The real benefits of AI

Some of the most ground-breaking solutions currently transforming workplace safety and productivity, are those which harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AI wearable device market for health and safety monitoring has been growing in the US, where, due to the private insurance claims industry, the market is more mature. In the UK, wearable solutions are becoming more popular, with new AI health and safety monitoring devices like the Modjoul SmartBelt and WearHealth exoskeleton suit analysis bringing exciting and disruptive change. Wearable devices bring with them a new way of harnessing detailed data that can help inform future Health and Safety policy within organisations. 

These technologies often work together as part of a holistic solution with each technology forming part of a dynamic ecosystem. Each one plays its role in keeping the worker safe. Let’s take a closer look at some of the technologies included in the new wearable devices currently on offer: 

RFID (radio frequency identification)

This is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects or people using detectors in a tag. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data back to the reader. This type of technology is often used in retail to keep track of goods in a shop and to cut down on shoplifting but its versatility makes it ideal in helping protect assets.

In the Health and Safety field, an RFID tag can be used for example to ensure that people are wearing the right PPE for a restricted area. Each piece of PPE – gloves, mask, boots – will contain a tag and if one or some of the tags are missing when a person passes through a sensor, an alarm sounds, alerting the user to the fact that they are not correctly dressed for the area that they are entering. It can also be used to track the location of wearable AI technology. For example, the Modjoul SmartBelt needs to be charged at the end of the day but if the user forgets to remove it, sensor towers stationed near the exit remind them not to leave while wearing it and to replace it in the charging bank for the following day. 

Bluetooth technology

Bluetooth technology can be used in the workplace to help keep track of equipment and people to ensure that they are kept safe. It is incredibly versatile and can be utilised in a huge variety of situations. For example, if every staff member and visitor is issued with a wearable Bluetooth device, then by simply scanning the code on any device, the platform will detect their profile. This dynamic provisioning technology allows you to track who is in and out of a building in the case of an emergency. A Bluetooth beacon can be used in restricted areas to regulate access to people with the correct authorisation, in a process called Zoning. 

Wideband Technology

Wideband is a low-power technology which uses radio signals to penetrate walls and other physical barriers. It can be used for anti-forklift truck collision technology in the workplace.

Wideband active technology is installed via transmitters on forklifts and mobile equipment. Colleagues wearing similar technology are informed with the driver, that a collision is possible. Full reporting of near misses and proximity are stored for review.

Musculoskeletal AI solutions

Wearable tech to report ergonomic activities in the workplace is on the increase. Granular reporting on bends, twists, stooping, crouching, reaching and carrying, can be processed in great detail to offer insights of a global workforce risk analysis.

Exoskeleton suits are increasingly being used in the UK workplace to help keep workers safe when carrying out high impact repetitive activities. One of the newest players on the UK market, WearHealth matches the right exoskeleton suit to the activity being performed. The objective is not to allow workers to lift heavier loads, work longer hours or execute ergonomically riskier tasks but it is to make sure that their usual daily tasks can be performed without the risk of injury or suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. Video scanning technology is used to assess a particular task, make recommendations for possible exoskeleton suits and then report on this with sensor analysis of the activity. The sensors are worn by the worker to allow for analysis of an appropriate exosuit, and determine comfort and support based on real time data generated during the task. The right exoskeleton for that task can then be fitted and used as required based on the potential effectiveness and useability.

Motion sensors can also help to monitor tasks where repetitive strain injury is an issue. Ansell, the world’s largest supplier of PPE, has launched a new technology called Inteliforz which monitors repetitive hand and wrist movement to protect against a range of hand and wrist injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome. A motion sensor pod worn in the safety glove alerts the user when carrying out a risky hand movement by using a haptic buzz. This also reports potential issues to management which allows the correct intervention to reduce risks. 

Wi-Fi

This common technology can be used to monitor the safety of employees working alone. If a colleague has an accident for example, technologies used in products like the Modjoul SmartBelt which has wireless capabilities, will detect lack of movement and send an alert or email to that worker’s manager. The Bluetooth beacon will then tell them which zone that person is located in the building, so they can be found if they are unconscious. If the person is conscious when they trip or fall, they can use the same technology to send an SOS or email to the manager by pressing a button on the belt. 

Temperature controlled environments can be a feature of food led workplaces and Wi-Fi technology can be used to monitor exposure to extreme temperatures. A wearable device then alerts the user that they have spent too long in that environment and that they need to remove themselves to a more temperate area. It can also monitor light levels and tell the user if they have been working in an environment that is too light or too dark. 

Data collection 

One of the key benefits of all these wearable AI technology solutions is the detailed data it collects related to the workplace environment, and the operations carried out. They all provide real time data which continuously measures and tracks progress. They also pinpoint issues, provide risk assessment of specific tasks, and be customised to fit specific situations. This data is invaluable in helping the workplace to operate more efficiently.

The data that is collected is stored in a secure cloud and it allows the employer to look for weaknesses in their health and safety operations and make interventions where necessary. This real-time feedback and data analysis is invaluable and has been shown to cut injury rates and workplace accidents.

The AI wearable technologies coming on stream in the UK are really exciting, providing real disruption and real change to an area of workplace wellbeing that can really benefit from the advantages that AI provides.

Graham Sharp is managing director of Stanley Handling. For more information, visit www.stanleyhandling.co.uk