AU2013101777A4 - Method and apparatus for workplace safety event reporting - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety event-reporting device, adapted for use in reporting a safety event occurring in a workplace for example a hazard that has potential to lead to damage or injury, or an incident that has already occurred by having installed thereon an application that, when caused to be run by a user, causes the device to prompt the user by way of an interactive display to input data for populating a set of predetermined database fields relating to workplace safety events, to communicate the data to a computer programmed to test the data against a predetermined criterion and to determine an outcome, and, on the basis of the outcome, communicate notice of the safety event to a remote device for eliciting responsive action from a human user of the remote device.

Description

1 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY EVENT REPORTING

Field of invention [001] This invention relates to a hazard identification and workplace safety event reporting device. The invention extends to a method of using the device in immediately reporting and logging a workplace safety-related hazard or incident and a system for summoning appropriate assistance for responding to the hazard or incident.

Background to the invention [002] Hazard and incident reporting systems in the workplace can be cumbersome and are often resented and ignored to a large extent by personnel. Typically they require the person identifying a hazard, which may lead to an incident that could result in damage or harm, or coming across an incident that has already happened, to access an organisation's reporting software via a PC, or manually write up a report in duplicated hard copy. This usually requires the person to take the effort and time to fill in online forms, many of which may be user non-friendly, leading the witness to lose interest, or report misleading data Sometimes, the reporting system requires the person manually to write up a report in duplicated hard copy.

[003] International patent publication WO/2001/064014 (corresponding to US 7,194,395 to Genovese) is directed to the incident response phase, as opposed to the discovery/ first reporting phase of a hazardous situation. It does not disclose use of mobile phones. The Genovese system is not applicable in the case where a reporter stumbles upon a hazardous situation and seeks to alert the appropriate responders. Instead Genovese focuses on an event that has already happened, where the persons using the data input facilities of this disclosure have already been designated or appointed as investigators of the incident, rather than discoverers and first reporters of a potential incident-causing hazard. The persons for whom the Genovese invention is intended are those who have been trained as responders to the events contemplated by him - in particular terrorist attacks.

[004] As stated by the Genovese inventor, the invention provides a “tool for hazardous response personnel that must respond to and mitigate the effects of a chemical, biological, radiological, or explosive event.” As such, it is not appropriate for first 2 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 notification of a potentially hazardous situation, condition or circumstance by a person not trained as an expert in anti-terror response.

[005] International patent publication WO/2009/136259 describes a method for responding to incidents, which includes receiving incident information corresponding to an incident that has already happened at an incident location. An incident scenario is generated based at least in part on the incident information, where the incident scenario identifies a number of responders for responding to the incident. A responder is identified based at least in part on an incident effectiveness of the responder with respect to the incident scenario, where the incident effectiveness is based at least in part on past performance of the responder. A request for assistance with the incident is sent to a mobile device of the responder. When the responder reaches the scene, he may elect to submit information on the incident to the scenario management system. This can be done on his mobile telephone.

[006] International patent publication WO/2006/094291 to the Raytheon Company is concerned with the setting up of an electronic control board (or ECB). No mention is made of first instance hazard reporting. The focus is on reaction and co-ordination of responder resources and knowledge. The author makes numerous references to cellular telephone networks (e.g. CDMA) for enabling data communication between laptop computers using the internet.

[007] International patent publication WO/2007/127881 discloses an anonymous reporting system for use in reporting and following up on incidents in educational institutions and other organisations, such as workplaces. The system may be accessed via an Internet website where the reported is guided by a menu system and sets of questions that are placed before him depending on the nature of the incident reported - for example workplace aggression or financial irregularities. The reporting individual may select a level of anonymity and some, none or all of the individual's personal identification is displayed to the organization, according to the selected level. There is no suggestion that this system is applicable to the reporting of potential emergencies on a work site by use of a handheld internet-capable device such as a smartphone.

