Between 2022 and 2025, 101,000 workers in manufacturing suffered from work-related ill health. Safety is of great importance and should be the number one priority for every manufacturing company. And it’s not just about keeping workers healthy, safety within the sector is also a strategic move to prevent operational interruptions that can significantly eat into profits.
Luckily, thanks to modern technology, workplaces are becoming increasingly safe for staff. From reducing the likelihood of incidents using predictive technology to instant access to essential supplies, technology has transformed the manufacturing industry in regards to safety. So, let’s take a look at just a few of these modern innovations.
AI analytics
AI has taken the digital world by storm but its use has been creeping into a number of industries over the years, manufacturing included. AI is now being leveraged to predict equipment failure or abnormalities that may indicate a fault, provide immediate alerts when an unsafe practice is detected, and optimise processes to reduce the chance of human error. All of which is making a notable difference to the level of safety within the workplace.
Augmented Reality training
Proper training is essential, but practising on live machinery does pose a risk to the trainee. To combat this, many manufacturers are using augmented reality (AR) technology to train their team in a safe and controlled environment. In doing this, employees are better qualified to handle machinery without risking their health in the learning process.
Easy access to better supplies
Facilities management supplies like PPE keep workers safe from hazards, which can help to prevent injury and illness. Thanks to innovative suppliers, easy to use eCommerce websites, and seamless digital logistics processes, accessing the necessary supplies to keep workers safe has never been easier.
Workplaces that are running low on essentials can get restocked fast, sometimes on the same day, reducing the risk of workers completing a task without the necessary equipment needed to keep them safe from harm.
The future of safety in manufacturing
As technologies like AR and AI develop, their ability to prevent and reduce injuries and illnesses will continue to further enhance safety within the manufacturing industry. And as the demand for quick and easy access to high-quality supplies increases, there’s no doubt that suppliers will leverage the right innovations to provide essential equipment at a moment’s notice. Thanks to modern innovations, the manufacturing industry is set to become safer than ever before.
