Let's face it: wearable safety technology is everywhere these days.
Don’t know where to start?
We found out which wearables are making waves in the EHS industry today, and why.
Read more: 5 Ways AI Increases Workplace Safety and Productivity »
Read on for a background in wearable tech, where the market is headed, and best practices.
Ready? Let’s go.
What is wearable technology?
It's obvious that wearable tech is technology you wear, but there's more to it than that.
Wearable tech can connect to the internet and track personal data, both very useful for safety purposes. Fitness trackers, smartwatches and body cameras all fall under wearable technology.
It is a massively growing industry, too, with worldwide sales predicted to double. By 2022, the market will be worth between US$27 billion and US$60 billion. Phew!
The smartwatch is the most popular wearable tech, by far. In 2018, an estimated 85 million watches were sold worldwide. On the other hand, the once dominant fitness tracker is expected to decline in popularity over the next few years. Surprisingly, a key component of fitness trackers - the pedometer - is the first example of wearable technology, invented around 500 years ago.
Who invented it, you ask? That’s where it gets hazy. There’s multiple possibilities – including Leonardo da Vinci - dating from as far back as 1674. But, the pedometer’s official patent was awarded in 1924.
These days, wearables are typically associated with personal use, however, they are quickly becoming incorporated in the world of work, particularly for health and safety purposes.
What are the future trends?
Don't worry about the robots taking your job! Instead, Deloitte Insights believe that technology will enhance job roles and workers' capabilities.
For example, wearable technology boosts productivity, increases safety and even improves vision and hearing. Moreover, wearables can advance safety in industries like automotive, chemicals, and oil and gas.
Furthermore, wearable tech is adopting to the workplace market. Devices are getting cheaper, lighter and smaller - all encouraging employer investments.
Using wearable safety tech for EHS
Over the past 15 years, wearables have flooded the tech market. Now, vendors meet the demand of workplace safety technology.
For example, a 2018 Verdantix report found that 58% respondents regard industrial wearables (wearables are wearable tech used in industrial settings to improve productivity, safety and efficiency) significant to their upcoming operational risk management initiatives.
Industrial wearables' primary functions:
- Track worker location
- Oversee vital signs and environmental risks
- Mitigate risks by issuing information remotely
- Reduce exposure to musculoskeletal injuries
- Improve staff training
Location tracking
Clips, equipment tags and worksite sensors can all detect location, and it comes with advantages.
For example, one construction company tracking worker location consequently responded to worker falls and injuries at a 40% faster rate.
Bill Caldwell, Senior Safety Specialist at chemical company Tronox, said:
"Determining a worker's location during a fire or chemical release evacuation would be very valuable. Getting help to someone would certainly increase survival. Importantly, it would also decrease rescuers sent in to rescue a missing person. At our facility, if we can’t account for someone because they have not made it to a muster point, we have to send rescuers in to conduct a search. That could result in putting rescuers in harm’s way looking for a person who is actually in a safe location."
Monitoring vital signs and environmental risks
A range of wearables monitor workers’ vital signs: smartglasses detecting sleepiness, and smart clothing monitoring heart rate variability and breathing volume.
A study on monitoring worker fatigue with wearables gave employers almost real-time intuition to worker fatigue and productivity.
Moreover, wearables can identify natural gas and high-risk temperatures.
Caldwell said:
"Another issue for us is monitoring employee exposure to heat stress. Some of our jobs require the wearing of an impermeable acid suit and respirator in the Mississippi summer time when temperatures can reach 100°F (38 °C). We could use a device that would monitor an employee’s heart rate and body temperature and alert them to take breaks and cool off."
Information issued remotely
Field staff often require information when out on location. That’s where wearables come into play.
For instance, voice activated and hands-free wearables give staff quick and easy access to any documentation and information they need.
Exoskeletons
Workers exposed to repetitive heavy lifting, difficult working environments and working positions risk developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). In the UK between 2017 and 2018, 6.6 million working days were lost to work-related MSDs.
The good news? Exoskeletons can assist with heavy lifting, and can even monitor fatigue. Like all wearables, exoskeletons range hugely, from full-body armor to discreet designs.
One example is The Chairless Chair, utilized by factory floor workers. Designed to attach behind workers legs and back, it provides support whenever the user sits or crouches. Best of all, workers can also stand and walk about freely with the exoskeleton still attached.
Safety Training
Last but not least, wearables can be used for safety training. Virtual reality headsets allow users to experience a fictional environment and practice safety procedures.
VT saves the hassle of bringing in an in-person trainer for staff. Plus, workers can complete safety trainings without the real-life risk working at a height or using dangerous tools.
Limitations
As we’ve seen, wearables have a wealth of benefits. But, they also have their downfalls. Let’s look at the two most prominent.
Privacy
With technology tracking your every move, privacy concerns are understandable. One study found that 67% of respondents worried about ‘big brother’ surveillance by employers.
Transparency can combat this. Be clear with staff about what data the wearables track, and explain the reasons behind their introduction to the workplace.
Cost
Bringing in company-wide wearables involves a financial shake-up.
Wearable tech varies wildly in price. A simple fitness tracker has a US$40 starting price, but smartglasses can reach US $3,000 a pair.
However, as we know, a work-related injury is very expensive. One report found US employers spending US$1 billion each week on work-related injuries and illnesses.
In this sense, using wearables to lower injuries and - in the long run – costs might be the right choice.
Conclusion
As with anything, wearables come with their disadvantages. However, as the market moves towards catering for enterprises, we can only expect devices to get better, and cheaper.
So far, we've seen wearables have a largely positive impact on worker health and safety. Will your company be next? Save our Quick Guide to Wearable Tech infographic for all the essential info.
