What is Heat Safety Mapping?

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Heat safety mapping is the process for mapping, recording, and evaluating different hazardous situations using a heat map. A heat map is a visual representation showing data overlaid on top of a map, using varying degrees of color to denote magnitudes.

Heat safety mapping can be used by companies to identify different hazards and the level of risk that they pose. For instance, if several hazards are identified within an area, that would be of a darker shade. 

A heat map of safety incidents can be created to gain a better understanding of how workplace safety differs in various workplace areas, showing the concentration of different injuries in specific regions.

How Does Heat Safety Mapping Work?

A heat safety map can be overlaid on top of a conventional map showing the workplace. The first step is to highlight all areas where safety incidents have occurred, using different colors to indicate concentration.

For instance, if several safety events occurred in a specific area, it could be highlighted in a darker shade of red, while areas with one or two events, such as near misses, could be highlighted in a less intense orange. 

Heat safety maps can play an important role on construction sites, as many companies now use spatiotemporal GPS data to analyze hazards on site. Each hazard is then assigned a value, and using analytical tools, companies can build models that showcase safety performance. 

The heat safety map also accounts for different circumstances, such as areas with an elevated risk, changing environmental conditions (which may increase risk), or the use of dangerous equipment. 

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The Use of Real-Time Tracking

One of the most effective ways to improve the accuracy of heat safety mapping is to use real-time location tracking. 

Companies can use an AI Safety tool that connect with their CCTV networks to set up proximity alerts which automatically notify users when safety rules are breached. 

Real-time location tracking allows companies to create heat maps showing worker concentration in different regions. For instance, if more workers are gathering in an area with hazards, the company can take steps to mitigate the risks.

Heat safety mapping requires the use of sophisticated tools, including GPS monitoring devices as well as AI video surveillance solutions. However, the data gathered can prove to be incredibly useful for safety teams when devising safety plans. 

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The Benefits of Heat Safety Mapping

There are many benefits of using heat safety mapping on a work site, some of which are discussed below.

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A Better Understanding of Safety Behavior

Heat safety maps allow companies to review a visual representation of how employees move around the work site, and the steps they take to reduce safety risks. 

It helps companies identify spots where the highest number of injuries occur, allowing them to conduct a more accurate root cause analysis.

Armed with this knowledge, safety teams can conduct a more thorough review of hazards in the workplace. More importantly, it can help them identify any hazards in the workplace that they may have overlooked. 

It also allows companies to identify any work design changes that they can make to improve the safety of the work site.

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Improving Overall Workplace Safety

Arguably the biggest benefit of using heat safety mapping is that it gives safety teams important data which they can use to institute changes that improve safety across the work site. 

Using a graphical representation makes it easy for safety teams to analyze hazards in the workplace and reassess the risks that they may pose. 

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No Disruptions on the Work Site

It’s often difficult for safety professionals to gather accurate observational data on a work site, as moving about a construction site is often difficult. It creates distractions for other employees, and may affect performance. 

However, heat safety mapping is possible through remote surveillance tools. Without even setting foot on the construction site, safety teams can access heat safety maps, review unsafe events, and analyze safety performance.

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Use Protex AI to Promote Safety in the Workplace

Protex AI is a workplace safety solution that uses artificial intelligence to help companies analyze safety events in the workplace. It plugs into existing CCTV networks, allowing companies to autonomously capture safety events, identify hazards, and propose changes. 

Protex AI can be customized based on your definition of risk, offering greater visibility into the effectiveness of safety protocols and providing video evidence that companies can use during safety audits or when making decisions related to improving occupational safety.