Everyone wants to avoid work injuries. Workplace injuries slow down production on the worksite. That makes the job foreman unhappy. Injuries cause lots of work for the human resources department employees because they have to fill out a ton of forms, which no one likes to do. Finally and most importantly, workers want to avoid workplace injuries because no one likes to be in pain.
Thankfully, today’s technological innovations allow workers to enjoy some of the safest worksites in history. What are some of these innovations that are keeping human resources employees bored and workers safe?
Drones
It used to be challenging to get a bird’s-eye view of construction. Drones have made that easier. Not only do drones help in recording the construction progress, but they also survey the site for potential hazards.
Although some may resent the idea of being photographed on the worksite, drones can also show which workers are using the best safety practices and equipment. Companies do this to not only help protect their employees but also themselves from expensive litigation.
Specialized Hard Hats
Sure, hard hats have been around for decades, but companies have been continuously improving this critical piece of safety equipment. Companies have worked hard to make them cooler, lighter and more comfortable, so employees aren’t bothered by wearing them.
There are hard hats that have wider brims to protect workers from the sun and hard hats that detect problems with air quality. There’s even a hat on the market that works off of solar power to keep workers cool when working outside on hot, dusty sites.
Communication Systems
Many accidents and injuries in the past could have been avoided if there had been a way to alert all of the employees of an impending disaster at once. With the advancement in walkie talkies and push-to-talk technology, targeted groups can receive information immediately regarding an incoming storm, gas leak or outside threat of violence.
These systems are often built with the workplace in mind. They are rugged pieces of equipment that can be used in extreme temperatures. They can work in dusty, muddy and even wet conditions. They can even be used while wearing gloves.
Wearables
There are other items that construction workers can wear on their bodies that help keep them safe. High-end wearables are available that monitor the individual’s heart rate and body temperature to help people avoid heat stroke.
Some items can be worn around the worker’s wrist to monitor movement. They allow supervisors to be notified immediately if someone in their crew experiences a fall or a medical emergency.
Lighting
Sometimes construction workers find themselves in the position of working in low-light areas. Instead of wearing the traditional miner’s lantern strapped to their forehead, you may see workers using a light halo that fits around the hard hat. This innovation gives the worker a ring of light that allows them to see in their periphery. These light halos may also have a setting that enables workers to switch on a hazard signal should they find themselves in need of help from coworkers in view.
No amount of safety equipment in the world will keep workers safe if they don’t use them. It’s essential for workers to follow the rules and be responsible on the job. Companies also have a responsibility to make sure their workers have the appropriate equipment for the situation. They are not only ethically responsible, but they are legally accountable as well.