[008] A helpful definition of a smartphone is found in Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia, which states that 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 3 “[A] smartphone is a mobile phone built on a mobile computing platform, with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a feature phone.” “Today's models also serve to combine the functions of portable media players, low-end compact digital cameras, pocket video cameras, and GPS navigation units. Modem smartphones typically also include high-resolution touchscreens, web browsers that can access and properly display standard web pages rather than just mobile-optimized sites, Flash compatibility, and high-speed data access via Wi-Fi and mobile broadband. “The most common mobile operating systems (OS) used by modem smartphones include Apple's iOS, Google's Android, Microsoft's Windows Phone, Nokia’s Symbian, RIM's BlackBerry OS, and embedded Linux distributions such as Maemo and MeeGo.” [009] In the disclosure that follows, the term “safety event” will be used in referring to to a hazard or incident. Such incident includes a damage- or injury-causing event that has already happened, resulting in harm in the form of material loss or injury, or a near-miss that almost caused such harm, and “hazard” includes an actual hazard, being the existence of a hazardous circumstance or condition that has the potential to be the immediate cause of harm, and which requires timely human intervention, by the taking of countermeasures to prevent or avoid such harm.

Objects of the invention [0010] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide a workplace safety incident reporting system that makes use of cellular telephony.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a method and means for immediately reporting and logging a workplace safety event.

[0012] An object is also to provide means for gathering specific data from a safety event witness and for notifying and summoning appropriate hazard or incident-specific assistance for responding to the safety event.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a method of on-the-spot reporting of a safety event and a device for use in such method. 4 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 [0014] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

[0015] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense - that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not being limited to” - as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense - that is to say meaning “including this and nothing else”.

Summary of invention [0016] In this invention, there is disclosed a system which a human user, such as (without limitation) a construction, mine or factory worker can easily, quickly, from on the spot and remotely from a control point or monitoring station, report a hazard, safety-endangering incident or injury when required or when necessary.

[0017] Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a response capability for responding to a workplace safety event, comprising the steps of a. setting up a first database having fields for receiving safety event-related data and a second database of persons to contact in case of an or incident, b. providing a smartphone having installed thereon a software application for collecting safety event-related data for populating said first database fields and initiating a notification communication containing said data to a computer associated with the first database; c. assigning the smartphone for use by a human user associated with the workplace, d. programming the computer to receive the communication and populate one or more fields in the first database with the data , to process the data, 5 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 on the basis of the data to select from the second database a person to be issued an alert concerning the safety event, to compile an alert concerning the communicated safety event, and to communicate said alert to an alert-receiving device associated with the selected person.

[001] In a preferred embodiment, the second database contains data concerning attributes of persons recorded in it, [0018] In a preferred form of the invention, the computer is programmed to select the person by applying a selection criterion that takes into account the safety event data and an attribute of the person.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the attribute relates to the role of the person in relation to responsibility for safety at the workplace. It may alternatively or in addition relate to qualifications held by the person. In particular, the qualifications may relate to first responder.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the alert is adapted to take into account an attribute of the person.

[0021] The alert may further comprise an instruction (to the receiver) for responding to the safety event. For example, the instruction may include information concering the location of the site of the safety event. It may additionally or alternatively include directions to the receiver concerning kit or equipment to bring to the site.

[0022] In a preferred form of the invention, the alert-receiving device comprises computer means. The computer means may be contained in a desktop, laptop, notebook or tablet computer, or a mobile telephone, including a smartphone or feature phone.

[0023] Further, according to the method of this invention, including the step of providing means for recording communications relating to the safety event between the alert-receiving devices, the alert-issuing computer and the smartphone.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of responding to a workplace safety event, comprising the steps of 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 6 a. setting up a first database having fields for receiving safety event-related data and a second database of persons to contact in case of a safety event, b. providing a smartphone and installing thereon a software application for collecting safety event-related data for populating said first database fields and for initiating a notification communication containing said data to a computer associated with the first database; c. assigning the smartphone for use by a human user associated with the workplace, d. running the smartphone application in the event of a safety event to interactively collect data concerning the safety event from the human user, e. running the application to cause the smartphone to initiate a notification communication containing said data to a computer associated with the first database; f. running a program on the computer i. to receive the communication and populate one or more fields in the first database with the data , ii. to process the data, iii. on the basis of the data to select from the second database a person to be issued an alert concerning the safety event, iv. to compile an alert concerning the communicated safety event, and i. to communicate said alert to an alert-receiving device associated with the selected person.

