Portugal: Digital systems for occupational safety and health monitoring, prevention and alerting in waste management

Workers who deal with the management of solid waste often work in isolation or in noisy facilities with conveyor belts. If a worker is injured, falls or loses consciousness, a delay in emergency response could have severe consequences. For this reason Amarsul, a waste management company in Portugal, has invested in digital technologies that monitor the safety and health of its workers. Wearable devices, for example, immediately alert security to send medical assistance when a worker is immobilised, and automatic conveyor belt locking systems prevent serious incidents at facilities.

Amarsul is one of the winning examples of the 16th Healthy Workplaces Good Practice Awards competition, which recognises successful prevention and management of risks linked to digitalisation in the workplace.