Technology is intended to make our lives easier. But more than that, it can be used to make our lives – and that of our employees – safer. Trends in workplace safety vary depending on the industry and setting. Here are some trending technologies you may not yet be aware of.

Wearable Tech for Lone Workers

Industrial and technical trades can be dangerous. An employee who is sent out in the middle of the night on a service call faces a greater risk of attack or theft. And at any time of day, an accident could prove deadly if the employee is alone without a way to signal for help. These are some of the reasons why wearable technology is becoming more and more popular for lone workers. Smartphones, tablets and even smart watches can be used to keep employees safer. Apps like StaySafe provide check-in features, panic alerts and even “man down” alerts when an employee has not moved for a prolonged length of time.

Other businesses are partnering with tech companies like IBM and Intel to create wearable sensors that can detect hazardous conditions or monitor employee’s vital signs (Source: BOSS Magazine).

Computer-Based Safety Training

In other industries, safety training is being improved with technology. Safety training software enables companies to keep track of employee’s training record and gives employees access to specific training courses as they are needed. Another benefit of computer-based safety training is employees are able to complete the course independently, meaning that safety training doesn’t hurt overall office productivity.

Software and Document Design Trends May Improve Safety

The visual design may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to improving safety. But, according to a textbook by Dr. David Smith, ease of readability may be more important than you realize. Smith’s book gives an error rate table which shows that making a document easier to read (with better resolution) can drop reader error rates from 3 percent down to 0.03 percent (Source: LRS). Thankfully, current design trends are already on the right track here, with accessibility and readability being given much more emphasis than in the past.

On a smaller scale, we can all remember the importance of readability when handwriting documents, or when choosing a font for office memos. Especially in the healthcare field, having typed-out prescriptions rather than illegible doctor’s handwriting can be a major safety boost.

As a top-tier Atlanta Staffing Agency, Staffing Resources is here for you. More than just helping you hire new employees, we provide you with the resources you need to succeed. Follow our blog for more useful information, and contact us to learn about our complete list of services.