technology

    Scared Woman on Phone iStock SensorSpot

    Lone worker monitoring technology: is it for safety or surveillance?

    As businesses make increasing use of safety monitoring to minimise the risks associated with lone working, consideration must be given to the impact on workers. Concerns that safety monitoring measures will be used for performance management purposes may well increase rather than alleviate health and safety risks.

    By Hayden Singh, Pinsent Masons on 03 May 2024

    AI Held in Hand EcoOnline

    AI: a powerful new tool for managing safety risks

    AI-driven technology is revolutionising the management of occupational safety and health, making it easier to spot hazards, predict unsafe behaviours and take preventative action to protect workers.

    By Robert Leech, EcoOnline on 29 April 2024

    Lone Worker Wind Turbines iStock BulentBaris

    Out in the field: why lone worker monitoring is key

    People working away from a fixed base out in the field may need to quickly summon assistance in an emergency, but it’s important to choose the right communications and alarm technology for their needs.

    By Rebecca Pick, Pick Protection on 26 April 2024

    Ear Protectors and Gloves iStock

    Why we need to harness new technology to prevent noise-induced hearing loss

    It is 50 years this year since I started an engineering apprenticeship with Black Country-based GKN Sankey, to be told upon walking into a very noisy high-speed blanking and piercing shop (with power presses running at 400 blows per minute), “don’t worry son, you’ll get used to it”.

    By Neal Hill, consultant and member of UKHCA on 11 March 2024

    Minuendo Hard Hats

    Why personalised noise monitoring is critical for preventing noise-induced hearing loss

    Intelligent hearing protection technology is now available that provides personalised data about an individual’s noise exposure, making it easier to both spot workers at greatest risk of hearing damage and identify ways of reducing noise exposure.

    By Neal Muggleton, Minuendo on 11 March 2024

    Man in Eave Ear Protectors 1

    How smart hearing protection is driving reductions in noise exposure at work

    Smart hearing protection technology can provide feedback to workers on harmful noise levels and identify noise sources overlooked by conventional workplace risk assessments, as shown by recent research on the HS2 railway construction project.

    By Dr David Greenberg, Eave on 06 March 2024

    Drager Connectivity

    Five key predictions for the safety sector in 2024

    This year, many businesses look set to place even greater emphasis on sustainability performance and the wider use of new technology to ensure safety at work, but concerns remain about the potential safety risks as the energy sector makes the transition to cleaner and greener energy sources.

    By David Head, Dräger Safety on 20 February 2024

    EBike Battery iStockMixMedia

    E-scooters and lithium batteries: the new fire risk for the workplace?

    18 February, the date chosen to play host to National Battery Day, is a particularly important one for the history of the battery. The day marks the birth of the father of battery science, Alessandro Volta, credited as the creator of the Voltaic Pile, an early form of what we know today as the electric battery.

    By Phil Pinnington, British Safety Council on 19 February 2024

    EBike Battery iStockMixMedia

    Batteries – an opportunity, but what’s the safety risk?

    As global economies look to achieve their net zero targets, there is an increased focus on the development of non-fossil fuel alternative energy sources, such as battery power. The demand for batteries over the next 20 years is predicted to increase twentyfold. This presents numerous opportunities for those in the battery production supply chain who will need to gear up to meet this increased demand. However, despite the glow of opportunity, it is important that the safety risks posed by batteries are effectively managed.

    By Liam Jagger, Pinsent Masons on 07 February 2024

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    Time well spent, and a day to remember

    Sometimes, when you spend time at a conference, you come away thinking “well, that was eight hours I simply won’t get back!”

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 20 September 2022