia, and the Batam Manpower and Transmigration Department, engaged with exhibitors, exploring the latest innovations and discussing potential crossborder collaborations to strengthen workplace safety practices across Southeast Asia.
The two delegations were also part of a plenary discussion session entitled Workplace Safety Implementation Synergies Across Singapore, Indonesia (Riau Islands), and Malaysia (Johor). Their presence underscored the growing regional focus on enhancing safety standards and sharing best practices in WSH.
Andre Affendie, Sales and Service Manager from UNISafe, a long-time exhibitor at OS+H Asia, praised the show’s move to Marina Bay Sands: “Moving OS+H Asia 2024 to this centralized location makes it easy for visitors to find and visit us. Our participation at OS+H Asia has been helping us make new connections and partnerships, while increasing awareness of our brand,” The company has been exhibiting at OS+H Asia for nearly 14 years.
First-time exhibitor, Cindy Sia, Research Engineer from Biorobotics Lab at National University of Singapore (NUS), echoed the statement: “We were looking forward to displaying our prototype exoskeleton at the EXO PARK as we were actively seeking investment opportunities for the product. We were delighted to make some connections and hear valuable feedback from visitors on how the exoskeleton could be further improved.”
The next edition of OS+H Asia will take place from 9-11 September 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
For more information, visit www.oshasingapore.com.