Enhancing Workplace Safety with QR Codes

Workplace safety remains a top priority for any business, big or small. Nevertheless, keeping effective safety measures and emergency response systems in place is crucial for companies operating in high-risk work environments and capacities—especially in manufacturing using heavy machines or hazardous materials.

Traditional printed materials, documents, and posters can be least effective in emergencies. The problem with traditional methods is that printed documents can be damaged, lost, or lack real-time updates.

As a versatile tool, QR codes can enhance workplace safety by improving emergency preparedness. In short, QR codes allow employees to access safety guidelines, emergency contact numbers, reporting forms, operations manuals, etc., which can prevent or at least reduce unwanted incidents in the workplace.

Uses of QR Codes for Workplace Safety

It’s a minimum requirement for businesses to keep safety measures in place and meet legal compliance obligations to safeguard a workplace. However, that’s not enough. As a business owner, you must ensure that employees, staff, or visitors are also aware of workplace risks specific to your business.

Let’s see how!

1. Quick Access to Safety Information

QR codes enable instant access to safety protocols, hazard information, or emergency procedures, delivering effective workplace emergency preparedness and responses. Upon scanning with a smartphone, employees can quickly access emergency handling information, such as evacuation plans, handling guides, and disposal instructions, which reduces response times and minimizes confusion.

Example: A corporate building can place QR codes in hallways that provide evacuation maps and emergency hotline numbers. In case of an emergency, employees can quickly scan the codes to find safe routes and contact assistance.

2. Efficient Incident Reporting

Timely reporting of hazards, malfunctions, and nearly missed incidents can prevent unwanted incidences in the future and ensure a safe workplace. When employees experience mishaps, they can scan QR codes that link to online reporting forms and report issues to the relevant authority.

Example: Factories can implement QR codes on equipment, enabling employees to report malfunctions directly to the maintenance team through scanning QR codes. This will ensure timely equipment maintenance and prevent sudden machine shutdown during operation.

3. Simplified Equipment Maintenance & Inspection

Maintaining machinery in optimal condition enables performance efficiency and timely task completion, which are value additions to safe operation benefits. Employees can scan QR codes on equipment and learn about maintenance records, inspection checklists or schedules, or repair histories by placing QR codes on equipment.

Example: Builders can implement QR codes on a construction site and equipment, such as a crane or excavator, that link to its inspection checklist and last maintenance report. This process ensures operators verify its safety before each use.

4. Streamlining Employee Training

Businesses can streamline their employee training and certifications using QR codes. Upon scanning the QR codes, employees can access training modules, instructional videos, or certifications to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Example: Fire service organizations can use QR codes to provide junior firefighters with access to training materials and instructional videos on equipment safety operations. QR codes also enable new employees to complete safety orientation modules before operating the equipment.

5. Access Control to Specific Areas

Businesses can restrict unauthorized access to specific or high-risk zones by using QR codes. Only authorized staff or employees can access specific zones upon scanning QR codes. When entering high-risk zones, employees log in using the QR codes that record the time details of employees' presence and enable effective responses during emergencies.

Example: Power plants can implement QR codes to grant authorized workers access when entering a restricted area. Supervisors can quickly identify who is in the zone and take necessary actions in an emergency.

Conclusion

As an innovative solution, QR codes help employees instantly access crucial emergency information and increase the chance of preventing mishaps at workplaces.