Industrial Safety Landscape in Asia Pacific

James Large, Vice President of Asia Pacific Operations, Pilz GmbH & Co. KG. James is a seasoned leader and strategist with 25+ years of experience in industrial automation with facets of Sales & Marketing, Product Development and Production. James has a proven track record in driving B2B growth and profitability across cultures, predominantly within manufacturing industries.

In conversation with Prisila, correspondent, Asia Business Outlook Magazine, James discusses Industrial Safety in Asia Pacific, noting regional variations. He explores how automation tech influences safety protocols in diverse Asian contexts.

1. Give us a simple introduction to Industrial Automation and how safety relates to it.

Industrial automation involves the use of machines and technology to perform tasks that were previously done by humans. With the increased use of automation, it is important to ensure the safety of both the workers and the machines involved making safety a critical aspect of Industrial automation.

Safety in industrial automation can be achieved through various measures – from conceptualising the design of automation systems, and implementing and validating them, and ensuring regular maintenance and inspections of these systems. Additionally, proper training and education for workers is crucial. They should be trained on how to operate the machines safely, how to respond in emergency situations, and how to identify potential risks.

Overall, safety in industrial automation is about minimizing risks and creating a safe working environment for both humans and machines.

2. What does the landscape of Industrial Safety look like in Asia Pacific? How different can it get across different parts of Asia?

Asia Pacific region is making progress in improving industrial safety with the rapid industrialisation in the region. However, challenges such as cultural differences, language barriers, and varying levels of industrial development still exist.

Developed countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia have well-established industrial safety regulations and practices. They have robust regulatory bodies, strict enforcement, and comprehensive safety standards supported by the countries’ governing bodies. Other developing countries may still lack safety practices and standards due to factors like limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a large informal sector.

Therefore, continuous advocacy for industrial safety and support from the government will be extremely beneficial to further develop industrial safety standards in developing countries.

3. What are some of the key challenges you face in overseeing operations and driving growth in such a diverse and dynamic region?

The APAC region is known for its dynamic and rapidly changing markets. Economic, political, and social factors can impact market conditions, consumer behaviour and business operations. Adapting to these challenges along with the diverse cultural differences and business practices can be a significant challenge to stay ahead of the competition.

4. How do advancements in automation technology impact the way we approach safety measures and protocols in industrial settings?

Advancements in automation technology offer numerous benefits in industrial settings. These advancements influence safety protocols by reducing human errors, enhancing monitoring and control, and allowing for predictive maintenance and remote operations, for example. It is important to note though that with all these advancements, comes new challenges. These include the need for specialised training for workers to operate and maintain automated systems, industrial cybersecurity considerations and potential job displacement. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the integration of automation technology in industrial settings with a comprehensive safety and security strategy that includes risk assessments, training programs and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

"Industrial systems are now vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data or even cause physical harm"

5. In your opinion, what are some of the emerging trends and technologies in the industrial automation and safety space that are shaping the future of the industry?

The notable trends would definitely be AI, Robotics, and IoT but I would like to focus on another emerging trend – Industrial Security. Industrial security is gaining significance in industrial settings because truly, there is no safety without security. With the rise of IoT and interconnected systems, industrial automation is becoming more connected than ever before. While this connectivity brings numerous benefits, it also increases the potential attack surface for cyber threats. Industrial systems are now vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data or even cause physical harm.

6. In the context of industrial automation, what are some common cyber threats and vulnerabilities that companies need to guard against?

Malicious software can infiltrate industrial systems and disrupt operations, steal data or hold systems hostage for ransom. Employees or contractors with unauthorised access to industrial systems can pose a significant risk. Companies should have strict access controls, and monitoring systems and implement strong authentication protocols that can help guard against these vulnerabilities.

It is also important for employees at all levels to receive proper training on cybersecurity best practices, recognising potential threats, and reporting suspicious activities. Creating a culture of safety and security awareness is crucial to protecting operations, personnel, data, and reputation.