Editor’s Note: Acceptance and trust

I’m a proud aunt of six nephews – all in their teens and 20s.

As I’ve watched them grow up, I’ve always been a little in awe of how naturally and easily they embrace and – to an old aunt, at least – seem to intuitively understand new technology. One has been called “The Button Pusher” since he was a toddler by his dad (frequently in exasperation) because of his eagerness to grab and try any device he sees. Another is on his high school robotics team – I watch the livestreams of his FIRST Robotics competitions – and will likely pursue the field as a career. I’d never hesitate to reach out to any of them if I had an issue with my smartphone or any other device. The same goes for the sons and daughters of other family members and friends.

But many people, especially those of us for whom our 20s are long gone, aren’t always as comfortable with new and emerging technologies – particularly as they relate to our work. This month, Safety+Health Associate Editor Alan Ferguson looks at the challenges regarding the implementation of worker safety technology, and what employers and safety professionals need to do to help people accept, trust and use it.

Raising awareness of – and providing guidance on – the implementation of safety technology is a goal of the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero initiative. Its mission: to “research the most effective technologies and ways to integrate them into the workplace, provide educational resources to increase the adoption of technology, and foster key partnerships with stakeholders in the field to strengthen everyone’s work.” Visit nsc.org/worktozero to learn more or to get involved.

The opinions expressed in “Editor’s Note” do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.