2021 Freight and Shipping Employee Safety Trends 2020 highlighted how much health and safety oversight there was in the industry, emphasizing the need for better insights. By Devin PartidaJan 19, 2021 Every industry has encountered hardships amid the pandemic, but freight and shipping has faced more than most. As the novel coronavirus continues to spread in 2021, most shippers have recuperated to some degree, but challenges remain. The sector has found it needs to adjust its approach to many areas, including employee safety. In 2021, the freight and shipping sector faces many of the same health hazards it did in 2020. However, it is now coming at these hazards with experience, leading to new trends in employee safety. Wearable Proximity Sensors Social distancing in a warehouse isn’t always easy, but some have found a way to enable it. Companies like Amazon implemented wearable proximity sensors that alert workers when they get close to one another. As the pandemic’s spread persists this year, this trend will likely continue, but it won’t end when COVID-19 does. These wearables can help workers avoid collisions with other employees or machinery. As forklifts and automated pallet jacks become quieter, these devices will be more crucial. Wearable proximity sensors keep employees alert, which is essential for preventing many accidents. AI Safety Data Analytics Many freight and shipping companies already use AI analytics to be more efficient. In 2021, more companies will start applying the same strategy to workplace safety. 2020 highlighted how much health and safety oversight there was in the industry, emphasizing the need for better insights. Data analytics can reveal safety weaknesses that companies may not have realized before. With more advanced AI, these programs could even suggest novel ways to improve. Now that employee health and safety issues are more prominent, it’s hard for companies to ignore the AI advantage. Increased Automation One of the most significant challenges facing the sector in 2021 is balancing efficiency with safety. In many areas, demand has outpaced capacity as companies adapt to new safety measures. Automation could provide an answer to both problems. Let's block ads! (Why?)