Technology-based improvements in Occupational Health & Safety Sector.
Published on : Tuesday 30-11--0001
As HSE professionals, we are always looking for a way to continually improve the health and safety of our worksites. One of the ways in which this can be achieved is through the use of new innovations in technology that not only make work easier and more efficient, but can help professionals reduce the number of incidents at a worksite through data analytics as well as useful tools to prevent injuries. This article looks at some of the new technologies revolutionising the health and safety sector that can be applied to your business.
Computer-based record keeping for Safety Data
For companies with many worksites or for those sites with a centralised data record keeping system, one of the ways to allow HSE professionals the ability to access useful data that can inform their decisions is through the use of computer technologies. Instead of the traditional use of paper documentation, companies may choose to shift to tablet or phone devices with apps or programs that can record audits, safety inspections and incident observations and transmit this data to a centralised data hub.
Conversely, safety professionals may be able to access this data centre in order to look at trends for particular incident categories, contractor companies or worksites, while also allowing them the ability to efficiently filter the data and look at historical trends to quickly identify the root cause of an incident and prevent future incidents from occurring. In addition to storage and access to an organised database of EHS information, safety programs that apply risk management and assessment filters to particular scenarios may allow decisions to be made in the field that can alter work practices in order to prevent future risk.
Journey Management for Incident Reduction
Businesses that employ a vast number of vehicles as part of their day-to-day operations may benefit from using journey management software in order to carefully track their employees and the safe use of their vehicles while in operation. Journey management software can provide a diverse range of features, such as GPS tracking of vehicles including speed limit compliance, check-in reminders for employees as well as risk assessments that can be conducted for each planned trip prior to its undertaking. Any serious risks during the journey can be managed through escalation alerts with real time dashboard data, journey mapping and audit logs.
Virtual Reality Simulation for HSE Training
Traditional training methods are generally carried out through the use of an in-person trainer using a mixture of oral and visual presentations of data. However, it has often been found that employees learn better by doing and carrying out activities during a training rather than listening to information that is being presented to them. In this way, virtual reality simulation training can be beneficial because it allows employees to be virtually present in a particular site that they will work in and presents various safety scenarios that the employee might encounter. Artificial reality glasses are growing in popularity and as their usage becomes more prevalent, the overall cost of employing these tools in training is becoming more accessible and less expensive.
Smart Safety Clothing
Safety clothing has evolved significantly as awareness of the potential risks and hazards at job worksites has increased. One of the emerging trends in safety clothing is the incorporation of new digital tools to improve worker safety based on the more significant incidents experienced in the construction industry. For the prevention of falls for example, safety vests may include an air bag collar to protect workers and may come equipped with vital signs monitors. Hard hats may incorporate LED lights as beacons as well as work lights for night-time use. Instead of traditional batteries, these tools may be charged kinetically or through solar power. Other trends include clothing that can monitor vital signs through heart rates and temperature in order to alert workers or their supervisors to fatigue risks as well as narcotics use.
Captions
The Smart Jacket, designed by Nokia, Kolon – a South Korean fashion brand, and Gina – software developer from Czech Republic. The jacket is equipped with technological capabilities that help both responders and their supervisors to better plan for and act on emergencies.