[0025] In a preferred form of the method of this aspect, the computer is programmed to select the person by having the program apply a selection criterion that takes into account the safety event data and an attribute of the person recorded in the second database.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes operating the computer to record communications relating to the safety event between the alert-receiving devices, the alert-issuing computer and the smartphone. 7 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 [0027] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of reducing a threat to workplace safety comprises the steps of 0 providing a mobile telephone programmed with an application that, when activated by a user wishing to report a safety event, prompts said user to input data relating to such safety event according to a predetermined input form, ° operating said phone to collect data of a safety event at a workplace, and initiate a notification communication based on said data to a computer that has been programmed to receive said communication and issue an alert of the safety event to one or more alert-receiving devices associated with persons having an attribute relevant to the execution of a response to the safety event.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes programming said computer to include in said alert an instruction to the person receiving it for responding to the safety event, thereby to reduce the threat.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a network of computer devices comprising a smartphone and a computer, the smartphone having installed in it an application that, when run, prompts a human user to input data pertaining to a safety event, and initiates a communication notification based on the data to the computer, the computer being programmed to process the notification and distribute information derived from the notification to at least one other device in the network, to alert a person associated with said device of the safety event.

[0030] In a preferred form of the invention, said computer is programmed to select said device on the basis of an attribute of a person known to be associated with the device and a comparison of the attribute with safety event data contained in the notification.

[0031] In a further preferred form of the invention, the comparison takes into account a hazard category rating relating to the safety event.

[0032] Further preferably, the network comprises recording means for recording communication between the computer and the device notified.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a smartphone for registration on a network of computers, the smartphone being authorised and programmed to submit data on workplace safety events to a selected device on the network, and to 8 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 select the device according to a protocol implemented by taking into account the content of the data when inputted by a human user of the smartphone reporting a safety event.

[0034] In a preferred form of the invention, the smartphone is programmed to collect data from its human user interactively, in particular, by means of an automatic tillable form.

[0035] In an embodiment, the smartphone is programmed to collect data from its human user interactively by means of touch screen buttons.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the smartphone is programmed to collect an image relating to the safety event being reported. The image may be a photograph or a part of a video clip.

[0037] According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method for resolving a potential hazard in a workplace, comprising the steps of a. providing a mobile telephone handset programmed to be in communication with a computer, and to receive and transmit to said computer safety event-related data inputted by a human user of said handset, b. causing said handset to prompt the human user for data relating to a safety event, receive the data, process the data, determine from the processing of the data one or more devices to which to communicate at least a portion of said data, communicate said data to said one or more devices, instruct said devices to notify its user of the safety event, monitor and process input received from said one or more devices in response, issue an alert to a further predetermined device if input is not received from said one or more devices, by which to ensure action 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 9 is being taken by at least one or more humans to address the safety event.

[0038] The invention in another aspect provides a safety event-reporting device, adapted for use in reporting a safety event occurring in a workplace by having installed thereon an application that, when caused to be ran by a user thereof, causes the device to prompt the user by way of an interactive display to input data for populating a set of predetermined database fields relating to workplace safety hazards or incidents, communicates said data to data-processing means programmed to test the data against a predetermined criterion to determine an outcome and, on the basis of said outcome, communicates notice of said safety event to a remote device for eliciting responsive action from a human user of said remote device in relation to said safety event.

[0039] The device preferably comprises smartphonecomprises smartphone wherein the smartphone comprises said data-processing means for processing the data.

[0040] In an embodiment, the data-processing means is comprised in a remote computer in networked relationship with said smartphone.

[0041] Finally, the invention extends also to a data-inputting device to an emergency response system adapted for a workplace, the device comprising a mobile phone programmed with an application that is characterised by presenting data entry prompts to a user, for eliciting relevant data for processing by the system, the system comprising at least one computer and means for data communication with said device.

Brief description of drawings [0042] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:

Figure 1 shows in schematic view a preferred embodiment of the computer-implemented system of this invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of screen-shots from the user device registration and data input processes according to the system of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a series of screen shots from a mobile telephone of the network of figure 1, displaying exemplary prompts and notifications according to the invention. 10 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307

Figure 4 illustrates a screen-shot of an administration computer used in the system of the invention to present safety event data responsibility appointments.

Figure 5 is a screen-shot from an administration computer showing a report being prepared for outputting to designated recipients.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention [0043] In the following detailed description of an embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and illustrate a specific embodiment in which the invention may be exercised. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilised, and that various structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the present invention defined by the accompanying claims.

