Wearable health and safety devices are revolutionising the workplace. These devices, worn on the body, offer a range of capabilities designed to detect hazards, monitor health metrics and improve overall safety in various industries. From detecting dangerous gases to alerting workers of unhealthy postures, the applications of wearable health and safety technology are vast and diverse. Read on to find out more about the latest health and safety wearable tech trends in the West Midlands.

Capabilities

The capabilities of wearable health and safety devices are extensive, catering to different workplace environments and hazards. Some devices detect dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide or methane, which is crucial in industries like mining, construction and manufacturing where exposure to harmful substances is a risk. Other devices can alert workers of incoming vehicles or equipment, reducing the likelihood of collisions and injuries in busy workplaces.

Another critical capability is the handling of heavy loads, where wearable devices can monitor the strain on workers’ bodies and provide alerts when limits are exceeded, preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Moreover, these devices can detect unhealthy postures, such as prolonged bending or twisting, and remind workers to adjust their positions to avoid strain and injury.

In remote or hazardous environments, wearable devices can detect the occurrence of accidents. Real-time alerts are a cornerstone feature, ensuring that workers are informed of potential dangers promptly. Managers can also receive alerts, allowing them to take proactive measures to address safety concerns and mitigate risks in the workplace.

Products

Several innovative wearable health and safety devices are currently available on the market, each offering unique benefits tailored to specific industry needs:

• Smart vests equipped with sensors can detect various hazards and provide real-time alerts to workers, enhancing situational awareness and safety on construction sites or in industrial settings.
• Navigation belts are designed to assist workers in navigating complex environments safely. These belts use GPS technology and haptic feedback to guide users, particularly useful in large warehouses or outdoor work sites where precise navigation is crucial.
• Smart belts equipped with load sensors help prevent overexertion injuries by monitoring the weight of carried loads and providing feedback to workers.
• Tactile navigation seats offer a hands-free solution for guiding workers in busy environments, utilising vibrations to indicate directions or hazards.
• Backpacks with integrated sensors can monitor environmental conditions and alert wearers to potential dangers, such as sudden changes in temperature or air quality.
• Smart watches and rings are compact wearable devices that track vital signs and provide health-related notifications.
• Hard helmet sensors are designed to detect impacts or falls, automatically alerting responders in the event of an accident.
• Augmented training devices use virtual reality technology to simulate hazardous scenarios, allowing workers to practice safety protocols in a controlled environment.

Risks

Wearable health and safety devices offer immense potential to enhance workplace safety, but they also come with inherent risks that must be carefully managed.

One of the primary concerns is product safety and performance. As these devices are designed to be worn by individuals in potentially hazardous environments, any malfunctions or inaccuracies could have serious consequences. Battery safety is another critical consideration, especially given that many wearable devices rely on rechargeable batteries for power. Issues such as overheating, short circuits or battery degradation can pose significant risks to users, including the potential for burns or fires.

Data security is a paramount concern, particularly as wearable devices collect and transmit sensitive personal and health-related information. Unauthorised access or breaches of data could lead to privacy violations, identity theft or misuse of personal health data. Toxicology is another important aspect to consider, as wearable devices may contain materials or substances that could pose health risks upon prolonged exposure.

Outlook

Wearable health and safety technology is reshaping the workplace landscape, offering innovative solutions to mitigate risks and protect workers from harm. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect wearable health and safety devices to become more integrated, intelligent, and seamless in their operation, further improving workplace safety and employee well-being. While these devices are already in use in sectors like construction, manufacturing and logistics, their adoption is expected to become more widespread in the years to come.

At MOHS Workplace Health we help organisations across the West Midlands create safer workplaces. To speak to a friendly member of our team, e-mail us at info@mohs.co.uk or give us a call on 0121 601 4041