Remember not so long ago when you used to carry a phone, a camera, a GPS unit (and backup paper maps), a calculator, and a notepad and pen? Now, you probably have a smartphone or tablet that is your phone, camera, calculator, maps and GPS unit, and notepad all in one voice-activated, touchpad-enabled device—with bonus video games and text messaging!
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But there may be even more that your smartphone or touchpad could do for you. Here are some apps you might not know about that could be useful for environment, health, and safety (EHS) managers.
Sound level meters. Musicians have figured out how to use their phones and tablets as portable recording studios, tuners, and other devices, including sound level meters (SLM), which are useful in other settings as well. In 2014, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reviewed the available SLM apps and found that one-half of them were capable of measuring sound levels using an A-weighted filter with an accuracy of +/- 2 decibels (dB). That makes them accurate enough to be classified as type 2 sound measurement instruments, usable for taking occupational noise measurements.
You might want a dedicated SLM for your department, but a SLM app on your phone or tablet can provide you with a quick field measurement at any time, in any place. If noise is a potential concern for your workers, you might want to download a good one.
Weather alerting apps. When you have remote or outdoor workers, it’s important for them to keep tabs on the weather and to know when to take cover. More than 400 people are struck by lightning each year; about 70 die, while others are left with permanent neurological damage. Part of the problem is that lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the center of the storm—but thunder can only be heard for a distance of about 5 miles. So, “when thunder roars, go indoors” is sound advice, but it may not be protective enough. A weather alerting app can let workers know when lightning is in the area and can give them adequate warning to take cover.
In addition, most smartphones track the outdoor temperature automatically, without even needing an app. If workers have had heat illness prevention training, they could use their phones or tablets to keep tabs on the heat and use that information to take appropriate action to stay cool.
Crisis communication apps. This is increasingly common in schools and universities. Whenever there’s a situation that parents or students need to know about—anything ranging from a weather-related cancellation to an active shooter situation—the information is pushed via text messaging or by using an app that all interested parties have access to. But the potential uses for such an app are much broader. Do you work at a facility that has to have staffing even during weather and other civil emergencies, like a hospital or nuclear plant? An app can help you notify workers if they need to brave the weather or if they should stay home.
In what kind of crisis would you need to contact workers who aren’t at the worksite? Crisis communication apps can help you get that job done.
Tomorrow, we’ll look at three more apps with EHS uses.