Page 40 - OHS, April/May 2024

WORKPLACE SAFETY TECHNOLOGY
Analysis of these alerts and viewing the recordings will help inform policies, ad- justments to the physical environment and identify training opportunities. Often, your existing camera infrastructure can support the use case.
Wearables
Wearables come in all shapes and sizes, and some can do much more than just address ergonomic risks. Gloves and sleeves with integrated sensors can detect improper engagement with a given task or repetitive motion.
For example, specialized arm bands can capture poor ergonomic activity when lifting and lowering. In a warehouse set- ting, wearables can be added to a harness, which can then provide corrective guid- ance around how an individual lifts or low- ers objects in real-time through a series of alerts or beeps.
This instant feedback can lower the strain on an individual by 40 percent when lifting an object. Unlike video analytics
where the information is sent to the safety manager or a third party, data captured from the wearable device can be immedi- ately sent to the employee — often via hap- tic or audible feedback.
It’s worth noting that while video analyt- ics and wearables can go a long way towards reducing ergonomic risks, following up with employee training and ongoing communica- tion is critical to maximize the impact of any connected safety technologies.
As the growing demand for products puts more strain and pressure on workers, warehouse safety managers are contending with the tough task of minimizing injuries in an increasingly challenging environ- ment. The prevalence of ergonomic haz- ards and injuries, which may be hard to spot, only adds to this challenge.
Connected safety devices like wearables and video analytics can go a long way to- wards addressing the hazards laid out in the recent NEP. However, such solutions are just part of the puzzle. To successfully address warehouse compliance, organiza-
tions need to garner a holistic understand- ing of their safety environment, identify potential hazards or opportunities for im- provement, and deploy solutions that meet their specific needs to protect workers and the bottom line.
With decades of expertise in safety, strate- gic market analysis, and sales management, Lorenza Ordonez serves as the Director of Safety Sales for Wesco’s Communications and Security Solutions (CSS) strategic business unit. She empowers the CSS organization to deliver comprehensive safety solutions for Wesco’s global customers.
REFERENCES
1. tinyurl.com/yms98z62 2. tinyurl.com/54yatu6z 3. tinyurl.com/3re9ee6a 4. tinyurl.com/yyfrndzs
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40 Untitled-O4cc1upational Health & Safety | APRIL/MAY 2024
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