How Life-Saving Technology Can Protect Workers

Worldwide, there are more than 320,000 fatalities every year caused by work accidents, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). This means that, for 320,000 families, their lives are forever changed because of what is usually a preventable accident. What is more, their loss has a big impact on the workplace, as well as the deceased’s family.

Nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, either at home or at work. The loss of a worker after an injury or fatality can also have a real, lasting effect on productivity and morale in the workplace.

Internet of Things is changing the workplace

Technology is taking strides to improve the safety and well-being of our nation's workers, especially those workers who operate completely alone. For those 53 million lone workers in the US, Europe and Canada, the Internet of Things (IoT) has stepped up to help. IoT is a network of smart devices that connect to and exchange data with one another over the Internet.

Through IoT, lone workers are equipped with devices such as those by Wearsafe. Should a crisis happen while that worker is alone, a simple push of a button on a Wearsafe device would alert others within the network of that worker’s GPS location and other pertinent information. Those alerted could then come to the worker’s aid and possibly prevent complications or even a fatality.  

There are also IoT devices that monitor a worker’s health. This is used particularly for employees who work in construction or other fields in which employees are exposed to hazardous equipment and extreme weather conditions. One company, Daqri, created a high-tech helmet that can monitor the wearer’s heart rate, brain activity, skin temperature and blood oxygen saturation. By monitoring construction workers’ health, employers and safety managers can intervene if they notice warning signs that might lead to an accident before it’s too late.

After a workplace injury, you deserve the best care

If you have sustained an injury at work, you need the talented legal team at Vellner Law. Turn to a Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney with 27 years' experience helping injured workers. If you have been injured, contact us. We can offer you a free consultation.