Majority of workers are open to trying new safety technologies in the workplace

With so many advancements being made in the field of technology these days, workers seem more willing to try new things for workplace safety.

Overall, 3% of employees said they would be open to trying and using new safety technologies in the workplace, according to a recent report from the US National Safety Council (NSC).

The report also found that across every technology surveyed, employers reported that these solutions were associated with workplace hazards.

The most notable increases in technology use were seen in risk management software, proximity sensors and drones, while the use of other technologies remained broadly similar across surveys.

“From 2020 to 2023, technology acceptance and adoption is increasing among employers, but more research is needed to close the gap between technology consideration and use,” the NSC said.

What are the barriers to the adoption of new safety technologies?

Despite increasing acceptance, barriers to the adoption of these technologies remain, according to the NSC.

These include:

• Resource constraints: Acquisition costs, including initial capital and resource investments, have decreased significantly since 2020 but remain an obstacle for employers.
• Privacy Concerns: Data collection, privacy issues and security concerns are top concerns for employers.
• Develop an understanding of the benefits: Perceptions of current technology and whether it meets the organization’s needs can be a significant barrier and driver to the adoption of new safety technologies in the workplace.