Computer Vision
In the search for a safer work environment, the industry is constantly exploring new technological frontiers. In this article, we will explore innovative technologies in the industry designed not only to improve safety, but to save lives.
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Problem Overview: Accident Statistics in the Industry
§§H:§§ Behind the scenes of Industry 4.0, where technology and innovation shape our future, it is imperative to understand accident statistics to drive transformation. In this overview, we uncover not just numbers, but opportunities to redefine standards, integrate computer vision and artificial intelligence, and thus pave a safer and more efficient path for the global industry.
Bird Pyramid: Tool for mapping industrial accidents
In a deep dive into technologies aimed at saving lives in the industry, we cannot ignore the critical need to understand the dynamics of accidents. By incorporating innovative technologies, we do not only respond to catastrophic events, but we also anticipate and mitigate potential hazards, aligning ourselves with the vision of an industry where safety is proactive and lives are truly preserved. The Bird Pyramid is a valuable graphical tool that reveals intriguing patterns in occupational safety. Developed by Frank Bird in 1969 after studying 1,750,000 accidents, it highlights that for every fatal accident, there are 10 serious accidents, for every 10 serious accidents, 30 minor accidents occur, and for every 600 near-miss cases, no damage or injury is recorded.
The levels of the pyramid outline the following structure:
• Fatal accidents, with potential mortality or causing permanent disability.
• Serious accidents, involving lost time, with or without material damage.
• Minor accidents, resulting in material damage, with or without injury.
• Near-miss cases in which there is neither injury nor material damage.
This graphical representation emphasizes the importance of focusing not only on fatal accidents, but also on preventing less serious accidents and thus how technology in the industry can save lives. Eliminating hazards at the base of the pyramid is fundamental to avoiding more severe consequences at higher levels. This proactive approach is crucial for promoting a safer and healthier work environment.
Brazilian Data: How to mitigate the impacts of accidents in the Industry
Every 51 seconds, a workplace accident is recorded in Brazil, placing the country among the most dangerous for workers, behind only China, India, and Indonesia.
In 2022, 612.9 thousand accidents were recorded, resulting in 2,538 deaths, a 22% increase compared to 2021. With the lowest contingent of labor inspectors in the last 30 years, inspection in companies becomes challenging, making room for more accidents.
By June 2023, data from the Radar of the Secretariat of Labor Inspection show that inspectors have already identified 131,062 irregularities in Occupational Health and Safety in Brazilian companies.
Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveal a worrying reality in Brazil: 6.3 thousand daily deaths and 2.3 million annual deaths, surpassing armed conflicts. In the period from 2012 to 2017, 14,412 accidental deaths and 3.8 million workplace accidents were reported, generating a significant expense of R$ 26 billion solely in accident benefits.
Data from the Observatory of Safety and Health at Work, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor's Office for Labor (MPT) and the ILO, reveal an impactful reality. From 2012 to 2022, 6.7 million workplace accidents and 25.5 thousand deaths were reported in formal employment positions.
In the same period, 2.3 million leaves of absence were recorded due to work-related illnesses and accidents, generating a cost of R$ 136 billion in social security benefits.
The Observatory's analysis highlights that the operation of machinery and equipment is one of the main causes, representing 15% of the total accidents. This activity resulted in amputations and severe injuries at a frequency 15 times higher than other causes, generating three times more fatal accidents. These data underscore the importance of rethinking and strengthening safety practices in the workplace, especially in sectors operating machinery.
Global Occupational Accident Data in Industry
§§H:§§ ILO estimates reveal an impactful reality on the global stage. Each year, about 2.3 million women and men succumb to work-related accidents or diseases, totaling over 6,000 deaths daily. Globally, approximately 340 million occupational accidents and 160 million victims of work-related illnesses occur annually, with records indicating an increase in these numbers over time. Some important conclusions from the ILO's most recent statistical data on occupational accidents, diseases, and work-related deaths on a global scale include the following:
Work-related illnesses are the leading cause of death among workers, with hazardous substances alone estimated to be responsible for 651,279 deaths per year.
The construction industry has a disproportionately high rate of recorded accidents.
Younger and older workers are particularly vulnerable. The aging population in developed countries means that an increasing number of older people are working and require special attention.
