For decades the safety products market was known as a rather sleepy commodity market (a hard hat is a hard hat is a hard hat, etc.) with few technological breaththroughs.

That was then, this is now. The expo floor this week at Safety 2013 showcased more tech innovations than I have seen in coming to ASSE national meetings for 30 years.

For example, a web-based safety training system allows training managers to electronically organize and manage large amounts of data and create a customizable training documentation management system.

Wireless gas detection monitoring networks continuously collect exposure data from multiple monitoring points at a worksite and deliver real-time exposure readings for industrial hygienists or others at a central command location. “Threat data“ is identified and assessed immediately.

Procedures like LOTO and confined space entry are being monitored via digital transmissions of who (what personnel) are doing what (procedure) and when. Unauthorized personnel are flagged immediatel.

Cintas Corporation announced this week an award for innovation in occupational safety and health management practices. The new award will be presented in June 2014. Visit the Cintas web site for more details.

“If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” – Peter Drucker