Wrist gadget to keep workers apart

A hi-tech wrist monitor designed to save workers from exposure to vibrations could allow people to manage social distancing within the workplace.

Edinburgh-based Reactec has repurposed a monitoring system to keep track of social distancing, calling the device Safedistance.

The device, previously used for monitoring vibration when using power tools, has been reprogrammed to alert workers if they have broken the two-metre social distancing regulations.

Using Bluetooth, the monitor can track if workers get any closer. If they do, the monitor vibrates to alert both that social distancing rules have been broken.

Jacqui Mclaughlin, chief executive of Reactec, said: “Social distancing will clearly be with us for some time and it’s vital that when people get back to work they can do so safely.

“Our team has moved quickly to repurpose our technology to help businesses to ensure that their teams are working safely.

“Reactec is already dedicated to helping reduce the damage to workers’ health from exposure to vibration so developing our technology to include social distancing was a logical next step in response to Covid-19. We want to play our part in getting everyone back to work.”

Reactec said it has discussed the capabilities of Safedistance with the Scottish Government.

Trade, investment and innovation minister Ivan Mckee said: “Technology is going to play a crucial role in helping us overcome the long-term challenges presented by Covid-19 so it is great to see innovative, dynamic companies repurposing existing technology to help us protect workers from potential exposure in the future.”

More than 45,000 of the hand-arm vibration (HAV) monitors are already used by companies right across the UK.