J Dilla
How Technology Can Help Improve Workplace Safety: An OSHA Perspective
In the United States, considering the shortage of workforce and the rise in workplace accidents, the government is emphasizing practicing employee training.
The federal body that works under the name OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been operating in more than 50 regions. The aim is to spread awareness about the need to have proper training and to make it accessible
1. They have trained over thousands of employees and have brought about a huge change through two of their leading courses - the OSHA 30 Hour construction training and the OSHA 10 Hour construction training sessions.
Both are designed to target and achieve specific aims. Where the OSHA 10 Hour session is for freshers, it helps them get a complete overview of the course and learn about the safety technology solutions. On the contrary, the OSHA 30 Hour is a pretty detailed course line. It covers all the areas, workplace hazards, and risks that one should avoid while guiding and educating about the necessary steps to take to overcome a life-threatening situation.
In this blog, you will discover how OSHA and technology go hand in hand and how the organization guides employees to make the most of it. Here's how technology improves the workplace safety from the OSHA perspective:
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology is one of the digital safety tools that helps monitor employee movements and sends an alert to notify about problems to other co-workers. The technology ensures to keep a check on every employee deployed on critical spots and sites. Moreover, as the technology monitors the activity, the data gathered can help make pre-informed decisions and take precautionary steps. It is one of the most helpful safety technology solutions.
Wearable technology like smart glasses, helmets, and watches provide real-time information and monitor vital health signs like heart rates, body temperature, and respiratory issues. According to MarketsandMarkets, the global market for wearable technology is projected to reach $54.4 billion by 2023
Used Cases:
As per the study published by Virginia Tech, workers having wearable technology reported a decline rate of 34% in injuries and a 20% increase in productivity.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) that simulates a real-life environment, allows users to experience scenarios that would otherwise be too risky or costly to replicate. When it comes to workplace safety, where it's important to implement automation and safety, VR can be used to simulate dangerous situations. It can assist in scenarios like fires or chemical spills, along with training employees on how to respond to them.
ABI Research finds that the global market for virtual reality in enterprise and industrial sectors is expected to reach $4.26 billion by 2023. Hence, the technology can provide the type of training that assists employees and makes them feel more prepared and confident in handling emergencies, ultimately reducing the risk of workplace accidents
Used Cases:
Walmart has an incredible example of technology and hazard control. It uses virtual reality to help train its employees by creating various scenarios to prepare them for handling the crowd and catering to the needs of the customers without causing chaos. They created Black Friday sale crowds that helped its employees with the entire drill to follow
IoT Devices and Safety
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate with each other to perform tasks. The technology has been adopted by many leading firms to create incredible products integrated with it. From smartphones to smart television to smart appliances, IoT helps connect the world around you.
For workplace safety, IoT devices can be used to monitor equipment and facilities for potential hazards. For example, sensors can be placed on machinery to ensure remote monitoring and safety. They can monitor its performance and detect any anomalies that could indicate a potential safety hazard. According to a report by Deloitte, the number of connected IoT devices is expected to reach 25 billion by 2021
Used Cases:
IoT has extensive uses in almost every industry. In the manufacturing industry, IoT lets the sensors monitor the equipment's performance while detecting potential safety hazards to make precautionary plans.
Artificial Intelligence
AI, which someone called "Dangerous than Nukes." others identified it as a threat to the human race "could spell the end of the human race"- Stephen Hawkings. Well, it has proven time and again to be incredibly helpful and resources. The same happens when it comes to the health and safety of employees. AI and workplace safety go hand in hand. Ensuring predictive maintenance safety, Artificial Intelligence has brought a huge transformation, especially in the construction industry.
AI can be used to analyze data from IoT devices and identify patterns that could indicate potential safety hazards. For example, AI can be used to analyze data from sensors on machinery to identify patterns that could indicate a potential breakdown, allowing employers to take proactive measures to prevent accidents. Moreover, MarketsandMarkets reports that the global market for AI in the manufacturing industry is projected to reach $15.3 billion by 2025
Used cases:
AI provides distinctive assistance to employees belonging to different industries. In the mining sector, it helps analyze data from monitoring sensors that enable employees to discover and overcome possible hazards. The same happens in the transportation industry, where Artificial Intelligence identifies potential safety hazards, such as fatigue or distracted driving
Conclusion
Technology has the power to transform, bring advancements, and revolutionize workplace safety. It not only provides tools and solutions to make the job safe and efficient but also aids in providing employee training. The OSHA platform offers a training program virtually where employees get connected to trainers and attempt the assignments at the end of the course. It's tech that has made it possible.