Are Employers Embracing Safety Technology in the Workplace?

Group of industrial workers wearing safety gear and reflective vests, standing together and smiling.

In an alarming revelation by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 5,500 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2022. This marks a 6 percent increase from 2021 and surpasses pre-pandemic levels by 3 percent. The danger is especially present in high-risk industries like construction, warehousing, transportation, oil extraction, and agriculture. In response to the rise in workplace fatalities, the National Safety Council released a study on how technology is being used to reduce the risk of preventable deaths on the job.

Survey reveals safety tech that businesses use and plan to use

Employers are increasingly turning to technology to help them prevent work accidents, injuries, and deaths. However, adoption is slow, according to a new survey by the National Safety Council. "Safety Technology 2024: Examining Trends in Technology Solutions Used to Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace" surveyed employers and employees on workplace safety, potential risks, and advancements in safety technology. Here are some of the report's key findings and information from our Mississippi work injury lawyers about how to take legal action when employees are seriously injured in work accidents.

5 key takeaways from the NSC report

The new NSC report updates the organization's "Work to Zero" initiative, which analyzes safety technology in the workplace. Three years after the project's inauguration, the survey gauges the progress in utilizing environment, health, and safety (EHS) technologies to prevent work accident deaths. Employers use safety technology like work zone intrusion detection, lone worker monitoring, and wearable gas sensors to accomplish various hazard reduction goals.

While numerous options exist, the survey focused on the most frequently used and most often considered safety tech in U.S. workplaces. According to the NSC, the safety technology most frequently in use—with almost 40 percent of employers reporting utilization—is risk management software. Other common types of workplace safety technology include worker impairment detection devices, extended reality (AR/VR), aggressive behavior detection, proximity sensors, predictive analytics, wearables to track worker health, robots, and drones.

Here are five key takeaways from the survey report:

Rising safety risks. In today’s workplace, both employees and employers are acknowledging an uptick in all kinds of safety risks. Employees, in particular, are feeling the brunt of this increase, reporting a greater frequency of hazards encountered on the job. Across the board, fatigue is cited as the primary culprit in compromising workplace safety, leading to a higher incidence of on-the-job injuries.
Workplace violence concern. While the likelihood of workplace violence is relatively low, the level of concern about such incidents is significantly on the rise.
Safety tech recognition. When it comes to safety-related technology, employers are growing aware of its potential benefits. More than 80 percent of employees were willing to adopt new safety tech, suggesting a workforce ready for innovation in safety measures.
Tech adoption surges and plateaus. Notably, there's been a surge in the use of risk management software, proximity sensors, and drones — tools that offer new levels of hazard assessment and accident prevention. However, adoption rates for other technologies have plateaued, the report notes.
Financial and privacy barriers. The financial investment required for the latest safety technologies continues to be a major barrier for employers, though there's been a slight shift toward greater acceptance since 2020. Additionally, concerns around data privacy and the effectiveness of these technologies compared to existing safety practices are influencing the decision-making process for employers considering new solutions.

What to do if you are injured in a Mississippi work accident

Taking the right steps after being injured in a work accident is important to ensure your health is prioritized and to establish official documentation for your Mississippi workers' compensation claim — a legal request for benefits due to a work-related injury or illness. If you are injured in a work accident, you should:

Report the injury or illness. Within 30 days, notify your employer in writing, providing details of the injury or illness and how it relates to your job.
See a doctor. Seek medical attention immediately for an examination and treatment, and make sure to mention that the injury or illness is work-related.
Talk to an experienced workers' compensation attorney. Consulting with an experienced Mississippi workers' compensation attorney enhances your understanding of your rights and benefits while providing you with powerful guidance and support through the claims process. This strategic approach maximizes your chances of receiving the compensation and care you deserve.

If you were injured in an accident at work, take immediate action to protect your health and future by contacting Tabor Law Firm, P.A. for a free case evaluation. With offices in Ridgeland and Jackson, MS, a member of our team is available to hear from you. We can answer your work injury or illness-related questions, explain your legal options for compensation, and help you determine the next steps.