Page 51 - OHS, May 2021

WEARABLE DEVICES
Wearable Devices and Lone Workers: The Importance of Connectivity
By sharing data and information out to teammates and supervisors, wearable devices can have a positive impact even in the most hazardous of situations.
BY RYAN CANTWELL
When working on site, workers need to be able to rely on the equipment they have on hand. Many wearable devices have connectivity features designed to share information. This can be helpful in the event of a hazardous situation. When a worker can carry this equipment on them, they are able to stay in touch with other co-workers, managers and the safety team.
Wearable devices are exactly what they sound like: devices that you wear on your person. Wearing a device, such as a gas monitor on your body, means you attach it and don’t have to constantly
think about the device. Because of this, it is especially important for these devices to be in excellent working order on the job. Since a worker isn’t always thinking about the device, they need to be able to trust that it’s working as planned. Wearable devices offer an extra layer of protection between workers and potentially harmful gases. They also allow you to stay “in the know” when it comes to your team in the field.
Wearable Device Benefits
What are the benefits of a wearable device? These devices allow
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MAY 2021 | Occupational Health & Safety 47
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