Page 96 - Occupational Health & Safety, June 2019

EHS SOFTWARE
Mobile improves data flow by extending the enter- prise platform out of the office and onto the site and improves efficiency by facilitating on-the-spot data capture, straight back into the Cloud.
it’s undertaking an inspection, capturing data such as incident re- ports or observations, working to an agreed procedure, managing open actions, or checking site history, all the data needed is avail- able in real time, quickly and easily, in the palm of the hand. Mobile improves data flow by extending the enterprise platform out of the office and onto the site and improves efficiency by facilitating on- the-spot data capture, straight back into the Cloud.
Edge Technology
Building on the foundation of the mobile platform, Edge tech- nology is being used to further enhance information flow to, from, and around the worker. A range of technologies are available, in- cluding smart glasses, wearables, Bluetooth beacons, and virtual assistants, which work to extend the reach of the enterprise plat- form, place intelligence at the edge of the network, and facilitate data capture and reception. As part of the Frontier Technology program, we’re developing Edge technology in the following ways:
■ Voice-activated technology, allowing workers to interact di- rectly with the enterprise platform by voice, providing updates on status, look up reference information such as SDS or regulatory stan- dards, or launch a process such as an observation or incident report.
■ Deliver location-sensitive data from the enterprise platform,
alerting workers as they approach specified areas with information such as risks, open action items, training and PPE requirements, etc. ■ Connecting site workers with remote colleagues through smart glasses, providing real-time audio and visual sharing to sup- port activities such as specialized maintenance procedures, or col- laboration on audits, connecting the on-site operator with an off-
site specialist or manager.
■ Wearable sensors monitor workers’ activity and health to
capture information on both chronic and urgent health issues. Such technology leads to an explosive growth in the amount of data generated, providing unprecedented opportunities for insight based on analytical analysis. The use of analytical tools to investi- gate this data pool can provide new insights into the way an orga- nization is operating, and where optimization efforts should be fo- cused. EHS analytics provides greater insight into what happened and why, allowing greater confidence in predicting and managing
future performance.
In summary, Edge technology can establish a pervasive data
presence on site, providing the worker with full information at the right time and in the right place. Supported by Frontier Tech- nology such as data analytics and machine learning, an organiza- tion can turn its EHS data into a powerful tool for performance improvement.
Technology Empowers Workers
So how does this technology help develop and enhance safety cul- ture within an organization?
Using the technology, supported by an appropriate data man- agement strategy, organizations can leverage their data assets to offer an optimal level of support to its workforce. EHS data man- agement becomes not just a compliance and management tool, but a pragmatic means to optimize day-to-day business processes. It draws its strategic direction from the needs of the worker, making them central to the IT and EHS mission and helping to build a safety culture. It also ensures design and investment decisions are tightly focused on real business requirements.
Using this worker-centric approach, workforce experiences are collected and used to drive change. Organizational resources are mobilized to focus support where it is most effective and are tightly aligned with organizational EHS objectives. Technology operates not just top-down, but also bottom-up, and empowers workers, helping to foster a culture of personal responsibility and perfor- mance excellence.
Peter Walsh, Director, Business Development, Europe Gensuite, is an EHS and Sustainability professional with 25 years’ experience across a diverse range of geographies and roles. His expertise encompasses the full range of EHS and Sustainability aspects, including socio-eco- nomic planning, environmental management, and corporate sustain- ability performance. He has developed specialist expertise in the use of technology to drive operational excellence and resource efficiency and has implemented data and process management systems for nu- merous global clients. He has worked for a range of clients across Aus- tralia and Europe, in the industrial, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, resource, and consumer goods sectors. His professional focus is to help companies use EHS and Sustainability technology to drive improved business performance.
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