Microsoft Announces Workplace Safety Software

Some 3 million workers are injured every year in the United States. While some of these injuries are minor and consist of nothing more than cuts and bruises, others are more severe and lasting. However, the tech giant Microsoft has announced new software that employers can use to protect against work-related injuries.

First unveiled at Gitex Technology Week 2017, the software combines artificial intelligence (AI) with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to identify and mitigate risks in the workplace. So, how does it work exactly? 

Employers in high-risk industries like construction may implement the system to reduce the risk of work-related injury. The system consists of AI-powered software as well as CCTV cameras. The CCTV cameras are installed throughout the workplace where they look for potential hazards. The AI-powered software scans the CCTV footage for these hazards. If a hazard is detected, it can immediately notify the employer or manager so he or she can take the necessary action to mitigate the risk.

Microsoft offered a demonstration of the new system, revealing its ability to detect threats like fire, flood, unauthorized personnel and even lack of personal protection equipment (PPE). Depending on the specific industry and occupation, workers may be required to wear certain PPE by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Failure to wear this PPE could result in fines or other penalties. Therefore, it's in every employer's best interest to ensure that his or her workforce wears the appropriate PPE -- a task that's made a little easier thanks to Microsoft's new workplace safety software.

When speaking about the new workplace safety software, Necip Ozyucel of Microsoft explained that the system can even look for tools that are misplaced. In the construction industry, misplacement of tools can create a dangerous scenario for other workers. Microsoft's safety software, however, can help employers identify hazards such as this.

"We can also recognized tools that are misplaced [on the site], which could create [a hazardous environment] if not placed in the proper location. We can understand this by using the cameras and artificial intelligence, warning all administrators on the system," said Necip Ozyucel of Microsoft Gulf.

So, when can you buy Microsoft's new workplace safety software? There's still no word yet on when the software will be released. The company just recently demoed the software, so it may take several months (or longer) before it's available to the public.