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2.3. Integration of Technology. Technology has played a significant role in advancing industrial
safety. The integration of sensors, automation, and data analytics has enabled real-time monitoring of
hazards, predictive maintenance, and enhanced risk assessment capabilities. Internet of Things (IoT)
devices, wearables, and digital platforms have facilitated improved communication, reporting, and
analysis of safety data.

2.4. Regulatory Frameworks. Governments and regulatory bodies have strengthened industrial
safety regulations and standards to ensure a higher level of safety in various industries. Compliance
requirements and enforcement measures have been implemented to reduce accidents, protect
workers, and minimise environmental risks. International standards, such as ISO 45001 for
occupational health and safety management systems, have gained traction.

2.5. Safety Culture and Leadership. Organisations have recognised the importance of fostering a
strong safety culture and leadership commitment to achieve sustainable safety performance. Safety
leadership training, employee engagement programmes, and safety recognition initiatives have become
integral parts of safety management systems. Safety culture assessments and audits help identify areas
for improvement.

2.6. Focus on Process Safety. Process safety management has received increased attention in recent
years, particularly in high-hazard industries such as oil and gas, civilian nuclear power, chemicals, and
manufacturing. Process safety standards, risk assessment methodologies, and safety critical elements
have been developed to prevent catastrophic incidents and ensure the safe operation of complex
processes.

2.7. Psychological Well-being. Mental health and psychological well-being have gained recognition as
crucial aspects of industrial safety. Addressing stress, fatigue, and psychological risks in the workplace is
now considered vital for maintaining a safe and healthy workforce. Companies have started
implementing employee assistance programmes, stress management initiatives, and policies to support
mental well-being.

These are some of the notable trends and developments in the recent history of industrial safety
evolution. The focus on proactive approaches, human factors, technology integration, regulatory
frameworks, safety culture, process safety, and psychological well-being reflects the ongoing efforts to
continually improve safety practices and protect workers in industrial environments.

3. An Industrial Safety Mindset: The Swiss Cheese Model

The Swiss Cheese Model, also known as the “cumulative act effect” model, is a widely recognised
conceptual framework used in the field of industrial safety. It was originally developed by James Reason,
a prominent psychologist and expert in human error. The model provides a visual representation of
how accidents or incidents occur in complex systems, emphasising the role of multiple latent and active
failures.

The model is called the Swiss Cheese Model because it likens the layers of defence within a system to
slices of cheese, where each slice represents a barrier or safeguard against accidents. In a well
functioning system, these layers align and create a robust defence, akin to a solid block of cheese
without any holes. However, when an accident occurs, it is often due to the alignment of various failures
or “holes” in these layers.

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