Integrating Tech Into Workplace Safety Procedures
As technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) become increasingly prevalent in our professional lives, we’re seeing all kinds of beneficial changes which can optimize processes and streamline operations.
One aspect of the implementation of IoT in professional settings which should certainly be underscored is the integration of IoT applications in workplace safety equipment and procedures. It’s here that IoT’s ability to save lives and prevent accidents makes it an indispensable aid to the workforce.
Prevention and Monitoring
Monitoring and recognizing potential threats in the workplace helps managers address equipment and environmental conditions before they put employees in danger. Active real-time monitoring facilitated by IoT helps managers make proactive actions when it comes to maintenance, opening the door to allow for predictive maintenance. IoT sensors can monitor variables like temperature, water pressure, air quality, and more to ensure that any risks are dealt with before they incur an incident.
Learning from Historical Data
With machine-learning, managers can comb through historical data to identify patterns and indicators of potential incidents before they occur. With proactive analysis like this, behaviours and operating conditions can be altered to ensure that accidents are avoided and that workplaces are better prepared to respond should an accident occur.
Environmental Hazards and Vehicle Tracking
Environmental IoT sensors are ideal for keeping track of any potential hazards on the worksite. Humidity, temperature, and air quality can all be monitored to prioritize employee health in both the short- and long-term. When any of these variables reach a range which is unsafe, an automated alert is sent to managers which can help them address any issues before employee health or efficiency is jeopardized.
GPS software and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags make vehicle monitoring a user-friendly process which helps worksites avoid collisions and keep employees away from danger. IoT sensors can even scan for objects which may be protruding into the vehicles’ paths and highlight them so that they can be avoided.
Wearables and Rescues
Wearable devices enabled by IoT can be fitted to employees across the workplace to monitor personal health indicators such as temperature, blood pressure, heartbeat, and even blood oxygen levels. With indicators such as these, certain physical issues which could lead to an incident on the worksite can be tracked. Over-strained, stressed, or fatigued employees are most likely to cause incidents and fortunately, wearable technology can help managers understand and meet their employees’ needs.
Thanks to these wearables, rescue operations can be expedited due to the increased awareness concerning employee locations and vitals. The monitoring of environmental hazards also helps rescuers make informed decisions about which evacuation route is the best option in any given scenario.
With IoT-enabled technology managers can not only create a safer work environment for their employees, but they can also decrease the amount of downtime associated with accidents and equipment failure. As IoT technology becomes increasingly adopted in manufacturing, utility, and logistics settings, employees can feel safer and more informed about the environment they work in and the equipment they work with on a daily basis.
If you want to learn more about how IoT technology is creating safer work environments, then reach out to us at Evolution Data. We’re experts at IoT in all kinds of industries and can help you develop an IoT-enabled safety strategy.
