Page 32 - OHS, October 2022

WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
Modern Technology Results in Improved Workplace Safety
The use of technology will continue to play a role in the improvement of workplace safety.
IBY KEVAN ORVITZ
nstead of policy reform, improvements in workplace health and safety are frequently the result of technological advancement. Even in hazardous workplaces, technological improvements may help improve workplace safety. Consider the construction
business, for example. These individuals are engaged in seemingly endless, demanding physical activity. The same goes for mining, manufacturing and transportation industries. Each of these vocations requires workers to be in close proximity to heavy machinery, work with hazardous chemicals and lift large loads, all while working on their feet for hours on end.
Utilizing technological advancements can help to improve workplace safety in these potentially hazardous environments. Safety managers have a moral responsibility to seek out technology driven ergonomic solutions to make their workforce safer.
Some technological advancements that help improve workplace safety are:
PPE. This is equipment worn by workers to protect themselves from potential hazards in the workplace. Common examples of PPE include gloves, goggles, hard hats, and earplugs.
Machine Guards. These are physical barriers that are placed on or around machinery to protect workers from being injured by moving parts.
Automation. This is the use of machines to perform tasks that would otherwise be completed by human workers. Automation can help to improve workplace safety by reducing the number of human workers who are exposed to potential hazards.
Safety Training. This is training that helps workers learn about potential hazards in the workplace and how to best avoid them. Safety training can be delivered through classroom instruction, online courses or video presentations.
Technology has also played a role in the development of new safety standards. For example, OSHA was established in 1971 in response to the increasing number of work-related injuries and fatalities. OSHA establishes and enforces safety standards in the workplace. These standards are designed to protect workers from potential hazards, such as exposure to harmful chemicals or being struck by a falling object.
The use of technology has also helped to improve the effectiveness of safety inspections. Safety inspectors now have access to tools, such as infrared cameras and drones, that help them to identify potential hazards in the workplace. These tools allow inspectors to identify hazards that would otherwise be difficult to see.
Technology has also helped to improve the way that safety data is collected and analyzed. Safety data can now be collected elec- tronically, which makes it easier to track and trend safety data over time. In addition, safety data can now be analyzed using statistical methods, which helps to identify patterns and trends in the data.
One of the simplest and most interesting technological advancements that continues to improve workplace safety in these industries is wearable technology. For example, exoskeletons can help to reduce the risk of injuries by providing workers with
Safety managers have a moral responsibility to seek out technology to make their workforce safer.
additional support and helping to distribute weight more evenly. This type of technology is particularly beneficial for workers who perform physically demanding tasks on a regular basis. In addition, wearable technology can help workers to stay aware of potential hazards in their environment. For example, some wearable devices can provide workers with real-time alerts if they are exposed to a hazardous substance.
The use of technology will continue to play a role in the improvement of workplace safety. As new technologies are developed, it is important for safety managers to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements and to seek out ways to incorporate new technologies into their safety programs.
Technology has always been a driving force behind advancements in the workplace, from the introduction of the printing press to the industrial revolution. Today, we continue to see new technologies emerge that have the potential to improve worker safety. Currently there is a new generation of wearable tech for the workplace in development. This revolutionary state- of-the-art technology will provide accurate risk assessment and rehabilitation data alongside analytical key metrics allowing companies to proactively maximize employee engagement, productivity and reduce risk.
This cutting-edge technology is designed to precisely fit into any lower extremity safety PPE solution and will provide 10 key basic metrics which are essential for companies to design and integrate technology to understand key movement information of their workforce.
This innovative technology integrates safety and activity monitoring to help employers predict slips, trips and falls before they happen. By tracking various other safety risks, companies can proactively identify and solve problems before they cause any major accidents or injuries. And as an added bonus, this valuable data can also be used to reduce healthcare and insurance costs.
Although this emerging technology is still in its early stages, it has the potential to revolutionize workplace safety and make our workplaces much safer places. After further development, this state-of-the-art technology could be used to predict and prevent a wide variety of other workplace accidents and injuries.
Currently, this advanced tech utilizes a new type of sensor that could revolutionize safety management. This sensor is known
28 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2022
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