Numerous technologies have been used to help the world combat COVID-19. From artificial intelligence to nanotechnology and blockchain applications, scientists continue to find a way to enable everyone to fight the virus and cope with its aftermath.
Much has been done to ensure the safety of consumers in the business industry as well. Digital technologies have been widely accepted and modified to adhere to their needs and demands. This emphasizes the importance of technology governance and digital readiness.
But with businesses and industries opening up, what has been done to ensure that employees are safe against the coronavirus?
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), workers are at risk, whether they are in a developed country with advanced technology or in a developing country where there’s a lack of technological solutions. In the US, ILO stated that 43.2% of its workforce are employed in high-risk jobs, which is higher than its European counterparts.
In the new normal, it’s important to implement technological and structural changes in the workplace. This helps employees feel safe and secure as they work. Aside from requiring vaccines, hand sanitizer stations, touch-less controls, and enforcing reduced occupancy, how else can you minimize or eliminate workplace risks?
In this article, learn more about the technologies that help businesses thrive during the pandemic. Learn more about what processes you can use and automate for your business. If done right, technology at work can save lives.
PPE and Other Wearable Devices
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is synonymous with the health industry. They are also applicable in many other sectors. Digital smart PPE has been widely used in the manufacturing industry. They could be used for your business, too.
Smart PPE have wearable sensors that track movements. This helps business operators to warn workers when they venture into contaminated geo-fenced areas. They also have communication devices. This allows operators to inform workers at risk and tell them to leave dangerous areas at work.
In other industries, smart PPE and wearable devices can be also be used, though with a few adjustments first. They can be used to map out work zones digitally. This way, employees can be tracked. Safe distancing can be enforced more effectively. They can also be used as a tool for contact tracing. If an employee is feeling sick, those who have been exposed can be tracked down and quarantined.
Mobile Technology
In the same way, mobile technology allows business owners to track employee movement and warn them when they breach social distancing protocols. On the upside, it can also be used as access control to the
workplace, with real-time monitoring, informing employers who are already at work.
Mobile technology also offers apps and software that can be used to monitor employees’ health. This allows employers to ensure that all workers are healthy before going to the workplace. This can be implemented before employees check-in for the day’s work.
Thermal Technologies
When the pandemic started, it was common to see long lines of people outside establishments. This is no longer the case today. Thanks to thermal imaging solutions, businesses can monitor the temperature of up to 20 or more customers as they enter. The process is instantaneous and can alert staff when a customer has a fever, one of the first clear signs of the coronavirus.
Touch-less Technologies
You’ve heard the reminder many times: always wash your hands. This can create anxiety at the workplace. You have to touch many things. Computers, pantry appliances, elevator buttons, light switches, and door handles are only a few of them. Touch-less technologies allow a safe working environment by automating the way you come in contact with these things.
Touch-less technologies are often used together with mobile applications. They allow users to be connected to common objects to operate them. This can be very useful in the workplace to eliminate touchpoints. It also minimizes the need to sanitize hands and objects constantly.
For Remote Workers
Although many high-tech solutions protect you and your employees from COVID-19, it is still important to follow basic health protocols. Social distancing, wearing masks, and washing your hands always are still crucial in fighting the virus. But with many workers reluctant to go back to work, businesses resort to remote work. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 64% of employees are uncomfortable working again in their old workplace. They prefer to work remotely, if possible.
If you really want to convince your employees to go to work again, you should adopt technologies to make them feel safe and secure. Doing so can also prepare your business for any crisis that could happen again in the future. For now, your next step is to evaluate tools that you will need to foster a safe working environment.
