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WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY Myth-Busting Wearables metamorworks/Shutterstock.com Three common myths about putting wearables to work in your health and safety program. BY SHAWN GREGG It’s hard to believe that it was only a decade ago when Google Glass made an entry into the market. At that time, smart glass- es creating a ubiquitous computer and wearable for the gen- eral public seemed futuristic. However, over the last few years, we’ve seen the use of wearables fast-tracked across both consumer and business use. At the same time, the pandemic challenged assumptions about worker safety, health and well-being, and it helped intensify the focus corporations place on mitigating risk. As consumers get more comfortable wearing data-producing sensors in their personal lives, it has been easier to introduce them in an industrial setting in facilities like warehousing environments. Consider that sensors (like an RFID tag) can be added to make condition monitoring possible in devices that previously didn’t have those capabilities—even a shirt. As we highlighted1 last year, Wesco deployed wearables in our warehouses as part of a 2021 pilot program with the goal of ensuring warehouse safety. By deploying small sensors the size of a keyfob on the back of employees’ shirts, we sought to reduce the risks associated with manual material handling, specifically spine hazards. The sensor would vibrate and beep when hazardous movement was detected (in the same way newer cars have lane departure warnings) and stop when the movement was corrected. The goal was to help educate associates about posture, repetition and other factors that could harm them. While this example applies to warehouses, it is transferable to other industries where there is a risk of ergonomic injuries—from manufacturing to construction. Not only do wearables make employees safer, but employers who invest in them as part of a comprehensive safety program demonstrate their commitment to a culture of safety. In an increasingly competitive hiring landscape, a workplace with a strong safety culture often sees direct links to employee engagement, retention, job satisfaction and a sense of community. If you want to get started on implementing wearables in your 70 Occupational Health & Safety | JULY/AUGUST 2023 www.ohsonline.com