Is Wearable Tech a Worthy Investment?

The wearables market is growing rapidly, presenting users with new ways to engage with technology. With all the various types of wearable technology available, it can feel overwhelming for many organizations. And while these devices have the potential to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), how can companies determine what option is right for their goals?

In this session at PRIMA 2024, Steven Simon, Senior Risk Control Manager at Safety National, explains how to evaluate the pros and cons of these devices so your organization has a clear path forward in claims prevention.

IMU Wearable Sensors

Released about 12 years ago, these sensors have a strong focus on manual material handling. They provide haptic feedback as a posture-based wearable. This haptic response is used to inform users of unsafe movements or activity in real-time. The data is sent and stored in the platform, usually a dashboard, for management review. This is then used to provide coaching, feedback, and corrective actions. Other features include:

• Lumbar risk scoring
• Repetitive motion alerts
• Temperature warnings
• Forklift driving (PTI Alert System)
• Lone worker alerts

Dashboards for these sensors are becoming more user-friendly, allowing easier data management. Risk managers should consider a pilot program that starts with a few employees or a single department to prove the worth of the investment.

Exoskeletons and Exosuits

Worn typically as a vest to assist with heavier lifting, they support the upper extremities. There are power (hydraulic) and passive (springs) options available. These do require a higher investment, but have several research-backed studies to prove their value. Some of the positive research results include:

• Increased performance
• Effective for overhead work
• Reduced energy expenditure

Benefits vs. Challenges

Not all employees will be comfortable with restricted movements and potential biometric data being shared, among other concerns, but there are still a wealth of benefits that wearable technology offers.

Advantages 

• Drives rapid data results
• Generates detailed, specific data to help build a business case:
  • Return on investment
  • Identifying critical patterns and trends in departments and specific areas
• Creates a promising job risk analysis, evaluation, or assessment
• Enhances employee wellness programs

Disadvantages

• Adverse reactions:
  • Discomfort
  • Range of motion
  • Balance
• Most transfer stress to another body part
• Data security, privacy breaches, and trust
• Financial and time management commitments

AI-Based Ergonomics

This technology uses phone applications to quantify and measure angles, postures, and twists by uploading a video. As an easy-to-use and cost-effective method, this can drastically reduce manual material handling exposures. Many vendors are developing solutions in the app based on the assessments taken via video. The data provided through these apps is highly-valid and allows opportunities for training and corrective action to prevent further injuries.