If you work in the manufacturing industry, you may have heard about the various products on the market that are designed to promote safety in the workplace, for example, wearable devices, some of which come in the form of vests and belt clips.
These wearable safety devices are intended to improve workplace safety, reduce injuries and fatalities, and as a bonus to employers, reduce workers’ compensation claims.
In February 2015, American Insurance Group Inc. announced its “strategic investment” in Human Condition Safety, based out of New York. This startup company is piloting sensor technology which is designed to:
- Identify workers’ potential injuries
- Reduce frequency of workers’ comp clams
- Reduce the severity of workers’ injuries
Currently, Target Corp. and BP P.L.C. are using sleep and activity tracking devices to promote good habits among their workers, and now experts are saying that more employers are interested in having their workers use wearables to prevent work-related injuries.
Advocates of wearables believe that AIG’s deal will only enhance that interest among other employers.
Paul Braun, the managing director of casualty claims at Aon Global Risk Consulting in Los Angeles said that in the future, AIG could end up promoting these wearable safety devices the same way Allstate Insurance Co. promotes the Drivewise device.
With the Drivewise device, a driver plugs it into their vehicle allowing them to earn rewards for driving safely, such as abiding the speed limit and avoiding slamming on their brakes.
“There’s a real benefit here, both from a financial standpoint in terms of reducing the cost of risk and improving the quality of someone’s work experience,” said Lex Baugh, president of global casualty for AIG.
Sources in the insurance agency expect to see more widespread adoption of these safety devices, especially in the next two to three years. It’s happening rather fast, and time will tell if they actually prevent work-related injuries.
Injured in a work-related accident? Get the facts about your rights and legal options and call Katz, Leidman, Freund & Herman for a free consultation.
