The Future of Workplaces: Monitoring Health and Safety Conditions Using Wearable Technologies

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Due to the groundbreaking advancements in technology and its accessibility, companies have been considering ways to increase productivity while also enhancing worker safety to achieve efficiency. Wearable technology is one such breakthrough that could be very important in the future. It is gradually being used to monitor workplace safety and health.[1-3] This issue of the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine carries an article on a study conducted by the Spanish Secretariat of State on police officers using an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)-based wearable motion system for assessing dynamic lumbar spine function during a Tactical Operational Procedures (OTP), which proved beneficial in preventing risks of injury among police officers.[4] Any conversation about occupational health and safety is incomplete, without including personal protective equipment (PPE). PPEs assist in avoiding or lessening employee injuries, despite being the least effective way in the hierarchy of controls. PPEs can significantly improve worker health and safety by incorporating cutting-edge sensors, electrical devices, or the internet of things (IoT), which includes computer technology.[1,2] The use of wearable technology as a consumer electronic item at home and at work has been steadily increasing.[1] The term “wearable technology,” or “wearables,” describes electronic devices that are powerful, self-governing systems that may be worn on the body as an accessory or as a component of clothing. These devices can vary in size, shape, and function. These gadgets have sensors that can monitor and evaluate personal information, like body temperature, heart rate, and physical activity. Wearable technology can be used in the workplace to keep an eye on employees’ health and safety, giving real-time data that can be utilized to stop accidents and boost output and efficiency in general.[3,5] INDUSTRIAL USES OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY FALL INTO FOUR GENERAL CATEGORIES Workers are physically assisted by supporting equipment, such as powered gloves and exoskeletons, when doing activities, like lifting. Workers are alerted by monitoring equipment (like smart helmets) to certain changes in their vital signs or the work environment. Training tools, such as ergonomic sensors, give feedback on motions or enhance employee performance, like augmented reality (AR) glasses; and Employee locations on a job site are monitored by tracking devices, such as GPS trackers. IMPACT OF WEARABLE DEVICES ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF EMPLOYEES[6] Real-time health data and health monitoring aid in ongoing observation and early deviation detection, averting possible health issues. Wearers who are mentally well can receive alerts about their stress levels and sleep patterns. As a result, assist them in implementing healthier sleep hygiene habits and stress-reduction strategies. Wearable devices promote physical activity as a means of overcoming inactive lifestyles. They keep an eye on water and caloric intake, all of which have a favorable health impact. The health-related data generated gives the wearer the ability to keep an eye on their health and well-being. Work–life balance and mental health are enhanced by reminders about bio breaks, water, and exercise. Accidents can be avoided by using sensors that can identify dangerous gases, poor posture, and indicators of exhaustion. IMPACT ON THE COMPANIES/ORGANIZATIONS[6] Wearable technology has a high initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs, but over time, businesses gain from improved employee welfare and lower healthcare costs. The technology increases efficiency and production because of real-time notifications and monitoring. Sensors improve workplace safety and compliance by encouraging employees to follow procedures and keeping an eye on changes. Language translation and better communication between sites aid in bridging communication barriers and enhancing teamwork. They make the work or task more interesting and fulfilling, thus motivating workers to meet their goals. Decision-making is made possible by data monitoring regarding employee behavior, job habits, and preferences. Both initial and ongoing on-the-job training contribute to skill development and the development of a learning culture. WEARABLE DEVICES IN THE WORKPLACE[7] Movement, health, and task-related alerts are tracked via smartwatches and smart rings. Hands-free information, emotion detection, brain activity measurement, and environmental threat monitoring are all made possible by smart glasses and helmets. Gloves and smart clothes help with posture monitoring, minimizing dangerous motions, and improving wearable fit. Wearable sensors track a worker’s proximity to potentially risky equipment, identify hazardous gases, and check air quality. Exoskeletons offer physical assistance during demanding jobs. OCCUPATIONAL SETTINGS WHERE WEARABLE DEVICES ARE USED OR BEING ARE EXPLORED[7] Wearables are employed in high-risk workplaces, such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare, to track worker safety, weariness, and exposure to dangerous situations. They are used in office and corporate environments to monitor stress levels, health indicators, and productivity to maximize performance at work. They can monitor time, location, or customer interaction metrics in the retail and service sectors. Wearable technology is essential for workplace integration in the technology and innovation sectors. Employer wellness programs that incorporate wearable technology for monitoring activity levels, sleep patterns, or general health are promoted by fitness and health-conscious businesses. CHALLENGES WITH WEARABLE DEVICES[7,8] The use of wearable technology is not without challenges. A few that come to mind include: Data Security and Privacy: Wearable technology gathers private information. Unintended effects could result from a data leak. Assuring data security is a significant concern at present. Data Reliability and Accuracy: Wearable technology might not always deliver reliable data. Decision-making based on erroneous data can have unfavorable effects, as in the manufacturing or healthcare industries. Employee Privacy: Both at work and at home, employees may not like having their privacy violated. It can be difficult to distinguish between tracking productivity and protecting privacy. Observance of the Rules: It might be difficult to ensure adherence to national or regional laws, particularly when employees are dispersed over many areas. Compatibility and Integration: Ensuring compatibility and integrating wearable technology with current workplace processes can be challenging and time-consuming. Employee Resistance: Some employees may resist constant monitoring, leading to a potential decrease in morale and productivity. ETHICAL CONCERNS OF WEARABLE DEVICES[7,8] Informed Consent: Workers should have the freedom to refuse to participate without repercussions and must be fully informed about the types of data being gathered and how it will be used. Data Ownership: Employees should have control over their personal data, and there should be policies about data ownership. Data Usage: Employees should not be subjected to discrimination, harassment, or unfair evaluations; instead, the data should be used for its ethical purpose. Discrimination and Bias: It is critical to make sure algorithms used for assessment and decision-making are free from discriminatory practices and bias. Transparency: Employers should be open and honest about the reason behind the usage of wearable technology, the information being gathered, and the intended use of that information. Employee Empowerment: Workers should have the ability to view their own information and understand how it is being used. FUTURE OF WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES Wearable technology is expected to play a bigger part in the workplace as it develops and advances. The development of more advanced wearable technology that can track a greater variety of health and safety concerns and provide more data would help businesses increase operational effectiveness while also ensuring worker safety. CONCLUSION Wearable technology is revolutionizing workplace safety and is viewed as a viable answer. By improving worker safety and lowering exposure to risks, wearable technology has significantly increased industrial efficiency and helped to lower accident rates. A well-rounded strategy that considers both the benefits and drawbacks of wearable technology in the workplace is required. Businesses must adopt strategic methods to make the best of wearable devices.