Last month, I asked if occupational safety and health professional use safety apps. Results from the accompanying poll show the answer is yes.
Most respondents who use apps say they do so because they find them useful. In particular, OSHA’s heat stress app was mentioned.
Some respondents who have used apps noted a lack of useful ones:
“I use a NIOSH lift calculator app. I wish there were many other safety/ergonomic apps to choose from.”
Other respondents expressed their unawareness of apps’ availability or worth:
“[I] wasn’t aware they were available. Even though they are, employees are not provided with company phone that support apps.”
“[I] have not seen any that appear to add value to me.”
However, the poll responses indicate use of occupational safety apps is growing. One respondent, who spoke favorably of a safety checklist app, expressed hope for the future of these tools:
“I look forward to finding and using more apps for safety and environmental issues.”
So am I. If any of you have any stories about your use of apps – either positive or negative – I’d love to hear them. Just send me an email at [email protected].
The opinions expressed in “Washington Wire” do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.
