Keeping employees safe with wearable technology
Employees safety is an important priority for any workplace, and technological advancements, such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), are improving how employers protect colleagues from potential harm. From wearable devices to exoskeletons, safety wearable technology is revolutionising the way businesses keep their workers safe.
What does wearable safety technology do?
Safety wearable technology can take many forms. Yet it shares the same goal of helping to protect colleagues from workplace injury when carrying out repetitive tasks or risky processes. A common feature of safety wearables is to detect poor back movements such as bending, twisting, and lifting. Safety wearable technology allows employers to monitor and process the lifting data of workers in real-time using technology such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. When poor lifting techniques are detected, the worker is then alerted to correct the movement via haptic feedback. It will highlight where safety interventions are needed in the business.
Safety technology can also be used to monitor repetitive hand and wrist movements which can lead to repetitive strain injury [RSI] and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome [CTS].
SOS alerts can be set up to immediately tell supervisors if a worker has tripped or fallen. This is particularly useful for lone workers.
Using safety wearable technology allows employers to not only intervene but introduce safety processes that will prevent potentially serious injuries from occurring in the future.
In addition to monitoring movements, some wearables also offer environmental alarms that can be triggered by conditions including air temperature and quality, lighting and noise levels.
This can be especially beneficial for colleagues who work in environments where hazardous materials or dangerous conditions exist. Construction workers for example may benefit from this type of technology as it monitors both their physical wellbeing as well as their environmental surroundings. Furthermore, these devices can also provide valuable information about safety protocols that should be followed when working in potentially hazardous areas—such as wearing the correct protective gear [PPE] or avoiding certain areas altogether.
Benefits of wearable technology
The use of safety wearables in the workplace offers several distinct advantages over traditional methods of monitoring employee health and safety. Such devices allow employers to collect valuable data on employee health and wellbeing without impacting the work being carried out or infringing on privacy rights. The devices do not require employees to divulge personal medical information, nor do they require close surveillance by supervisors or managers. Additionally, some wearables also offer predictive analytics capabilities that allow employers to anticipate potential problems before they happen and then implement preventive measures. This helps ensure that employees are kept safe even when no one is watching or working with them directly. Safety wearables offer a cost-effective solution to businesses looking to improve their overall health and safety practices without increasing overhead costs associated with hiring more staff.
Safety wearable technology is increasingly being used as an essential tool for businesses looking to protect their employees from workplace injury. Not only does such technology provide valuable insights into employee health and wellness but it also allows employers to proactively identify potential issues before they arise—allowing them to intervene to help prevent a workplace injury from occurring in the first place. By leveraging the power of advanced technologies such as wearable devices, businesses can maintain a safe and healthy environment for colleagues.
Find out more about wearable safety tech from Stanley here.
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