With over 63,000 visitors, the recent staging of A+A 2013, International Trade Fair with Congress for Safety, Security and Health at Work, in Düsseldorf, Germany closed with a new increase in visitor participation (2011: 60,100) as well as a further rise in interest from international visitors. These results impressively underline the event’s leading global position as a market and communication platform for health and safety at work. More than 1,600 exhibitors from 55 nations showcased the latest trends for safety, security and health at work as well as special equipment for disaster/emergency management. “More than one in four visitors came from outside of Germany. Our partner country activities launched in 2009 are generating valuable contacts both in political and commercial terms. These contacts help our exhibitors to open up attractive growth markets,” stated Joachim Schäfer, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf.

After Russia (2009) and Poland (2011) this year’s partner country at A+A was Turkey. A working population of 23 million offers great user potential, particularly in personal protective equipment and corporate fashion. At A+A 2013, Halil Etyemez, Turkey’s Deputy Minister for Labor and Social Security, reported about the enormous efforts in his country geared towards improving health and safety at work through a stricter legal framework and far-reaching occupational safety provisions. Relations with Turkey at the political and occupational safety level will be further intensified: in cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Messe Düsseldorf and its Turkish subsidiary will organize the first Turkish Occupational Safety + Health Exhibition (TOS+H Expo) in Istanbul from May 5 - 7, 2014.

Positive atmosphere in the halls – Market on course for growth

“A+A has given another strong boost to business in our dynamic sector. The halls were filled with large visitor numbers on all days of the trade fair. Anyone coming to A+A is very quality-focused. Our customers invest in the safety of their staff, ensure great wear comfort, appealing design and suitability of application for their protective equipment and clothing,” said Klaus Bornack, President of the A+A 2013 Advisory Board and Managing Director of Bornack GmbH & Co. KG.

The market signals are also positive. According to results from a survey conducted by macrom and presented at A+A 2013, the market volume for personal protective equipment in Germany stands at approximately Euro 1.7 million annually. This corresponds to a 35% growth between 2004 and 2012.

The 48 North American companies showcasing their products at A+A 2013 were pleased with the positive mood at the show. 19 of these exhibitors participated in the successful North American Pavilion, organized by Messe Düsseldorf North America and supported by the National Safety Council (NSC).

Prevention provides economic advantages

The international A+A Congress attracted some 5,500 participants. Just as the international conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) did, the A+A Congress focused on prevention, the recognition of occupational diseases and the correct treatment of those affected. “Prevention is an investment in the future. Maintaining and promoting the health and performance of employees is gaining importance internationally for companies, social security and in politics,” explained Bruno Zwingmann, Managing Director at the German Federal Association for Occupational Safety and Health. He added that a safe and healthy working environment decisively contributes to companies’ innovative and competitive edge.

According to Dr. Christa Sedlatschek, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), multiple concepts are required due to demographic developments:  “We need to have a positive impact on the ability to work. This impacts issues such as work structuring, work organization, mental health, juggling work and family life, job security and also the better integration of immigrants. Also, young people are the old people of the future. We should attempt to win them over in favor of safety at work and prevention.” 

The next A+A will be held from October 27 - 30, 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at A+A 2015, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com; Visit our web site www.mdna.com; Subscribe to our blog at http://blog.mdna.com; Follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/OccSafety_MDNA

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