Utilising the power of technology to improve workplace safety discussed in breakfast seminar

Utilising the power of technology to improve workplace safety discussed in breakfast seminar by Haydee. Available from <https://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/07/utilising-power-technology-improve-workplace-safety-disucessed-breakfast-seminar/#.WYFwFIiGPDd> [01:24pm, Friday 28 July, 2017]

A breakfast seminar on the introduction and embedding of technology to enhance work health and safety was co-hosted by WorkSafe ACT, SafeWork NSW and the Safety Institute of Australia.

The seminar showcased progress to date and foreshadowed emerging technologies and its uses.

Drones, apps, computer simulations, and social media have been contributing to construction safety by providing new ways to investigate incidents and sharing safety best practice.

“We’ve already seen the power of social media and video as a medium to spread and share safety messages and information in an engaging and relatable way in the ACT,” said Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones.

“The series of safety videos produced through the partnership with WorkSafe ACT, Safe Work Australia, the Construction Industry Training Council and industry have been viewed up to 10,000 times.”

SafeWork NSW Group Director, Regional Operations, and Response, Tony Williams said digital technology plays an important role in preventing workplace incidents.

“Safety starts with you and through our digital platforms we aim to make safety as simple as possible for businesses and workers,” said Mr. Williams.

“It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it can be as simple as downloading our ‘Safe’ app on your phone or iPad and getting your staff and subbies to watch a video about working safely at heights.”

Apps are increasingly becoming used in the construction industry in monitoring personal safety for remote workers, providing automatic site recording of attendance at sites and in the delivery of safety messages.

“We have also seen the emergence of drone technology in supporting investigations,” said Mr. Jones.

“Drones are effective in providing visibility and access to areas that may be difficult or unsafe to reach or cannot be accessed as part of an investigation.

“Practically they are also supporting companies to check progress on sites and assess work that is underway.

He said they would continue to explore any technology that could support safety.

“It may be as simple as being able to see on a tablet or smart phone who is present on a site at any time thanks to the automatic capture of log ins, or sharing videos and messages with colleagues on important issues around safety,” said Mr. Jones.

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