Top 10 Workplace Safety Tech Trends 2023

As we wrap up from this tumultuous and unexpected year, employers are looking to new technologies to improve the health, safety, and productivity of workers in 2023 and beyond. While innovations in workplace safety grow, businesses are realizing the value of investing in technology like connected worker solutions to protect workers. It’s expected that by 2027, the connected worker market will grow to over $12.1 Billion in the US alone.

After consulting with safety professionals and analyzing market forecasts, we compiled a list of the top safety technology trends to look for in 2023.

TOP 10 WORKPLACE SAFETY TECH TRENDS 2023

COVID-19 Related Technologies:

Yes, the end of the pandemic may be in sight with COVID-19 vaccinations, but according to health experts we will need to stay vigilant throughout the year and possibly for the next few years. As Canada’s Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Howard Njoo, explained, “People might think that if we get a vaccine then everything goes back to normal the way it was before. That’s not the case, all of the measures we’ve put in place now will still have to continue with the new reality for quite some time.”

1. Contact Tracing Apps and Devices:

Until the pandemic is truly past us, the need for digital contact tracing solutions like the GoBand wearable solution from Aware360 will continue to grow in the market by helping businesses remain open.

2. Digital Health Assessments:

Until the pandemic subsides, organizations will need to continue assessing the health of their workers with symptom assessment questionnaires daily. Solutions like Daily Checks digitize the process in a secure way to help organizations prevent the spread of the virus at work. 

3. Thermal Imaging: 

Temperature checks have become more commonplace in 2020 to prevent those infected with COVID-19 from entering workplaces. To streamline the process and reduce costs, businesses will continue to look for solutions like Garda’s walkthrough temperature screening gate.

Emerging Safety Technologies:

Beyond COVID-19 tech, there’s a growing number of workplace safety innovations to add to your toolkit for 2023:

4. Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS):

As “last-mile” transport market grows, the need for driver safety systems, like iDriveAware or LifeSaver, is needed to prevent accidents and distracted driving.

5. Fatigue Detection Technologies:

According to the NSC, 69% of workers are tired at work. New software, like Aware4Duty, can assess the alertness of your workforce in less than 60 seconds to ensure your workers are fit-for-duty.

6. Virtual Reality (VR) Training:

For more safety-sensitive training, VR allows employees to experience pseudo-hazardous situations or emergencies that are impractical to replicate in real life, allowing for better employee training and scenario response. Solutions like VR Vision’s will continue to modernize worker training to help eliminate risk.

7. Lone Worker Safety:

As more individuals begin working remotely, businesses need to adapt to a modern system to ensure communication and safety in the field. SafetyAware, for example, is an all-in-one solution that leverages smartphones, wearables, and satellite communicators to fill that need.

8. Wearable Biosensors:

New wearables like E-Team’s hDrop can detect dehydration in workers to reduce their risk while performing in high-heat and/or low humidity environments.

9. Drones:

Instead of putting individuals at-risk when inspecting a site, drones can give workers insights on an unstable location and have the capability to deliver materials and essential supplies safely. Flyability’s Elios 2 is used by energy companies to collect inspection data without putting workers at risk.

10. Ergonomics Risk Management:

As more employees work from home, the need to evaluate workstations to prevent injuries is on the rise. Organization's like Cardinus have ergonomic risk evaluation software to help employers mitigate this risk.

About Aware360: The Connected Worker Platform

Aware360 understands people are the most important part of any workplace and provides the tools to keep employees safe throughout their day. Driven by our passion for people, the Aware360 suite of safety solutions leverage personal technology such as smartphones, wearables and satellite devices to keep people safe and productive, while reducing corporate risk. Visit Aware360.com to learn more.