Worker (or workplace) safety in industrial manufacturing is no longer simply a “collection of best practices” or requirements. As we move into 2024, this term is set to undergo a paradigm shift in the world of modern manufacturing. We are seeing more solutions and technologies being adopted to help manufacturing plants keep up with the latest requirements of worker safety and occupational health.
Despite improvements in workplace safety, modern facilities continue to witness non-fatal injuries and deaths. Here are a few of the 2023 statistics:
- On average, employees missed 66 working days due to workplace injuries.
- 28% of injuries happen to new manufacturing workers in their first year of working.
- 33% of workplace injuries occur due to overexertion.
Along with technological innovation, there’s a growing environment of regulatory focus on worker’s health and environmental issues. This blog highlights 5 key technologies and trends to watch for in the area of worker safety in 2024.
5 Technologies impacting worker safety in 2024
Over the past decade, digital technologies have come to the forefront of improving workplace safety in the manufacturing domain. From wearable devices to advanced analytics, manufacturers can leverage technology to identify potential hazards to occupational safety.
Here are 5 technologies that will impact worker safety in 2024:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Similar to its impact on other business applications, AI technology is emerging as a powerful tool in managing occupational hazards. AI-powered systems can automatically detect data-driven patterns and predict risks to worker health.
With the recent emergence of Generative AI, manufacturers can advance their decision-making skills to the next level. For instance, AI-powered predictive analytics can identify leading indicators for making safety decisions.
Similarly, AI-powered systems can monitor manufacturing facilities 24/7 for any equipment downtime or malfunction. This in turn means lower downtime, improved productivity, and a safer production environment for new and experienced operators.
- Computer Vision (CV)
Be it in the construction or manufacturing domain, computer vision (CV) has played a pivotal role in ensuring worker safety. As more industries come under government regulation, manufacturing industries are realizing the value of CV technology in improving workplace safety.
Using connected cameras, CV solutions are improving worker safety by:
- Monitoring and analyzing worker movement.
- Enforcing safety guidelines by checking if workers are wearing protective gear.
- Monitoring production environments for the presence of any harmful chemicals or incidents like fires or flooding.
- Preventing unauthorized personnel (or criminals) from entering sensitive sections of the facility.
In 2024 and beyond, computer vision (along with Generative AI) can provide high-quality data that can identify “dangerous” objects in a cluttered work environment.
- Immersive technologies
In 2024, immersive technologies like Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR) will further advance the quality of worker safety. For instance, in the physical space, AR technology with its 3D simulations can help workers identify and avoid potential hazards. An example is the AR-powered safety helmet from XYZ Reality with safety features to keep workers safe onsite.
Similarly, VR technology is transforming the training domain with “realistic” images of manufacturing operations and installations. Thus, young workers can learn the intricacies of operating high-risk equipment in their “virtual” environment, without exposing themselves to the “dangers” of the physical environment.
- Internet of Things (IoT)
The use of IoT technologies is not new in the world of manufacturing. Among the latest trends, IoT-powered connected devices are now boosting safety monitoring in high-risk facilities. With real-time monitoring, manufacturers can take immediate action to avoid a potential hazard.
For instance, IoT-connected sensors can monitor the physical environment and check air quality, temperature levels, and humidity. Similarly, embedded sensors in machines can report any faults or defects, which could be a safety hazard.
In 2024, wearable technology (with IoT) in the form of smart helmets, vests, and glasses can alert high-risk workers and supervisors to potential risks.
- Safety compliance management
In the modern age, manufacturers cannot afford to approach worker safety and regulatory compliance as separate functions. Increasingly, they need to comply with OSHA standards regarding worker safety and accident prevention.
With safety compliance management, organizations can build a work environment that prioritizes worker safety. Here are 4 tips for adhering to safety compliance:
- Effective safety training for new and existing employees
- Clear safety guidelines and enforcement to avoid safety hazards
- Regular audits for checking compliance with safety regulations
- Vendor support for customer’s compliance requirements through safety technologies
Conclusion
The manufacturing domain has always been at the forefront of adopting new innovative technologies to achieve objectives like higher operational efficiency and worker safety. In 2024 and beyond, we can expect the advancement of technologies like AI and computer vision across manufacturing industries.
With its specialization in AI and CV technology, KamerAI has its pulse on the latest developments in the manufacturing domain. Some of the safety features of its CV solutions include:
- Hard hat detection
- Identification of unattended objects in manufacturing facilities
- Detection of any perimeter security breach
If you want to know how our CV-enabled solutions can improve your worker safety, speak to our CV experts now.
