Ensuring the promotion and protection of worker safety stands as a critical objective for Australian businesses.
“In guaranteeing the safety of employees, employers are also securing their productivity and engagement – pivotal factors in the success of any business,” asserts Stephen Blackie, Commercial Director at National Media, organizers of the 2024 Workplace Health and Safety Show, set to take place in Melbourne from May 22nd to 23rd.
The integration of technological solutions and innovations, encompassing artificial intelligence, IoT-ready sensors, and cloud-based software tools, could yield enhanced health and safety outcomes. “Many of these technological tools facilitate real-time monitoring, data collection, and predictive analysis, thereby enabling the prediction and prevention of hazards and risks,” Blackie adds.
Three technological innovations are currently shaping workplace safety:
- Smart sensors: This category includes sensors that track individuals, vehicles, or heavy-duty equipment and alert safety leaders to potential safety risks such as collisions or maintenance-related faults. Additionally, these sensors can monitor environmental factors such as lightning, high heat, or dust levels.
- Wearable technology: This encompasses wearable sensors that detect movement, stress, or other potential risk factors, collecting data for analysis and reporting. “Exoskeletons designed to protect workers from physical risks and prevent movement-related injuries are also under development for industries like mining,” Blackie further highlights.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IoT: AI and IoT-enabled solutions have the capability to automate the monitoring, reporting, and predictive analysis of safety risks, as well as the response to potential hazards. “These innovations are assisting organizations in achieving improved safety outcomes by seamlessly connecting safety monitoring systems, reporting platforms, emergency response teams, and workplace leaders,” Blackie notes.
Trending in workplace safety
Some of these innovations and tools will enable workplaces to adopt a more holistic approach to safety, by addressing the mental wellbeing of workers. “Noting that the rate of mental illness-related workers’ compensation claims is rising fast, we anticipate that psychosocial safety is going to be a hot topic for Australian workplace leaders in the coming months,” says Blackie.
Another trend in safety is personalisation – tailoring safety training and wellbeing programs to individual employees, for the best outcomes. “Cloud-based programs, virtual reality programs, mobile apps and customised systems facilitate this personalised approach. It goes without saying that cyber security and data security will be top of mind for any organisation that’s investing in these platforms,” he adds.
Remote, round-the-clock safety monitoring is another positive side effect of the advances in technology. “Virtual inspections and safety protocols can be carried out regularly and consistently, raising safety standards,” comments Blackie.
Getting across the latest in workplace safety
Staying up to date with the tech innovations, latest trends and new safety legislation is a challenge for safety professionals. “This is why we’re so pleased to present this year’s Workplace Health & Safety Show in Melbourne, with the aim of empowering visitors with the latest OHS resources, knowledge and tools,” says Blackie. “Visitors can register for a free ticket to the show at https://whsshow.com.au/register-melbourne”.
The Show will be taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 22 to 23 May, and will feature three theatre stages, covering everything from the latest in safety technology and resources, to mental wellbeing and psychosocial legislation, as well as dedicated sessions on safety in construction.
Complementing the seminars, workshops and conferences is an exhibition featuring an extensive range of health and safety brands, showcasing their solutions.
The Workplace Health & Safety Melbourne Show runs alongside the AIHS National Health and Safety Conference 2024. Show partners and sponsors include the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, WorkSafe Victoria, the Black Dog Institute, SkyTrust and the Working at Height Association – to name a few.
“Register today and be part of the number one event for champions of safety at work,” concludes Blackie.
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