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in mind from the outset helps ensure success.
3) Understand the scope: Just as your organization is unique,
so too are the technology applications involved in a connected safety environment. Some solutions may apply to a smaller work setting or a scenario where fewer individuals perform the work. Other solutions are ideal in larger warehouse environments as a greater number of people are engaged in daily functions, possibly across varied environments within that facility, or varied tasks that require different PPE. Nailing down not only the scope of the activ- ity, but the nuances in safety needs of each worker and zone, will help you take a more tailored approach to your connected safety solution. This also ensures your custom technology mix integrates seamlessly to protect worker lives while saving your business real dollars and cents.
The Often-Ignored Risk: Ergonomic Injuries
Ergonomic safety hazards are often overlooked, but as the OSHA NEP indicates, this is an area that can no longer be ignored. Er- gonomic injuries, which can affect joints, tendons, nerves, and muscles, often build up over an extended period of time, and may not even be noticeable at first. However, they can lead to significant MSDs that are not only debilitating but long lasting.
In a warehouse setting, ergonomic injuries can be caused by a number of factors, such as:
■ Awkward, prolonged postures from twisting, bending, or
reaching.
■ Repetitive movements that fatigue muscles and tendons.
■ Hand-arm vibration from using tools and other equipment
over an extended period of time.
While these injuries are often invisible at first, they make them-
selves known on the balance sheet. According to recent findings from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics4, nearly 33 percent of “days-away-from-work” cases are due to ergonomics-related inju- ries. Those injuries have significant financial ramifications; worker compensation claims tied to MSDs cost U.S. employers more than $20 billion every year.
Connected safety solutions can help mitigate ergonomic haz- ards in the warehouse or the distribution center, identify those risky or repetitive movements, and track your workplace trends to provide better visibility into where MSDs are happening, and why. As mentioned earlier, there are a wide variety of connected safety solutions, but when it comes to addressing ergonomic hazards, the two most common solutions are video analytics and wearables.
Video Analytics
Video cameras are the ultimate sensor, and when combined with computer vision software and AI, there are many use cases that can be addressed. From near misses and falls to ergonomic concerns and PPE detection, video analytics can monitor, alert and docu- ment areas of concern.
STAY SAFE. STAY HYDRATED.
THE CONNECTED HYDRATION® SOLUTION
6:55
STATUS: OK SUGGESTED INTAKE
2
25.4 550
WATER SODIUM
OUNCES
SWEAT / INTAKE
PHYSIOLOGY
TODAY HISTORY ITNRTACKKE
MILLIGRAMS
WATER
INSIGHTS
SODIUM
SETTINGS
SMART WEARABLE
MOBILE APPLICATION
SECURE CLOUD
www.ohsonline.com
APRIL/MAY 2024 | Occupational Health & Safety 39 4/4/24 4:11 PM
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