Monitoring and improving workplace safety with AI wearable technology

MANAGERS WITH responsibility for large warehouse premises which use industrial equipment encompass a range of different physical operations and need to ensure that health and safety is at the heart of their efficient operation. Statistics show that workers can be severely injured, crushed and killed by moving plant including cranes, vehicles and trailers. Risk is also increased when getting on or off machinery, working at height, or loading or unloading. 

Anti-Collision Technology

When people and industrial machinery operate together in close proximity, the likelihood for workplace accidents inevitably rises. In the UK, between 2016 -2019, 43% of forklift truck incidents involved impact with a person and 65% of these involved pedestrians unconnected with the activities of the forklift. These figures from the UK Materials Handling Association clearly show that danger is heightened when people work in an environment that contains mechanical vehicles such as forklift trucks, diggers, and cranes.

Modjoul’s Halo 360 collision avoidance system, communicates with forklift drivers and other workers operating in the vicinity. If a forklift is nearby, the technology will alert both the driver of the forklift and the individual concerned so that they can avoid each other. This is useful in areas where vision may be restricted such as blind corners, or when cranes are operating overhead lowering materials. 

Detailed Data Focused On Risk Avoidance

A 2023 survey conducted by the CIPD and SimplyHealth found that 51% of long-term sickness absences in the UK are caused by musculoskeletal injuries [MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders)]. Wearable technologies can help reduce these numbers dramatically and improve workplace safety by collecting and tracking detailed employee data that focuses on where the biggest risks are occurring.

New AI powered monitoring devices like the WearHealth analysis tool are bringing exciting and disruptive change. Wearable devices bring with them a new way of harnessing detailed data that can help inform future workplace health and safety policy within organisations. In addition, companies like Modjoul offer wearable technology offering integrated safety features which combine both collision avoidance and MSD reduction technology.

Exoskeleton Solutions For Musculoskeletal Disorders

Exoskeleton suits are increasingly being used in the UK workplace to help keep workers safe when carrying out high-impact and repetitive activities. Granular reporting on bends, twists, stooping, crouching, reaching and carrying, can be processed in great detail to offer insights into a global workforce risk analysis.

Technology providers like WearHealth use scanning technology to match the right exoskeleton suit to the activity being performed with the aim of ensuring that daily tasks can be completed without the risk of injury.  The video scanning technology is used to assess a particular task, make recommendations for suitable exoskeletons and then report back with detailed data analysis of the risks. 

The AI wearable technologies coming on stream in the UK are capable of providing real, measurable change and helping to make the workplace safer than ever before. There has never been a better time to invest in technology to meet workplace safety and compliance.

Graham Sharp is MD of Stanley 

For more information:

stanleyhandling.co.uk

Tel: 0800 298 2980