Almost all employers want to ensure that their workplaces are safe, accident-free zones. But despite this, work-related incidents and health problems persist. The UK Health and Safety Executive revealed that 565,000 workers suffered workplace injuries in the 2021-22 financial year. The economic burden of injuries and illnesses caused by working conditions exceeded a colossal £18 billion. Clearly, proactive change is needed.
Data and artificial intelligence (AI) are advancing virtually every aspect of workforce and human resources management, and these technologies also provide remarkable opportunities to improve security conditions. Businesses can improve hazard detection, reduce risks, and create safer overall working conditions.
The Internet of Things: a revolution in workplace security
Rapidly evolving technology has brought us to the dawn of a new era in workplace safety, led by the Internet of Things (IoT). This transformative technology is not only changing the way we work; it’s reshaping the very fabric of workplace safety. Through innovative applications and intelligent monitoring, IoT is setting new standards in security protocols and behavior modification. It’s about moving from reactive measures to proactive strategies, leveraging data and smart devices to cultivate a safety culture that permeates all levels of the workplace. Let’s take a closer look at how IoT is not just changing, but revolutionizing employee security behavior.
How IoT is shaping employee behavior
The Internet of Things (IoT), with its suite of smart devices, wearables, and sensors, has revolutionized employee security.
Many employees struggle to influence their behavior to comply with security policies. IoT devices help monitor safety-related behaviors, especially in industries employing contract or temporary workers like construction. These devices provide real-time data on workplace safety and employee activities. They validate compliance with safety rules and provide information for improving the safety program.
IoT devices even offer real-time data transmission, so managers are instantly informed of unsafe practices and can act quickly to remedy situations. For example, video analytics can detect an employee who is not wearing proper safety equipment and alert the supervisor.
Real-time analytics has the potential to significantly reduce workplace accidents. For example, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing security models that accurately predict the occurrence and location of security incidents.
Using Wearable Devices to Improve Security Awareness
Many industries now use wearable devices such as sensors, tracking bands and smart headsets. The advent of the “connected worker” increases safety awareness among employees and supervisors.
Wearable devices can alert when an individual is about to become physically exhausted or if they are not using critical safety equipment. Using this real-time data, AI can provide personalized advice and recommend specific actions to individuals.
Sensor technology also enables environmental monitoring. Sensors can collect data on variables such as temperature, noise levels and toxic gases. Robots that “smell” can detect chemical signatures like blood or alcohol in the air. Blanca Lorena Villarreal, a researcher at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, has developed an “electronic nose” that can be integrated into robotic devices.
Using data and AI to make driving safer
Driving is one of the most dangerous tasks humans perform – and that includes commuting, visiting customers, or operating machinery at work. Driver fatigue contributes significantly to accidents, and it is a major concern for transportation companies. Every driver of a vehicle, including heavy machinery, is potentially exposed to the risk of an accident.
Caterpillar and Australian company Seeing Machines have introduced a system to identify driver fatigue through eye and facial tracking. With this system, cameras, GPS and accelerometers monitor eye and eyelid activity, even when drivers wear sunglasses. Sensors even monitor head positioning to identify times when fatigue sets in.
An alarm inside the truck is triggered if the driver’s eyes remain closed for more than 1.6 seconds. A second alarm contacts a supervisor and a third usually results in the driver being relieved. The system, which can also detect when a driver is distracted, has reduced fatigue-related incidents by up to 90%.
Improving industrial and manufacturing worker safety with data-driven insights
The idea of a connected worker could soon become the norm in industrial and manufacturing settings. Companies like Honeywell are introducing wearable technologies that can improve worker safety by collecting data on heart rate, breathing, movement and posture. Managers can compile this data into a dashboard and get real-time insight into worker performance.
Sensors can also assess machine compliance, detect safety anomalies, identify the causes of machine downtime, and more. Using this technology, companies can understand real-time conditions on the shop floor, assess safety risks, identify inappropriate machine usage, and minimize safety-related downtime.
Revolutionizing construction safety with wearable technologies and immersive experiences
Despite strict safety protocols, construction sites are inherently dangerous workplaces. Each site is unique, constantly changing and filled with risks and hazards that can be difficult to identify. Wearable devices, including “smart” hard hats with fatigue detection sensors, offer solutions to monitor worker conditions and create safer environments.
The EcoSpot mortar board system, which reduces the time workers spend with their backs bent more than 20 degrees, reduces lower back strain in masons by 85% and increases productivity by 17%.
Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are valuable tools for improving safety on construction sites. Through immersive virtual reality training, professionals can visualize conditions and identify potential hazards before construction begins, which is more effective than relying on conventional 2D drawings.
During construction, AR can serve as a safety visualization tool. With AR glasses, workers remain aware of their surroundings while receiving additional data overlaid on their field of vision. This can help employees identify hidden items or understand danger warnings more effectively.
Harnessing AI-powered innovations in workplace safety
Technologies such as IoT devices and immersive training can help protect employees and contribute to a healthier work environment.
Together, these cutting-edge tools create safer, healthier work environments, reduce accident rates and even save lives. Their benefits go beyond security, however. The data generated by these technologies provides invaluable insights for business leaders to improve their operational efficiency and productivity.
