Efficient Safety Tracking and Compliance

Introduction

This method for tracking procedures performed on personal protective equipment (PPE) and monitoring the actions of individuals offers a powerful solution for industries where safety and compliance are paramount. Designed to provide real-time tracking and data on PPE usage, this technology supports businesses in ensuring that employees are protected and safety protocols are being followed. Whether in healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, this system promotes better safety standards, enhances compliance, and reduces risks, making it an ideal tool for industries prioritizing occupational health and safety.

The Challenge: Monitoring PPE Usage and Employee Actions

In industries where PPE is mandatory, ensuring that workers consistently use equipment correctly can be a challenge. Failure to comply with safety standards not only puts workers at risk but also exposes companies to potential liabilities and regulatory penalties. Traditional methods for tracking PPE usage and monitoring compliance can be inefficient, often relying on manual checks or self-reporting. This increases the risk of human error, leading to gaps in safety protocols and putting both employees and organizations at risk.

Advanced Tracking for Better Safety Management

This tracking method addresses these challenges by implementing a system that automatically monitors procedures performed on PPE and tracks individual actions. The technology provides real-time updates on PPE usage, allowing supervisors to ensure that all workers are equipped with and using the proper protective gear at all times. By collecting detailed data on the actions and behaviors of employees in relation to PPE, the system helps to ensure that safety protocols are followed consistently, reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries. Additionally, this method allows for automatic logging of data, ensuring that records are accurate and up-to-date for compliance audits.

Key Benefits for Employers and Workers

For employers, this tracking technology offers a reliable way to manage and improve safety protocols, reducing the risk of workplace injuries and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Manufacturing and construction companies can integrate this system to monitor employee actions on the job, ensuring that protective measures are taken in hazardous environments. Healthcare providers benefit from the technology’s ability to track PPE usage, ensuring that staff is properly equipped to handle potentially infectious or dangerous materials. Workers also benefit from enhanced safety measures, knowing that their use of protective equipment is consistently monitored to safeguard their health.

Investing in a Safer Workplace

Licensing this efficient safety tracking technology gives your organization a strategic advantage in protecting employees and ensuring regulatory compliance. By offering a system that automates PPE monitoring and tracks worker behavior, you can improve overall safety outcomes while reducing liabilities and risks. This technology represents a forward-thinking solution for industries committed to providing safe work environments, giving businesses the tools they need to protect their workforce and maintain the highest standards of occupational safety.

A method for tracking procedures performed on personal protection equipment (PPE) and actions of individuals includes the following steps. An article of PPE configured with a smart tag is provided to an individual prior to performance of a task. After the individual performs the task, the article of PPE is processed. Information is retrieved from the smart tag during at least one of: before, during and after processing the article of PPE. After the performance of the task, the individual’s data is read and the individual enters into a designated area.

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising:

providing an article of PPE configured with a smart tag to an individual prior to performance of a task, wherein the smart tag carries PPE status information and first identification information for the individual assigned to the PPE;
reading the first identification information for the individual from the smart tag prior to performance of the task;
retrieving second identification information for the individual from at least one of the individual or a badge assigned to the individual prior to performance of the task;
determining the first identification information and the second identification information are associated with the same individual;
determining, based at least in part on the first identification information or the second identification information, that the individual has completed preventative actions; and
issuing the article of PPE to the individual in response to determining that the individual has completed preventative actions.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second identification information comprises biometrics.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of denying the individual access to the task in response to determining that the individual has not completed preventative actions.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the smart tag is permanently or removably attached to an accessory of the article of PPE.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the information read from the smart tag and the second identification information data in a database.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising generating reports based on at least some of the information read from the smart tag and the second identification information.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the preventative actions include at least one of: applying antibacterial agents, participating in medical examinations, and physiological data reading.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the task comprises performing duties during the individual’s work shift.
9. The method of claim 2, wherein the biometrics include fingerprint scan data, retinal scan data and facial recognition data.

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Title

Method for tracking procedures performed on personal protection equipment and actions of individuals

Inventor(s)

Luca D Farioli Brioschi, Luis V Ramirez Chaidez, Lawrence J. Ptasienski, Mark T Anderson, Michael E Hamerly

Assignee(s)

3M Innovative Properties Co

Patent #

9564951

Patent Date

February 7, 2017

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