7 Safety trends to watch in 2023

As a safety leader, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest safety trends in order to effectively protect your employees and your business. Here are a few reasons why being aware of trends and staying ahead of the game is so important:

·???????To identify potential hazards: Staying aware of trends in your industry can help you identify potential hazards before they become a problem. For example, if you know that a new type of machinery is being widely adopted in your industry, you can assess whether it poses any potential safety risks and take steps to mitigate those risks before they result in an accident.

·???????To improve efficiency: By staying ahead of the game, you can identify new technologies or best practices that can help improve safety efficiency in your workplace. This can lead to cost savings, as well as a safer work environment for your employees.

·???????To stay compliant: Safety regulations are constantly changing, and it's important for a safety leader to be aware of these changes in order to ensure compliance. Failing to stay up-to-date on regulations can result in fines, legal action, and damage to your company's reputation.

·???????To stay competitive: In today's fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the game is key to staying competitive. By adopting new technologies and best practices, you can give your company a competitive edge and position it for success.

In short, being aware of safety trends and staying ahead of the game is essential for any safety leader who wants to protect their employees, their business, and their reputation

As we enter 2023, here are seven safety trends to watch in the coming year:

1.?????AI technology in safety: Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly used to improve workplace safety. For example, AI can be used to monitor hazardous environments and alert workers to potential dangers. It can also be used to predict and prevent accidents by analysing data and identifying patterns that may indicate a potential risk.

2.?????Virtual reality training: Virtual reality (VR) training is becoming an increasingly popular way to train employees on safety procedures. VR allows employees to experience simulated situations in a safe and controlled environment, which can be especially useful for training in high-risk industries such as construction or manufacturing. Speak to Cam Stevens about this...

3.?????Sustainable safety: Many businesses are looking for ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency, and safety is no exception. This includes using eco-friendly products and implementing sustainable practices in the workplace. For example, businesses may use reusable or biodegradable personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

4.?????Mental health and safety: The link between mental health and safety is becoming increasingly recognized. Poor mental health can impact an employee's ability to concentrate and make good decisions, leading to increased risk of accidents and injuries. As such, businesses are starting to place a greater emphasis on promoting mental health in the workplace through programs such as employee assistance programs and mental health training for managers.

5.?????Smart and connected safety equipment: Advances in technology are leading to the development of smart and connected safety equipment. For example, wearable devices can monitor an employee's vitals and alert them to potential dangers. Smart helmets systems can also be equipped with sensors and cameras to provide real-time data and improve situational awareness.

6.?????Achieving and proving an ROI: As I mentioned earlier, it's important for a safety leader to be able to demonstrate the ROI of their safety activities in order to justify the investment and secure funding for future initiatives. To generate investment in safety, you need to convince the board; the board speaks the language of ROI.

7.?????Keeping your feet on the ground by ensuring you're covering the basics: While it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, it's also important to ensure that you're covering the basics of safety. This includes things like providing proper training and protective equipment, conducting regular safety audits and inspections, and following established safety procedures. By making sure you're covering the basics, you can ensure that you're creating a safe and healthy work environment for your employees. For example, I've never visited a company that has no "slips, trips and falls" policy. Yet, 300,000+ people go to A&E year after year after slips. To truly enable us to leverage the technology trends available this year and beyond, we first need to build the foundations of getting the basics right. If you'd like to know how you're doing at preventing slips in your building, visit scorecard.slipsafety.co.uk and use our free self-assessment quiz.

As a safety leader, there are several actions you can take to take advantage of these trends:

1.?????Implement AI technology: If you're interested in using AI to improve workplace safety, there are a few steps you can take. First, research the different types of AI technologies that are available and how they can be applied in your industry. Next, work with a vendor or consultant to develop a plan for implementing AI in your workplace. Finally, communicate the benefits of AI to your employees and ensure they are properly trained on how to use it.

2.?????Invest in virtual reality training: If you're interested in using VR training to improve safety, there are a few steps you can take. First, research the different types of VR training systems that are available and how they can be used in your industry. Next, work with a vendor or consultant to develop a plan for implementing VR training in your workplace. Finally, communicate the benefits of VR training to your employees and ensure they are properly trained on how to use it.

3.?????Promote sustainable safety: If you want to promote sustainable safety in your workplace, there are a few steps you can take. First, assess your current safety practices to identify areas where you can reduce waste or improve efficiency. Next, work with your team to develop a plan for implementing sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly products or implementing recycling programs. Finally, communicate the benefits of sustainability to your employees and encourage them to get involved.

4.?????Focus on mental health: If you want to improve mental health in your workplace, there are a few steps you can take. First, assess your current mental health practices to identify any gaps or areas for improvement. Next, work with your team to develop a plan for promoting mental health, such as implementing employee assistance programs or offering mental health training for managers. Finally, communicate the importance of mental health to your employees and encourage them to seek help if needed.

5.?????Invest in smart and connected safety equipment: If you're interested in using smart and connected safety equipment, there are a few steps you can take. First, research the different types of equipment that are available and how they can be used in your industry. Next, work with a vendor or consultant to develop a plan for implementing the equipment in your workplace. Finally, communicate the benefits of the equipment to your employees and ensure they are properly trained on how to use it.

6.?????Achieving and proving an ROI: To implement this trend, a safety leader can start by setting clear goals and objectives for their safety initiatives. They can then track the results of these initiatives using metrics such as injury rates, lost time, and workers' compensation costs. By regularly analysing these metrics, the safety leader can determine the ROI of their efforts and make adjustments as needed to improve performance.

7.?????Keeping your feet on the ground by ensuring you're covering the basics: To implement this trend, a safety leader can start by conducting regular safety audits and inspections to ensure that established safety procedures are being followed. They can also provide regular safety training to employees and ensure that proper protective equipment is being used. In addition, the safety leader can stay up-to-date on industry regulations and best practices to ensure that the company is in compliance with all relevant safety standards.

Staying abreast of safety trends is important for safety professionals in order to identify potential hazards, improve efficiency, stay compliant, and stay competitive. By keeping up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, safety professionals can ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to protect their employees and their business.

If you're a safety professional, we'd love to hear your thoughts on these trends. Please share your feedback in the comments below.

Also:

1) Do hit "subscribe" to Safety And Risk Success Newsletter

2) Join our first Safety Roundtable of the year on 11th January to discuss your priorities in safety for 2023 (here is the LinkedIn event page)

3) Check out the Safety And Risk Success Podcast on your podcast platform of choice (e.g. Apple Podcasts)