Automated Bodyguard: Safety Technology Adds Protection for Workers
Safety technology, a key element in workplace safety, acts as a personal bodyguard in tool design, standing between workers and hazards 24/7, significantly reducing the risk of exposure with minimal impact on workflow.
In the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hierarchy of Controls, safety technology is considered an engineering control, designed to eliminate hazards at the source, providing a high level of protection independent of worker interactions.
Safety technology includes various advancements such as machine sensors, wearables, mobile apps, cloud-based software, predictive analytics, robotics, real-time monitoring, and PPE tracking with embedded sensors.
Recent examples of safety technology applications include noise reduction measures, self-cleaning vacuums for compliance with OSHA regulations on dust, innovative braking technology in grinders for quick cessation, and anti-vibration systems in rotary hammers to reduce long-term injuries.
