Innovations in Maintenance Safety: Tools and Techniques for Safer Work Environments

Plant-Tours

Posted 1/18/2024

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that, among private sector maintenance and repair workers, approximately 23,400 nonfatal injuries and illnesses occurred in the workplace. Maintenance workers, especially those responsible for the upkeep of industrial machinery, face many workplace hazards, from strains, sprains, and tears to lacerations and fractures. Fortunately, numerous innovations have been developed in the maintenance safety world to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, including those discussed in detail in this guide.

Workplace Hazards Among Maintenance Safety Workers

A range of issues and events can bring on accidents and injuries affecting maintenance safety workers. Listed below are some of the most significant ones named by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Improper/unsafe movements or positions
Machinery malfunctions/misuse
Improperly cleaned/cleared floors, walkways, and other ground surfaces
Exposure to harmful substances
Being struck by an object or piece of equipment
Overexertion when lifting or lowering an object

Regardless of the size of the facility in which they work or the type of machinery they are responsible for maintaining, maintenance workers must be vigilant to protect themselves and their colleagues, as even small mistakes can result in disastrous consequences.

Emerging Technologies Revolutionizing Maintenance Safety

There’s no doubt that maintenance safety is critical to a facility’s overall productivity and performance. Many teams run into trouble, though, because they lack the proper tools and technologies needed to ensure maintenance worker safety.

The following are some noteworthy technologies that are revolutionizing the maintenance safety field:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Some worry that artificial intelligence and machine learning (a branch of AI that uses algorithms and data to mimic human learning patterns and processes) tools will eliminate their jobs altogether.

However, what’s actually happening in many circles is that these technologies are making people’s jobs more efficient and improving their accuracy.

For example, regarding maintenance safety, AI and machine learning sensors can be installed on factory machinery to detect errors immediately. Early detection, in turn, allows for faster intervention by maintenance workers and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

Virtual Training

Virtual training provides maintenance professionals with “hands-on” opportunities to continue their training and learn the latest techniques. It is more interactive than traditional learning methods and allows workers to be more engaged in their professional education.

For example, they can practice performing repairs on various pieces of equipment and execute the actual processes required to fix a problem instead of simply reading about or watching a video on how to do it.

Wearable Technology

Wearable technologies, such as augmented reality glasses, can help manufacturing workers, including those responsible for equipment maintenance, stay informed while on the job.

With augmented reality glasses, workers can receive notifications and safety warnings in real-time, empowering them to take action sooner and avoid situations that could put them or their colleagues in danger.

Wearable devices like smartwatches can also help with employee tracking and ensure managers and other leaders always know where workers are located, can check in with them regularly, etc.

Internet of Things and Other Smart Devices

Internet of Things (IoT) technology has the potential to truly revolutionize employee safety, especially among those in manufacturing and industrial positions. For example, in the event of a serious incident like a gas leak or fire, IoT sensors can share evacuation directors with workers in real-time.

Manufacturing facilities can also combine IoT technology with other tools, such as GPS tracking and wearable devices, to collect essential data and make more informed decisions regarding employee safety programs.

Integrating New Tools and Techniques for Safety Training

While all of the tools and technologies shared above can help when it comes to improving safety in manufacturing plants, the best results come when they are appropriately adopted by management and maintenance workers.

Here are some tips that can help with the technology integration process and make maintenance safety training more impactful:

Gain Management Buy-In

It’s much easier to encourage workers to embrace new tools and techniques for safety training when you’ve first gained management buy-in. If employees know that proposed approaches are supported from the top down, they will likely be more willing to take part in training and adopt new-to-them technologies.

Embrace Individual Learning Styles

Acknowledge and accept that all employees do not learn in the same way. Some may prefer reading from a manual or textbook and then taking a quiz, while others require a more active, kinesthetic style that gets them involved in the learning process.

When you cater to different learning styles while teaching workers how to use new tools or encouraging them to embrace a new device or protocol, you set them up for greater success and increase the likelihood that they’ll retain information.

Utilize Learning Management Systems

Learning management systems (LMS for short) are software applications that allow for more accessible, more efficient lesson planning, lesson delivery, and student assessment.

Many learning management systems deliver training materials in various formats, including videos and interactive activities. They also store data like quizzes and assessment scores for easier review and progress monitoring.

These varied formats help employees to learn in the way that works best for them. They also allow managers and other leaders to track performance and ensure all workers are keeping up with training requirements.

Offer Microlearning Opportunities

As the name suggests, microlearning involves learning in small bursts as opposed to sitting through long lessons and taking a quiz at the end.

These shorter bouts of learning improve engagement and keep employees focused without overwhelming them. They can also help employees remember what they’ve learned by keeping lessons brief and meaningful.

Conclusion

Innovations in maintenance safety not only protect workers as they strive to keep equipment in manufacturing and industrial facilities running smoothly, but they also allow for a more productive environment for all employees.

The suggestions and guidelines shared above can help managers and other leaders discover the latest innovations and integrate them into their workplaces efficiently and effectively.

All About Eye Protection

On the job accidents and injuries are most often a result of negligence and unsafe working conditions. In an effort to protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), created standards 1910.132 and 1910.133, to address requirements for providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and eye protection in the workplace. However, most employers find it hard to sort through the standards to get to the heart of what they really mean in everyday life.

Arc Flash/Arc Blast Review with Safety Suggestions for Design & Maintenance

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CSA Launches First Confined Spaces Standard in Canada

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Do You Need NFPA 70E?

One of the hot topics in electrical and mechanical training classes is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E. Students question what 70E is and how it relates to the National Electrical Code (NEC), if 70E is a new regulation and if not why are they just now hearing about it, and if companies are required to comply with 70E. This article will take some of the mystery out of 70E.

Electrical Hazards

There are three basic electrical hazards that cause injury and death: shock, arc-flash, and arc-blast. Following these safety principles can result in a safer work environment and prevent injuries or even death.

Eye Injuries are a Serious Threat to American Workers

In 2001, close to 100,000 people were treated in U.S. Hospital emergency rooms for eye injuries related to the workplace, yet this figure actually only represents a small portion of the total number of injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, each day, as many as 2,000 workers incur eye injuries related to their jobs. According to Prevent Blindness America (PBA), 90% of these injuries are preventable.

Fluid Power Safety Alert

In this advisory, we are going to demonstrate how hazardous, documented, service, repair, and troubleshooting recommendations have proliferated the fluid power industry, leaving unsuspecting persons vulnerable to possible injury or death. Unsafe service, repair, and troubleshooting recommendations are running rampant throughout the fluid power industry - and there is no end in sight!

Innovations in Maintenance Safety: Tools and Techniques for Safer Work Environments