Workplace safety remains one of the major concerns for organisations across several industries, from manufacturing to health facilities. Some of the common challenges include manual handling of electrical and chemical hazards, machinery accidents, and falls from heights, especially in the construction industry.
New technologies are entering the bigger picture to address these hurdles. For example, connected sensors and IoT allow companies to monitor workplace conditions, while artificial intelligence and machine learning are used for predictive analytics, like paramedic supplies.
One thing is clear — technology has reshaped how we approach workplace safety. Let’s take a closer look at how.
Connected Sensors and IoT Devices
Connected sensors and IoT devices now allow companies to have real-time monitoring that enhances workplace safety in various ways.
The first usage is air quality and toxic gas detection. For instance, Commercial MOX gas sensors, like the SGP41, can detect nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), common indoor air pollutants.
The second instance is the noise level tracking. Low-cost IoT models can be implemented to collect noise-level data in specific areas. How does this work in practice? The systems use sound sensors connected to devices like esp8266 and Arduino, which make HTTP post requests to store data in a database server.
The next usage case is temperature and humidity monitoring. Speaking specifically, industrial IoT remote temperature humidity sensors can provide long-range monitoring with high accuracy (±2%RH ±0.2°C). These sensors can operate in extreme conditions, with temperature ranges from -40°C to 125°C and humidity ratings up to 90%
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality technology has transformed the workplace setting in three applications. The first one is enhanced safety training. For example, AR creates immersive, as well as risk-free simulations that show significant results. According to recent research, they improve knowledge retention by up to 300% compared to traditional methods.
Another application is overlaying contextual instructions directly into workers’ field of view. What does it actually mean? In simple words, technicians receive live visual guidance from off-site experts via AR headsets. This connects reality and virtual guidance. Reports show that such an approach leads to reducing downtime by 40-60% in maintenance tasks. In construction, for instance, AR projects digital templates onto physical spaces to guide accurate equipment placement. This reduces installation errors by 25%.
Lastly, AR makes invisible risks visible and contextualizes dangers, such as environmental warnings, spatial mapping, and emergency navigation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
AI and machine learning are transforming workplace safety through advanced predictive capabilities and real-time monitoring systems. A vivid example is predictive analytics for accident prevention. In fact, forecast machinery failures 24-72 hours in advance by detecting abnormal vibration/thermal patterns in industrial equipment.
Another way to use AI and ML to enhance safety is to automate risk assessment systems. In practice, machine learning models process multiple data points, like worker’s vitals, CCTV footage, audio sensors, or maintenance logs. This allows system to give the rating for dynamic risk scoring.
Last but not least, usage is real-time danger identification. For instance, AI-powered systems enable computer vision monitoring and sensor fusion networks. This improves the safety in the workplace as the whole.
Wrapping Up
The integration of new technologies such as connected sensors, IoT devices, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality is revolutionizing workplace safety across industries.
However, let’s not forget a key ingredient here – implementation. More often than not, it requires already robust organisational structure that comes with a proper training for employees on how to use and interpret the new technologies.
As these technologies continue to evolve and become more accessible, they have the potential to significantly reduce workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
