Protective mask against fatigue
Sentigrate and AirBliss+ are joining forces to develop a mask that guarantees smart monitoring against fatigue.
Michiel Baptist
Data scientist
Fatigue and the associated psychomotor and mental state of employees is one of the most important factors contributing to accidents at work. The Dutch company Suzaleja (AirBliss+) and the Flemish company Sentigrate are working on a solution through a CrossRoads project and are developing a breathing mask that not only protects against hazardous air particles but also sends out early warning signals in case of fatigue.
High-risk occupations
Fatigue not only leads to accidents, but also entails healthcare costs and productivity losses. The consequences of fatigue are most dangerous in occupations involving underground work (e.g., mining) and in the process industry due to the highly demanding nature of the work, with long shifts, confined spaces, lack of fresh air, and heavy physical labor. The risk of health problems (e.g., lung cancer, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) is also higher in these sectors.
Protecting with data and AI
Adel Arigue, Suzaleja (AirBliss+): “Existing dust masks do not offer a holistic solution to these challenges and even hinder productivity. When employees have to wear masks, fatigue symptoms worsen and the risk of industrial accidents increases.”
“Suzaleja (Airbliss+) markets personal protective equipment with a focus on compact and lightweight air purification masks. We want to expand our masks with sensor and AI technology to detect signs of fatigue. We found the ideal partner for this in the Flemish company Sentigrate. Their expertise lies in the interpretation of big data, UX interface, algorithm formulation, and data storage/labeling.”
Through this collaboration, we want to develop a mask that measures, analyzes, predicts, and provides early warning signals to employees and management. An audio communication and location tracking system ensures that employees can be found quickly in case of an emergency. Finally, we also use the acquired data and insights to analyze working conditions and improve them where possible.
Impact
Gert Trekels, Sentigrate: “The process industry and mining sector are not only looking for protective equipment that offers the highest level of protection, but also integrates intelligent features to prevent accidents at work. Zero accidents in the workplace is a widespread objective in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports. Unfortunately, this is very difficult to achieve. Through our innovation, we prevent unhealthy situations and accidents, resulting in healthier employees and higher productivity for companies.”
