Put technology to work to improve safety

Advances in technology affect everything and everyone, including workplace safety. The workforce is more tech-savvy than ever before, leading to changes in how we work and the availability of data.
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With many safety programs out of date, it’s time to put technology to work to improve safety in the workplace.  An article in Safety and Health Magazine suggest four ways technology can respond to today’s safety needs.

1. Safety programs need to address all exposures that put people at risk. A modern safety program requires changing the way observations are made and captured. As employers contend with an increasingly complex set of risks, a more complete picture of exposures and the measures needed to correct them are required.
2. As employers are pressured to do more with less, technology can help develop action plans a lot quicker. A good data analytics tool can provide real-time feedback on what hurts and helps employees on the job.
3. A solid methodology is needed when interpreting data collected. Focus on the critical safety issues, adapt to changing risks and coach observers.
4. The right technology enables greater safety performance while creating a stronger connection between employees and the business mission. The trick is to use technology that allows employees to easily and intuitively find the information they need, report issues, and respond to exposures.

Companies of all sizes are benefiting from the use of technology in their safety programs, using it to improve and streamline the way they approach and implement safety initiatives. By analyzing the relevant data and feedback collected, safety managers can identify previously unknown safety risks and take proactive measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those risks going forward.

Source: Safety and Health Magazine, “Safety Leadership: Time to evolve: What the modern safety program needs to address”