The benefits of tech-enabled workplace risk management

Innovative new technology enables organisations to identify and respond more quickly to hazards in the workplace.

Safe Work Australia data reveals that 34 workers have been killed at work, to date this year. Tech innovations such as mobile tools, software, AI-enabled tools, sensors and wearable technology therefore have a crucial role to play in enhancing workplace safety.

Stephen Blackie, Commercial Director, National Media — the organisers of the 2024 Workplace Health & Safety Show — has listed some of the ways that new technology solutions are benefiting organisations across a range of industries:

• Improving the monitoring of workers, even on remote or expansive job sites.
• Reducing risk to workers, as robots and other automated solutions are being deployed to carry out risky work.
• Enabling two-way communications, alarms and alerts, or emergency response.
• Improving the early detection of hazards or risks, as well as more accurate safety inspections.
• Enhancing PPE performance, by incorporating sensors or devices that can alert individuals to risk, protect against physical harm or support the safe handling of risky tasks (eg, exoskeletons that help with carrying heavy loads or injury prevention).
• Streamlining reporting and incident management, safety procedures, etc.
• Enabling personalised safety management and training, as well as mental wellbeing programs.
• Simplifying regulatory compliance and creating a centralised database for an organisation’s safety programs.
   

“At the moment Australian organisations are facing a myriad of challenges which include an aging workforce, skilled labour shortages as well as regulatory changes that broaden the scope of responsibility. New technology offers a host of benefits,” Blackie said.

At the upcoming Workplace Health & Safety Show in Melbourne, industry leaders and experts from renowned tech companies will explore the different tech innovations available, from cloud-based safety software to sensors and wearable tech.

Click here to register for free.