Meet John Fairclough — Unlocking Smarter Safety Through AI and Wearable Technology
Wearables, AI, and a Smarter Future for Safety: How Refresco UK Is Reducing Risk and Empowering Frontline Teams
As Head of Health, Safety, and Environment at Refresco UK, John Fairclough is responsible for six factories and the teams that keep them running safely. His focus is on finding smarter ways to reduce risk, empower frontline workers, and embrace technology that saves time.
With wearable technology and AI integrated into Benchmark Gensuite, Refresco UK is modernising concern reporting, accelerating compliance processes, and giving safety professionals more time to focus on prevention and strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Refresco UK is piloting wearable technology to connect frontline concern reporting directly into Benchmark Gensuite.
- AI reduces administrative work from hours to minutes, freeing safety professionals to focus on strategy and prevention.
- John sees AI agents as virtual safety professionals, helping businesses expand capacity where resources are limited.
- In EHS compliance, AI is a clear advantage for saving time and unlocking operational potential.
Subscriber Spotlight Q&A with John Fairclough
Head of HSE at Refresco UK
Can you tell us about a project at Refresco that excites you right now?
John: We’re piloting HSE wearable technology. Operators on the shop floor can now use wearables to report a concern instantly. They just push a button and it links directly into Benchmark Gensuite. That raises a concern in real time so we can take action immediately.
At first, some people were worried it meant they were being watched. But once they saw how it worked and the reports it generated, they got on board. Now there’s real excitement about integrating it with concern reporting.
How has AI changed the way your team works?
John: When I started in health and safety, everything was manual and paper based. You were on the shop floor with a pen and clipboard. Now AI has transformed the work.
Whether it’s risk assessments, ergonomic reviews, or scanning hazards with cameras, the time savings are massive. Something that used to take hours, like uploading a permit and mapping out requirements, now takes 10 minutes.
AI doesn’t replace people. It gives professionals the time and tools to focus on what matters, strategy, severity, and prevention.
What would you say to leaders hesitant about AI?
John: Look at the results. People always said “work smarter, not harder,” and I used to find that frustrating because there’s so much to do. But now, with AI, that phrase has finally come to life.
In EHS compliance, it’s a no brainer. AI helps you save time, unlock resources, and support your teams better.
Looking ahead, how do you see AI evolving in EHS?
John: Businesses that use AI properly will gain huge advantages. With Benchmark Gensuite, I feel like we’re only using about 20 percent of its capabilities today. There’s so much more to unlock.
I see AI agents becoming trusted interns or even virtual safety professionals. When resources are stretched, adding that kind of support could be like gaining another headcount. That’s the future, and it’s bright for safety.
About Refresco
Refresco is a leading independent beverage solutions provider in Europe and North America. The company partners with global brands and retailers to produce a wide range of beverages, operating manufacturing facilities that prioritise safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
About Benchmark Gensuite
Benchmark Gensuite delivers AI-forward, best-in-class digital EHS, Sustainability, Quality, and Risk solutions for global enterprises. Powered by a single-version, cloud-based platform and enriched by a rapidly expanding suite of generative AI tools, Benchmark Gensuite empowers more than 4 million users across industries to proactively manage risk, ensure compliance, and accelerate performance.
With over two decades of domain expertise, award-winning customer service, and a commitment to continuous innovation, Benchmark Gensuite is the trusted partner for organizations seeking both operational excellence and strategic impact.
