Categorizing occupational health and safety
The International Labour Organization (ILO) guide on managing occupational health and safety (OHS)
Prediction: Identifying potential hazards through risk assessment to prevent accidents before they occur.
Detection: Ongoing surveillance of workplace conditions, using inspections and real-time data to identify unsafe practices or environmental risks.
Protection: Implementing measures to shield workers from identified risks, including safety equipment, training and emergency response plans.
This report focuses exclusively on Prediction, Detection, and Protection technologies within the context of occupational health and safety. All references to these technologies will be presented in their simple forms for the sake of clarity and ease of use. Readers are encouraged to consider the specific applications and limitations of these technologies in their respective contexts.
Each category includes a diverse set of technologies and methodologies, all aimed at enhancing safety across a variety of workplace environments. To conduct the patent analysis contained in this report, relevant technologies within each OHS category were identified and cataloged. Using these categorizations, specialized patent search strategies were developed to identify patents aligned with each technology, thereby constructing a patent dataset for in-depth analysis. This structured approach allowed a clear picture of the innovation landscape within each OHS category to be captured and to track technological advancements in OHS. Search strategies were based on patent classifications (International Patent Classification
Figure 2.1 illustrates the main technologies associated with each of three OHS categories used to create the patent datasets for analysis.
Prediction
The Prediction category refers to the proactive identification and assessment of potential hazards in order to prevent accidents and incidents before they occur. By anticipating risks early on, Prediction technologies and methodologies aim to inform preventive measures, enhance decision-making and, ultimately, create a safer work environment.
The Prediction category has been segmented as follows:
Statistics-based analysis: This approach uses historical data and statistical methods to identify trends and patterns that may indicate potential safety risks. By analyzing this information, organizations can make informed decisions to mitigate hazards before they occur.
Machine learning: This approach uses algorithms to analyze large datasets and predict safety incidents. By learning from past incidents, these systems provide insights and recommendations to improve safety protocols.
Behavior-based safety: This approach uses the observation and analysis of employee behaviors to enhance safety. By understanding and modifying behaviors, organizations can implement training and interventions to promote a safer workplace culture.
Detection
The Detection category refers to the continuous assessment and oversight of workplace conditions in order to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents. This involves using technologies and processes for real-time surveillance, periodic inspections, and environmental monitoring to detect unsafe practices, equipment malfunctions, or harmful exposure levels. Detection systems are critical in maintaining a safe work environment, as they enable the timely identification of risks such as toxic substances, high noise levels or machinery issues.
The Detection category has been segmented as follows:
Safety software solutions: Comprehensive software solutions are essential for managing safety protocols, tracking incidents, and ensuring compliance with regulations. These systems facilitate real-time monitoring and reporting.
Fire detection and prevention systems: Advanced fire detection systems utilize sensors and alarms to identify fire hazards early, enabling prompt response and prevention measures.
Gas detection equipment: Gas detection technologies monitor air quality and detect harmful gases, ensuring a safe environment for workers, especially in confined spaces.
Temperature monitoring systems: These systems continuously monitor temperature levels to prevent overheating and other temperature-related hazards.
Noise level monitoring: Monitoring noise levels is crucial in environments where excessive noise can lead to hearing loss and other health issues. Systems are in place to measure and manage noise exposure.
Radiation detection equipment: In industries where radiation exposure is a concern, specialized equipment is used to detect and monitor radiation levels, ensuring worker safety.
Location-based safety systems: These systems utilize global positioning system (GPS) and other technologies to enhance safety by providing real-time location data, enabling a quick response to an emergency.
Protection
The Protection category refers to measures and technologies designed to actively safeguard workers from identified risks and hazards in the workplace. This includes a broad range of solutions intended to reduce exposure to dangerous conditions, prevent injury and minimize health risks. Protection methods can include the provision of PPE such as helmets, gloves, masks, and protective clothing, as well as engineered controls such as safety barriers, ventilation systems and ergonomic equipment.
The Protection category has been segmented as follows:
Respiratory protection technologies: Respiratory protection equipment, such as masks and respirators, is vital in environments with airborne contaminants, ensuring workers' respiratory health.
