It’s no surprise that technology is benefiting everything we do in life, both personally and professionally. The advancement in technology and engineering combined is having a significant impact on improving aspects of productivity, innovation, and safety.
Emerging wearable safety technology is certainly transforming high-risk work environments in a number of ways. This guide will take a closer look at the key ways in which wearable tech is changing high-risk work and the types of wearable safety devices available.
The key ways wearable tech is changing high-risk work
What are some of how wearable tech is changing the world of work, which is often high-risk for those who are in it?
Real-time hazard detection and alerts
Wearables are able to detect potential dangers within the environment, from hazardous gases to high noise levels and extreme temperatures.
As a result, they produce an immediate haptic (vibration) or, often, audio alerts to the workers and supervisors present. As a result of this warning, they can take prompt action to mitigate any risks before accidents occur.
Worker health and fatigue monitoring
Biometric sensors are often used like smartwatches or smart clothing to track vital signs like heart rate, body temperature, etc.
This helps to monitor for signs of worker fatigue, heat stress, and other potential health issues that might be underlying and need addressing.
Proximity warnings and anti-collision systems
In environments where heavy machinery is used, proximity sensors in wearables will often alert both the workers on the ground and the machine operators when they get too close to one another.
This is particularly important in situations where there are blind spots, and accidents can easily happen as a result of such. From forklifts to cranes, this type of tech is worth wearing for the safety of workers.
Ergonomics and injury prevention
There are plenty of wearable devices nowadays that are helpful for ergonomics and injury prevention.
For example, devices like the Mojoul SmartBelt are great for monitoring and providing real-time feedback on body movements, lifting techniques, and posture. Musculoskeletal disorders can also be avoided by encouraging safer physical habits that will do well to mitigate or at least reduce related injuries by a significant amount.
Enhanced emergency response
Wearables that have GPS tracking and fall detection sensors are able to automatically trigger an SOS alert to safety teams.
These are also great because they can pinpoint the exact location in order for teams to coordinate in the event of an accident. Even if the worker is incapacitated, these wearables still enable the right individuals and groups to get to the worker in as quick a time as possible.
Data-driven safety management and training
The data that’s collected by devices provides valuable insights into patterns and risks within the workplace that could be identified as unsafe behaviors.
Safety managers can benefit from this data moreso in using it to develop more targeted and effective training programs. As such, they’re able to implement proactive risk management strategies, which leads to continuous improvement in safety protocols too.
Types of wearable safety devices
There are a lot of useful wearable safety devices to know about when it comes to improving high-risk work environments. These include the following:
Smart helmets
These smart helmets are equipped with sensors that help to detect moments of impact, falls, temperature changes, and worker fatigue. All of which can be crucial to be alerted to when on a worksite or in an environment that’s prone to accidents or falls.
Exoskeletons
The use of exoskeletons is certainly becoming more prominent and has helped many to reduce physical strain during heavy lifting or repetitive tasks that would otherwise damage a person’s body over time.
There are both passive and powered wearable support frames that are being used not just to prevent injuries but to help those with limited mobility, too.
Smart vests and clothing
The use of smart vests and clothing offers integrated sensors that monitor body vitals and detect potential exposure to harmful gases or extreme heat. They can also be useful for tracking one’s posture aswell.
Smart belts and biometric monitors
Smart belts help to track ergonomic movements, as well as vital signs. These provide haptic feedback for risky movements and also help to alert to health issues.
AR glasses
The use of AR (augmented reality) glasses is great for displaying hands-free instructions, hazard warnings, and safety procedures that are delivered directly in the worker’s line of sight. This helps them enhance their situational awareness.
These emerging technologies are becoming an indispensable asset for many in high-risk working environments and a great part of PPE as we know it.
