Safety in manufacturing is critical for protecting workers’ health and well-being. Effective safety procedures and a culture of safety in the workplace also contribute to employee morale and efficiency. Unsafe conditions can also lead to damaged equipment and an unplanned halt in production.
Manufacturers must consider many factors when planning and implementing safety protocols and procedures, but taking the time to get it right will pay off. Plus, new trends in technology are helping us all to be safer every day.
Your Safety Responsibilities
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) defines several responsibilities employers have when it comes to keeping their workforce safe. Most people are probably familiar with the OSHA posters found in breakrooms and employee areas, but these are only one requirement.
Employers are also responsible for ensuring workers are informed of all hazards in the workplace. This information must be provided in words that people can understand, using a variety of methods, including labels, alarms, color-coded systems, training, and information sheets.
Along with record-keeping and notification requirements, OSHA also requires employers to first try to reduce hazards by making changes to working conditions. This can include changing ingredients or enhancing ventilation systems in addition to personal protective equipment (PPE). New technologies are making it easier for employers to implement processes that meet this requirement.
Three New Technologies for a Safer Workplace
Reducing manual processes and implementing new technologies are the keys to creating and maintaining safe, productive work environments. Here are three new technologies for manufacturers to consider for the future of their operations.
Smart PPE
Personal protective equipment is a critical component of every workplace safety plan. Improvements to basic items such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and other wearable devices include the ability to detect a person’s movement and location. Collecting and processing this data can help prevent repetitive movement injuries and other hazards.
Computer vision and AI technology can use cameras to detect possibly unsafe movements or conditions and alert the worker in real-time. Supervisors can also receive alerts when falls or collisions are detected and pinpoint a worker’s location to send help.
Data Collection & Processing
Manufacturers’ ability to collect data from their equipment and processes is increasing at lightning speed. The new technology provides real-time data collection and processing of thousands of data points throughout a production line. This allows for immediate, often automatic, adjustments to improve not just safety, but also quality, efficiency, and profitability.
This data, along with new software to process it and deliver information that engineers and planners need when developing new systems, has long-term uses, too. Long-term data collection can also show trends and allow for proactive improvements.
Virtual & Augmented Reality
Recent improvements in virtual technology platforms and devices for the wearer now provide experiences that are totally immersive and nearly real-life. The potential for this technology in training and simulations is limitless as workers can practice working with hazardous materials and dangerous, expensive equipment in complete safety.
Augmented reality includes things like glasses that overlay visual elements into the environment. For example, support staff can provide on-site guidance to a worker, present visual instructions or procedures, or provide visual warnings of hazards.
Periodic Risk Assessment
A machine risk assessment is a good place to start when understanding how to use new technology in your operations. By identifying potential hazards and how frequently people may be exposed, you can implement new strategies and technologies and deliver safer processes.
Quad Plus puts its industry experience to work every day to integrate new technologies and help manufacturers enjoy safe, profitable operations. When you’re ready to boost the safety and profitability of your operations, contact Jim Woulf at jwoulf@quadplus.com or call (920) 515-4155.
