Developing Safety Management Systems for Track Workers Using Smart Phone GPS

Abstract

When performing railroad maintenance work on the railroad, the train watchmen give information of train access to railroad maintenance workers by radio through hand-signals and/or a radio.

Towards a conceptual framework of OSH risk management in smart working environments based on smart PPE, ambient intelligence and the Internet of Things technologies

“…[139,140] The literature sources devoted to ICT applications in SEs reveal that in the case of relatively simple CPS architectures, which consist of several sensors and actuators (e.g., localisation tracking and warning system for workers operating in dangerous zones), the methods for context reasoning and risk assessment are usually rule based and have a deterministic nature. One may find a few examples of such applications in [65,82,141,142]. However, in the case of advanced CPSs consisting of many sensors monitoring various parameters of users' health and the environment, and which are used for supporting management in complex scenarios of users' activities and their relations with SE objects, the use of probabilistic methods or the use of methods based on fuzzy logic is needed.…”

“…As was mentioned in Section 1, the integration of wearable electronics into PPE items can also aim at providing a worker with information support connected with potential hazards or work-related processes. In order to increase safety of police officers, [56] and to ensure a warning system for rail-track workers, [65] high-visibility vests with light-emitting diodes were proposed. These smart PPE solutions were also equipped with embedded vibrators and sound alarms ensuring that, in the case of a dangerous situation, multiple warning signals could be generated.…”

“…Selected examples of context-aware ICT solutions applied in the OSH area are: (a) smart safety monitoring system based on a wireless communication network of smart objects worn by workers on construction sites [125]; (b) real-time automatic monitoring systems, ensuring safety in harsh environments [126][127][128]; (c) a human-robot interaction system that ensures human safety by precisely tracking the body of the operator and by activating relevant safety strategies [129]; and (d) a simple safety system based on GPS and smartphones for monitoring trains approaching for railway track workers. [65]…”