5 Ways the IIoT is Making a Difference in Employee Safety No matter how advanced humans are, we still get injured. Let's face it, slipping, tripping, and running into things is part of our nature. Sometimes these accidents are unpreventable, but many times they can be avoided. When it comes to humans working in manufacturing, the potential for injury is lurking around every corner. It’s the nature of the beast. Serious workplace injuries cost US manufacturers more than $7 billion each year, according to Liberty Mutual’s 2019 Workplace Safety Index. Working with heavy equipment, electricity, chemicals, and extreme environments can be extremely dangerous.

Overexertion, falls, collisions with or getting caught in equipment and repetitive motion injuries are the most common reasons that workers in manufacturing miss work. Besides following stringent OSHA guidelines, how can manufacturers improve worker safety? Education offers one avenue, but it fails to take into account human error. Utilizing the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) may decrease workplace accidents significantly. "Alexa, where is the closest dog park?" Do you use a virtual assistant or a similar device? Congratulations, you're using the IoT. The IoT refers to the extension of internet connectivity to physical devices. Now, take this concept one step further and bring it into the factory. The IIoT encompasses industrial applications, including robotics, medical devices, and software-defined production processes. How can the manufacturing industry harness IIoT technology to improve safety? The answer, numerous ways, and counting! Paired with wearable devices, IIoT allows monitoring pf

workers’ health state and high-risk activity that can lead to injuries. Also, along with ensuring workers’ safety, IIoT addresses issues in potentially hazardous environments. Workplace injuries are typically classified according to the type of event or exposure that is most closely linked to the injury. Looking at the manufacturing industry alone, the National Safety Council lists the top five causes of injuries to be:

• Contact with objects and equipment

• Overexertion and other bodily reactions

• Falls, slips, and trips

• Repetitive motion

• Exposure to harmful substances or environments Here’s are 5 ways the IIoT is improving safety in these manufacturing injury categories: 1. Contact with Objects and Equipment Collisions with objects, equipment or vehicles is a frequent cause of injury in manufacturing. IIoT technology offers two viable solutions to this issue: real-time location systems and proximity detection. Location systems monitor worker movement out of and into hazardous or restricted zones. These monitoring systems alert workers when they enter an unsafe area. Proximity detection uses sensors on clothing and machinery to keep workers and moving equipment from colliding. A worker wearing an IIoT enabled hardhat could prevent being in an accident with a crane. The operator would be notified about the worker nearby and be able to reroute to avoid a disaster. Proximity detection also prevents getting caught in equipment or crushed by objects. 2. Overexertion and Other Bodily Reactions Overexertion involving outside sources is one of the most frequent causes of serious injury in manufacturing. Lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy objects is the frequent culprit. Like an amped-up version of a Fitbit, wearables gauge health parameters of workers like blood pressure variations, stress levels, and other data related to their well-being. Data on early signs of health problems is immediately sent to a response team where appropriate measures can be taken. 3. Falls, Slips and Trips The causes for slips, trips, and falls can be so varied and widespread, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Their complex nature makes it challenging to remedy. Even with preventative measures such as ensuring that floors, ramps, platforms, stairs, and walkways are kept free of hazards……accidents happen. Currently, IIoT wearables that include

accelerometers and gyroscopes can detect worker falls in real-time and alert supervisors for faster emergency response. 4. Repetitive Stress Injuries Another way IIoT can help prevent injury is by helping workers avoid repetitive motion. A large percentage of occupational injuries stem from repeated trauma or movements, mainly in the upper body, wrists, and back. Feedback based on wearable device readings shows workers how to move more safely. It also gives them a dashboard where they can track their progress in changing their behavior. 5. Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments Temperature changes, high humidity levels, harmful gases, chemical exposure, extreme noise levels are potential hazards in manufacturing. Providing workers with wearables that track these circumstances can be one of the best ways to ensure their health and safety in the workplace. About Delta Technology: Delta Technology has been the integrator and the manufacturers’ strategic partner of choice for robotics, automation, and custom manufacturing solutions since 1997. We are proud to employ Industry 4.0 methodologies to creatively and expertly design, engineer, and build custom industrial automation solutions to solve the most complex manufacturing challenges. We partner with our customers to clearly identify their challenges and understand their goals. Based on our findings and our extensive experience in manufacturing, we design and engineer the best custom solutions for them. We specialize in: Design, engineering, fabrication, and assembly of custom industrial automation and robotics

solutions Cutting-edge and modern lean automation and lean robotics Machine-control software development Integration of automation equipment Vision-guided robotics, inspection systems, and adaptive controls