Trends from NSC New Orleans to Watch for in 2024
Discover the latest trends in safety technology and industry advancements showcased at NSC New Orleans in 2023, offering insights into wearables, AI, driver safety, PPE, and more for 2024.
Safety Sam
Oct 31, 2023
As the 2023 National Safety Congress in New Orleans comes to a close, we look back on the trends we’re seeing heading into 2024. Between the sessions and the expo, there were some clear trends emerging in the safety world, and some specific companies who we think are doing impressive work.
1. Wearables & Connected Workers
As size decreases and features are added, wearable devices and connected worker technology is exponentially adding more value. Not only can technologies like MakuSafe track the movement of a worker, it can track body metrics, fatigue, and detect emergencies automatically.
2. Machine Vision
It’s almost approaching the level of science fiction, but it’s saving lives. Combining live video with AI-based object detection, companies like 3MotionAI are able to identify compliance (PPE usage etc.), untrained workers, and other unsafe conditions. They can then feed those warnings back to supervisors in real-time.
3. Driver Safety Telemetry
OPAS Mobile and our sister company - a professional services firm to the mining industry - were early adopters of satellite vehicle tracking to identify unsafe driving behaviors. Today, companies like Geotab have taken it a step further, combining AI and machine vision to “see what the driver sees” and coach the driver on areas for improvement.
4. Intelligent PPE
From gas/air quality monitors at Industrial Scientific to smart gloves from BioServo that detect vibration and hand placement hazards, there’s been a huge focus on switching PPE from a last line of defense to an active monitor that can proactively detect acute issues and quantify impacts over time.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We ❤️ AI. It’s no secret. AI is a huge part of what we do and why we’re different. While we haven’t seen anyone using AI the way we do at OPAS Mobile, we’re excited to see other companies leveraging AI to identify hazards early and keep people safe. Looking back on NSC 2022 in San Diego, there’s been an incredible progression of AI within the market as companies take advantage of new functionality.
6. Analytics and Reporting
We always said that *collecting* data (on paper or digitally) doesn’t add value unless you can *use* that data. From equipment usage records to hazardous material monitoring, analytics was a clear priority for many attendees and exhibitors.
7. Worker Training
Efficient, effective worker training is critical, especially as companies strive to up-skill employees in tight labor markets. Combining new teaching theories with simplified technology means employees are learning faster, and companies are spending less time on learning compliance.
8. Virtual Reality & Digital Twins
The combination of VR and Digital Twins offers even greater possibilities for industrial safety. By integrating VR simulations with Digital Twins, companies can visualize and analyze safety scenarios in a virtual environment. This allows them to identify potential hazards and implement preventive measures before they occur in the real world. This integration enhances safety training, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness, ultimately leading to a safer work environment.