How Is Technology Changing Safety In The Workplace?
It is no wonder that in the days when technology is developing so rapidly and the digital world has taken over our lives that technology is affecting each aspect of our lives and work. There has been an effect on the safety at the workplace as well. Here is what is changing already, and what we can look forward to in the foreseeable future:
Smartphones have overtaken our lives, so it comes to no surprise that the mobile app developers are working daily on creating new mobile apps for virtually anything a person might need, and smart device makers are introducing new smart gadgets on a daily basis.
In work safety, this is utilized in the form of a number of eLearning tools, safety mobile apps, VR and smart wearables by the most technically advanced companies.
Here are some specific modern technologies which are already developed and being used to improve the safety at the workplace at a number of technically advanced, savvy companies:
The noise meter apps. There are several mobile apps which help the workers monitor and control the noise levels and take safety precautions if the noise levels become hazardous for the health.
Virtual Reality (VR). Many people believe that VR will become the leading technology in the near future. VR can be particularly useful for safety training for workers. Programs and tools can be created to allow the worker to learn how to work in hazardous environments and how to deal with dangerous situations at the workplace, without actually putting that person in any kind of danger.
There are actually already some very useful VR based safety programs and tools, such as the Arithmetica VR simulation of working in a hazardous environment based on a 360 degree SphereVision video recording where workers can move around and practice their jobs in hazardous conditions without any risk. This simulation was designed for Cape PLC – a leader in the international industrial energy and resource services.
A similar project utilizing VR for work safety was developed by Brookfield Mutiplex along with the National institute for Experimental Arts in Australia. It uses VR technology for safety training for the hazardous construction industry.
Smart wearable devices for work safety.
After the wearables became a commonly used fitness tracking tool, there have been new developments which can be worn by workers in order to protect them from potential hazards while at work, such as:
The Bi-Tad alcohol monitor. It is worn on the ankle and can detect alcohol in the perspiration of the person wearing it. It will monitor alcohol levels at any time, which is useful for protecting people who work in hazardous conditions of getting injured or injuring someone else due to alcohol use.
The Smart Cap wearable is an ingenious device which allows for keep track of the fatigue levels in truck and other drivers. This cap has EEG sensors which measures electrical waves and signals, and based on the EdenSafe Universal Fatigue Algorithm determines whether the level of drowsiness is dangerous and whether there is a risk of the driver falling asleep behind the wheel.
The Daqri safety helmet. This modern device is fitted with cameras and sensors which provide a 360 degree view for the person wearing it the special Intellitrack augmented reality and system for tracking provides the industrial or other workers with amazing levels of information in regard to potential hazards all around them.
Other smart wearables for the workplace. More companies are introducing wearables which measure the body temperature, track remote workers, as well as glasses which allow for others such a supervisor to see exactly what the person wearing them is seeing.
Do you wonder what lies ahead? It looks like the smart technology will target the everyday items such as safety vests, watches, hardhats and safety boots in an attempt to track the conditions on the site.
Hopefully, the advancements in technology will allow for people to get better safety training and to be better protected at their jobs in the near future!
About the author:
Michael is an outdoorsman, writer and footwear fanatic. He writes unbiased reviews or a number of footwear websites. Check his latest article: Best Lineman Boots for Pole and Tower Climbing or browse MyBootprint to find out which are the best work boots for your job.
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