[0044] The networked computer system of the invention provides means for information reported by workplace site personnel (workers or employees or contractors) regarding workplace hazards or incidents (including, as mentioned above, hazards, near misses and actual safety-related hazards) to be routed automatically to all appropriate stakeholders, without the reporter having to leave the site of the safety event unattended. The system reports salient parts of the data it receives instantly and simultaneously (or at least substantially so, subject to speed of computer and operating system processes) to the central computer-managed register, and to the communications devices of predefined stakeholders, such as the workplace health and safety officer (WHSO), nominated area or site safety committee members, management members and, when required, emergency services, such as emergency response teams, fire fighters and paramedics. The details and attributes of the stakeholders are contained in a database set up for this purpose. The attributes include information relating to the individual stakeholder's emergency response capabilities and training, managerial responsibilities, safety training, safety team participation and the like as relevant to the workplace and organisation responsible for it.

[0045] When a safety event arises, a notification communication, which is generated using data relating to the safety event, is processed by a computer in the response system,. The computer is programmed to assess, on the basis of the communication data, the resources required for executing an appropriate response and the selected stakeholders to be notified according to workplace rules, policies and procedures. 11 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 [0046] This significantly decreases response times and reduces worker downtime, enabling the reporter of the safety event to return to performing their normal appointed duties with minimal delay after reporting a safety event, should their assistance not be required further.

[0047] In figure 1, a networked system 10 is shown for receiving notice and data in relation to a safety event that occurs in a workplace. In many countries, there are strict legal requirements governing workplace safety and the reporting thereof, as well as consequent administrative procedures.

[0048] The network is preferably a work-site-specific closed wi-fi network, but may include a commercial cellular phone network that is capable of data communication and interfacing through a global or public computer network such as the internet. The hardware architecture of system 10 includes the following hardware modules, networked for data communication between them: • A computer 12, which, in this embodiment, functions as a central server, having system programming that configures it to receive, register, process and distribute data to other devices in the system. The computer CPU microprocessor controller converts incoming and outgoing data signals by means of application software, which is stored in the memory (ROM and RAM) of the computer. • Data storage drive 14, which is configured for managing safety event- and responder-related databases to be described further, and is managed from computer 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that data storage 14 may be associated with or managed from other devices on the network, for example the administrator's computer 16, discussed below. Other networked devices may be provided with access rights to storage drive 14, according to protocols established for the network. • An administrator's computer 16, being a personal computer, networked with central server 10 by Ethernet cable 18 in this example. It will be appreciated too that these devices may alternatively be wirelessly networked together. • A user's mobile device, in this case a smartphone 20, such as a HTC Desire, Samsung Galaxy, Apple iPhone and the like. The smartphone is in wireless communication with server 12, using a commercial cellular or mobile phone network service such as is available from retailers such as Optus and Telstra Corporation in Australia. If smartphone 20 is within the range of a wi-fi network 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 12 to which server 12 is connected, then it would be appropriate for the wi-fi network to be used instead of the commercial cellular network. • Responder devices being a networked laptop computer 22 and desktop computer 24, used by appointed safety officers responsible for attending to safety-related matters at the workplace. These devices receive alerts or instructions issued from or routed through server 12, the alerts being for notifying the user, who is an appointed safety officer for the site, that there is a safety event being managed. The instructions are for issuing in the case where the user of the device 24 or 22 is required to respond directly to the safety event, such as in the case where that person has particular skills required at the safety event scene. • Emergency responder mobile devices, in this case mobile phones 26, 28, 30 of various types. In this embodiment, the server 12 sends via SMS server 32 a short text message (SMS) to each, summoning their user to assist at the safety event scene, or at a command or control post. It will be appreciated that the notification could be issued in a form other than an SMS, such as via a voice message, or video call, or email with a hyperlink to a command website (by way of example). • SMS server 32: This is shown hard wired to server 12.

[0049] The boundary marked 34 is to suggest that SMS server 32 and storage drive 14 be integrated with computer 12. In other embodiments, either or both such modules may be structurally associated with other devices on the network defined by system 10.

[0050] Each computer device in the system is equipped with a network bridging device, which may be one or more of a network adapter, an Ethernet controller, a WLAN controller, a telephone modem and the like, which is capable of enabling communications via a local area network (LAN) or a global computer network on site between it and other computers and computer-enabled devices in the system.

