In an industrial and commercial world that keeps speeding up to meet the high expectations of customers, safety mustn’t be left behind as operational capabilities increase.
Trying to improve worker safety in manufacturing with IoT technology can have a positive effect on a company’s reputation, reduce financial losses, and boost employee productivity and performance.
Workers in a manufacturing plant are frequently exposed to heavy machinery and noxious substances and accidents can be common.Â
Workplace accidents can have a massive effect on a company’s profitability. To begin with, regardless of whose fault it may be, manufacturing companies are responsible for worker’s compensation if an accident occurs. Besides, accidents may point to a drop in workers’ enthusiasm to work, which will result in lower productivity. Also, the company’s image could be affected.
It’s really important to consider the factors that could endanger workers’ safety and come up with a viable plan to deal with them.
Enhancing worker safety via IoT in manufacturing is one of the most effective ways for manufacturers to address safety issues and risks.
Industrial IoT (IIoT) – the key to improving worker safety
The integration of IIoT sensors
Sensors can be incorporated into machines by manufacturers. These sensors can gather information about how well devices are running. The details would be submitted to professional experts if any system is likely to collapse or work improperly in a way that could endanger employees. As a result, the experts can take decisive action, potentially saving many lives.
Equipping employees with wearable devices
Another effective way to guarantee employees’ health and safety in the workplace is to provide them with wearable devices.
Temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, toxic gases, exposure to chemicals, or noise pollution can all be tracked using wearables with sensors.
Furthermore, wearables can track employees’ health status such as blood pressure changes, stress levels, and other information related to their well-being. Moreover, the collected data can be delivered almost instantly to health and safety examination managers, who can then take necessary preventive measures.
Some examples of wearable devices that can help keep manufacturing workers safe:
- Belts that can monitor movement in the workplace and assist with ergonomics.
- Vests that keep track of the weather, air quality, and noise levels.
- Gloves that monitor how employees use their hands and fingers on the job.
- Armbands to keep track of how much a worker pushes or pulls for their job.
- Straps that are worn across the chest or other parts of the body to monitor ergonomics or identify worker falls.
IIoT and Imagery
In several manufacturing plants, cameras are already in operation. Existing cameras are linked to IoT imagery software. It uses computer vision to detect potential dangers. It can send out real-time alerts about hazardous actions and show places where a safer workplace could be established.
Speed of rescue operations
During a disaster, IIoT can be extremely useful in ensuring that rescue efforts are performed instantly.
The sensors will collect real-time data and this way the rescue team will use this information to prepare and perform effective rescue and recovery actions, increasing the probability of saving more employees’ lives.
The systems could be used to quickly locate the positions of wounded or trapped workers, as well as identify exit points for workers.
Predictive analytics
When real-time IoT data is combined with artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, significant performance patterns appear, allowing for early detection of deviations. They can then be repaired early on before they become harmful Predictive maintenance is a typical application of IoT to keep equipment running safely.
IIoT – improving safety and efficiency
Implementing IoT systems in the manufacturing industry can be a big effort, but one that is well worth it. The cost of preventing any type of accident will be much greater than the total costs of IoT ownership. Maintaining workers’ health and well-being is priceless.
The IIoT is only in its infancy, with several years of development ahead of it. Every day, smart devices become more accessible and effective, providing an ever-increasing level of protection. What is clear is that these innovations will be used to ensure workplace safety in the future.
Employees are protected in workplaces where management is completely devoted to worker safety and willing to invest in the equipment and training required to achieve that goal.
IIot is important for cultivating an environment of ongoing workplace protection, which increases profits by increasing employee morale, efficiency, and loyalty. Having a reputation for taking care of employees is also a powerful corporate recruitment tool, particularly in today’s market where skilled workers are in high demand and can be picky about who they work for.