Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1529320
34 Advancements in Industrial Automation H istorically, industrial safety was managed through clearly defined processes, personal protective equipment (PPE), and physical safety devices such as machine guards. When it comes to workplace safety, ignorance is far from bliss—it's a matter of life and death. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that approximately 2.6 million workers suffer work-related accidents or diseases globally each year. Emerging technologies provide a new approach to managing industrial hazards, offering advanced safety measures that allow organizations across manufacturing, food and beverage handling, and logistics sectors to address their prevailing safety concerns effectively. This article will examine these concerns, explain how TE Connectivity (TE) solutions can help address them, and then briefly explore current trends in the industrial safety space and its possible future. Significant Industrial Safety Concerns Although personnel in industrial environments may work with hazardous material, machinery represents arguably the greatest risk to their well-being. This is particularly true for heavy equipment such as lathes, CNC machines, and meat grinders, which pose apparent risks to life and limb. To prevent such injuries, industrial organizations must first understand how they can occur. Fatigue and Operator Error Industrial workplaces can be exhausting and stressful, with long hours, demanding work, irregular shifts, and extreme noise and vibrations. According to a systematic review of 27 research studies, workers with sleep problems have a 1.62 times higher risk of injury. The distraction caused by stress can have a similar impact, further increasing the chance of injury. Enhance Industrial Protection with Safety Light Curtains Brandon Lewis for Mouser Electronics Safety Light Curtains and Modern Industrial Safety Discover how TE Connectivity's Safety Light Curtains revolutionize industrial safety by improving operator safety, increasing productivity, and ensuring durability across diverse industries.