Ensuring the safety of employees in the workplace should be one of the top priorities for managers and business owners. This will not only improve your employees' health and wellbeing but will help you avoid any arduous paperwork and legal obligations that can arise from even the smallest of injuries. Here are some technological tools you can use to improve the safety of your workplace:
Mobile devices:
Mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and hand-held monitoring devices are convenient, easy to use tools that offer a range of workplace safety functions. They can be used to conduct inspections, record hazards, report accidents and communicate information instantly. These allow employees to keep up to date with on safety and health risks and ensure that everyone is aware of what is happening in the workplace. Safety apps offer functions like health and safety checklists, hazard identifications, and notifications to keep workers updated.
3D visualisation technology:
This software produces realistic images that allow you to easily recreate and imagine new or existing workplace sites. This can help employees become more closely aware of their surroundings and allow them to see any potential dangers or risks in advance. They are then able to prepare for the dangers before even being physically present on the site.
Equipment monitoring:
Internet-connected sensors can be installed on machinery used in the workplace to monitor its operation by measuring the machine's temperature, vibrations, and noise. This helps detect any fault in the equipment, which is then sent to the manager/employer in real-time through the internet. This ensures equipment is kept in good repair and prevents employees getting injured from malfunctioning equipment.
Drones:
These are small aircraft directed by remote control and are fast and easy to use. Drones act as a safety measure as they are able to travel almost anywhere, meaning that they can inspect areas that are potentially dangerous or hard to safely access. Sending a drone to check the area prior to physically going to the site can inform workers of risks without endangering them.
Wearable technology:
These are devices that can be worn on workers' bodies or accessories such as tool belts, watch bands, or clothing. Wearables often have sensors that can monitor the vital signs of employees (heart rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen level etc) which can be valuable for detecting health failures quickly. Some wearables can track workers' movements and activity and send alerts to managers/employers if a worker falls or becomes unconscious. Other wearables can monitor the environment of the workplace, measuring elements such as extreme temperature, smoke, moving objects and dust.
