FEATURE STRICT CONFIDENCE
For decades, the introduction of new technology and gadgets has often been met
with resistance and apprehension. It’s a familiar pattern we’ve
witnessed before, perhaps most prominently with the first
smartphones. When these handheld devices originally launched, many were sceptical about their capabilities and the potential issues that they might bring. Today, there are around 6.92 billion smartphone users. There’s even a word to describe the state of fear of being without your phone: ‘nomophobia’. While the resistance to these new devices has dropped considerably over time, we find ourselves in a similar scenario with the rise of wearable technology, especially in the workplace. From smartwatches to smart personal protective equipment (PPE), these devices unveil a new era of physical monitoring and connectivity. However, as with the introduction of smartphones several decades ago, they also raise important questions about privacy.
THE RISE OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY Wearable technology has been met with a mix of
excitement and trepidation; however, there is no doubt that adoption and acceptance is growing exponentially. Research conducted by Deloitte reveals approximately 50% of respondents now use wearables, digital assistants or smart devices, an increase of 8% in four years with no signs of slowing. As with most new technology, the aim is to fill a gap in the market, enrich our lives or make things more efficient.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heat exposure causes over 170,000 work-related injuries annually, with a 1% increase in injuries for every increase of 1C. In the US, heat exposure is responsible for as many as 2,000 fatalities in the workplace each year. Similarly, fatigue, which is often an underestimated hazard in the workplace, has figures just as alarming. According to the National Safety Council, it is estimated to cost employers $136bn each year in health-related productivity losses, contributing to 13% of workplace injuries. While there has been significant progress in occupational health and safety in the workplace, some conventional solutions are no longer effective enough to make a substantial impact against certain hazards. Wearable technology can play a pivotal role in enhancing employee wellbeing and safety, especially in combating hazards that may have been difficult to monitor and intervene previously.
Organisations that have attempted to monitor fatigue have been reliant on subjective measures such as
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Leon Marsh, Founder and CEO of Bodytrak, looks at the issues surrounding wearable safety solutions and impending privacy concerns.
employee surveys and blinking technology. Such solutions are inaccurate and unreliable, affected by other tasks being performed, and can lead to many ramifications as a result of over or under reporting. While it’s positive to see organisations implementing solutions to address fatigue, physical responses such as blinking are often a result of mental and physical ability being impacted before employees even realise.
It has been a step in the right direction for organisations to implement these measures; however, wearable technology can now provide a more accurate and effective means to monitor fatigue, driven by real-time data and science. Wearable technology can be used to detect a wide range of workplace hazards affected by body temperature, motion and lack of movement, while triggering alerts to notify users and supervisors to stop an incident before it’s too late. These insights captured from wearables can assist senior decision makers when building safety programmes and measuring the effectiveness of protocols already in place. This helps put organisations in a stronger position to foster a safe workplace culture.
BALANCING PRIVACY AND SAFETY The heart of the privacy concern surrounding wearables
lies in the data collected. Equipped with sensors, wearable devices can continuously gather information about the body’s responses and surroundings. This can provide valuable insights into work schedules, habits and physical capabilities. As with the introduction of smartphones, it’s important to embrace the possibilities while addressing the concerns related to data security and user privacy. These concerns often include:
Data security: Wearable devices store vast amounts of personal data, making robust data security measures crucial, especially in safety-critical applications.
Data sharing: To maintain user trust, wearable companies must be transparent about data-sharing practices, particularly when it comes to safety solutions.
Informed consent for safety: Users must have a clear understanding of how their data is used in safety contexts, emphasising informed consent.
Data protection: In safety-critical situations, the mishandling of data can have serious consequences, necessitating stringent privacy safeguards.
A BUDDY THAT EMPOWERS YOU As a result of the SAS soldier fatalities on the Brecon
Beacons in 2013, and the global rise of temperatures causing significant increases in workplace fatalities, Bodytrak was founded to solve health and safety problems people face every day. Following these events,
www.tomorrowshs.com
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