Trends in Workplace Wearable Technologies and Connected-Worker Solutions for Next-Generation Occupational Safety, Health, and Productivity (2205.11740v1)

Abstract: The workplace influences the safety, health, and productivity of workers at multiple levels. To protect and promote total worker health, smart hardware, and software tools have emerged for the identification, elimination, substitution, and control of occupational hazards. Wearable devices enable constant monitoring of individual workers and the environment, whereas connected worker solutions provide contextual information and decision support. Here, the recent trends in commercial workplace technologies to monitor and manage occupational risks, injuries, accidents, and diseases are reviewed. Workplace safety wearables for safe lifting, ergonomics, hazard identification, sleep monitoring, fatigue management, and heat and cold stress are discussed. Examples of workplace productivity wearables for asset tracking, augmented reality, gesture and motion control, brain wave sensing, and work stress management are given. Workplace health wearables designed for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, functional movement disorders, respiratory hazards, cardiovascular health, outdoor sun exposure, and continuous glucose monitoring are shown. Connected worker platforms are discussed with information about the architecture, system modules, intelligent operations, and industry applications. Predictive analytics provide contextual information about occupational safety risks, resource allocation, equipment failure, and predictive maintenance. Altogether, these examples highlight the ground-level benefits of real-time visibility about frontline workers, work environment, distributed assets, workforce efficiency, and safety compliance

• The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of workplace wearables and connected systems, highlighting an 84% reduction in unsafe postures with advanced sensors.
• It uses case studies and commercial examples to evaluate the impact of smart exoskeletons and predictive analytics on mitigating occupational hazards.
• The research identifies challenges in adoption and integration, urging large-scale validation studies to improve data-driven decision-making in industrial settings.

Overview of Trends in Workplace Wearable Technologies and Connected-Worker Solutions

This paper offers a comprehensive examination of emerging trends in workplace wearable technologies and connected-worker solutions, focusing on their roles in enhancing occupational safety, health, and productivity. The authors review a wide array of commercial products and solutions, providing insights into their application across various industries.

Key Focus Areas

The paper categorizes workplace technologies into wearables and connected worker solutions, exploring their current applications and potential benefits. It identifies three primary areas of focus:

1. Occupational Risks and Hazards: Different industries exhibit unique occupational risks, including respiratory hazards, musculoskeletal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The paper outlines risk-mitigating interventions and the role of personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Wearable Technologies: A significant section is dedicated to wearables that monitor occupational safety, health, and productivity. These include devices for monitoring heavy lifting, fatigue, respiratory health, and cardiovascular conditions. The analysis highlights devices like smart exoskeletons for ergonomic support and advanced monitoring systems for continuous health tracking.
3. Connected Worker Solutions: This involves integrating wearables with centralized systems for data management, predictive maintenance, and real-time decision-making. The paper discusses platforms from providers such as AWS, Cisco, and IBM that enable connectivity, advanced analytics, and safety compliance.

Numerical Results and Claims

The paper presents several claims supported by industry-specific examples, such as:

• The implementation of the Kinetic Reflex wearable reportedly reducing unsafe postures by 84%, emphasizing its impact on reducing workplace injuries.
• The integration of predictive analytics in connected systems for resource allocation and equipment failure prediction demonstrates improvements in operational efficiency.

Implications and Future Directions

The development and integration of smart wearables and connected solutions are poised to transform workplace safety and efficiency. While these technologies offer significant benefits in real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, the paper acknowledges challenges in technology adoption, compatibility, and privacy concerns. The authors call for large-scale validation studies and cross-disciplinary collaborations to enhance the reliability and acceptance of these technologies.

In terms of future directions, the paper speculates on increased personalization of health monitoring and stress management using biometric insights. Moreover, the potential for improved integration with existing IT systems and enhanced user training programs is highlighted as critical for maximizing the impact of these technologies.

Conclusion

This paper provides an important resource for researchers and industry professionals interested in the application of wearable technologies in occupational settings. By detailing specific products and their applications, the authors offer a roadmap for leveraging these innovations to improve worker safety, health, and productivity. The research encourages further exploration into holistic and validated solutions that integrate seamlessly into diverse work environments.