Hearing protection technologies: Hearing protection devices, including earplugs and earmuffs, are essential in noisy environments to prevent hearing loss.
Personal protection equipment: PPE, such as helmets, gloves or safety glasses provide physical protection against various hazards.
Thermal protection equipment: Thermal protection gear is designed to safeguard workers from extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold.
Mechanical safeguards: Mechanical safeguards, such as guards and barriers, are implemented to prevent accidents and injury when operating machinery.
Ventilation and filtration systems: Effective ventilation and filtration systems help maintain air quality and reduce exposure to harmful substances in the workplace.
Ergonomic workspaces: Designing ergonomic workspaces minimizes the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and enhances overall worker comfort and productivity.
Fall protection: Fall protection systems, including harnesses and guardrails, are critical in preventing falls in construction and other high-risk environments.
Wearable devices: Wearable safety devices monitor workers' health and environmental conditions, providing real-time data to enhance safety measures.
Main industries in occupational health and safety
Occupational health and safety is a crucial aspect of every industry, ensuring the well-being of workers by minimizing risks and preventing accidents in the workplace. Different sectors present unique hazards, requiring tailored safety measures to protect employees from injury, illness and long-term health problems. The following section explores seven critical industries for OHS, giving a brief overview of each and highlighting the specific OHS challenges and solutions they face.
These industrial sectors play a vital role in economic development and employment but also present significant safety risks. From hazardous machinery and toxic exposures to ergonomic strain and psychological stress, each industry demands a focused approach to workplace safety. Understanding these risks and implementing appropriate OHS measures is essential for protecting workers and ensuring sustainable industrial growth.
Construction
The construction industry encompasses the building of infrastructure, commercial, and residential structures, as well as civil engineering projects. It involves multiple trades, including masonry, carpentry, electrical work, and heavy equipment operation. Due to the physically demanding nature of the work, OHS is critical in preventing hazards such as falls, exposure to hazardous materials, machinery-related accidents, and structural failure. Regulations focus on PPE, proper scaffolding and training to ensure worker safety.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing involves the production of goods through industrial processes, including assembly lines, machining and chemical processing. Factories operate using complex machinery, high-speed production lines and hazardous substances, making workplace safety a priority. OHS measures address risks such as machine-related injuries, exposure to toxic chemicals, repetitive strain injuries and noise pollution. Implementing safety protocols, ergonomic workstations and training programs helps mitigate such dangers.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector includes hospitals, clinics, laboratories and long-term care facilities, where professionals provide medical services and patient care. Occupational risks include exposure to infectious diseases, needlestick injuries, ergonomic strain and psychological stress due to high workloads. OHS regulations emphasize proper hygiene protocols, PPE usage and mental health support for health care workers, so as to maintain a safe working environment.
Agriculture
Agriculture covers crop production, livestock farming and agribusiness operations. Workers are exposed to risks, including pesticide exposure, machinery-related accidents, extreme weather conditions and zoonotic diseases. OHS strategies focus on safe pesticide handling, the use of protective gear, machinery safety training and ergonomic practices that prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
Service
The service sector includes industries such as retail, hospitality, finance, and customer support. Although such jobs might seem less hazardous than others, workers still face risks such repetitive strain injury, workplace violence, stress and fire hazards. OHS measures involve ergonomic workplace design, emergency preparedness and policies to address poor mental health and workplace harassment.
Logistics
Logistics covers transportation, warehousing and supply chain management, ensuring the movement of goods and materials. Workers in this industry face risks from vehicle-related accidents, lifting injuries and exposure to hazardous goods. OHS guidelines focus on proper load handling, driver fatigue management and warehouse safety measures, including clear pathways and emergency response planning.
Mining
The mining industry involves extracting minerals, metals and fossil fuels from the earth, often in hazardous underground or open-pit environments. Workers face dangers such as cave-ins, toxic gas exposure, equipment malfunction and dust-related lung disease. OHS protocols include ventilation systems, regular equipment maintenance, PPE and strict emergency response procedures to reduce risks.