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Changing technology Changing workplaces Changing risk Progress is a good thing. But, with evolution and change comes risk. Fast-moving technology and super-charged innovation can potentially disrupt the safety, privacy, operations and finances of global organizations. TRAVELERS IS HERE TO HELP PUT RISK TO WORK FOR YOU. We ve identified four technology trends that are likely to impact the way you do business, now and in the future: The Internet of Things Augmented Reality Smart Building Technology Telemedicine The following pages will help you assess and address the opportunities and challenges that each trend presents, and decide how to respond within your own organization. INTRODUCTION
INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT) Companies gain valuable insights with IoT IoT the Internet of Things is revolutionizing the way we live and work, helping companies improve the health and safety of their workforce, and monitor equipment, processes and products. What is IoT? IoT is the network of devices, vehicles, appliances, machinery and other items that can collect and exchange data without human interaction. How? Through special electronics, sensors, software and network connectivity embedded into these objects. How is it being used? Businesses in several industries have embraced IoT and its benefits. Manufacturing/Warehousing: Firms are using sensors to track assets on the factory floor. Retail: Stores are using RFID and GPS technology to track inventory from factory floor to store. Construction/Energy/Manufacturing: Workers increasingly use wearable devices, which connect back to centralized monitoring systems to help keep employees safe from injury. Related trends Big Data Analytics helps track, analyze, store and use the insights gained. Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems process these big data sets more efficiently and distill the data into actionable insights. Privacy issues Along with the vast amount of data being collected, however, come issues of privacy and data sharing. Companies need to have policies and procedures in place to manage data security and to protect confidential information related to their employees and organizations. CHECKLIST Here are 5 things to consider to keep your people and business safe and secure as you embrace IoT. 1. PASSWORD POLICY Change default passwords and regularly update passwords on smart devices. 2. FIREWALLS Place smart devices behind company firewalls to protect against hackers. 3. UPDATES/PATCHING Keep software/firmware on registered devices up to date (patching). 4. PRIVACY Protect employee privacy by reviewing IoT software/app agreements and preference settings to ensure that images, location and other data are not shared with third parties. 5. INVENTORY MANAGEMENT Inventory your smart devices to ensure that if any devices (and the data stored on them) are stolen, you can assess the risk. Include support links, contact information and make/model details. An inventory also enables you to manage the lifecycle of the device and retire it when the manufacturer no longer supports security patching.
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) Workforce transformation right before our eyes Augmented Reality (AR) is becoming an actual reality in today s workplace. What is AR? AR technology overlays digital data and images onto your existing landscape. It s changing the way we work, live and learn. How is it being used? AR has a wide variety of applications. Companies are using AR to train employees and improve communications with remote locations. It also can be used to monitor equipment and machinery to potentially avoid malfunctions and accidents. It can even help prospective buyers try on a service or product. Related trends Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision advancements allow developers to more effectively identify real-world objects. They re able to expand the functionality of AR into manufacturing, retail, medical and other industries. The Internet of Things (IoT) can be combined with AR to create a mixed reality environment where data converges to identify and solve problems. Autonomous Vehicles can use AR to give passengers more visual involvement and confidence. Information, like navigation and traffic, can be projected onto the windshield. Workforce evolution AR helps businesses keep pace in an evolving and ever-changing workforce that includes an aging workforce, a shortage of skilled workers and quickly evolving technologies. CHECKLIST Consider these 5 ways to better your business with AR: 1. COLLABORATION Go from 2-D to 3-D to encourage interaction and idea exchange between co-workers, customers and experts in any location. 2. HIRING Give new employees real life instruction and supervision to get the skills they need to do the job. 3. TRAINING Provide on-demand and step-by-step, customized virtual training to upgrade your employees skills. 4. PRODUCTIVITY Detect defects, underperforming machines or health and safety issues. 5. KNOWLEDGE Share years of expertise by altering a less experienced employee s vision. They ll be able to see like a pro and get additional, on-the-spot, real-time support.