[0051] The use and operation of the system will be described in relation to figures 2 and 3, from the perspective of the person using mobile phone 20 in figure 1. Such person is in the role of the person on a work site who notices, or comes across or experiences a safety event and is the first person to report it. This person is not a “first responder” as such, because he has not been alerted to the hazard or instructed to go to the site of a known incident to respond there by rendering assistance. 13 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 [0052] Prior to being able to make use of the application to report a safety event according to the system of this invention, the mobile telephone on which it has been installed needs to be registered as a user of the application and networked into the reporting system. Therefore, on installation, user details are required to be entered and submitted using device 20. An acknowledgement message displays on the mobile phone screen 40, that user details have been submitted and received by the system computer. The user is presented with the choice of exiting the application or returning to the application home screen by tapping either of the respective screen button icons 42, 44.

[0053] Subsequently, when the application is loaded and running, and is ready to cause data to be submitted from mobile telephone 20 to server 12, in the case of a reportable event, it causes a data connection to be established with the server, for the server to authenticate, by confirming the credentials of, the mobile phone as an authorised device for submitting safety event data to the system for processing.

[0054] Duly, as shown further in figure 2, the user details are logged on the database storage 14 and become available to administrator device 16 of figure 1. This condition is illustrated in screen-shot 36 of figure 2, which appears on the administrator computer, and represents the application user management facility of the system program. It will be appreciated that the administrator computer could, by way of example, alternatively be a mobile device such as a notebook or tablet computer, or a smartphone, with appropriate adjustments to the display being made to allow for differences in their respective screen sizes. Screen-shot 36 includes a listing 38 of registered and authorised users and their contact details. The user's status in the system (whether or not 'Active') is indicated by a tick box in data column 46 on the right of the screen.

[0055] The button menu 37 at the left portion of the screen provides links to management functions available in the system other than user management.

[0056] Entry of user data is achieved by means of a tillable form that is programmed to display on the user's registered device 20, as denoted by screen 60, which is configured to capture data pertaining to the reporter. Thus, in addition to the application-closing button 52 (as found on other screens in the screen sequence displayed by the application and is identically numbered), there is a form filling area 62 with boxes for inputting data in text format. In this embodiment there is a box 64 for entering the name of the safety event site, or a code or acronym that denotes the site to the system, box 66 for the 14 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 reporter's name, box 68 for the reporter's mobile telephone number and box 70 for an email address.

[0057] Below the area occupied by form 62 are three control buttons 72, 74 and 76, which are allocated respectively for allowing the user to submit his personal data to the server, for skipping the data entry process and for reverting to the previous step in the process. Skip button 74 is available for use in instances when time is of the essence, such as when life is at stake, and the entering of personal data pertaining to the reporting user are of relatively low importance.

[0058] In this embodiment, the administrator charged with activating the account of a user of a handset, such as device 20, is enjoined by a reminder 40, displayed on screen 36, to assign each such user access to the system as a registered user for the work site. This also represents confirmation that the registered user has been trained as a potential responder to a safety event, should they be required to provide first responder-type assistance on the scene of a hazard or incident they report. This categorisation defines one of the selection criteria which is an input into the algorithm that produces a response action plan when a safety event is reported.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the system software contains instructions for generating such response action plan for outputting as described below to the communication devices of selected responders and authorised managers. The reporter, using device 20 of figure 1, who is categorised as being qualified to respond to a safety event may be nominated as a resource by the program, taking account of his proximity to the safety event. In this case, the program is configured to instruct the server 12 to issue an instruction for display on user device 20 for the reporter to remain at the scene (provided it is safe to do so) and suggest actions to be implemented by the reporter. The reporter's device 20 is programmed to prompt a response from the reporter to the instruction, accepting or declining the instruction. The response is recorded on the device 20 and communicated to server 12 for logging on storage drives 14. In this way the system is capable of keeping track of instructions issued and responsibilities accepted for executing them by designated responders - in this case the initial reporter.

[0060] As noted previously in this specification, the safety event need not have already led to any actual harm or loss, but could be a hazard having potential for harming another worker or site visitor directly or indirectly, such as a trip hazard, a fall hazard, a 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 15 structural crack, or a slippery staircase, an oil spillage, a collection of inflammable materials, an overhanging tree branch obscuring a warning sign or signal light, loose or exposed electrical wiring, etc.

