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Last Updated on December 28, 2020 by Work In My Pajamas
Laws and regulations have reduced the incidence of workplace injuries over the past few centuries. However, many people still get hurt on the job. With the ability to collect and store vast amounts of data, consider these four ways in which employers can use the information to keep employees safer.
In This Post:
Collect Info about Equipment and Facility Maintenance
One important way that big data helps to keep workers safer is through the collection of information about equipment and facility maintenance. For example, an accident involving a forklift with worn brakes could be prevented by tracking the frequency of maintenance and repairs to the equipment. Facility maintenance issues that should be tracked include electrical, HVAC and plumbing repairs, parking lot repairs, and improvements to lighting, flooring, and mechanical systems.
Keep Reliable Records of Accidents
Keeping reliable records of accidents also helps to keep employees safe. The records are also key to keeping your business in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Some accidents need to be reported to OSHA, which might send out investigators to determine the cause of the accident. Understanding the causes of accidents allows you to take preventive action to reduce the risk of a recurrence.
Track Equipment Information
Data can be used to track information about pieces of equipment in the workplace. For example, manufacturers might recall equipment after safety problems are discovered. Keeping track of the date of purchase, serial number, and warranty information allows you to pull recalled pieces of equipment out of the workplace so they can be repaired or replaced.
Analyze Risk Factor Data
All of the data that is collected about accidents in the work environment should be analyzed with powerful statistical software. Some important parameters to keep in mind for accident association analysis include the date and time of the injury, how long the person had been at work that day, the person’s experience on the job, and the general conditions of the workplace. The data could be used to lower risk factors for accidents, such as not allowing workers to be on the job for more than 12 straight hours.
Big data allows for the collection and analysis of all types of information. Statisticians and engineers can analyze that data and provide employers with reports that detail ways to prevent accidents and injuries in the work environment. The information could be used in employee training, preventive maintenance and repair standards that also lower the employer’s liability insurance requirements.
