From increasing active worksite
visibility to alerting workers of potential hazards, white paper
outlines how adopting this innovative technology can prevent
injuries and save lives
WASHINGTON, May 9, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Despite increased efforts to reduce serious
incidents and fatalities, or SIFs, in the workplace over the last
few decades, the percentage of worker deaths has only fallen by
about 15%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Recognizing
the severity of this issue, the National Safety
Council launched the Work to Zero initiative in
2019, with funding from the McElhattan Foundation, to help reverse
this devastating trend through the use of technology. Today, the
NSC Work to Zero initiative released a new white paper,
Advancing Workplace Safety with Location Geofencing, to shed
light on the transformative potential of this technology and how it
can significantly reduce the risk of SIFs in various
industries.
"Workers on active jobsites are often exposed to situations
that pose a high risk for SIFs, including construction,
vehicle-pedestrian interactions and heavy equipment operation,"
said John Dony, vice president of
workplace strategy at NSC. "Acknowledging how this is a major
concern for workers across many industries, this report provides
invaluable insights into leveraging location geofencing technology
to mitigate risks and help ensure employee wellbeing, which is the
ultimate goal of the Work to Zero initiative."
Often integrated into existing safety technologies like
proximity sensors, wearables and vehicle monitoring systems,
location geofencing allows users to create virtual barriers
around defined areas, such as construction sites or machine
operating zones. This enables real-time monitoring and alerts when
workers enter or leave designated zones, enhancing their safety.
For example, when an object, like a worker or equipment, enters or
exits the area, predetermined actions are triggered, such as
logging the event, alerting workers of potential hazards, or
disabling machinery. Developed through a comprehensive literature
review and collaboration with industry professionals, the white
paper presents an in-depth exploration of location geofencing and
its various use cases in safety-sensitive industries, such as
construction, logging and forestry, manufacturing and utilities.
Some key benefits identified were:
- Risk mitigation: The technology serves as an effective
risk mitigation tool by alerting workers and supervisors of
potential hazards, improving situational awareness, and enabling
two-way communication for workers.
- Enhanced worksite visibility: Geofencing increases
worksite visibility, enabling data-informed decisions for site
planning and safety measures.
- Improved efficiency: Automation of safety processes
reduces the need for continuous human supervision, optimizing
resource allocation and safety management.
While the report examines the benefits of location geofencing,
additional research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness
across many situations in the workplace. Some barriers to
widespread adoption for employers include:
- Privacy concerns: Worker concerns regarding data privacy
and security must be addressed through transparent communication
and strong data privacy policies.
- Resource investments: High initial capital and resource
investments may hinder adoption, necessitating careful evaluation
of the technology's utility and integration capabilities.
- Technological limitations: Accuracy and reliability
issues, as well as compatibility with existing systems, should be
considered during the procurement process.
This white paper builds on the NSC Work to
Zero Safety Innovation Journey to help organizations
assess risks, identify technology solutions and ready workplaces
for implementation. Funded by the McElhattan Foundation,
the Work to Zero initiative aims to eliminate
workplace fatalities through the use of technology.
To learn more about creating a safer workplace,
visit nsc.org/worktozero and register here to attend
the Addressing Workplace Safety with Location Geofencing
webinar on Wednesday, May 29,
2024.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety
advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based
organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of
preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace
and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people
safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their
fullest lives.
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SOURCE National Safety Council