Modern technology plays a significant role in improving safety in the workplace, making it not only more efficient but also more effective in reducing workplace illnesses, accidents, injuries, and casualties. This is especially relevant when considering comprehensive training programs such as OSHA 30 NYC.

5 Best Technologies Enhancing Workplace Safety

1. Integrating Wearable Technology

Wearables are one of the best ways to control the severity of workplace injuries and accidents. This modern workplace safety technology should be used when workers work at the highest places, directly interacting with hazardous chemical substances that cause toxic gases, etc.  For instance, if your employee doing their job and there are lots of chances of trip and fall incidents, then you must provide them with smart helmets that are equipped with sensors. These helmets can detect falls, and send alerts to supervisors or emergency services, and ensure prompt action in case of accidents.

As per the research, 49.5% of workers’ sprain and strain injuries were reduced in the manufacturing industry and about 58.8% decreases in warehouse businesses, this is possible because of using wearable devices. No doubt, wearables are one of the amazing innovations that can save the lives of employees and also reduce the probability of workplace incidents and accidents.

Environmental Monitoring 

These types of wearables will alert employees about unsafe air quality such as the presence of any toxic gas or substance in air or temperature conditions that may cause severe injuries.

Physiological Monitoring

These types of devices can detect body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen consumption, and various kinds of health-related problems. However, some types of wearable devices can also identify whether a worker is overworked or under stress, which increases the risk of getting hurt. 

Proximity Detection 

These are the types of wearables that can be built into personal protective equipment (PPE) and may be embedded in workers’ hard hats. This may help keep employees away from dangerous and hazardous areas as well as getting too close to machinery.

Exosuits & Exoskeletons

These kinds of wearables can assist in performing physical tasks, for example; lifting heavy material, prolonged standing, etc.  To prevent employees from musculoskeletal injuries and strain, you can use smart gloves. This may assist workers in lifting heavy objects. 

2. Considering IoT Things

The most common reason for workplace accidents and incidents is malfunctioning equipment, which may cause severe injuries and fatalities. Organizations may fail to determine whether the equipment is working properly or not, to protect from such cases using IoT (Internet of Things) is the best way to monitor the state of machinery. 

By doing this, you can keep an eye out for problems and employees can address these problems instantly before it leads towards a possible hazard. IoT technology may save the lives of employees and help them perform their everyday tasks confidently. This modern workplace safety technology can be used by several businesses, but organizations that are associated with high risk need to implement this technology as soon as possible. 

The IoT (Internet of Things) can also enable businesses to obtain real-time data by connecting them to the internet. Additionally, this technology also offers machine-to-machine communication, which means equipment can communicate with each other and automatically shut down or adjust operations in case of unsafe conditions. However, the IoT systems are able to track employee behavior and notify them if they do not follow proper safety protocols.  The IoT connects more devices each day, and by 2025, there will be almost 75 billion IoT devices across the world.

3. Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence 

According to Rosina Geiger (director of startup engagement at Software Company ‘SAP’), “Also, using machine learning algorithms, you can analyze data across worksites to detect patterns that can predict potential issues before they impact workers.” Using machine learning and predictive analysis is another way to find out the possible workplace hazards.

The AI (artificial intelligence systems) may identify and evaluate prospective dangers before they materialize and also provide vital and valuable tools in the pursuit of safer workplaces. Organizations need to implement AI-powered systems that help them in analyzing different patterns and in predicting potential machinery breakdown. However, doing so will surely drop the number of accidents dramatically.

Once the system has the ability to identify weak spots and recommend the best preventive maintenance before any real breakdown, it aids organizations in keeping their workplaces safer and well-being. This real-world example demonstrates how AI can transform our capability to anticipate and reduce workplace risk.

4. Use of Robotics & Drones for Safety Inspections

Businesses have a chance to reduce workplace injuries by manufacturing robots that can perform lifting and repetitive tasks. In this world of technology, organizations can improve their workplace safety by following new tech trends. Now, you are able to assign more dangerous and risky tasks to highly mobile robots and drones. This shift not only aligns with the principles taught in OSHA 30 Construction but also offers a practical solution for addressing safety concerns in the construction industry.

Construction businesses and manufacturing firms can use drones to examine job sites and monitor their activities in order to reduce the danger of falls and other hazards to their employees. These drones are also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). However, robots can enter challenging and dangerous situations such as storage tanks and tunnels to conduct inspections and gather samples.

Without any doubt, this modern safety technology can be used for safety inspections in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk to human workers. These automated systems can perform dangerous tasks and also reduce the exposure of workers to risky conditions. Furthermore, collaborative robots (cobots) can work alongside humans to enhance their productivity while maintaining safety as well.

5. Transportation Safety Tools

Transportation-related incidents constitute the main factor in worker fatalities and injuries throughout the world. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the transportation industry has the highest death rates as compared to other occupations, and there were 5190 work-related injuries and almost 1982 injuries related to transportation. It shows almost 38% of workplace accidents happen due to careless driving and other reasons. That is why, it is crucial for organizations to implement transportation safety technology.

Organizations need to equip vehicles with modern safety devices in order to lower accidents, for example, using lane-keeping assistance, collision avoidance systems, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, employing driver safety technologies is a wise move. Implementing a telematics technology that tracks and evaluates driver behavior and also encourages them towards safe driving habits. Make sure staff members use corporate vehicles, so their vehicles must be equipped with this safety technology.

To Wrap Up Things

At last, it has been concluded that modern technology has revolutionized workplace safety by providing tools and systems for real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, training, and hazard mitigation. Employers who embrace these advancements not only enhance the well-being of their workforce but also improve operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with workplace accidents.