Workplace safety should be a top priority for every company. Employees always want to work in a safer and more secure environment. So, it is the responsibility of organizations to provide protected and healthy workplaces where the workers and laborers feel confident and safe. No matter which industry you belong to, make sure your company provides you with optimal working conditions.
According to several types of research, it has been noticed that stress is one of the biggest stressors for every worker, and more than 70% of employees face it. It has been found that ensuring workplace safety also improves the productivity of workers. If the employees don’t face any life-threatening situations, they are able to focus considerably on their tasks. The Lockheed Martin Study shows that when they build the safest work culture, employee productivity is increased by 24%, and factory costs are reduced by 20%.
It is true that workplace accidents occur frequently and result in long-lasting effects on employees’ lives. But this type of incident does not only impact the sufferers, corporations will also suffer great losses.
Role of OSHA in Enforcing Technology
The United States Department of Labor’s main aim is to provide workers with healthy and safest working conditions and enforce OSHA laws to educate employees about their rights & responsibilities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is now also focusing on integrating modern tech trends to equip employees with modern security protocols. OSHAOutreachCourses.com plays a pivotal role in this endeavor by offering cutting-edge online courses that align with the evolving safety standards and regulations. These courses provide comprehensive OSHA training to empower employees with the knowledge and skills to navigate the changing landscape of workplace safety.
OSHA realizes that by using the right data and tech thing, it is easy to find out which employees are most at risk. By using the right technology, such as sensor-based technologies and drones, the safety authorities have a chance to analyze the situation, enforce modern data collection techniques, and integrate the modified safety protocols in the construction industry.
OSHA is aware that the first step in developing a secure, applicable, and implementable workplace by following tech trends, they must have knowledge of job site hazards and accidents. This will let them create safety laws, recommendations, and outreach initiatives according to modern technology traits.
Significant Stats on the Impact of Technology in the Workplace
Organizations and professionals should understand the amazing impact of technology on workplace safety. Those who want to get outcomes regarding the safety and health concerns of their employees; have to look forward to the undeniable impact of digitization and technological innovations
Here are some significant stats regarding the technological impact on workplace safety;
- More than 50% of individual thinks that technological advancement will become the primary factor for how we conduct the business in foreseeable future. Additionally, 36% prioritize changes in the global economy, while 39% anticipate that climate change would have a greater influence.
- Another crucial impact of technology on workplace safety is data privacy. However, the data privacy laws will secure and protect almost 65% of the world in 2023.
- Some research on workplace technology also shows that 42% of workers love to use business-related mobile applications. Moreover, the use of employee apps is expected to grow in the upcoming years.
- According to the World Economic Forum, technology and AI implementation will eliminate 85 million jobs while also creating 97 million new title roles by 2025. AI also allows employees to learn modern tactics in their existing roles to conquer new stages of creativity or productivity in their repetitive day-to-day tasks.
- As per the analysis of MarketsandMarkets, the Chatbot market size will increase globally and hit 10.5 billion USD by 2026, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.5% over the forecast period.
- In 2022, 10% of enterprises will adopt a hybrid work model in response to COVID-19, while only 30% will return to the office, according to statistics on technology in the workplace. 60% of businesses will choose a hybrid approach that combines in-person time and remote.
- The impact of technology is having on the medical workplace has been incredibly noticed. 80% of hospitals and even medical practices already have different kinds of AI applications.
- More than 10 million mobile health apps are available to help people in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Top 5 Trends That Reshaping Workplace Safety
- Real-Time Monitoring and Data Analysis
Real-time monitoring of workplace variables including humidity, temperature, quality of the air, and sound levels is made possible by technology. Wearable tech and sensors can gather information and notify management and staff of potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, this data can be examined to spot trends and potential dangers, enabling the adoption of preventative actions.
- Role of AI in Workplace safety
AI may examine photos and videos from security cameras to find harmful actions or circumstances. For instance, it can spot employees who are accessing prohibited areas without the proper safety gear. Natural Language Processing (NLP) can be used by Chatbots powered by AI or communication platforms to comprehend and address employee safety questions and incident reports. This guarantees that workers quickly and accurately get safety instructions, enhancing workplace safety and facilitating efficient communication. As technology continues to evolve, integrating AI and NLP functionalities can contribute to a safer work environment. Consider obtaining OSHA certification online to stay updated with the latest safety practices and regulations.
- Virtual & Augmented Reality
Employee training takes place in simulated environments using VR and AR technologies. This gives workers practical experience handling potential threats without putting them in danger. Additionally, AR can offer workers direction and information in real-time while they are performing activities, assisting them in making safer choices.
Utilize training systems that imitate dangerous conditions and emergency situations in virtual reality. This gives staff members the chance to practice safety procedures and reactions in a safe setting, developing their knowledge and confidence without putting themselves in danger.
- Wearables & IoT in Workplace Safety
Employees can complete repetitive activities more effectively with wearable devices. The voice command function is responsible for the most noticeable improvement. Employees can then effortlessly complete numerous jobs simultaneously or hands-free, including taking notes, dictating emails, setting reminders, and creating lists. Organizations that have integrated wearable technology have noticed an increase in productivity by 8.5%.
- Data-Driven Decision making
Technology enables firms to gather and examine enormous volumes of data on safety, permitting data-driven decision-making to continuously enhance workplace safety policies.
Concluding Words
As you know, technology transforms the whole world and plays a significant role in our daily lives. So, OSHA understands that the technology has the potential to revolutionize OSHA’s influence and scope and help to improve the safety protocols on the job site.
The use of Technology in workplace safety tactics can change reactive safety initiatives into proactive ones. With technological trends, organizations are now better able to anticipate hazards, act quickly in case of an emergency, continuously enhance safety procedures, and analyze massive volumes of data in real-time.
