Blogs

By Eric Lucero, Senior Risk Control Specialist, Special District Risk Management Authority

In an era where technology permeates every facet of our life, its potential to enhance workplace safety is becoming increasingly clear. This article will provide a brief overview of technological advancements that could help your special district improve workplace safety, many of which your employees may appreciate and not just tolerate.

The Rise of Safety Management Software

Although not new, advancements in workplace safety management software (aka safety apps) can streamline your safety processes. These apps allow agencies to create dashboards based on custom metrics to track incidents, manage compliance, and analyze data from safety inspections, safety audits, accident investigations, and employee reported hazards. 

Now, imagine conducting an accident investigation where the data can be gathered to identify ongoing root causes, or non-urgent hazards are identified through a safety inspection and work orders can be issued on the spot reducing the time of exposure to employees. As the dataset grows from recurring inspections, the software will analyze the data to identify trends and areas of concern in the workplace, often using color coding or a numerical value to easily convey the level of risk. 

Smart PPE

Smart PPE combines traditional personal protective equipment with a variety of sensors that capture and analyze biometric and environmental data. Smart PPE can detect if an employee is experiencing heat illness, has fallen, or if their vital signs are showing signs of distress. Smart vests have audible alarms to warn the user as they approach heavy equipment or machinery. Depending on the scenario, the smart vest can go as far as shutting down the equipment or machinery altogether. 

Fire districts could benefit from certain types of smart armbands that monitor biometrics during training exercises and service calls. The armband could alert the employee (and supervisor) in real-time if it detects the employee is at an elevated risk for a soft tissue injury, heat illness, extreme exertion, or if it detects a hazardous atmosphere.

Special districts operating in remote areas can use smart PPE to ensure lone workers at remote worksites are safe and accounted for. Smart PPE could detect if a lone worker falls, experiences heat stress, or if they are exhibiting other health symptoms that warrant assistance. Employees can then easily ask for help using their smart PPE’s push-to-talk messaging feature to send an audio message to their supervisor. The audio message is also transcribed and sent via email. 

When considering smart PPE, make sure to consult with your employment practices liability attorney regarding privacy issues from the data gleamed from these types of devices. That said, manufacturers are very cognizant of this risk and have implemented risk controls. Also, unless specified smart PPE’s atmospheric sensors are for “awareness-level” only and are not substitutes for multi-gas detectors used during confined space entry. 

Virtual Reality Training

Training plays a key role in workplace safety, and technology has made it more effective than ever. Virtual reality (VR) simulations can create immersive training experiences that allow employees to practice safety protocols in a controlled environment. Currently, VR training is not budget friendly, but stay-tuned. In time, VR training will play a pivotal role in the modern workforce at a price point special districts can afford.

Conclusion

The future of workplace safety lies partly in technology, and special districts must be positioned to harness technology’s potential. It is also important to be weary of anything that sounds too good to be true, especially since these products are new and have yet to withstand the test of time. However, by embracing innovative solutions, special districts can better protect their staff while making safety easier for day-to-day users.