Transforming Workplace Safety with Vision AI for Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention

Overview

Slip, trip, and fall are some of the primary causes of workplace injuries and fatalities worldwide, including the United States. The consequences of these mishaps are wide-ranging, encompassing relatively minor ailments like sprains and strains, to more severe outcomes including fractures, serious head injuries, and even life-threatening situations in extreme cases. 

This makes implementation of effective measures for slip, trip and fall prevention an absolute necessity, especially for workplaces that involve employees who are working at heights. Vision AI, also called Computer Vision, is a revolutionary solution for implementing safety policies and preventing slips, trips, and falls in various settings, including workplaces.

Before diving in, let’s look at numbers that will help us understand the importance of slip, trip, and fall prevention.

Key Statistics on Slips, Trips, and Falls 

• As per a 2019 report from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), slips, trips, and falls were responsible for nearly 38 percent of all fatalities in the construction industry.
• In the United Kingdom, slip and trip accidents cost the economy almost £500 million each year, according to a study by the Health and Safety Executive.
• According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls account for approximately 3 million emergency department visits and over 800,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States.

Implementing solid safety protocols to minimize these occurrences is vital for all workplaces. Doing so not only enhances employee wellbeing but also significantly contributes to sustaining a healthy and productive work environment.

Main Causes for Slips, Trips, and Falls 

There are multiple factors that cause these accidents. Here are some of those based on our classification:

Environmental  

• Slippery floor ( e.g., oil or water) 
•  Irregular surface (e.g., irregular floor tiles or curled carpets)
•  Poor housekeeping 
•  Insufficient lighting  
• Obstacles within a walkway (e.g., boxes or wires) 

Design  

• Lack of handrails on staircases and slopes  
• Changes in floor elevation (e.g., steps, kerbs)

Behavioral  

• Distractions (e.g., use of mobile phone while working)
• Obstructed view (e.g., walking while lifting some heavy object)

Personal  

• Lack of alertness / awareness of surroundings
• Others 

• Inadequate footwear (e.g., old or worn-out shoes) 
• Missing fall protection gear
• Protective equipment failure

Common Measures to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

Proactive actions can help you minimize Slip and Fall accidents and their after effects. Here are some preventive measures you can take to enhance workplace safety:

 

Measures	Description
Clear the Walkways	Keep walkways free of obstacles and clutter to prevent tripping hazards in the workplace.
Provide Proper Lighting	Ensure adequate lighting in corridors, staircases, and workstations to prevent accidents.
Clean Spills Immediately	Promptly clean up any spills, leaks, or wet surfaces. Use warning signs or barriers to alert employees of possible hazards.
Maintain Good Housekeeping	Regularly clean work areas and encourage employees to keep their workspaces tidy and organized.
Install Signages	Install clear signage such as wet floors, steps, or uneven surfaces, and caution signs/labels to alert employees of possible dangers.
Non-Slip Footwear	Encourage employees to wear non-slip footwear that provides good traction and support.
Install Handrails/Guardrails	Install sturdy handrails on staircases and guardrails on elevated platforms or walkways for maximum safety.
Wear Safety Equipments	Provide proper safety equipment such as PPE kit, helmet, and fall protection gears while working in high traffic areas, construction sites, and elevated spaces.
Regular Inspections	Regularly inspect for potential hazards and maintenance issues that could contribute to Slip and Falls. Encourage employees to report any concerns promptly.
Employee Training	Educate employees about the risks associated with Slips and falls and train them on proper safety procedures.

Establishing strong safety measures to curtail these incidents is an essential component of any work environment. It not only reinforces the wellbeing of employees but also plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthy, productive workspace. However, in an era of accelerating technological advancement, conventional safety measures may not suffice. This is where Vision AI enters the scene as a game-changing force in monitoring and preventing slips, trips, and falls.

The Revolutionary Impact of Slip, Trip, and Fall Detection Solutions Across Industries

Vision AI solutions are proving to be a game changer for workplace safety. With the use of Vision AI-powered solutions integrated with surveillance cameras, organizations can efficiently identify, analyze, and prevent workplace hazards such as slips, trips, and falls.

Vision AI models for Slip and Fall detection systems find application in multiple industries such as: 

• Construction Industry: Slip and fall detection solutions are allowing safety managers in construction space to detect slips, falls, and potential dangers in real-time and take remedial action as soon as possible. The best deployment zones for these solutions include areas near ladders, ramps, and scaffolds.
• Manufacturing Industry: Vision AI solutions for slip and fall detection find use in manufacturing plants to prevent accidents on production lines, loading docks, and other high-risk areas. Upon detecting slip or fall risk on cameras, the detection system can send alerts and notifications for timely assistance.
• Electricity and Power Transmission: Vision AI solutions are capable of assisting technicians working alone. Computer vision algorithms incorporated into safety equipment such as hard hats or goggles can help detect threats like falling objects or lose fall protection gears, alerting technicians about potential risk. With these solutions in place, organizations can identify slips and falls in real-time and send medical assistance as quickly as possible.

How Does Slip and Fall Detection Work? 

Slip and fall detection solutions are complex technical systems that employ an array of sensors and devices to detect anomalous movements or postures that signal a fall event, and to prevent further harm by raising an alert with authorities or caregivers.

Video surveillance technology is also integrated into some of these systems to manually assess individual movements and postures for fall events. Vision AI solutions integrated with surveillance cameras detect falls or potential risks to slip and falls by sending out alert notification to pre-assigned caregivers, family members, or medical entities utilizing high-speed and reliable communication technologies such as Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

Why Do You Need Slip and Fall Detection?

Slip and fall detection is essential to prevent risks and provide timely assistance in case of an accident due to slip or fall. Here are some of the main reasons to have slip and fall detection solutions:

1.a) Working alone: For workers who work alone, Slip and fall detection solutions can provide an additional layer of safety. In the event of a fall, the system will automatically trigger an alert to notify designated contacts or emergency services for immediate medical assistance.

1.b) Noisy environments: In noisy environments where workers may not be able to hear alarms or other warnings, slip and fall detection solutions can use visual or vibrational alerts to notify workers of potential hazards. In addition to reducing the risk of falls, these systems can also provide a means of communication between workers in noisy environments.

1.c) Night shifts: For workers on night shifts, slip and fall detection solutions can provide a reliable safety net when other workers or supervisors are not present. With automated alerts and notifications, these systems can ensure that workers receive prompt assistance in the event of a fall, regardless of the time of day.

1.d) Isolated areas: In isolated areas, such as mines or remote construction sites, slip and fall detection solutions can be critical in providing early warning of potential hazards. These systems can be linked to communication devices that enable workers to send for help if needed, improving response times in emergency situations. 

Key Features of Vision AI Powered Slip and Fall Detection

Real-time Monitoring and Risk Assessment

Vision AI solutions for slip, trip, and fall detection can identify hazards and compliance misses in real time. By placing surveillance cameras near scaffolding, stairs, or on the roof at the best angle, organizations can monitor worksites more precisely, identify unsafe work conditions (such as wet floors or obstructions), record missing signages and hotspots, as well as record near misses, offering solutions against possible accidents.