As a safety professional in today’s fast-paced, changing times, new technology can be a huge advantage. If you’re like me, I’m always looking for ways that I can take my job resources with me in the field. Whether it’s conducting a construction site safety audit, manufacturing ergonomic assessment, or any Job Hazard Analysis, having a smart device such as a tablet can save a lot of time.
How Smart Devices Help In The Field
There are so many options for software and apps available. What to invest in is probably the hardest decision to make; it really just depends on your operational needs. To start, I would recommend looking at safety apps that can be downloaded for free to any smart device. Over the last two years I have found many safety apps that work well and are a great time saving resource for any safety professional. Listed below are a few of the apps I find useful and I hope you do as well.
Workplace Safety Apps
Heat Safety Tool (OSHA-NIOSH) computes health risk levels, prompts users on wearing and using protective gear, and reminds workers to take breaks, drink water, etc. (Free)
Ladder Safety (NIOSH) uses visual and sound signals to guide the user in positioning their ladder in the safest position. The app includes pictures, checklists, and reference info to help users make safe choices. (Free)
NIOSH Sound Level Meter provides a readout of sound levels in decibels using your phone’s microphone. It also contains basic information on noise and hearing loss prevention to promote better hearing health. This app is only available for iPhone, but other similar products are available for Android. (Free)
Office Ergonomics is a step-by-step guide loaded with animated graphics and topics to help you quickly optimize your office set-up for comfort. (Free)
General Safety Apps
Pulse Point is tied in to our local emergency services to alert app users (who are CPR-trained bystanders) if they’re in the proximity of a cardiac arrest victim that may need CPR or an AED. It also gives them the location of the nearest public-access AED. (Free)
The American Red Cross First Aid App gives instance access to expert information on how to handle the most common first aid situations with step-by-step instructions and videos. (Free)
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid App gives pet owners access to step-by-step instructions, videos, and images for many common first aid emergency situations including wound care, burns, falls, breathing/cardiac emergencies, and more. (Free)
EverDrive uses your phones’ sensors to measure your driving performance to give you feedback to become a better driver. The app encourages safe driving and the reduction of distracted driving with your phone. Friends and families can also compete. (Free)
Health and Wellness Apps
MyFitnessPal helps users easily count calories by logging meals using an extensive database of brand-name foods, using the built-in barcode scanner to look up nutritional values, or entering recipes of your home-cooked meals. (Free)
Luminosity uses games and tools designed by a team of neuroscientists to improve everything from memory-boosting to problem-solving. The app is personalized to each individual (Free to download; $11.99/mo; $59.99/year)
Instant Heart Rate is an accurate heart rate monitor app that does not need any external hardware. Get your heart rate in less than 10 seconds. Use it for optimizing your exercise and to track your progress or to check your stress levels and see trends. (Free)
Daily Yoga is for beginners to advance in a format aimed to make it easier & convenient to help you gain better results from yoga. Not only helps you stay with yoga every day, but also provides health benefits for both your mind and body. (Free)
Personal Safety / Security Apps
Circle of 6 is designed to help prevent sexual violence. If you need an interruption or need help getting home, two taps lets your preselected circle of six friends or family members know where you are and how they can help. (Free)
React Mobile pairs with the React Sidekick personal safety device so users can quickly send an emergency alert without having to access and unlock their phone. Hitting a button on the device with alert pre-selected contacts. (Free app; Sidekick is purchased separately)
SafeTrek sends police your location when you instincts in a scary situation turn into a real emergency. In the app, users hold their thumb on the safe button. If the button is released and the user doesn’t enter their pin, local police will be notified. (Free, $3/mo or $30/yr)
Emergency /SOS Features are available on many smartphones. Depending on your device and operating system, features vary but may include capabilities to initiate a fast dial to emergency services, or may send emergency alerts to your pre-selected contacts. (Already included on your smartphone)
(List of Apps courtesy of Kennedy Space Center internal safety department.)