Safety Tech Innovations - Solving the Barriers to Adoption in 2023 Key Takeaways

Webinar Summary

On our most recent webinar, we spoke with Peter Kinselley - Associate Director at Cardinus Risk LTD and Debbie Ware - Market Health & Safety Manager with Nestle Waters about the safety tech innovations on the rise this year and how EHS teams can overcome the barriers to adopting these technologies. All of the panelists shared their expertise on the subject matter and provided diverse viewpoints on the key findings. Check out some of the key points discussed below:

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Safety tech innovations 2023

Dan presents a key finding from the Protex AI survey indicating that 73% of EHS professionals feel confident in adopting new technology. Debbie comments on the finding, stating that it reflects the integration of technology into EHS managers' daily routines. Peter supports Debbie's viewpoint, emphasizing the need to embrace innovation as it has become a part of everyday life and that there is great technology available to assist in their jobs. The group then goes on to discuss the latest safety technology advancements for 2023, including AI software, drones, wearables, VR, and EHS integrations with the likes of Cardinus, Eco Online, and Intulex. Debbie highlights the importance of AI and plans to utilize it to give visibility to risks and trends, allowing their team to focus on value-adding activities. Peter provides examples of how technology has been applied with clients.

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Senior buy-in

Dan runs through another significant outcome from the survey carried out by Protex AI last year. The survey revealed that the three main obstacles to adoption were connected to other parties involved. The discussion then dives into one of the key findings - senior buy-in, where Debbie and Peter share their personal experiences in their positions, offering advice for those who want to demonstrate the value to their senior management and highlighting any unexpected challenges they faced while working with senior management.

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‍Employee buy-in

The panel discuss the importance of communication, education, and engagement in the process of getting employee buy-in. Peter talks about the Nudge theory, which can be used to launch programs and help with employee engagement. Debbie emphasizes the importance of involving key individuals and using peer-to-peer interaction to increase engagement. They also talk about the importance of being prepared and not being naive in the process, as well as being transparent and getting everyone on the same page. They mention that this can be challenging in large organizations where leaders may not have the same knowledge and experience as those at the front line. They emphasize the need for flexibility and allowing professionals to use their knowledge and experience to make the program work for their specific circumstances.

IT Buy-In

Debbi, Dan, and Peter then discuss IT buy-in. They agree that by engaging early with the IT team, the safety message is conveyed and the integration of the project is seamless. Debbie mentions that the IT team is crucial in making the project happen and that their contribution is often overlooked. Peter adds that it's about implementing things step by step, rather than overwhelming teams with too many new tools at once. They also touch upon the value of the IT system to different groups of people, such as senior management, employees, and the IT team itself. Peter highlights the value of seamless integration, while Debbie mentions the importance of clear communication. They then discuss what they have seen as successful examples of creating value and making sure IT buys in.

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