The 5 Transformative Technologies for Saving Lives in the Industry
§§H:§§ Faced with the alarming landscape of data and statistics on industrial accidents, it is imperative to chart a path toward safety and life preservation. These statistics are not just numbers, they are affected lives and interrupted stories. In this context, we highlight five innovative technologies that emerge as true guardians of industrial safety. From advanced 24/7 monitoring systems to the use of artificial intelligence to predict potential risks, these technologies represent a crucial step forward in protecting workers. By considering not only the problems but also the solutions, we are shaping a future where technology not only responds to challenges but truly anticipates and prevents, saving lives in the industry.
Advanced Monitoring Cameras
Advanced monitoring cameras are equipped with advanced recognition technology, going far beyond simple image recording. They have the ability to analyze behavior patterns, providing an additional layer of intelligence to the security system. This predictive analysis allows deviations to be identified before they become incidents, anticipating potential problems and promoting proactive actions.
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Additional Layer of Security: Anticipating Deviations
Predictive analysis from advanced monitoring cameras is a powerful tool in identifying deviations in industrial processes. By identifying unusual patterns, these cameras alert operators, enabling intervention before an incident occurs. This not only raises safety levels but also contributes to the prevention of loss and material damage.
The Importance in Industry 4.0: Efficiency and Innovation
In the era of Industry 4.0, where the integration of technologies is fundamental, advanced monitoring cameras play a crucial role. By providing accurate, real-time data, they contribute to operational efficiency. The ability to anticipate deviations not only elevates safety but also drives innovation, allowing for continuous process optimization.
Wearables: Wearable Technology for Employee Safety
Wearable devices are revolutionizing safety at work. Constantly monitoring the vital signs of employees, they can alert to abnormal conditions, providing a rapid response in emergency situations. This technology not only saves lives but also promotes a proactive safety culture.
Wearables, or wearable devices, are taking on a revolutionary role in the occupational safety landscape. This innovation goes beyond simple technological accessories; it is a proactive approach aimed at constantly monitoring the vital signs of employees, providing a rapid and effective response in emergency situations. Let's explore how this technology not only saves lives but also shapes an organizational culture focused on safety.
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Constant Monitoring: Vital Signs at Your Fingertips
Wearables offer continuous monitoring of employees' vital signs. This capability ranges from measuring heart rate to analyzing body temperature. By keeping a constant record of these indicators, the devices can detect abnormal conditions, alerting both the employee and supervisors to potential health issues.
Rapid Response in Emergencies: The Importance of Time
§§H:§§ In work environments, speed of emergency response is crucial. Wearables, by alerting to abnormal conditions, allow for an immediate response in critical situations. Whether dealing with a sudden health issue or an accident, this technology provides a vital advantage by reducing intervention time, increasing the chances of a successful resolution.
Examples: Smartwatch (Heartbeats, oximeter, heart rate)
Robots and Drones: Exploring Hazardous Environments
Robots and drones take on dangerous tasks, reducing human exposure to high-risk environments. Equipped with advanced sensors, they can detect deviations and anomalies, contributing to accident prevention. Their presence is often the front line in industrial safety.
Robots and Drones: Navigating Safely in Hazardous Environments
In an increasingly complex world, technology plays a crucial role in mitigating risks, especially in dangerous environments. Robots and drones emerge as true heroes, taking on high-risk tasks and significantly reducing human exposure to imminent dangers. Equipped with advanced sensors, these devices not only perform dangerous tasks but also actively contribute to accident prevention.
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Dangerous Tasks: Redefining Limits with Robots
Robots, endowed with increasingly sophisticated skills, take on tasks that put humans in danger. From inspecting unstable structures to handling toxic substances, these automatons play a vital role in executing dangerous activities without compromising worker safety. Their presence redefines the limits of what can be accomplished in hazardous environments.
Advanced Sensors: Detecting Deviations and Anomalies
The key to the effectiveness of robots and drones in hazardous environments lies in the advanced sensors that equip them. These devices are equipped with cutting-edge technology, capable of detecting deviations and anomalies before they become serious problems. Whether identifying leaks in industrial facilities or assessing the stability of structures, the sensors contribute significantly to accident prevention.