SMART BUILDING TECHNOLOGY Smarter recovery for smart buildings Smart building systems are maximizing everything, from productivity to safety to energy efficiency. What is smart building technology? Sensors, switches and microchips control building operations by connecting a building s structure, systems, services and management. How is it being used? Smart building technology works to better prevent and manage property losses, including structures or equipment, as well as liability losses, such as potential injury even from remote locations. Current systems can help to optimize HVAC systems, energy consumption, building security and more. Related trends The Internet of Things (IoT) uses a broad network to connect and analyze data so adjustments can be made based on operations, activity and unusual circumstances, like a security issue or extreme weather. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications help efficiently collect, process and act on data collected from smart building systems to optimize operations. Zero Net Energy (ZNE) buildings consume only as much energy as they produce from renewable resources, so they re ultra-efficient. Extreme conditions Given the increasing ever-changing and severe weather patterns, smart response systems are crucial in helping lessen building and equipment damage, and saving lives. CHECKLIST 5 ways technology can keep your smart building running in the event of severe weather or catastrophe: 1. CONNECTED DIAGNOSTICS Automate alert systems on machines with onboard connected diagnostic devices to respond to real-time situations, like a water leak, equipment breakdown or a power outage. 2. DIGITAL ALERTS Consider text alerts, social media and other digital communications for notification of emergencies in addition to alarms and public announcements. 3. PRESENCE INDICATORS Communicate faster and clearer with first responders during an emergency. Auto-lighting, motion detection and presence indicator sensors can help first responders find people who might be trapped or hidden. 4. LOCKS AND ELECTRONIC ACCESS Make sure you have manual overrides to allow access to critical areas during a power outage when card swipes and electronic locks may not be working. 5. GREEN TECHNOLOGIES Leverage alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, coupled with battery energy storage systems, to support critical functions during power disruptions.
TELEMEDICINE Telemedicine advances workers compensation into the digital age Telemedicine can help improve access to and timeliness of care for injured employees and expedite their recovery all while managing the cost of claims. What is telemedicine? Telemedicine is a digital alternative to in-person medical care that allows patients to conduct an appointment with a physician via a secure video connection on their computer or smartphone rather than in an office. How is it being used? Telemedicine can serve as a convenient and cost-effective alternative to emergency room (ER) visits or when access to care is not readily available. Companies that partner with carriers offering telemedicine to their workforce can help injured employees get the care they need, manage their recovery and get back to work as soon as medically appropriate. Related trends Advances in telemedicine technology are making diagnostic and ongoing healthcare more accessible and affordable: Virtual reality makes it easier for injured employees to remotely connect with medical care professionals and avoid more costly treatment options, such as ER visits. It can even be used for ongoing care needs, like remote physical therapy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps doctors diagnose illnesses, such as pneumonia, based on lab studies and test results instead of in-person evaluations. Connected devices can remotely monitor patients with an injury or chronic illness by tracking vital signs and alerting their doctor in an emergency. Prognosis The demand for telemedicine is expected to grow as employees become increasingly comfortable interacting virtually and as employers look to improve access to care and reduce costs. CHECKLIST Here are 5 things to think about when deciding whether to integrate telemedicine to your organization: 1. INTEGRATION Establish how your employees will use telemedicine in place of more traditional care options by evaluating where, how and why work related illnesses and injuries are happening. Set specific goals, like reducing ER visits, to evaluate the cost and outcomes. 2. INFRASTRUCTURE Determine if you ll need to research and invest in new technology, additional space and privacy protocols to keep employee communication, reporting and data safe and confidential. 3. ENGAGEMENT Understand that all employees will not have the same level of comfort with this alternative to in-person medical care and with the technology that delivers it. You may need to educate staff about the process and the benefits. 4. QUALITY OF CARE Consider that by giving your employees greater access to timely care and comprehensive remote services, they may receive more thorough treatment and return to work as soon as medically appropriate. 5. EFFICIENCIES Look to reduce the amount of time staff spends on claim reporting. Improvements in remote delivery of prescriptions, access to multilingual care and self-care to reduce emergency room visits may yield savings too.
Increasing access and improving outcomes Telemedicine and telehealth for workers comp Telemedicine and telehealth programs are proving to be convenient and cost-effective medical care alternatives to more traditional options, such as urgent care clinics, doctors offices or emergency rooms (ERs). Our telehealth and digital telemedicine capability, TravCare Nurse Line, can help injured employees get the care they need, manage their recovery and get back to work as soon as medically appropriate. TravCare Nurse Line has helped achieve better results for our customers. Successful self-care recommendations no claim establishment and no ER visits* 44% 24% Total claim payout reduction** Our TravCare Nurse Line provides: Digitally enabled, convenient self-service tools Real-time access to medical treatment Features that promote and enhance injured employee engagement Talk to your Travelers representative to learn more about telemedicine and telehealth trends, results and implementation. *Based on total call volume to the TravCare Nurse Line, January 2011 December 2013 **Based on a Travelers study of claims pre- and post-implementation of our nurse triage program, evaluated at 18 Months from Accident Date
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