Technology is one of those things. It can create amazing advancement for the health and safety of a business or it can be a right pain in the neck!
Obviously, any business wants to make sure that any technology implemented into their business falls into the former category.
But, technology does tend to carry a reputation.
Implementing it means change. It can also mean resistance from the team and ill feeling.
Fortunately, there is a way to avoid that and ensure that your new technology is received positively.
Let’s explore the common feelings around technology, how to choose the right technology options for your business and how to make implementation a positive experience.
Technology Is Scary!
Workplace safety is essential in any industry. Every employee, contractor or consultant deserves to work in an environment where they feel protected and safe. That is why the function of Health and Safety exists after all!
Often, the best way to ensure the safety of any team is to use various aspects of technology. But, these aspects are not always well received. Why is that?
Well, until you fully understand the technology, it can seem scary.
Will the bosses be spying on me? Won’t it create hours of extra work having to run reports and input data? Won’t it be a pain to wear a device? And will it get in my way as I am trying to do my job?
These questions are all very common. They often come from a place of fear. But, once people understand more about the technology and they see it in action, the element of fear is gone. The feelings of unease can then be further addressed by understanding the benefits of the right safety device.
Technology Can Improve Worker Safety
Technology has a reputation for improving productivity and communication. Often, it conjures images of workers furiously typing on computers in a corporate setting. But, that kind of technology doesn’t seem so relevant in the Health and Safety sector! Rather, minimising risk and giving Lone Workers the protection they need is front of mind.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways that technology can help with that also.
The right technology can prevent worker fatalities and injuries. It can do this by utilising real time data technology. The right safety devices can keep you connected with your team regardless of their location and allow you to monitor their safety.
Many industries call for Lone Workers to complete their duties in remote locations. By equipping Lone Workers with certain technology devices, it is like there is someone there with them all the time. High speed communication enables fall detection, GPS tracking, monitoring safety statuses and more. This all happens in real-time so that the right people receive timely and regular information, allowing for great worker protection.
About that productivity aspect we mentioned earlier. You don’t need to be sitting behind a computer to improve productivity. By implementing the technology of a safety device, you no longer have to run a buddy system and place two workers on the same job. It means you can have the double benefit of assigning a Lone Worker to a job and ensuring their safety also. That is a productivity win if you ask us!
Choosing The Right Technology
Technology for the sake of technology is never going to be well received by your workforce. But, if there is a real benefit behind it, then your team will be able to embrace it fully.
It all comes down to choosing the right technology solution. Speaking with an expert, like the team here at Direct Safety, means you will gain access to the technology that is best suited for your individual business situation.
We believe that one size does NOT fit all when it comes to safety devices. Needs can differ greatly from company to company and industry to industry. So, it is important to source the right technology based on the individual needs of your business.
That is where we can help. Once we understand how your company (and the team within it) operates, then we can suggest the devices we believe will suit your needs the best. That means no wasted money buying ineffective devices, and a positive solution that your workers can embrace.
Implementing Technology Correctly
A lot of the negativity that surrounds technology stems from a lack of knowledge. Now, that doesn’t mean that your team is not skilled or knowledgeable. What we really mean is that they don’t yet have the knowledge that allows them to embrace the new safety technology fully.
Which is why we make it our mission to educate every member on your team that will come into contact with the technology - in whatever capacity. We want to empower Lone Workers, Health and Safety staff, and all of the service team to understand the risk reduction and protection power of our safety devices.
We hold practical training sessions that explain the ins and outs of the various devices and how they can be used. We answer any and all questions on the spot so that everyone feels confident about using the devices and accompanying software. After the initial training session, we offer ongoing support and follow up, so that no one ever has to wonder about how to unlock the safety power of the technology.
Our safety solutions are customisable and designed specifically for your organisation. Call us today to find out how we can help you keep your team safe.