The health and community services industry plays a vital role in individuals' and communities' well-being and overall quality of life. This industry provides essential services (from hospitals and clinics to nursing homes and rehabilitation centres) that help people maintain and improve their health.

However, the health and community services industry also presents unique safety and risk management challenges. Healthcare workers, for example, are at a higher risk of injury due to the physical demands of their job and the potential for exposure to infectious diseases. On the other hand, patients and residents are also vulnerable to falls or other accidents due to their age or physical condition.

Maximizing Safety: The Top Workplace Technologies in the Health and Community Services Industry

Several key safety technologies have been developed to help improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the health and community services industry. These technologies include:

1. Patient handling and lifting equipment.

One of the leading causes of injuries among healthcare workers is the manual handling of patients, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as back injuries. Patient handling and lifting equipment, such as mechanical lifts and transfer boards, can help reduce the risk of injury by providing a safer and more ergonomic way to move and position patients.

2. Infection control technologies.

Infection control is a critical concern in the healthcare industry, and several technologies have been developed to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases. These include ultraviolet light disinfection systems that use UV light to kill germs on surfaces, and automated hand hygiene systems that dispense hand sanitizer or soap to encourage proper hand hygiene.

3. Fall prevention technologies.

Falls are a common concern in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, where residents may be at an increased risk due to age or physical limitations. To help prevent falls, facilities can use technologies such as bed and chair alarms, which alert caregivers when a resident is attempting to get up. They can also use wearable fall detection devices that can alert caregivers if a fall is detected.

4. Emergency response systems.

In a medical emergency, quick response is critical. Emergency response systems can help facilities respond to emergencies more quickly and effectively. These systems can include panic buttons, which allow caregivers to promptly call for help, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which can help save the lives of individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

These safety technologies can enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents in the health and community services industry. By investing in these technologies and implementing effective risk management practices, facilities can create a safer environment for patients, residents, and healthcare workers alike.

Workplace Safety Technologies: Must-Have Features for Keeping Your Team Safe

• Digital Risk Assessment

This feature provides an effective way to mitigate safety risks in the workplace. By combining location data with the supervision of community and health workers, individuals can be effectively monitored, especially when working alone. These assessments offer a comprehensive solution for ensuring the safety of your employees and community.

• Monitoring Dashboard

A monitoring dashboard is a convenient tool for tracking the movement of health and community workers in real-time. Accessible on any device, this digital and centralized display allows you to locate individuals anytime, anywhere.

• Automated Emergency Alerts

Stay safe and stay informed with automated emergency alerts. When a worker doesn't check in as expected, supervisors and leaders are immediately notified with all the necessary information to respond to the situation. Don't let emergencies catch you off guard - let Automated Emergency Alerts be your first line of defence.

• Centralized Reporting System

Stay on top of crucial information with a centralized reporting system. With automated data capture, you'll have access to a wealth of information, including locations, times, dates, distance travelled, risk assessments, emergency alerts, and incidents. Make informed decisions and keep your team safe with these powerful reporting tools at your fingertips.

Act for Kids (a case study): How a “workplace safety technology” helped this not-for-profit organization

Act for Kids, a leading organization dedicated to improving the well-being of children and families, recently implemented SafetyIQ, a cutting-edge journey management solution, to enhance their communication approach for remote and isolated worker activities. The results have been transformative, with SafetyIQ proving to be an effective tool for strengthening safety and reducing risk for employees working in challenging and remote environments.

One of the key features of SafetyIQ is its ability to provide real-time tracking and location monitoring for workers, allowing for enhanced supervision and response in emergencies. In addition, the platform includes a range of communication tools, such as alerts and notifications, which help facilitate better communication between team members. This ensures that everyone is aware of potential risks or hazards.

The adoption of SafetyIQ has allowed Act for Kids to significantly improve the safety and well-being of their employees while also increasing efficiency and productivity. As a result, the organization has been able to provide even better services to the communities they serve, all while ensuring the safety and protection of its workers.