How connected working reduces risk and boost productivity
We live in a connected world, with smart devices and technology everywhere. But this connectivity is not as common in the workplace where safety should be a priority. A high number of workplace injuries and related costs remain virtually unchanged, year on year.
The statistics speak for themselves – on average 2.3million workers suffer work related accidents or diseases globally each year[i], and 340million of these are occupational. Add to this the fact that 80% of serious injuries and accidents can be attributed to human error[ii] and less than 40% of the global workforce is protected in case of accidents and illnesses at work[iii], and the need for improved workplace safety becomes very real.
Improving safety with technology
While PPE has not traditionally had the capability to help prevent human error, the latest safety innovations that compliment PPE – such as gas detection wearables – can provide the visibility and data-driven insights to help create adaptable, proactive safety programs, and establish cultures of behaviour-based safety.
It’s all about connected safety technology – creating a network of safety systems and products that give real information, enabling safety managers to pre-empt and manage situations that could otherwise turn into serious incidents.
What is a gas detection wearable?
A gas detection wearable is designed to be worn by individual workers while on the jobsite. With a wearable detector that can simply clip directly on to apparel or other PPE, such as a fall protection harness, lone workers can be monitored in real-time to help provide critical data points about on-site workers to off-site safety managers, including emergency monitoring.
How to choose the best gas detection wearable
Portable gas detection wearables are not all the same. Besides the classic differences on sensor response time, ease of use and durability, the way connectivity is integrated and what it can deliver in terms of automation and increased safety makes a huge difference when selecting one of these devices.
The new MSA ALTAIR io 4, for example, when compared to other portable gas detectors and other MSA ALTAIR detectors, was built to be connected from the start. It is designed around technology simplifying safety rather than making it more complicated. Some of the benefits of this device give a flavour of what is important:
It delivers automatic CAT-M LTE cellular connectivity right out-of-the-box enabling instant connection to MSA Grid cloud-based software – meaning you no longer need to involve IT teams or add a software service separately.
The device goes beyond only local alarm capabilities; its automatic integration with MSA’s GRID cloud-based software means that safety managers have visibility of lone workers and remote worksites instantly.
When it comes to durability, the ALTAIR io 4 was tested under the harshest conditions. It has a military-grade durability rating, ability to survive a 7.6m drop test, and exposure to extreme temperatures. It has a dust and waterproof IP68 rating and was tested through a 60-minute tumble test and 60-minute vibration table test. The io 4 also features the industry-leading XCELL® sensors that are expected of MSA detectors.
The benefits of connected safety technology for gas detection
Connected Work Platforms include hardware and software solutions to help build connections between workers, worksites and workflows, to provide actionable data that helps safety managers create safer and more efficient work environments.
A connected work program for gas detection can provide the visibility that is needed to manage large teams of workers and help establish a behaviour-based culture of safety.
Connected hardware and software solutions can provide real-time data such as worker location and how the detector is being used by each worker, which can all help inform safety training. With real-time visibility of lone workers, safety managers can help make sure those workers are protected, with instant alerts.
Connected safety technology also drives process automation, which helps to reduce human-error and drive operational efficiencies. A seamless connected work platform provides you with visibility of workers, worksite, and workflows that can make all the difference and help organisations drive a proactive safety culture over time.
Connected safety in action
One simple example is the calibration test stand for the ALTAIR io – the io Dock. When in the Dock, the io 4 portable gas detector knows when it needs a bump test or calibration to be compliant and immediately runs the appropriate test. In the field, detectors will glow green, yellow, or red, providing workers and leaders on site clear view on non-compliant equipment. Connectivity between the io 4 and the MSA Grid software, informs safety teams off-site of non- compliant gas detectors.
Subscribe to the ALTAIR io4 through MSA+
MSA+ is a subscription program including hardware and software, that gives you access to powerful cloud-based solutions enabling faster implementation, increased warranty coverage and automatic software and firmware upgrades – with minimal capital expense.
The ALTAIR io 4 is only available through an MSA+ subscription. Benefits include:
Devices are always under warranty for subscribers
Minimal capex expense through monthly, quarterly or annual subscriptions
Over the Air Updates (OTA) enable new features and functionality to be pushed routinely to Grid software and your fleet, for instant – and ongoing – improvements to your safety program
Based on what your safety program needs, you can choose from three levels of Grid software service. Starter, Standard or Complete – with pricing based on a 36, 48, or 60-month subscription plan.
Find out more about the ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable and MSA’s Connected Work Platform here. Build your subscription package for your ALTAIR io4 fleet here.
[i] https://www.ilo.org/moscow/areas-of-work/occupational-safety-and-health/WCMS_249278/lang–en/index.htm
[ii] https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/13159-safety-leadership-neuroscience-and-human-error-reduction
[iii] https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/geip/lang–en/index.htm
