Testing the market for a Network for Regulatory Innovation in Safetytech (NRIS) with Innovate UK Backing

London – July 30th, 2024 – Safetytech Accelerator has announced the launch of its newest collaboration with Discovering Safety, a programme led by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), exploring the value of a Network for Regulatory Innovation in Safetytech (NRIS). NRIS is an initiative funded by Innovate UK under the UK Regulatory Science and Innovation Networks – Discovery phase.

NRIS  aims to accelerate technology into industrial environments through closer alignment of needs and provision of technology, and to remove regulation as a barrier to innovation for both industry and technology alike. The project is expected to contribute to increased workplace safety by fostering closer collaboration between technology providers, regulators, construction and heavy-civils contractors.

Addressing Safety Challenges in Construction and Heavy Civils
Despite advancements in technology, workplace injuries remain a significant concern. In 2021/22, HSE reported 38,211 serious accidents in construction alone, resulting in an estimated cost of £660 million. While the emergence of AI, robotics, and mobile computing presents a unique opportunity to transform safety outcomes, substantial obstacles hinder progress. Regulatory alignment stands as a  barrier influencing decision-making in technology procurement and sales.

Leveraging Past Success: Building on a Strong Foundation
Over the past two years, Discovering Safety (led by the HSE) and Safetytech Accelerator have collaborated on various initiatives to promote safety innovation in construction. These initiatives included the world’s first Industrial Safetytech Regulatory Sandbox and the ongoing Smarter Regulation Sandbox. These individual projects have not only organically fostered a community of innovators that includes both industry and tech but shown the power of collaboration in and of itself. New relationships are formed between the regulator, tech companies and industry that have generated novel partnerships between the three groups of stakeholders that are beneficial for all. NRIS builds upon these successes by formalising this existing network into a sustainable platform for collaboration in construction and heavy civils.

NRIS: A Collaborative Approach
During this discovery phase, we are seeking views from industry, academia and technology providers to define the structure and individual requirements from such a network.

This consultation includes a series of interviews, an online survey and a workshop which was held in July. The project will hence co-create an implementation plan outlining the network’s vision, objectives, key activities, governance structure, and communication strategy to be submitted to Innovate UK for further funding.

NRIS represents a significant step forward in fostering a collaborative ecosystem that prioritises safety while embracing technological advancements. We’ll be sharing the project outcomes here on our website, and on LinkedIn. Follow us for further announcements.

Notes to Editors

About Safetytech Accelerator

Safetytech Accelerator, established by Lloyd’s Register, is the first fully dedicated technology accelerator focused on advancing innovation in safety critical industries, with a mission to make the world safer, more resilient, and more sustainable through the wider adoption of technology. For more info visit: SafetytechAccelerator.org

About Discovering Safety
Discovering Safety is a groundbreaking project being delivered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and partners including Safetytech Accelerator. Funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, it aims to improve health, safety and operational performance through the use of innovative data and analytical techniques. It has developed and is delivering a programme of work which includes industry-endorsed, proof-of-concept applications, based on insights from HSE and other data partners. Discoveringsafety.com

About the Health and Safety Executive
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives. Our role goes beyond worker protection to include public assurance. We work to ensure people feel safe where they live, where they work and, in their environment. Hse.gov.uk

About Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is creating a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. We provide targeted sectors with expertise, facilities and funding to test, demonstrate and evolve their ideas, driving UK productivity and economic growth. Join our network and communities of innovators to realise the potential of your ideas and accelerate business growth. Innovate UK: inspiring business innovation.