HUMAN FACTORS & ERGONOMICS
movements is recorded and processed using AI driven algorithms to help build a risk index and see if there are patterns emerging that may be leading to increased risk of injury. For example, bends exceeding 60 degrees – when a worker bends over at the waist rather than using their legs to pick up an item – is one of the riskiest movements and a leading cause of workplace injuries. The Modjoul SmartBelt closely tracks these movements, and its research indicates a rapid decline in such movements within hours of usage, as new muscle memories formed, influencing the wearer.
AI algorithms can also be used to identify patterns in the data collected from the device which can be used by workplace managers to identify and minimise risks through targeted training and changes in work processes and improved awareness. Predictive analytics can help to optimise work schedules, how workload is distributed and task assignments to minimise the likelihood of injuries.
Analysing this data can help identify high-risk situations or tasks prone to injuries and factor them into health and safety policy and training. Moreover, it can continuously measure and track progress, allowing management teams to access detailed data analysis reports which can offer risk assessments across the workforce. These reports can be used to inform future health and safety procedures and changes to improve business productivity, efficiency and training programmes.
EXOSKELETON SOLUTIONS Exoskeleton suits are wearable devices used to support workers where the job involves repetitive or high- impact tasks. Companies like WearHealth match the right exoskeleton suit to the physical activity being performed. Using AI video scanning technology to assess a particular task, the output will provide recommendations and then report on this with analysis of the activity, and the risk profile. Sensors are worn by the worker to allow for analysis of an appropriate exosuit and determine comfort and performance based on real time data generated during the task. An ergonomist also reviews the report to confirm suitability. The right exoskeleton suit for the task can then be fitted and used as required.
WEARABLE TECH IN ACTION Clarendon House Care Home in Coventry was looking for solutions to help prevent workplace injuries sustained by care workers during their day-to-day activities. Video scanning technology was used to assess a set of specific tasks carried out by the carers. One worker was filmed moving a patient in and out of bed. A second was filmed lifting a patient up from a sitting position. The captured data was then reviewed to produce a detailed report. Stanley’s team of health and safety experts advised that a passive exoskeleton was the most appropriate suit for use by the carers as it is able to provide effective relief from up to 60kg of weight and designed to increase stability when bending, lifting, repositioning, and transferring patients. Each suit is designed to keep the worker safe and to protect and support their body to reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
x.com/TomorrowsHS
A two-week trial took place with the results showing that workers felt more than 30% less tired while wearing the suit, no injuries were reported in the trial period, reducing the risk of future sick days.
ANTI-COLLISION TECHNOLOGY AI wearable technology can also help to keep the workplace environment safe on sites where machines such as forklift trucks, cranes and diggers are operating near workers. Devices like Modjoul’s wearable SmartBelt can communicate with the machine driver and other workers in the vicinity, while simultaneously measuring ergonomic and environmental factors. If a machine is operating nearby, the technology will alert both the driver and the individual worker concerned, so that they can avoid each other. This is particularly useful in areas where vision may be restricted such as blind corners or in warehouses with narrow aisles. It means that in workplaces where workers and machines co-exist together, processes can operate more safely than before.
LEARNING FROM REAL TIME DATA The key benefit of wearable AI technology is that it gives workers and managers the ability to access detailed data for the first time on health and safety issues related to the workplace environment and the operations being carried out. Real time data continuously measures a worker’s progress leveraging AI technology to pinpoint issues and provide risk assessments of specific tasks. The data is stored in a secure cloud and allows the employer to track weaknesses in its health and safety operations and make interventions where necessary. When vulnerabilities have been identified, a focused health and safety training plan can be drawn up incorporating wearable technology used alongside traditional classroom-based training methods to help bring about gradual behaviour change across an organisation. The changes can be monitored using real time data, target setting, and ongoing assessments with reward-based incentives being offered to workers who make the fastest progress.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT The deployment of wearable safety technology represents a strategic investment, that justifies its initial financial outlay by bringing a swift return on investment. This can be easily measured using granular data that highlights a reduction in sickness and downtime rates, a decrease in the frequency of injury claims and a more informed allocation of health and safety budgets. Moreover, wearable technology has been instrumental in enhancing productivity and efficiency for specific tasks while simultaneously fostering an improvement in employee health and wellbeing. The pivotal role of wearable technology is underscored by the invaluable data it provides, which serves as a cornerstone for informed health and safety training and decision-making processes, thereby revolutionising the management of staff health and retention.
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