Computer-Assisted Safety: A Mobile Information System for Offshore Workers Using Personal Protective Equipment

"Computer-Assisted Safety: A Mobile Information System for Offshore Workers
using Personal Protective Equipment" is a project that was developed with the
intention to integrate safety with the rapid development of information technology by
fully utilizing Mobile Information System in the development of the system. By
developing this project, it is highly hope that injuries could be reduces, rates of
compliance would be increased and most importantly to save life.
The dissertation will focus on an automated approach to encouraging use of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) and raising awareness of the importance of wearing PPE
in the workplace (in this case it will focus at offshore works for the Oil and Gas
Industry). An interactive system which combines knowledge management,
collaborative networking and compliance reporting functionalities is intended for use
by workers immediately prior to embarking on off-shore duties. The system allows
workers to conduct a self-audit of their PPE availability and knowledge of use, and to
submit an automated form to Health, Safety & Enviromnent (HSE) officials in
Headquarters. The system also contains background data on PPE and workplace
hazards. Since worker health status is controlled in off-shore environments, the
system contains a body mass index (BMI) calculator, through which weight, height
and body-mass data can be transferred to HSE personnel.
The system has been resourced on an android platform for ease of worker use.
Preliminary performance and usability testing results ranged from satisfactory to
excellent. Prospects for further development of computer-assisted safety solutions
are discussed in detail, along with implications for future research.
It is concluded that computer-assisted safety systems hold considerable promise for
reducing accidents, lost-time injuries, fatalities and near-misses. The present system
may be one of several that could be considered for future commercialization or inhouse
development.