Emerging Technologies that are Revolutionizing Workplace Safety
The safety industry is not the first one that springs to mind when we hear the word “innovation.” However, with the fast pace of technological revolution happening around us, workplace safety is undergoing radical changes today. You’re about to witness a massive transformation in how safety is applied in the workplace, thanks to emerging and innovative technologies.
If you’ve been following what’s happening in the technological industry, you would be aware of the implications of these in enhancing “workplace safety.” AI, wearable tech, IoT, machine learning are a few emerging technologies that are shaping the future of safety technologies.
Here, in today’s article, we have compiled a list of upcoming technologies that are all set to make a dramatic impact.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning
This is one of the most talked and discussed fields in the world today. Many people assume that robots are going to be replacing humans in factories and industries in the near future. But, while this may seem plausible, it’s just a single aspect of this technology. The impact of AI in the workplaces of tomorrow goes far beyond that.
Here are a few instances, how AI and Machine Learning act as a massive advantage in workplaces. Just like sensors fitted in a car prevent your vehicle from hitting obstacles, sensors in factory machinery are reinventing the way, machines operate.
Automated machine learning makes it possible to detect errors with little to no human intervention. When you can spot mistakes before they become a catastrophe, you can avoid dangerous accidents. From identifying overheating to intimating operators about loose parts and other anomalies, there are plenty of ways that machine learning and AI can help in making the workplace safe.
With machine learning, you can opt for preventive maintenance, which helps you reduce downtime as well as prevent expensive repairs and replacements. This helps to reduce the time, energy and money spent on creating a safe work environment.
As business owners and safety managers, we’re sure that you would be aware that workplace accidents are pretty expensive and could end up landing you in a complicated legal tangle that is time-consuming.
With AI and machine learning, accidents due to faulty or sub-par machinery stand a chance of becoming a thing of the past. However, it pays to note that, in spite of advancements in machinery, good ol’ training of employees is still mandatory, to reduce workplace accidents.
E-Training
Safety Training is more than an onboarding process for new employees. It’s a vital component that plays an integral role in ongoing workplace safety. Whether you’re teaching the best practices to new hires or introducing new safety procedures to existing employees, spending the right amount of time and resources on widening the knowledge base of the task force, helps you to save tons of time and money, down the line.
With improvements in e-learning, training employees are now easier and more efficient than ever before.
Training not only makes your employees comply regulations and laws but also ensures that they are held accountable. When it comes to training, a comprehensive approach with periodic sessions is the best way to take. This ensures both employers and employees are on the same page when it comes to safety guidelines and procedures. Plus, this also provides employees with the right instructions to carry out, to complete the job at hand.
With interactive e-learning modules, individualized training components and sessions, today training modules have come a long way. This is sure to spark a new era of safety in the upcoming years.
Wearable Technologies
The popularity of wearable devices like Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers has exploded in recent years. Today, wearables are all set to impact the safety industry as well. These new-age gadgets are not just improving workplace productivity but are also making it safer.
Firms like Upskill today manufacture augmented reality glasses, specially made for construction workers to protect them on the job and make them more alert. Similarly, an upcoming wearable device manufacturer has specially made devices that help connect employees and employers in real-time, providing safety warnings and notifications.
IoT and Smart Devices
Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing workplace safety. Combined with the potential of Smartphones, IoT has the massive potential to reduce workplace injuries. Let’s take a look at a few ways how IoT is enhancing workplace safety.
In dangerous environments like gas fields and oil rigs, IoT sensors can provide real-time evacuation directions to workers trapped in a perilous zone when a mishap occurs. This ensures that workers are safely guided out of the accident zone, instead of unwittingly towards it.
IoT improves insight about safety programs. By combining the data from wireless sensors, GPS tracking, wearable equipment and other devices, with the help of big data, companies gain critical insight into their safety programs. They can then analyze these insights to strengthen or modify existing safety mechanisms.
With more IoT data, companies can refine their safety programs, thereby optimizing it to meet emerging requirements.
Additionally, IoT helps to connect employees with their work environments. For instance, sensors can send real-time data to supervisors about the position of each employee. This helps them to stay on track of all that’s happening, even when they aren’t on the factory floor. This aids supervisors in taking the right action to prevent workplace mishaps and reduce injuries and fatal accidents.
Final Thoughts
The emergence of the technologies mentioned above in the safety industry depends a lot on how fast industrialists can translate what’s on paper to actual gadgets that work. With that said, the progress today in the field is more rapid than ever before.
Even today, several industries fit their machines with sensors that send real-time alerts to operators, indicating that some component is going to fail. And, augmented reality helps to simplify and streamline the repair process.
With numerous startups and other huge conglomerates engaged in crafting safety applications, workplace safety is all set to undergo a massive technological revolution, sooner than you think.
For a customized safety program for your workplace, powered by the latest technologies and tools, get in touch with our safety experts by giving us a call at 0124 266 3021 or dropping a line at support@totalika.org.
