Occupational safety for trade and industry with AI video analysis
A safe and healthy working 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 the field of 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
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 substantial 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 2022, around 844,284 occupational accidents were reported, with a significant portion of these accidents attributed to inadequate protective equipment. There were 713,766 occupational accidents in the workplace (excluding road traffic accidents), particularly in the manufacturing industry (183,352), construction industry (108,032), and trade (92,699). A total of 272 people died in occupational accidents, of which 252 were men
- Switzerland: Here, around 293,000 occupational accidents and occupational diseases were recorded in 2022, an increase of 5.9% compared to 2021. Most accidents occurred in the secondary sector (trade and industry) with 91,830 cases and in the tertiary sector (commerce and healthcare) with 161,415 cases
- Spain: In Spain, there were about 653,510 workplace accidents in 2022. Data from the Ministry of Labor shows an improvement for 2023, but in the year before 2024, almost 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 transport and logistics are traditionally male-dominated fields. These activities often involve heavy physical labor and the use of machinery, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, men are more frequently engaged in fieldwork, 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 various occupational fields but also the specific risks associated with these professions
Improving workplace safety through video analysis with Vaidio
The video analysis with Vaidio represents a groundbreaking innovation in the field of occupational safety by utilizing state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to detect and report safety violations in real-time. This technology can significantly help reduce the risk of workplace accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations
Compliance with safety regulations and wearing protective clothing
Vaidio is capable of automatically monitoring whether workers are wearing the required protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, and safety glasses. Once a violation is detected, the system can issue immediate warnings to alert the responsible parties and the affected employees to take the necessary actions. Additionally, Vaidio enables the monitoring and analysis of dangerous behaviors or unsafe working conditions, such as entering hazardous areas or improper handling of machinery
Detection of falls and collapses
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 raise an alarm if a worker suffers a dangerous fall. Similarly, the system can detect collapses, such as those that occur 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
Conclusion
The use of protective equipment is essential for the safety and health of employees in the industry. The absence of such equipment can have serious health and economic consequences. Modern technologies such as video analysis with Vaidio offer innovative approaches to improving workplace safety by enabling real-time monitoring and preventive measures. By combining traditional protective measures with modern technologies, companies can minimize the risk of accidents and create a safe working environment
Anne-Katrin Michelmann
Date 01.09.2024