Daylight Saving Time can mean more accidents
It’s that time of the year again: Daylight Saving Time! The time when the clocks go forward an hour (in B.C. they will do so for the last time ever) and everyone loses an hour of sleep. Many of us are happy to do so because it means that it stays light later into the evening, and it also means that spring is around the corner. Unfortunately it also means that many people are operating on an hour less sleep than they would have gotten normally, and that means a greater likelihood of accidents happening. The idea of moving the clocks ahead in the spring and back in the fall is over 100 years old, and for many it still remains a controversial solution to a debatable problem. The argument behind it is based on energy conservation (since it is light later) and also stimulating the retail and entertainment sectors […]
February is Heart Month!
Given that February 14th is Valentine’s Day, a holiday that is usually associated with hearts, it’s probably not surprising that February is Heart Month. Here’s a quick reminder of why that’s important: — Cardiovascular disease is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada — Men are more likely to die of a heart attack than women — One in 12 Canadians over the age of 20 live with diagnosed heart disease — High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are contributing risk factors Doctors advise that pursuing a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and some heart-healthy lifestyle habits include: — Eating better (fish, fruits and vegetables) — Getting more exercise (low impact such as swimming or walking) — Quitting smoking — Limiting alcohol consumption — Maintaining a healthy weight — Reducing stress As depressing as this may seem, the reality is that every one of […]
It’s the time of year when slips and falls are a real concern
Whether we like it or not, wintertime is upon us, and that means a higher risk of slips, trips and falls, which can cause injuries ranging from sprains and strains to broken bones and concussions. These incidents lead to lost work time, reduced productivity, higher replacement and overtime costs, and increased workers’ compensation claims. Employers are legally responsible for providing safe workplaces, including safe entry and exit on employer-owned or maintained property such as parking lots, walkways, stairs and entrances. And winter hazards affect all workplaces — not just construction sites. Slips and falls can also happen inside the workplace for a number of reasons. Slips, trips and falls Slips occur when traction is low (due to ice, spills, loose mats, wet floors) Trips occur when the foot hits an object (due to clutter, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, cables) Falls can result from both slips and trips, and can cause […]
How AI could help make the workplace safer part three
(Note: This is the third in a three-part series on the use of artificial intelligence tools in the workplace. The first part is here and the second part is here) Whether we call it machine learning or artificial intelligence, there are tools in the workplace now that can use video evidence and other tools to identify and flag a wide array of hazards in real-time, including wet floors, exposed wires, hairline cracks in machinery parts, or equipment left in dangerous positions. Its precision allows it to detect minute irregularities that might be imperceptible to the human eye. These kinds of tools can also verify the integrity and correct positioning of safety barriers, guardrails, or railings in the workplace, and ensure that workers maintain safe distances from operating machinery or hazardous equipment, and that all essential safety signs are correctly placed and clearly visible. Some companies are using AI systems to […]
How AI could help make the workplace safer part two
(Note: This is the second in a three-part series on the use of artificial intelligence tools in the workplace. The first part is here) Whether we call it machine learning or artificial intelligence, there are tools in the workplace now that can use video evidence and other tools to identify and flag a wide array of hazards in real-time, including wet floors, exposed wires, hairline cracks in machinery parts, or equipment left in dangerous positions. Its precision allows it to detect minute irregularities that might be imperceptible to the human eye. These kinds of tools can also verify the integrity and correct positioning of safety barriers, guardrails, or railings in the workplace, and ensure that workers maintain safe distances from operating machinery or hazardous equipment, and that all essential safety signs are correctly placed and clearly visible. Some companies are using AI systems to do object detection and predictive analytics relating […]