Occupational safety with PPE detection and fall detection

A safe and healthy work environment is not only a fundamental principle and right at work but also an essential prerequisite for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Despite significant progress in occupational safety and health (OSH) over the years, the reality remains that workers continue to suffer from work-related injuries and illnesses, with some even losing their lives due to exposure to a variety of occupational hazards and risks. Modern technologies like Vaidio can significantly improve occupational safety for commerce and industry with AI video analysis, such as occupational safety with PPE detection and fall detection.

Worldwide accident statistics

According to the latest estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the year 2019, over 395 million workers worldwide suffered a non-fatal occupational injury. Of the 2.93 million work-related deaths in 2019, 2.6 million were attributed to work-related diseases, while occupational accidents led to 330,000 deaths. The diseases that caused the most work-related deaths were circulatory diseases, malignant neoplasms, and respiratory diseases. Together, these three categories contributed to almost three-quarters of the total work-related mortality.

Major industrial accidents pose a significant threat to workers and surrounding communities. Disasters such as the explosion of a large ammonium nitrate warehouse in the port of Beirut (Lebanon) in 2020 and an explosion at a waste disposal center in Leverkusen (Germany) in 2021 caused fatalities, injuries, illnesses, environmental pollution, business disruptions, and significant economic damage to entire communities.

Accident statistics in Europe

To give you an accurate overview of the situation in Europe, we have worked through the accident statistics of Germany, Switzerland, and Spain and summarized them for you:

Germany: In 2023, 712,702 workplace accidents were reported, particularly in manufacturing (172,797), construction (107,546), warehousing (67,706), and trade (92,840). A total of 229 men and 11 women died in workplace accidents (excluding road traffic accidents).
Switzerland: In 2023, approximately 286,154 occupational accidents and diseases were recorded, a decrease of 2.4% compared to 2022. Most accidents occurred in the secondary sector (trade and industry) with 93,431 cases and in the tertiary sector (commerce and healthcare) with 171,118 cases. In total, 59 men and 5 women died in work-related accidents.
Spain: In Spain, there were approximately 653,510 work-related accidents in 2022. Data from the Ministry of Labor shows an improvement for 2023, but in the year before 2024, nearly 600 people died in work-related accidents. Common causes of fatal accidents were heart attacks and strokes (38.6%), traffic accidents (28.1%), machinery accidents (12%), and falls (11.5%).

Gender-specific differences in workplace accidents: Men have accidents more frequently

A significant aspect of accident statistics in the commercial economy is the fact that the accident rate among men is significantly higher, averaging around 80%. This is mainly because men are more often employed in occupations and industries that have a higher potential for danger. Sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and the transport and logistics sector are traditionally male-dominated fields of work. These activities are often associated with heavy physical labor and the use of machinery, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, men are more frequently engaged in outdoor assignments, where the likelihood of accidents due to environmental influences and unpredictable situations is greater. The higher accident rate among men thus reflects not only the distribution of genders in different occupational fields but also the specific risks associated with these professions.

Improvement of occupational safety with PPE detection and fall detection through AI-supported video analysis

The integration of modern technologies into the work environment is revolutionizing safety standards and ensuring a significantly safer workplace. As a leading provider of AI-powered video analysis, Synaedge offers innovative solutions like Vaidio, specifically designed to detect and prevent accidents. Two particularly effective applications are the detection of personal protective equipment (PPE) and automated fall detection. These technologies help companies significantly minimize workplace risks and reliably ensure compliance with legal safety regulations.

PPE detection: Monitoring compliance with safety regulations

Personal protective equipment is an essential component of occupational safety in hazardous work environments. However, the non-use or improper use of PPE remains a common cause of workplace accidents. With PPE detection, an AI-powered system can automatically check whether the required protective equipment – such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, or safety vests – is being worn correctly.

The advantages of PSA detection include:

Real-time monitoring: The system can immediately alert if an employee is not wearing or is wearing incomplete PPE, thus preventing accidents.
Reporting and analysis: Companies can generate reports to better understand potential security risks and optimize their training accordingly.
Compliance Support: The technology helps companies ensure they meet legal occupational safety requirements.

Fall detection: Immediate response in emergencies

A key advantage of Vaidio video analysis is the ability to detect falls and collapses. In hazardous work environments where the risk of falling from scaffolding or platforms is high, Vaidio can immediately alert if a worker suffers a dangerous fall. Similarly, the system can detect collapses, such as those occurring during heart attacks or other acute medical emergencies, in real-time and initiate emergency measures immediately. This is particularly important in situations where quick intervention can be life-saving. The immediate alerting of emergency personnel can significantly reduce response time and greatly increase the survival chances of the affected individuals.

Data analysis

Another important advantage of Vaidio video analysis is the ability to retrospectively analyze the causes of accidents. By evaluating video recordings, safety officers can precisely reconstruct how and why an accident occurred and develop targeted preventive measures based on this. This not only leads to an immediate improvement in workplace safety but also to a continuous optimization of safety strategies.

Fears of employees about total surveillance: An unfounded myth

A common concern about modern security technology, especially AI-powered video analysis, is the fear of “total surveillance” in the workplace. This fear is understandable, but in practice unfounded – especially when using systems like Vaidio.

Cameras only recognize what they are supposed to

The technology behind Vaidio is designed to specifically detect events and patterns relevant to workplace safety. This means that the cameras do not record every detail of the environment or employee behavior, but focus on predefined safety criteria, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or detecting falls. Anything outside of these criteria is ignored, keeping the technology focused on the essentials.

No automatic profiling

Another important point is that the use of artificial intelligence does not automatically involve profiling or the creation of personal data records. The AI analyzes the scenes anonymously and without resorting to personal information. It is not about creating behavior patterns or personality profiles, but solely about improving safety and efficiency.

Anonymisierung zum Schutz der Privatsphäre

It is particularly noteworthy that Vaidio ensures that individuals are anonymized through integrated anonymization features. Faces or other identifying features are obscured during analysis, so sensitive information remains protected. This preserves the privacy of employees, even when surveillance cameras are in use. This technology targets security risks and not the individuals themselves, ensuring a fair and respectful treatment of employees.

Creating transparency and trust

To further reduce potential fears, companies should:

Clearly communicate which security objectives are being pursued with the cameras.
Involve employees by informing them about how the systems work and the measures taken for data protection.
Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure that the technologies are used correctly and no misuse occurs.

Conclusion: Balancing security and privacy

Modern AI-powered technologies like the solutions offered by Synaedge with Vaidio provide companies the opportunity to significantly improve workplace safety without compromising employee privacy. By specifically detecting safety-related events and integrating anonymization, Vaidio demonstrates that technological innovations do not have to come at the expense of data protection and trust. The combination of precise accident prevention, compliance support, and data protection creates a work environment where employees are protected and their rights are respected. Companies benefit not only from an improved safety record but also from increased satisfaction and acceptance among their workforce.

Synaedge is committed to making the workplace safer and more human-friendly through innovative technologies based on trust, efficiency, and privacy protection. With solutions like PPE and fall detection, it becomes clear that the integration of modern technologies is a benefit for both companies and employees alike.