Technological leaps over the past few years have opened up so many new industries and opportunities for growth. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality and more, these technologies have attracted a lot of media attention and are changing the world as we know it and the way we do business. However, there are other areas of technological innovation which are equally as important in the modern world, including health and safety.
Workplace safety is a hugely important topic, with accidents at work reportedly costing the UK economy around £16 billion a year. Naturally, this is an area that many workplaces can work on, and new initiatives and innovations are helping to make this safer for everyone. Safer workplaces are more efficient and more productive while also making employees happier.
Innovation in Signs
Workplace signs are hardly a new concept, with millions of different signs used in workplaces across the country. These are clear, concise and helpful messages that instantly tell someone about a potential hazard, an emergency exit or prohibition signs to prevent someone from accessing a certain area. While signs aren’t new, that doesn’t mean they can’t be innovated and improved to help make workplaces safer.
For example, modern signs are much easier to read than previous iterations, ensuring that everyone can understand their message at first glance. In addition, reflective materials, lights or even digital signs can help draw attention to a specific hazard or deliver a clear message that can be understood by anyone.
Data Analysis for Safety
Data analysis is growing in usage in businesses across the world. There are now more data available for collection than ever before, and new technologies have allowed businesses to utilise it in new ways. Collecting data on employee behaviour and actions in the workplace can be used to model potential hazards and predict accidents that may occur. In addition, it can come up with solutions by working out the times of the day when accidents are more likely or identifying unsafe practices.
The largest organisations are leading the emerging field of predictive analytics for safety. According to recent data, only around 12% of businesses in safety-sensitive sectors, including manufacturing, power generation, and construction, have embraced technologies that enable predictive analytics. Therefore, there’s huge potential for growth in this area, and this could help revolutionise the level of health and safety and prevent future accidents.
Open Discourse on Safety
While technological innovation is important, it’s estimated that the vast majority of accidents at the workplace are avoidable. This can be solved by having more open and available discussions on safety and ensuring that regular and up-to-date training is available. All employees should be trained in standard safety protocols and what to do in case of an emergency. New technology can help improve training methods, including AI training tools that offer instruction and guidance.
Allowing employees to provide feedback is also vital, especially if they’re able to report instances of safety protocols not being followed. If employees feel unsafe, they should be able to pass their concerns up the chain of command to ensure that any issues are dealt with. Technology can provide a solution here too, allowing employees to provide anonymous feedback online.
Final Thoughts
Workplace safety is a huge area of growth, especially when it comes to technological innovation. With so much to be gained in terms of productivity and employee satisfaction, it’s little surprise that a growing number of companies are investing in ways they can put safety first and develop new initiatives to make their workplac
