Can digital monitoring systems redefine workers’ safety and health?
The implementation of digital monitoring systems for occupational safety and health (OSH) like apps, cameras and wearables can make workplaces safer.
This research was originally published by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, it’s only natural that new technologies emerge that can improve the way we work and live. One such technology is the digital monitoring system, which has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach worker safety and health.
What are Digital Monitoring Systems?
Digital monitoring systems are advanced technologies that use sensors, software, and internet connectivity to monitor workers’ activities and conditions in real-time. These systems can collect a wide range of data, including physical movements, posture, workload, and environmental conditions. The data collected can then be analyzed and used to identify potential risks and hazards, as well as to improve safety and health outcomes.
How do Digital Monitoring Systems Work?
Digital monitoring systems use sensors and wearable devices to collect data on workers’ activities and conditions. The data collected is then transmitted to a central system, where it can be analyzed and used to identify potential risks and hazards.
For example, a monitoring system may collect data on a worker’s posture and movements, and use this information to identify potential hazards, such as repetitive strain injuries. The system may also use data on environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, to identify potential risks to workers’ health.
The Benefits of Digital Monitoring Systems
Digital monitoring systems offer a number of benefits for workers, employers, and society as a whole. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Improved worker safety: By collecting data on workers’ activities and conditions, digital monitoring systems can identify potential hazards and risks, and take steps to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Improved worker health: By collecting data on environmental conditions and workload, digital monitoring systems can help to identify potential risks to workers’ health, and take steps to improve health outcomes.
- Increased efficiency: By providing real-time data on workers’ activities, digital monitoring systems can help to improve productivity and efficiency.
- Better decision making: By providing accurate data on workers’ activities and conditions, digital monitoring systems can help employers to make more informed decisions about workplace safety and health.
The Challenges of Digital Monitoring Systems
Despite the many benefits of digital monitoring systems, there are also a number of challenges that must be addressed in order to fully realize their potential. Some of the most notable challenges include:
- Privacy concerns: One of the biggest challenges associated with digital monitoring systems is privacy. Workers may be concerned about having their activities and conditions monitored, and employers must take steps to ensure that data is collected and used in a way that protects workers’ privacy.
- Technical challenges: Digital monitoring systems can be complex, and there is a need for specialized expertise in order to set up and maintain these systems.
- Cost: Digital monitoring systems can be expensive, and there is a need for investment in order to fully realize their potential.
Smart digital monitoring systems for occupational safety and health: uses and challenges
Are they helpful? Is it proactive? Like anything new, it’s important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of new monitoring systems for occupational safety and health (OSH). Based on in-depth study of the opportunities and challenges, this research review proposes a working definition and distinguishes between proactive and reactive OSH monitoring.
The paper provides insights into what works, and what is still needed going forward. It offers insights for policy, research and companies, and underlines the importance of workers’ participation and human-centred design.
Smart digital monitoring systems for occupational safety and health: workplace resources for design, implementation and use
Companies with a strong safety and health culture are more likely to identify hazards and take steps to avoid them. New occupational safety and health (OSH) monitoring systems use digital technology to assess risks and minimise harm. But success hinges on information.
This report explores the importance of workplace resources – from information about the purpose of new OSH monitoring systems to implementation instructions and ergonomic guides. Best practice examples highlight ways to successfully integrate new OSH monitoring systems at the workplace.
