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Connected Safety Culture How to leverage connected safety to reinforce a culture of safety. BY LORENZA ORDONEZ Connected safety solutions have the potential to trans- form the workplace by protecting both employees and the bottom line. These solutions, including video analytics, sensors, wearables, robotics and other IoT devices, have emerged as a tech-enabled way to help savvy orga- nizations build, establish, and maintain a culture of safety. This is especially important, considering that workplace injuries cost companies more than $167 billion in 2021, according to the Na- tional Safety Council1. But how do you use your safety technology programs to take your safety culture to the next level? Specific Technology Applications Innovation abounds when it comes to safety technology. Here are some of the new and emerging technologies businesses are utiliz- ing to power their safety efforts: 1. Smart cameras can detect and analyze hazards, ensure oc- cupancy complies with regulations, and assess ergonomics and PPE compliance. The data they collect can be used with other IoT-driven applications or as standalone insights. 2. Wearable devices perform a range of safety tasks, such as providing immediate haptic feedback if workers engage in unsafe activities or are in unsafe conditions. For example, if carbon mon- oxide levels become too high, a wearable device can alert workers that they need to leave. They can also monitor and trigger alerts based on biometric data, such as heart rate and temperature. 3. Sensors can monitor environmental conditions, such as indoor air quality, floor sweat detection (dewpoint) and temper- ature. This lets organizations consistently monitor work condi- tions to detect and address issues before they become hazards. 4. Robots can handle repetitive, physically demanding, injuri- ous, or hazardous tasks, as well as remove employees from those dangerous situations. As an added benefit, robots can free work- ers up for other, more skilled activities. 5. Virtual reality (VR) can be used for safety training purpos- es. A powerful tool that simulates real-world situations, VR lets workers safely train on potentially hazardous scenarios. 6. Safety management software helps manage safety programs and assets, and track metrics associated with environmental, health and safety efforts. By integrating all key data feeds into one system, organizations can have a comprehensive view of their safety program, as well as any key metrics or goal progress. Considerations for Connected Solutions Next, it’s important to understand the considerations for each connected safety solution and how to maximize their potential. Here are some key considerations: 1. Hardware: Most connected solutions come with hardware that needs to be installed, calibrated, 2. Software: All connected safety solutions have software com- ponents that organize data, create visualizations and perform integrations to help us gain insights, initiate responses, and main- tain records of events and safety performance. Consider what software features and level of complexity fit your safety programs and ensure they can integrate with your devices and systems. 3. Connectivity: Supporting your connected safety solution with Utility Grade Infrastructure will ensure ample bandwidth for low-latency applications. This includes wired and wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio, or cellular. 4. Solution architecture: You must consider whether a cloud, on-premise, or hybrid option best fits your needs, as well as band- width and the environment. High-bandwidth solutions may re- quire data rationalization near the edge to reduce data costs over a cellular network. Analytics that operate on a smart device can continue to operate if there is a point of failure elsewhere. 5. Interoperability: Ideally, you’ll want a solution that deliv- ers as much interoperability as possible, but it’s still important to consider your individual needs as well. For example, sometimes, a point solution might be an excellent fit, even if it doesn’t in- tegrate with everything else. Generally, though, a solution that allows for interoperability with open APIs has greater potential to combine with other data sources to deliver even deeper insights and automation. The Power of a Pilot Adopting new safety technology can be a major investment, and employees might be skeptical of the benefits or have concerns about privacy or job impact. Starting with a pilot program of- fers a low-stakes way to test solutions, demonstrate results, and let employees provide feedback and see the new solution’s value. My company ran an eight-week pilot of a camera sensor solu- tion in one of our North American distribution centers. After the pilot, our EHS and warehouse teams used insights from the video solution to make a measurable impact on workplace safety: ■ Improper bending: 13 percent decrease ■ PPE noncompliance: 47 percent decrease ■ Extended parking duration of powered industrial truck (PIT): 32 percent decrease ■ Overreaching: 26 percent decrease ■ No stopping PIT at the end of an aisle: 91 percent decrease Connected solutions and approaches like pilots help enhance safety programs and reinforce your safety culture. This not only drives workers’ adoption of connected solutions but protects your workforce and your bottom line. Lorenza Ordonez is Wesco’s Director of Safety Sales for our Com- munications and Security Solutions (CSS) strategic business unit. Or- donez holds decades of expertise in safety, strategic market analysis, and sales management and is responsible for articulating strategies that drive growth in our CSS business unit. SAFETY CULTURE or adjusted. Ensure these devices meet your needs, fit your budget, and can function within the physical space. REFERENCE 1. tinyurl.com/mtjjny2v www.ohsonline.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 29