Workplace impairment is a leading cause of preventable accidents. These incidents can cause serious injuries, property damage, and workflow disruptions. To improve workplace safety, impairment detection technology can identify dangerous states such as fatigue, substance use, medical conditions, or psychological distress and allow for intervention before employees’ well-being is at risk.
WorkSafe provides robust impairment detection and workplace drug testing to foster workplace safety and prevent accidents by detecting risks early.
What Is Impairment Detection Technology?
Impairment detection technology is gaining popularity as employers increasingly trust its ability to keep workplaces safe. These technologies often rely on AI safety monitoring, which tracks aspects such as involuntary eye movements and pupil reactions for real-time impairment screenings.
While many think of impairment detection as only identifying drug and alcohol use, it can also detect other overlooked risk factors, such as severe fatigue, which can be just as detrimental to reaction times and decision making.
Technology such as fatigue monitoring systems enables employers to check for alertness and awareness beyond drug testing.
Improved Safety and Risk Mitigation in the Workplace
Impairment detection technology is most useful in enhancing workplace safety. By regularly assessing employees for fitness for duty, it is easier to identify risky conditions, such as drug use or medical issues, before they lead to accidents. Workplace accidents can cause major injuries and even death, in addition to being costly for employers.
While intermittent drug testing catches some instances of substance abuse disorder, it is not adequate in identifying every case before an accident. It does not account for other causes of accidents, such as fatigue, particularly in manufacturing or commercial truck driving.
Enhanced Employee Support for Better Wellness and Morale
Early detection of cognitive impairment enables employers to provide more effective support for their teams. In cases of substance abuse, an employer may be able to identify warning signs early and encourage the employee to complete appropriate treatment before the situation escalates to a crisis.
Employee alertness tracking also enables employers to intervene in cases of serious fatigue by adjusting on-duty hours or making other accommodations.
These detection and response measures enhance morale by demonstrating genuine care for employees’ well-being. The result is a non-judgmental atmosphere that fosters trust and accountability among employees, ultimately enhancing their mental well-being. The support and flexibility provided during early interventions make it easier for afflicted employees to continue working safely and healthily, potentially preventing disruptions to their careers.
Boosting Productivity and Recovering Company Costs
By reducing workplace accidents, employers can save themselves money. After an accident, employers may be responsible for covering healthcare costs and will also incur financial losses during the employees’ time away for recovery. Additionally, the high rates of absenteeism among struggling employees can be reduced through frequent impairment checks, thereby cultivating a more productive work environment.
Employee turnover rates might also be lower when workers feel valued and supported, which can reduce hiring costs. The holistic support of employee health and safety benefits everyone and, in turn, boosts productivity.
What Are the Dangers of Inadequate Impairment Detection?
Without effective impairment detection, workplace accidents are more likely to occur. Detecting potential issues early allows employers to address dangerous conditions before injuries and damage occur. If an employee is impaired, they may be asked to refrain from performing their duties until support leads to a resolution and they are once again fit to work.
By temporarily removing potentially dangerous employees from duty, employers can prevent accidents in fields such as:
- Commercial truck driving and delivery drivers
- Manufacturing and other industrial settings
- Construction
- Logging
- Fishing and hunting
- Aircraft piloting or flight engineering
- Electricity and mechanical work
Failing to detect impairment (or only testing for drug and alcohol impairment) can lead to life-threatening accidents. Employees are negatively impacted by the dangerous environment created by impaired coworkers, and employers face major expenses and reduced productivity. Impairment detection is becoming a critical element of healthy and safe workplaces, particularly in physically demanding jobs or those that require the use of heavy machinery.
Consult WorkSafe About Your Workplace’s Safety
WorkSafe offers comprehensive workplace impairment detection services, including substance use and fatigue screenings. Our discreet, secure screenings offer dignity and reliable results, keeping workplaces safer and healthier. We can assist companies with everything from avoiding sleep-deprived truck drivers to preventing drug use at work.
If you are facing high turnover rates and low productivity, it may be time to revamp your accident prevention strategy. To improve workplace safety, enhance employee well-being, and boost productivity, invest in robust impairment detection technology. Call 316-262-8800 for assistance with preventing and managing workplace injuries today.