How Has Technology Transformed Workwear?

It is easy to think of trade workwear as being less about technology and more about dependable, strong materials and rigid construction.

Whilst innovation is important, the core principle that helped steel toecap boots protect the wearer’s feet had not changed since 1934.

However, innovations in wearable technology have helped to keep workers safer, more comfortable and able to work more effectively than ever before.

Here are some examples of technology transforming the world of workwear.

Smart Hard Hats

Initially designed for the mining industry, smart hard hats have built-in IoT technology that broadcasts video and audio to a central work location, allowing for careful monitoring of workers in dangerous situations and allows for faster rescues and better leadership.

Whilst initially a somewhat specialist device, the ability to send rescue parties to help people with injuries in difficult terrain whilst having specialists on hand to observe their condition has the potential to save lives and avoid further complications.

ColdWear

Arctic and Antarctic conditions are among the least hospitable on Earth, and as a result, cold weather smart clothing projects such as ColdWear have become an essential way to monitor the health of workers when working in extreme conditions.

It takes temperature readings, senses perspiration and humidity levels and tracks their location, helping to provide help as soon as it may be needed.

As well as this, further technological developments even detect harmful substances and gases, protecting not just an individual worker but entire teams.

Smart Glasses

Augmented reality is a technology that has started to be a part of many important fields, such as architecture, engineering and design. However, the technology can also be used to provide a range of accident prevention and emergency response systems as well.

Maps, schematics and instructions can be provided directly in the eye line of a worker, and they in

return can send back video and audio of the site to enable close monitoring of potentially dangerous situations.