Although the emergence of new technologies in the workplace has helped many companies to be more productive and efficient today, it has also managed (or, at least, is on the way to doing so) that these are safer places for their workers improving the prevention of occupational risks and reducing accidents.

Artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning , robotics, Internet of Things , etc. These are just some examples of the technologies applied to safety at work that you will find explained below.

7 TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO WORKPLACE SAFETY

These are some examples of technological systems and other tools applied to occupational health and safety that, little by little, companies are incorporating into their day-to-day:

TRACKING OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

They are intelligent video surveillance systems that alert or prevent access to the work area to employees who are not wearing personal protective equipment : helmet, glasses, headphones, gloves, harness, boots, etc.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN STRUCTURES

This safety technology at work consists of a series of thermal imaging cameras that measure the temperature of infrastructures and materials with the aim of preventing fires due to overheating or detecting leaks of water or other fluids .

DEMARCATION OF RISK AREAS

It is a camera system equipped with artificial intelligence that warns through alarms or warnings (notifications to mobile, SMS, email, etc.) of the access of a worker to a risk perimeter (ditches, machinery passage area, boxes voltage, etc.) previously delimited.

Also, there are mobile installations of this type for when the risk areas vary, for example, in the case of a construction site.

VIRTUAL PLATFORMS

They are digital platforms oriented to the training of employees in matters of safety at work and occupational risks . To do this, they use online tools and content, such as interactive applications, programs, videos or games, among others.

SIMULATORS

Mainly, they serve to train workers in the use of industrial machinery and equipment . In this way, and thanks to the hours of practice, their skills improve and the chances of accidents at work are considerably reduced.

DRONES

They are used to monitor compliance with security measures, control dangerous areas or even carry out certain tasks (transfer of materials, rescues, etc.) in these places without putting anyone at risk.

EXOSKELETONS

They are devices that are attached to the body of the worker and help him to carry out activities that require significant physical effort , at the same time that the possibilities of suffering musculoskeletal disorders are reduced.

ADVANTAGES OF THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

Here are some reasons why using these technological advances are a good idea:

  • Improves the working conditions of workers.
  • Decreases the number of casualties and the cost that these entail for companies.
  • Increase business productivity.
  • It fosters a positive and quality work environment.
  • It contributes to complying with the current Occupational Risk Prevention regulations.

OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS WITH SICK LEAVE IN SPAIN IN FIGURES

According to the Statistical report on Work Accidents. Advance January-July 2021 recently published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy, in Spain there were a total of 317,258 work accidents with sick leave between the months of January and July 2021 . This figure exceeds the 263,434 registered during the same period in 2020.

These numbers show that the prevention of occupational accidents continues to be one of the pending subjects of quite a few companies, especially those belonging to the manufacturing industry, construction, trade and vehicle repair . All of them are among the economic activities that accumulate a higher incidence of occupational accidents with sick leave, according to this same document.

If you want to prevent this situation from continuing like this, train as an expert in occupational safety and technology, acquire a greater specialization in these matters and keep up to date with the latest trends and innovations, the European University is your place and our Master in Occupational Risk Prevention Online your best option.