Employees focus better on their tasks when they aren't exposed to any life-threatening threats, therefore ensuring their safety can contribute to higher productivity. Workplace accidents are unfortunately common, and often have long-term consequences on people's lives. However, such an incidence has far-reaching consequences for corporations as well.

6 technology tools that organizations can use to improve workplace safety

Safety apps

If you need an app to help you in a specific area, it’s almost impossible not to find one. Nowadays, there is an app for nearly everything, so it’s not surprising that there are also workplace safety apps. Hazards can sometimes go unnoticed, but safety apps allow you to spot them by recording and notifying you when that’s the case. With one click, you can access valuable information about safety-related issues.

Managing risks, health, and safety while also focusing on your tasks can be pretty challenging, but you can stay alert during your operations thanks to these apps. One such app is DataScope, which allows you to identify dangers, develop safety and health checklists, take pictures and record your mobile phone data in case of potential incidents.

IoT Technology  

Malfunctioning equipment is a common factor in workplace accidents. However, organisations can use IoT technology and sensors to check the equipment’s condition. That way, they can rapidly identify any issues that might lead to potential hazards.

Internet of Things or IoT technology is used in various industries, and it’s all due to its practicality. IoT allows you to acquire real-time data from devices by connecting them and the equipment to the internet.

Drones

Another effective way of enhancing workplace safety is by using drones. This excellent tool gathers data about the potential hazards, thus, helping workers prevent harmful events. For example, working at height poses a high risk for employees, as it can lead to fatal injuries.

Drones can help organizations prevent these life-threatening situations. This tool allows supervisors to assess the area and thus implement the necessary safety procedures.

Training Software

One of the main factors that lead to workplace injuries is not using the equipment properly. The reason for this is that employees were not trained accurately, and thus, they lack knowledge of how to use the equipment without exposing themselves to threats.

Organizations should provide a comprehensive training program to ensure workers acquire all the necessary information about workplace safety. Employers can now improve training programs due to technological advancements such as VR. This tool gives workers the chance to enter a virtual work environment that imitates the real one. That way, they can practice and learn how to handle the equipment properly.

These technologies are indeed pretty costly. But in the long term, they allow organizations to save money as they decrease the need for instructors. Plus, it’s better to invest in training tools and ensure employees’ safety rather than suffer the consequences of an insecure work environment. Workplace injuries are common in the UK, and employees are entitled to claim compensation for their losses. This can impact organizations in many ways, and that’s why they should embrace technology and build a safe work environment.

Wearable technology

Innovative tools like wearable devices can help workers in hazardous environments stay safe. They provide protection by monitoring vital signs like heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels. Suppose an employee’s temperature increases to critical levels. In such a case, the device will send a warning signal to the supervisor, who will then halt the operations to aid the worker.

Wearable technology has another excellent feature – it can track environmental conditions to check whether an area is safe and notify employees. For example, some employees are highly exposed to harmful gases in their work environment. Wearable devices can help them track gas levels and warn them of potential hazards.

3D visualization  

Industries like mining require employees to work in secluded locations, thus, being exposed to more significant hazards. However, it’s possible to diminish these risks by implementing 3D visualization technology.

This software allows companies to create a digital simulation of the working environments. That way, employers can identify all the potential dangers in advance and establish the safest practices. For instance, sewer inspectors can examine secluded areas and determine their safety by using cameras. As such, they will protect themselves from injuries by not entering uncharted territory.

(This is a slightly modified version of an article originally published in Analytics Insight. The original article can be found at https://www.analyticsinsight.net/how-does-technology-enhance-workplace-safety/)