NSC Releases Report on Role of Geofencing in Workplace Safety
The latest research makes the case for how the technology could mitigate serious incidents and fatalities across all industries.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- May 10, 2024
The National Safety Council (NSC) has just released a white paper on the benefits of location geofencing technology in an effort to mitigate serious incidents and fatalities.
According to a recent release, the white paper titled "Advancing Workplace Safety with Location Geofencing” proposes that integrating geofencing can significantly enhance worker safety, particularly in high-risk environments like construction sites, manufacturing facilities and utilities. This effort is part of the NSC's Work to Zero initiative, which is funded by the McElhattan Foundation.
Geofencing technology allows for the creation of virtual boundaries around specific areas. When these boundaries are crossed by workers or equipment, the system triggers alerts or actions such as disabling machinery, which helps prevent accidents. This system is typically integrated with other safety measures, including proximity sensors and vehicle monitoring systems, to increase its effectiveness.
"Workers on active jobsites are often exposed to situations that pose a high risk for SIFs, including construction, vehicle-pedestrian interactions and heavy equipment operation,” the NSC’s Vice President of Workplace Strategy John Dony said in a statement. “Acknowledging how this is a major concern for workers across many industries, this report provides invaluable insights into leveraging location geofencing technology to mitigate risks and help ensure employee wellbeing, which is the ultimate goal of the Work to Zero initiative."
The white paper highlights the potentially life-saving benefits of geofencing while also addressing the existing barriers to its adoption, such as concerns over privacy, the need for significant initial investments, and technological limitations like system accuracy and compatibility with existing equipment. Through its Safety Innovation Journey, the NSC aims to guide organizations in assessing risks and implementing technology effectively.
For instructions on how to gain access to the full report, visit the NSC’s website. Those interested in learning more about how geofencing contributes to workplace safety management can now register for the NSC’s upcoming webinar on May 29, 2024.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.