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 enhance workplace safety for commerce and industry through AI video analytics, including PPE detection and fall detection.
Global Accident Statistics
According to the latest estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for 2019, over 395 million workers worldwide suffered non-fatal occupational injuries. Of the 2.93 million work-related deaths in 2019, 2.6 million were attributed to work-related diseases, while occupational accidents accounted for 330,000 deaths. The leading causes of occupational deaths were cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, and respiratory diseases, which collectively accounted for nearly three-quarters of all occupational fatalities.
Major industrial accidents pose a significant threat to workers and surrounding communities. Catastrophes such as the explosion of a large ammonium nitrate storage facility at 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 damage, business disruptions, and considerable economic losses for entire communities.
Accident statistics in Europe
To provide a clear picture of the situation in Europe, we have compiled statistics on accidents from Germany, Switzerland, and Spain:
- 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 (manufacturing and industry) with 93,431 cases and the tertiary sector (trade and healthcare) with 171,118 cases. A total of 59 men and 5 women died in workplace accidents.
- Spain: In 2022, Spain recorded approximately 653,510 occupational accidents. Data from the Ministry of Labor showed improvement in 2023, but nearly 600 people lost their lives in work-related accidents the year before 2024. Frequent causes of fatal accidents included heart attacks and strokes (38.6%), traffic accidents (28.1%), machinery accidents (12%), and falls (11.5%).
Gender Differences in Workplace Accidents: Men at Higher Risk
A significant aspect of workplace accident statistics is the higher accident rate among men, averaging around 80%. This is primarily because men are more often employed in occupations and industries with higher risk potential. Sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and transport and logistics are traditionally male-dominated. These jobs often involve heavy physical labor and machinery use, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, men are more frequently involved in outdoor assignments, where environmental factors and unforeseen situations heighten accident risks. The higher accident rate among men reflects not only the gender distribution across different job sectors but also the specific risks associated with these roles.
Improving Occupational Safety with PPE Detection and Fall Detection through AI-Powered Video Analytics
The integration of modern technologies into the workplace is revolutionizing safety standards and creating significantly safer working environments. As a leading provider of AI-powered video analytics, Synaedge offers innovative solutions like Vaidio, designed specifically to detect and prevent accidents. Two particularly effective applications are personal protective equipment (PPE) detection and automated fall detection. These technologies help companies significantly reduce workplace risks and ensure compliance with legal safety requirements.
PPE Detection: Ensuring Compliance with Safety Regulations
Personal protective equipment is an essential component of occupational safety in hazardous work environments. However, the improper use or non-use of PPE remains a common cause of workplace accidents. With PPE detection, an AI-powered system can automatically verify whether the required protective equipment—such as helmets, safety goggles, gloves, or vests—is being worn correctly.
Benefits of PPE Detection:
- Real-time Monitoring: The system can instantly alert management if an employee is not wearing or improperly wearing PPE, preventing accidents.
- Reporting and Analysis: Companies can generate reports to better understand potential safety risks and improve training accordingly.
- Compliance Support: The technology ensures companies meet legal occupational safety requirements.
Detection of falls and collapses: Immediate Response in Emergencies
One of Vaidio’s key advantages is its ability to detect falls and collapses. In hazardous work environments where the risk of falls from scaffolding or platforms is high, Vaidio can immediately alert management when a worker experiences a dangerous fall. The system can also detect collapses caused by health emergencies such as heart attacks in real time, enabling swift emergency response. This is particularly crucial in situations where prompt action can save lives. Immediate alerting of emergency personnel can significantly reduce response times and improve the chances of survival.
Data analysis
Another major advantage of Vaidio’s video analytics is its ability to retrospectively analyze the causes of accidents. By reviewing video footage, safety officers can accurately reconstruct how and why an accident occurred, enabling them to develop targeted preventive measures. This leads to not only immediate improvements in occupational safety but also continuous optimization of safety strategies.
Employee Fears of Total Surveillance: An Unfounded Myth
One common concern regarding modern safety technologies, especially AI-powered video analytics, is the fear of “total surveillance” in the workplace. While this fear is understandable, it is largely unfounded—particularly when using systems like Vaidio.
Targeted Detection Only
The technology behind Vaidio is designed to detect specific events and patterns relevant to occupational safety. This means the cameras do not record every detail of the environment or employee behavior but focus solely on predefined safety criteria, such as wearing PPE or detecting falls. Anything outside these criteria is ignored, ensuring the technology remains focused on its safety purpose.
No Automatic Profiling
Another important aspect is that the use of artificial intelligence does not involve profiling or the creation of personal data records. The AI analyzes scenes anonymously without relying on personal information. The goal is not to track behavior patterns or create personality profiles but to enhance safety and efficiency.
Anonymization to Protect Privacy
Notably, Vaidio includes built-in anonymization features that obscure identifying features like faces during analysis, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected. This ensures employee privacy even when surveillance cameras are in use. The technology targets safety risks, not individuals, ensuring fair and respectful treatment of employees.
Building Transparency and Trust
To further alleviate concerns, companies should:
- Clearly communicate the safety goals of camera usage.
- Involve employees by explaining system functionality and the measures taken to protect privacy.
- Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure the correct use of technology and prevent misuse.
Conclusion: Balancing Safety and Privacy
Modern AI-powered technologies, like the solutions offered by Synaedge with Vaidio, provide companies the opportunity to significantly improve occupational safety without compromising employee privacy. By focusing on detecting safety-relevant events and integrating anonymization features, Vaidio demonstrates that technological innovations need not come at the expense of privacy and trust. The combination of precise accident prevention, compliance support, and privacy protection creates a work environment where employees are safeguarded, and their rights are respected. Companies benefit not only from improved safety records but also from increased employee satisfaction and acceptance.
Synaedge is committed to making workplaces safer and more humane through innovative technologies built on trust, efficiency, and privacy protection. With solutions like PPE detection and fall detection, it becomes clear that integrating modern technologies is a win-win for both companies and employees.
Anne-Katrin Michelmann
updated on 12.12.2024