National Safety Council’s Work to Zero Program Publishes Case Study with MākuSafe Wearable Tech
March 30, 2023
The NSC Work to Zero initiative is designed to eliminate workplace fatalities through the use of technology. The Work to Zero Advisory Council is a volunteer group of EHS and technology experts composed of industry, academic, government and other thought leaders who strategically advise the Council on efforts to eliminate workplace deaths. MākuSafe is proud to be a part of the Advisory Council. The council’s responsibilities are to inform Work to Zero research projects by providing expertise, insight and access to networks that enrich the initiative, shape outreach and events, and engage external parties to broaden the initiative’s reach and knowledge. The case study was a joint effort to study how wearable safety technology could impact MSD’s and potentially reduce injuries
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
According to the National Safety Council, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common workplace injury, affecting nearly one quarter of the global population. They often result from workplace tasks that involve actions like repetitive movements, awkward or static postures, and forceful exertions. The following case study focused on reducing injuries and better understanding leading indicators of MSDs.
Impact of Wearable Tech
The client piloted 120 MākuSafe wearables across three locations, primarily focused on workers performing material-handling tasks (e.g. loading and unloading). Data insights provided by MākuSafe, combined with customized lifting training and behavior-based safety tactics, have allowed safety leaders to successfully offer support and coaching to at-risk employees. In fact, quarterly injury results found a 74% reduction in injuries at the pilot sites. Culturally, employee survey results show that safety is in the top quartile in terms of favorability, further exemplified by the workers’ willingness to utilize the units
voluntarily.
Download the full case study below. If you’re interested in learning more about how wearable tech can reduce injuries and prevent MSD’s in your organization, let’s talk!
