Most people don´t think of their workplace as an unsafe environment. Yet, millions of workers die every year from occupational accidents and work-related diseases. Millions also suffer non-fatal occupational accidents. The majority of these accidents are caused by poor safety conditions.
However, accidents are not the only threat to worker´s health. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), work-related stress and psychosocial risks are a growing concern for companies and workers worldwide. The good news is that all of this is largely preventable by improving working conditions. So, what are the most significant challenges workplace health and safety currently face?
1. Advancements in technology
Technological advancements are affecting the way people work in both positive and negative ways. Digitalization, AI, AR, nanotechnology, and robotics are transforming our workplaces in positive ways. Robots can take over dangerous jobs that are currently done by workers. Remote collaboration helps cut commuting time and related risks.
However, these advancements come with their own sets of challenges, such as concerns about being replaced at work, or the collection of personal information.
2. Access to information
Manual data entry can be very inefficient, not to mention that it causes errors and misinformation. It is hard for technicians to stay in touch with their home base, if it restricts access to information. Technicians that still use pen and paper instead of mobile solutions might arrive at their job without the information they need to complete their work order.
3. Scheduling & prioritization
Even within a single company, work orders can be very diverse, and it is important to choose the right person for each job. If the wrong worker is chosen, it can result in a second visit and an unnecessary waste of time and money. Orders and service calls also have various urgency levels, which is why prioritization is essential. While working on routine repair or maintenance calls, your technicians also need to respond to emergency calls. Which might cause technician double bookings.
4. Keeping track of the team
To ensure the safety of workers, companies need to be able to keep track of them. That might be challenging in remote locations with limited internet access. However, proper reporting and communication with supervisors is crucial. This is where wearable devices come in, as they allow supervisors to monitor worker behavior, safety, and health in real-time. Being able to track employee location, monitor their safety, and share data can improve first-time fix rates and increase the safety of workers.
5. Changes in work organization
The pandemic, along with the demands of an increasingly globalized world, has led to many changes in work organization. A growing number of employees work at non-standard working hours and places using various forms of employment.
And while remote work doesn´t endanger workers the same way as working in hazardous environments, it comes with its own set of challenges. While working from home saves people time related to commuting, it can also blur the lines between private and work life, creating additional psychological pressure.
How to deal with these challenges?
If workers don´t perform and document their jobs properly, or comply with the health & safety regulations, they might risk serious injuries. A mobile field service solution such as Resco Field Service 2.0 can help minimize these risks.
Information is centralized in the cloud, which means that it can be safely shared with all the users who need access. Technicians who require certain information to safely complete their work orders can get hold of them anywhere.
Technicians can use their mobile devices or wearables to run these solutions. Wearable devices can also act as cameras, scanners or measuring devices. Instead of manually typing the information, technicians can scan the barcode on the device they are inspecting and all the information in the questionnaire will be automatically filled out.
Automated work scheduling helps resolve conflicts, avoid double booking, and plan routes and resources more efficiently. And thanks to mobile reports, technicians don´t need to carry paper documents with them. They can fill out the report on their mobile device, attach pictures and even sign them electronically.
Remote collaboration is another great capability that can help you avoid unnecessarily endangering workers. Instead of visiting locations that might be unsafe, they can collaborate with colleagues who are already on site through mobile and wearable devices using remote assistance tools.
Tackle the challenges with Resco Field Service 2.0
Resco offers the tools that will help you improve your staff’s safety with Resco Field Service 2.0. To find out more, take a look at the official product page or book a customized demo.
And if you want to improve safety on your construction sites, check out our blog on improving the work environment on construction sites, where you will find even more useful tips.