Tablets and Apps Are Changing How Occupational Health and Safety Pros Do Their Jobs

DES PLAINES, Ill., Jan. 16, 2014 / — The phrase “information at your fingertips” has never been truer than with today’s tablet technology. The ability to access email and the Internet, as well as record audio and video from nearly any location has forever changed how we communicate and do our jobs.

In the January issue of Professional Safety, authors David Fender and Clinton Wolfley outline which tablet applications they find most useful in their roles as occupational health and safety professionals in the field. The authors, who have no financial interest in these apps, focus on ones available for the Apple iOS and Android tablet operating systems. To learn more about these and other apps, please see this month’s issue.

Audit/Surveillance and Inspections
iAuditor is a flexible tool an OSH professional can use to create daily reports and perform audits and inspections. The user can take photos with the tablet and embed them in a report. This app is also effective for incident investigations; for example, witness statements can be captured using a tablet’s audio recording features.

Heat Stress
With OSHA’s Heat Safety Tool app, a user can calculate the heat index for a given work site, and receive information on the related risk level to outdoor workers. This app can also provide reminders about protective measures (e.g. drink fluids, schedule rest breaks, plan for and know what to do in an emergency, acclimation, monitor for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

Sound Levels
The SoundMeter app measures dB levels. Although it is not a calibrated measurement, it tends to be close to the actual levels in the authors’ experience. This app can be used to quickly determine whether a full assessment with proper instruments is needed.

For more than 50 years, ASSE’s Professional Safety journal has been sharing the latest technical knowledge in SH&E—information that is constantly being developed through research and on-the-job experience. Each issue delivers practical guidance, techniques and solutions to help SH&E professionals identify hazards, protect people, prevent injuries, improve work environments and educate management that investing in safety is a sound business strategy. For more information please visit http://www.asse.org/professionalsafety.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines-based ASSE is the oldest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 35,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education. For more information please go to www.asse.org.