Wearable Tech: Safer Workplaces of the Future

By: Tim Turney, Contributor

Wearable devices possess the unique benefit of monitoring hazards as close to the wearer as possible, whether next to the ear to monitor excessive noise or in the “breathable zone” to monitor for airborne hazards. More accurate data is gathered on personal exposure, which improves safety and compliance. (photo courtesy Casella, www.casellasolutions.com)

Static workplace hazard monitoring, such as particulate monitors or sound level meters, provides valuable data on environmental risks, but it has limitations in capturing the real-time level of exposure for individual workers, as they are not worn on the body. These stationary devices monitor conditions in the workplace, which may not accurately reflect individual exposure levels—especially in dynamic work environments where employees move between different areas.

Wearables, in a health and safety context, are devices worn on the body that serve to either monitor or actively alert the wearer to immediate workplace hazards and risks, or log exposure data for later analysis. Employers across the U.S. have deployed wearable technologies to enhance and monitor workplace safety for decades, but adoption of newer technologies has been slow, due to privacy concerns from employees and associated costs.

These devices possess the unique benefit of monitoring hazards as close to the wearer as possible, whether this be next to the ear to monitor excessive noise or in the “breathable zone” to monitor for airborne hazards. This shifts monitoring from the wider workplace to where it counts the most, on the individual, meaning more accurate data is gathered on personal exposure which, in turn, improves safety and compliance.

According to a recent consumer study by research and analysis firm Parks Associates, nearly 50% of American households own and use wearable devices. These devices align more with fitness wearables as opposed to standardized health and safety equipment, but give promise to the idea of wider adoption of wearables in industry.¹

Wearable safety devices have become more common in the workplace and even more so in conversations around expectations for workplaces of the future. The technology inside some of these products already on worksites across the U.S. is incredibly advanced, and associated costs have decreased as the technology advances.

Hazards

OSHA issues citations and penalties if businesses violate permissible exposure limits (PEL). PELs are legal limits designed to control employee exposure to hazardous substances in an eight-hour period to prevent health risks. However, employers are also advised to monitor recommendations from industrial hygiene experts and manufacturers, because it is estimated that 90% of OSHA’s PELs have not been updated since the 1960s.² Consequently, OSHA may issue citations under the general duty clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) if exposure limits exceed industry-wide standards and pose a threat to employee health.

Personal sampling pumps, noise dosimeters and gas detectors have been around a long time. Personal air sampling pumps are wearables that have aided employers for years in regulatory compliance and employee safeguarding. Used to collect samples of hazardous substances accurately, personal air sampling pumps are the chosen tool for standardization of U.S. legislation.

In addition to hazardous substances, PELs exist for physical hazards, such as noise. Noise dosimeters are bodily worn devices attached to a person’s shoulder, directly next to the ear, so that accurate readings of individual exposure can be collected. Modern noise dosimeters can be Bluetooth-enabled to provide real-time analysis of exposure levels, so employees can take immediate action to safeguard their wellbeing.

Using Wearables

Selecting the appropriate wearable depends on the hazards present in the workplace. OSHA’s NYC region recently renewed its emphasis program on hazardous noise to include more industries at high risk of excessive noise in the workplace, such as food manufacturing, apparel mills and furniture, and kitchen cabinet manufacturing. Even if operating in an industry not highlighted as high risk, employers should conduct risk assessments of workplaces to make sure employees are safeguarded and levels are appropriately monitored to remain compliant.

Design features, such as comfortability and ergonomics, should also be considered when selecting wearables. Employees that experience discomfort when using the devices are more likely to remove them, incurring additional risk and inaccurate results.

Wearable devices are an essential part of a comprehensive health and safety program, providing real-time hazard detection; improving compliance with regulations; and enhancing worker wellbeing. (photo courtesy Casella, www.casellasolutions.com)

Benefits

Wearables are set to be a crucial part of workplace health and safety monitoring, with many employers already reaping the rewards of their implementation.

Enhanced Safety – Wearables can detect hazards, such as toxic gases, extreme temperatures or dangerous noise levels, and provide real-time alerts to workers, helping them avoid harmful exposure. For example, a noise dosimeter, attached to an individual working in a manufacturing plant, will monitor the levels of exposure and return the time-weighted average (TWA) and peak levels which can be accessed in real time. Corrective measures can then be taken if the wearer is at risk of hearing damage.

Injury Prevention – Newer devices can also track the motion of an individual throughout the workday or the level of vibration they are exposed to. Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a group of vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions caused by long-term use of vibrating tools. There has been increased attention on combatting the effects of HAVS, and wearables can be used for monitoring.

Improved Productivity – Healthier workers perform better, and wearables can optimize workflow by tracking movement patterns. Workers that have the security of knowing their health is being monitored are likely to act more confidently and efficiently at work.

Regulatory Compliance – Wearable data helps employers meet health and safety regulations more effectively by providing precise, real-time exposure monitoring and automated reporting, as long as this is to complement existing reference monitoring using more accurate devices if standards require it.

Challenges

Wearables are useful tools for health and safety managers to deploy to the workforce, but the design of these devices often requires additional attention to ensure they work as intended.

Battery Life – Wearables are designed to be as small and as unencumbering as possible; for this reason, batteries are often small and will not hold charge excessive to what is needed to operate. Take, for example, a noise dosimeter, required to monitor noise levels over a period of eight to twelve hours. While batteries hold significantly more charge than needed, a strict charging routine needs to be established to ensure they hold charge when required.

Ruggedness – Similar to the straps of a fitness wearable needing to be sweat-resistant to prevent discomfort to the wearer or damage to the strap itself, health and safety wearables must be resistant to the environments in which they operate. Protective casings must be rugged and able to withstand impacts or scrapes and should be water-resistant as standard.

Maintenance – Devices need regular updates, calibration, cleaning and repairs to keep them from returning inaccurate results. This can add to operational costs in both labor and general expenses.

Technology – Understanding the technology that is being used in a wearable device is very important—including its limitations in what it can and cannot measure. For example, with a real-time dust monitor, what particle sizes does it accurately measure over, and how does that compare to the reference standard of personal air sampling with a sampling pump?

Conclusion

Wearable devices have been used for a long time for certain hazards and are therefore an essential part of a comprehensive health and safety program, providing real-time hazard detection; improving compliance with regulations; and enhancing worker wellbeing. As technology advances, these devices will become more cost-effective and accessible, increasing their adoption across industries. Employers must carefully select and maintain wearables to maximize their benefits while minimizing risks. With proper integration and ongoing innovation, wearables will play a crucial role in shaping safer, more efficient workplaces in the future. IHW

Tim Turney is the Global Marketing Manager at Casella. For more information about Casella’s solutions, go to www.casellasolutions.com.