december 2022
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Inside the December Issue |
How Biomechanical AI is
Improving Your Home & Work
BY ALLIE ANDREWS AND ANNE FELTS
The idea of AI or Artificial Intelligence is not new. Inanimate objects replicating intelligent life and moving can be traced back as far as the Greeks. The study of human movement, or biomechanics, goes even further - to the time of the ancient Egyptians. In modern times, the combination of AI, biomechanics, and digital motion capture technology are coming together to improve our lives at both work and home.
Most of us use some type of AI device or service; whether it’s a Fit-Bit, Apple Watch, Alexa or Siri, these tools are improving our ability to live and work while tracking more data and providing more information, faster and with more efficiency. With the rapid speed of AI development, it’s no surprise that these technological improvements are moving into the workplace, improving our abilities to work safely, and providing access to more health metrics than ever before.
Many people track their daily steps
using a wearable device or their phone.
Work-related wearables range from
simple pedometers to highly technical
exoskeletons. And now, AI is allowing
employers to identify & track risks
without a wearable at all. Employers
can use a combination of tools to identify
risks, provide coaching and improve
worker health on the job.
Clinicians use traditional observational,
quantitative, qualitative assessments in
combination with newer technologies
such as digital video and digital 3D
technologies to assess workers – with and without a wearable.
Everyone from Human Resources to Safety Managers and the Workers themselves want everyone to go home in the same physical condition they arrived in – if not better. Digital AI enhancements are helping employers accomplish this goal. This is an especially exciting time for safety innovation; research shows AI tools improve body mechanics, reduce fatigue, improve performance, decrease injury risks, and help to improve overall worker satisfaction.
A February 2022 Gallup survey of over 15,000 full & part-time employees in the US indicated that attitudes towards the workplace had returned to prepandemic levels. Less than 25 percent of workers believe their bosses have their best interests in mind. This percentage is the lowest since 2014.
In 2014 the unemployment rate was at 5.8 percent, as of the end of July 2022 unemployment was 3.5 percent. Since the attitudes towards employment do not seem to correlate with the numbers, it seems more important than ever to hold onto and care for the employees you have. One way to do that is to make them feel needed by investing in their health and emotional wellbeing. Increasing their feedback and input into workplace changes and improvements, investing in improved safety and workflow processes, and creating a culture of caring. Full story »
today's News
Oshkosh Corporation to Acquire Hinowa
MCCONNELLSBURG, PA -- Oshkosh Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Hinowa® S.p.A., a privately held international company and leading manufacturer of track-based aerial work platforms, mini dumpers, lift trucks and undercarriages. Once complete, Hinowa will become part of the Oshkosh Access Equipment segment.
Johnson Controls Recognizes 10th Year Supporting the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program
MILWAUKEE -- Johnson Controls announced the Johnson Controls Foundation's $500,000 donation to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) to support future disaster responses across the U.S.
Workplace Safety Professionals Invited to DEI Summit
PARK RIDGE, IL -- The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) opened registration for a free daylong summit on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the occupational safety and health profession.
OSHA To Hold Online Meeting Of The NACOSH
WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold an online meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health on Jan. 10, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. EST.
Nomination Period Has Been Extended for WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee 2022
WASHINGTON, DC -- The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program is requesting nominations for candidates to serve on the Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).
