103 ‘Remote Workplaces’ – How Wirelessly Connected Wearable Monitoring Devices Provide Insight and Context to the Occupational Hygienist on Potential Workplace Exposures

Abstract

Abstract Over the past decade wearable devices have been popular amongst the wider population, particularly within the domestic fitness market. Manufacturers of occupational hygiene monitoring equipment have recently released wirelessly enabled wearable instruments designed for the industrial workforce that can provide data in real-time from local or remote workplaces. These instruments include portable gas detectors, heat stress monitors, noise dosimeters and hand arm vibration monitors. Occupational hygienists may be responsible for a company that has multiple sites often widely scattered, nationally and internationally. In their role they may be required to fly offshore to visit platforms in the oil and gas sector or drive long distances to reach isolated mine sites. The costs and additional travel risks can be considerable. Additionally, any interruptions in monitoring personal exposures on site may render the trip unsuccessful. Wearable instruments allow the occupational hygienist to detect change in a remote workplace in real-time, alerting the wearer and hygienist to an issue that needs to be addressed, enabling mitigation to take place in a timely manner. Furthermore, receiving instant access to sensor data allows determination of the correct response to unique, uncommon or unplanned maintenance activities that would be difficult to capture. This paper will review some of these monitoring devices, associated software and data outputs. Other technology currently available to the occupational hygienists to monitor for workplace hazards at remote worksites will also be addressed including: Their suitability for exposure assessments, use to evaluate controls, their limitations, and their long-term viability as a tool in the hygienist’s toolbox.