5 ways cloud technology helps to strengthen workplace safety

This article was provided by MSA Safety.

Advancements in cloud-based technology and the availability of connected devices are game-changers in helping organizations drive positive safety outcomes without sacrificing productivity.

Here are 5 ways cloud technology is helping to improve and strengthen workplace safety.

1. Enhancing a Culture of Safety

Data shows that employee engagement and awareness are key indicators of safety outcomes. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), one organization discovered “engaged employees were five times less likely than non-engaged employees to have a safety incident and seven times less likely to have a lost-time safety incident.”

Giving workers the tools needed to observe, communicate, and take action helps drive accountability. With cloud-based solutions that consolidate data from gas detectors, for example:

• Safety managers can use this information to develop targeted training sessions.
• Risk assessment teams can highlight potential hazards and the probability of incidents.
• Plant managers can identify the root causes of the behavior and its effect on operations.

2. Centralizing Data to Support Efficiency

Siloed departments within organizations are a thing of the past. Teams need access to data and each other. A transparent environment, with integrated practical connectivity, can support operational efficiency in many ways. For example, connecting your portable gas detectors to MSA Grid cloud-based software helps safety managers spend less time on administrative tasks like:

• Collecting and recording data from devices
• Creating Incident Reports
• Recording data for compliance

By being more efficient with:

• Assessing data logs
• Making informed decisions
• Managing and maintaining the fleet

3. Improving Performance with Total Visibility

Cloud solutions improve administrative efficiency from the safety side, but they also positively affect operational performance. A great example is worker readiness to perform a given task. If any safety equipment is missing, downtime can happen.

MSA Grid software identifies when equipment needs maintenance — so leaders can use this information to develop proactive maintenance plans and reduce workers’ risk of not having the correct devices or properly calibrated devices before operationalizing any work order.

4. Driving Time-Critical Responses with Real-Time Data

Timing is critical in gas detection. Every extra second it takes to respond to an emergency increases risk. When using always-connected portable gas detectors, safety managers receive alerts about panic-button presses, man-down alarms or device issues.

Real-time data helps leaders rapidly issue individual or group evacuations. Furthermore, Grid software shows employee locations and movements aided by satellite and street views. Leaders can use this information to assist emergency teams and account for workers.

5. Boosting Safety Awareness with Fewer Delays

Having on-demand access to data helps safety managers handle and learn from incidents. Leaders don’t need to wait until a report is generated or a meeting is held.

Instead, they can access data from their internet-connected device at any time. Safety managers can use the information for on-the-spot training opportunities or to provide feedback about a near-miss while it’s still fresh in workers’ minds.

Empower Safety Teams With Cloud Technology

With the combination of portable gas detectors and MSA Grid software, safety teams can proactively manage essential safety elements of their gas detection program with increased efficiency, helping to achieve improved safety outcomes and uptime.

Learn more here.

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