The RIMS 2016 presentation, "The New Game Changer in Managing Worksite Health: Wearable Technology," identified four main categories of wearable technology with significant potential for workers' compensation:

Postural Devices: The use of postural devices in the workplace is intended to positively remind employees to be aware of their posture throughout the day. Workers are sent an alert if they repeatedly slouch or deviate from an ergonomically correct position. This assistive technology benefits employees by reminding them to stretch or adjust periodically while also helping to prevent ergonomic-related workers' compensation claims.
Activity Trackers: If a physical therapist has recommended physical activities such as daily walks to rebuild muscle strength, the case manager can track the degree of activity of that injured worker. If the tracking device records lower physical activity levels than prescribed, intervention and counseling can take place to improve compliance or develop a different treatment plan.
Exoskeletons: Injured workers such as paraplegics, amputees, and individuals with disabilities that include gait impediments can reclaim a part of their lives they thought was lost forever: walking. Recently approved by the FDA, Indego exoskeletons hold the potential to transform recovery in workers' compensation claims by expanding the injured worker's environment and level of independence, as well as increasing productivity and reducing the need for in-home care and other assistive devices.
Location trackers. In industries such as construction and mining, location trackers are an effective tool for injury prevention along with employee communication. From a prevention perspective, trackers can be set up to alert employers when workers enter unsafe areas. From a communications perspective, trackers allow employers to locate their employees in the event of an emergency for evacuation purposes. In addition, employees who are in danger can have a panic button feature that lets supervisors know immediately that they need help while transmitting their location.

Location trackers also can assist employees with brain injuries during the healing process. These trackers broadcast a constant GPS location to caretakers, and most feature a panic button, which allows for a measure of independence and safety in the event the injured worker wanders, becomes lost or is confused.

Special Reports /

Wearable technology: The new game changer in workers’ compensation

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