The health and safety of workers have always been a concern of businesses. Some worksites are a lot more dangerous than others. It only becomes a must that all employers and managers ensure the occupational health of their workers. Experts are always on the move to create innovations with such a goal in mind. No matter the type of industry you are in, you can count on numerous technologies to save your business from costly damages like potential lawsuits and a tarnished reputation.
Drone Technology
Drones have been around for many years now. Traditionally used by the military, it has now become a favorite tool by different types of individuals and entities. Some use as a hobby, for border or venue surveillance, disaster relief, and even in improving industrial safety.
Many businesses are using drones to extract crucial information without putting team members at risk. Some use this to access dangerous sites before allowing their employees to thread on unfamiliar or hazardous terrain. Others make use of drones to help engineers conduct industrial equipment checks and maintenance.
Many companies turned to drone technology during the pandemic. Some used drones to pick-up and deliver medical supplies, disinfect contaminated areas, and monitor public areas. Others used drones to deliver products or services and try to limit the contact of people mid-pandemic.
Real-time Communications
Some businesses have employees working in remote places. It can be hard to find cellular coverage in remote areas. The threat of natural disasters and unpredictable weather can affect communication channels, putting employers in a tricky situation on how to ensure employees can contact each other in case something happens.
Luckily, real-time communications now exist. One can work even in the middle of nowhere and not worry about getting lost, experiencing an emergency, or losing access to the internet. One common technology used is the satellite handheld radio.
The following can benefit from satellite radios:
- Driver
- Police
- Search and rescue teams
- Drivers
- Forest workers
- Construction workers
One can stay connected to their team and their supervisors as needed. This gives workers peace of mind knowing they are a lot safer even when facing dangerous situations since they have a way to communicate regardless of their location
Safety Apps
These days, even mobile apps can be used to boost workplace safety. Some apps aim to educate readers of the best practices and must-knows depending on their tasks. Others help streamline health risks while others allow employers to create their own safety checklist for their workers.
Even the apps used by regular office workers can be used by on-site employees. Some use scheduling apps, document-sharing apps, and even specialized calculators. Others leverage specialty apps to conduct, record, and share inspections with the team, thus simplifying risk management. At the end of the day, a life alert app for Android or iOS devices also increases the workspace safety.
Training Software
Employee training is a must, especially for new hires. This enables them to learn the basics of their responsibilities, how to act in every situation and the best practices in accomplishing their tasks on time. This improves their own safety while not being a threat to other worker’s well-being.
These days, organizations can get rid of inefficient and costly training with the help of training software. Recruits get to learn everything there is to know for them to efficiently and safely do their job. Employers can recreate scenarios and trainees can study recordings to better understand the risks and potential dangers of their job and how to act accordingly.
Training software programs have other important perks, such as the following.
- Boost employee communication, collaboration, and engagement
- Attract top talents and retain existing employees
- Reduce the costs of training
- Minimize the amount of time and effort in training workers
- Build a safe and trusting relationship in the workplace
Virtual Reality
This amazing technology enables employers to immerse workers in high-risk situations. Think of this as a more hands-on training minus the threat. One can learn the tricks of the trade even if they themselves haven’t encountered the real threat in real life.
In occupational safety, workers can deal with life-threatening scenarios they are likely to encounter in their workplace. The kind of threats varies as various industries can have different hazards. The great about this is that experts using VR in occupational safety training are going beyond the traditional VR experience.
Before, VR only focuses on stimulating the sense of hearing, sight, and touch. Now, one can stimulate different all five senses. Many even change the temperature to mimic real-life scenarios and give participants a more in-depth feel during training.
Technology is making it easier for us to work more efficiently while improving our safety. This helps give employees better peace of mind knowing they are equipped with the rights tools and have the knowledge needed to tackle dangerous jobs with fewer risks. Now, one can better focus on doing their jobs instead of worrying about their safety while on the field.
