Occupational health and safety is an area that has remained relatively stable for years, based on traditional methods of risk assessment, training and procedures. However, in recent years, as in many other areas, OSH has also experienced a rapid transformation due to the rapid development of digital technologies. As companies around the world see the benefits of implementing modern tools, there is a growing awareness of how digitalization can not only streamline processes, but also radically improve work safety.
In the context of global changes in the labor market, such as automation, increasing project complexity, or emphasis on compliance with regulations, companies must quickly adapt to the new reality. Implementing technologies based on the Internet of Things (IoT) , Big Data , virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) , or predictive analytics tools, has become a key element of the strategy of companies that want to effectively protect the health of their employees and minimize the risk of accidents.
Imagine a scenario where working at heights, operating heavy equipment, or training in dangerous environments can be done completely safely, without the risk of harm to health. This is no longer the future—it is a reality brought to us by modern digital tools. Employees can not only simulate difficult and risky tasks, but also monitor threats on an ongoing basis, using technologies that were previously associated mainly with science fiction films.
What’s more, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the digital revolution in the field of occupational health and safety training. At a time when personal contact has been limited and conducting traditional trainings has been a challenge, solutions based on VR and AR have allowed companies to continue educating employees in a more effective, engaging and new reality-adapted way. Virtual training has allowed companies to deliver knowledge in a flexible way – without the need for physical presence, which has significantly reduced the costs and time needed to organize traditional courses.
In the rest of the article, we will look at how modern technologies are changing the approach to occupational safety, as well as the benefits of digitalization in OHS - both from the perspective of employers and employees. We will learn how IoT, Big Data, VR, AR and other innovations support companies in more effective risk management, while improving the efficiency of training and operational processes.
1. IoT and real-time monitoring of working conditions
One of the key trends in digital transformation in OHS is the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) . Thanks to a network of connected sensors, employers can constantly monitor working conditions in places particularly exposed to hazards. Sensors can measure, among others , noise level, temperature, concentration of hazardous gases or humidity, providing real-time data to central monitoring systems.
This data enables immediate response to threats, as well as long-term planning and analysis that help better understand the conditions in which accidents occur. For example, sensors worn by workers (e.g. on helmets) that monitor vital signs such as heart rate, allowing for action when a worker shows signs of exhaustion or heat stress.
2. Big Data and Predictive Analytics
Digital tools allow you to not only monitor current working conditions, but also predict threats before they occur. Big Data and predictive analytics are technologies that allow you to collect huge amounts of data from various sources (such as IoT sensors, inspection reports, accident history) and then analyze this data to identify patterns that could lead to accidents.
For example, by analyzing data from past incidents and accidents, AI-based systems can predict when a dangerous situation may occur in a specific location – for example, due to employee overload or impending bad weather. Employers can then take appropriate preventive measures, such as strengthening protective measures, relocating employees or introducing additional safety procedures.
3. Cloud and mobility in occupational health and safety management
Digitalization in OHS also means easier access to data and documentation , which is possible thanks to cloud technologies. Traditional methods of managing OHS documentation, which were based on paper forms and spreadsheets, are gradually being replaced by cloud-based management systems. Thanks to this, data can be accessed from anywhere and on any device - tablet, smartphone or computer.
This is especially useful for companies with distributed teams or working in different locations (e.g. construction sites, factories). Health and Safety inspectors can easily report their observations, and managers can monitor compliance with regulations in real time, without having to be physically present on site.
4. Automation and Robotics in Hazardous Work Environments
Automation and robotics are increasingly entering the area of occupational health and safety, especially in environments where there are high risks to employee health. For example, robots can perform tasks related to handling hazardous substances, work at heights or inspections in hard-to-reach places where the risk to human life is high.
Drones are being used to monitor large work areas, such as oil rigs, mines, and warehouses, with minimal risk to humans. This allows companies to reduce the number of workers performing dangerous tasks while increasing the precision and efficiency of these operations.
5. VR and AR training - a new era of occupational health and safety education
One of the most interesting and dynamically developing trends in the digitalization of occupational health and safety is the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to conduct training. In our company, EHS VR , we specialize in this type of solution, offering innovative training that allows employees to gain knowledge and practical skills in a safe, controlled environment.
The VR training we offer includes general occupational health and safety, first aid and fire protection courses , as well as more specialized training such as:
Forklift operation ,
Working at heights ,
Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) procedures
Health and safety at construction site
Our solutions allow participants to realistically practice virtual scenarios, simulating real-world hazardous situations. For example, a forklift operator course can take place in a realistic warehouse, and work at height training allows training in simulations where participants must observe safety rules at height.
Why VR and AR in health and safety?
The benefits of using both VR and AR in occupational health and safety training cannot be overestimated:
More effective learning : VR simulations allow you to repeat scenarios multiple times and practice key reactions in a safe environment.
Better engagement : VR engages users more than traditional learning methods, which increases their concentration and knowledge retention.
Cost reduction : Companies can avoid the costs associated with organizing training in different locations or interrupting work because VR and AR training can be conducted anywhere, anytime.
Monitoring results : VR allows for precise monitoring of participants’ progress, recording their actions and reactions in different scenarios, allowing for better tailoring of training to individual needs.
Practice and theory in one : VR enables the combination of theory and practice, and AR supports the implementation of these theories during real work.
Real-world impossible scenarios: VR enables training in simulations of dangerous situations, such as jumping into a firefighter's jump pad or falling and evacuating from a height. These scenarios would be too risky, complicated or expensive to carry out in real life.
Is your company ready for the digital revolution in occupational health and safety?
Digital transformation in Occupational Health and Safety is not just the future – it is the present, which is dynamically changing the way we take care of safety in the workplace. Technologies such as VR, AR, IoT and Big Data are already helping companies around the world to increase the effectiveness of training, reduce costs and minimize the risk of accidents.
And what about your company? Do you already use modern solutions supporting occupational safety? Or maybe you are just considering their implementation? Could technologies such as VR and AR be invaluable help in raising occupational health and safety standards in your organization?
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