Citation

Schall MC, Sesek RF, Cavuoto LA. Hum. Factors 2018; 60(3): 351-362.

Affiliation

University at Buffalo, State University of New York.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0018720817753907

PMID

29320232

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To gather information on the (a) types of wearable sensors, particularly personal activity monitors, currently used by occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals; (b) potential benefits of using such technologies in the workplace; and (c) perceived barriers preventing the widespread adoption of wearable sensors in industry.

BACKGROUND: Wearable sensors are increasingly being promoted as a means to improve employee health and well-being, and there is mounting evidence supporting their use as exposure assessment and personal health tools. Despite this, many workplaces have been hesitant to adopt these technologies.

METHODS: An electronic survey was emailed to 28,428 registered members of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and 1,302 professionals certified by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE).

RESULTS: A total of 952 valid responses were returned. Over half of respondents described being in favor of using wearable sensors to track OSH-related risk factors and relevant exposure metrics at their respective workplaces. However, barriers including concerns regarding employee privacy/confidentiality of collected data, employee compliance, sensor durability, the cost/benefit ratio of using wearables, and good manufacturing practice requirements were described as challenges precluding adoption.

CONCLUSION: The broad adoption of wearable technologies appears to depend largely on the scientific community's ability to successfully address the identified barriers. APPLICATION: Investigators may use the information provided to develop research studies that better address OSH practitioner concerns and help technology developers operationalize wearable sensors to improve employee health and well-being.

Language: en

Keywords

consumer products; industrial/workplace ergonomics; musculoskeletal disorders; physical ergonomics; tools; work measurement