Digital Twins: Replicating Reality to Prevent Disasters
The creation of digital replicas of industrial processes, known as Digital Twins, allows for the simulation of risk situations. This virtual approach makes it possible to identify potential deviations and improve safety protocols, offering an additional layer of protection before any operation begins.
Digital Twins represent the perfect symbiosis between the physical and digital worlds. By faithfully replicating industrial processes in virtual environments, these digital representations offer a holistic and precise view of operations. This level of detail provides a solid foundation for scenario simulation, allowing for the anticipation of potential challenges.
Simulation of Risk Situations: Anticipating Deviations
The ability to simulate risk situations is the centerpiece of Digital Twins. By creating virtual scenarios that faithfully replicate real conditions, it is possible to identify potential deviations even before starting a real operation. This not only improves safety but also offers valuable insights for continuous process improvement.
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Prior Identification of Challenges: Additional Layer of Protection
Anticipating challenges is fundamental in preventing industrial disasters. Digital Twins, by identifying potential problems during the simulation phase, provide an additional layer of protection. This proactive approach allows for the implementation of corrective measures before any operation begins, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and failures.
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Improvement of Safety Protocols: One Step Ahead
The use of Digital Twins not only prevents disasters but also drives the continuous improvement of safety protocols. By analyzing simulation results, companies can identify areas for improvement and adjust procedures to maximize operational efficacy and efficiency.
Virtual Reality: Immersive Training for Risk Situations
While virtual reality has been widely associated with entertainment, its true essentiality is revealed in the industrial context. This innovative technology transcends the gaming experience, emerging as a fundamental tool in training employees for imminent risk situations.
Immersive Simulations: Practicing in Realistic Conditions
The main advantage of virtual reality in training is the ability to offer immersive simulations. Employees can practice safety procedures in virtually recreated environments, faithfully reproducing conditions found in the real world. This approach allows them to familiarize themselves with the specific nuances of their roles, preparing them to handle imminent challenges efficiently.
Efficiency in Emergency Response: Realistic Preparation
The use of virtual reality in training provides realistic preparation for emergency situations. Employees exposed to precise simulations develop quick and effective responses, based on virtual experiences that reflect the real challenges faced in the work environment. This efficiency in emergency response can be the crucial difference between a controlled situation and a potential disaster.
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Prepared Employees: The Impact on Safety Culture
Virtual reality not only trains individuals but also impacts the safety culture across the entire organization. Employees who are prepared and confident in applying safety procedures contribute to a safer work environment. This collective mindset promotes shared responsibility and constant awareness of the risks associated with industrial operations.
By incorporating these innovations, companies not only respond to current challenges but are at the forefront of accident prevention and preserving workers' lives. This is a significant step toward an industrial sector where technology not only optimizes operations but, crucially, protects and values the most precious resource: people.
The Benefits of Technologies in Industry
§§H:§§ The benefits of using technology in industry are fundamental to driving efficiency and safety. Here are some essential points:
• 24/7 Continuous Monitoring: The implementation of technology allows for uninterrupted monitoring, providing a comprehensive view of industrial operations at any time, day or night.
• Remote Monitoring: The ability to monitor operations remotely provides flexibility and agility. This not only improves efficiency but also allows for a rapid response to unexpected events.
• Improvement of Data Standardization and Accuracy: The use of technology contributes to the standardization of industrial processes, ensuring consistency and quality. Furthermore, accuracy in data collection and interpretation is enhanced, providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making.
• Real-Time Information: Obtaining real-time information is crucial for agility in operational decisions. Technologies enable immediate access to relevant data, allowing for instant adjustments and improving overall effectiveness.
These benefits highlight how incorporating technologies into industry not only boosts productivity but also elevates safety and precision standards across all operations.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV4Vl9DewVY Caldeira Talks was an enriching forum where experts from Pix Force and Braskem shared valuable insights on technological innovations aimed at industrial safety. The discussion addressed strategies and solutions that not only drive operational efficiency but also have a direct impact on preserving life. Join us on this journey through the application of technologies that not only improve industrial processes but also prioritize the safety and well-being of workers. Innovation is at the forefront, shaping a future where technologies not only optimize but truly save lives in the industry.
Fabio Caraça
Fábio Caraça is the Chief Growth Officer at Pix Force. He leads Pix Force's transformation into a scalable SaaS operation, combining strategic vision, culture, and high-impact execution.