[0061] The invention provides the means for the user, whose programmed device 20, installed with the application of the system, has been registered on the network of authorised programmed devices for communication with other registered devices, to report the safety event without needing to leave the scene to make such report. Moreover, once the report has been submitted from the user's device, the system allows the reporting user at his discretion to return to his workplace if no longer needed at the scene. This saves downtime, such as would be caused by the worker having to go to report the safety event at a remote location from his workplace, or having to log into a safety eventlogging system accessible only through a desktop computer remotely located. Of course, as elsewhere described, the system is programmed to make a determination as to whether the designated user of device 20, who reported the safety event, is a resource suitable for providing assistance at the scene. If so, the system is programmed to issue instruction via server 12 to device 20 to direct the reporter to remain at the scene and render assistance, prescribing or suggesting actions for the reporter to execute.

[0062] In regard to the reporting of a safety event using device 20, this invention provides a mobile telephone - in particular a smartphone - that has been programmed with an installed application that, when activated by the user's tapping an icon associated with it on the touch-screen the said smartphone, presents the user with an initial screen, such as the example labelled in figure 3 by the numeral 50.

[0063] The first screen 50 is concerned with establishing whether there has been a workplace injury. It displays this question, as shown at 54. The answer is essential to establish for at least the following reasons: • First to remind the reporter that to summon medical assistance for an injured person is of primary importance. It is to be noted that the user could simply have dialled the relevant site or public emergency number without running the application. This screen therefore provides a reminder; • Second to comply with the requirements of workplace safety legislation; and 16 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 • Third, to comply with internal policies and governance of the legal entity responsible for the site.

[0064] The recording of the safety event may have an impact on performance indicators for the site area concerned. The touch-screen user is provided with a choice of three discrete button areas to tap: A first area 52 is marked “Home”. Tapping it causes the application to close without reporting a safety event as such. This option is used if the user has opened the application in error, or if there is another reason why the user does not wish to report a safety event. When the exit button is tapped, a record is made in the memory (RAM) of the device 16 and this is transmitted at the first opportunity to the central server 12 for storing in turn on the database resident on storage drives 14.

[0065] The system application software running on server 12 will create a database record for the program closure, marking it with a convenient label such as “false alarm”. The software on server 12 or administrator computer 16 issues instructions for following up each such “false alarm” as a means for making certain that there had in fact been no safety event. To achieve this, the server is programmed to call the user's handset 20 with a pre-recorded voice message, informing the user on answering the handset that a false alarm had been received and inviting the user to make a new attempt to submit a safety event notification to the server.

[0066] A second button area, marked 56, if tapped, immediately executes a telephone call to the public or state emergency services (000) or failing that, to the site emergency services, such as paramedical officers appointed to be on alert to respond to injuries and illness. It will be recognized that the reporter should in circumstances of significant injury or suspected serious illness probably have called the emergency service immediately. However, it is to provide for situations in which a reporter witnessing a safety event may be traumatised, confused or otherwise disorientated and simply activates the icon for opening the application of this invention that the screen 50 provides a reminder and a one-tap button for contacting emergency services. The reporter's choice of button is logged by the application software and reported to server 12 for storage in the database record created for the safety event being reported and stored on drives 14.

[0067] Should there not have been an injury, the user has the choice of tapping button 58 and progressing in the reporting process, according to which the software displays screen 80, which has prompts inviting the user to submit hazard categorisation data. 17 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 [0068] In the case where the reporter had elected to report an injury, hazard or incident by tapping button 56, the application is programmed to display screen 80 on hanging up of the call to the emergency services. Screen-shot 80 contains an application closing button 52, as discussed above and a “back” button 88 for returning the user to the previous screen to re-input or change his data input.

[0069] In this embodiment, sliders 82 and 84 are displayed to enable the user to provide an indication according to his assessment of respectively • the likelihood of the hazard being realised into an actual safety event of damage or injury, and • the severity of the consequences of such hazard realisation.

[0070] On the tapping of the submit button 86, the program calculates a risk assessment and outputs a hazard category determination, such as “A,” “B” or “C” (”A” being the most extreme). This is illustrated by way of screen 90 and the displaying of the hazard category box 92.

[0071] In this embodiment, the next interrogatory screen 100 presented to the user by display on handset 20, displays a message 102 that invites the submitting of a photograph of the safety event scene or a feature thereof. Again the screen contains an application closing button 52 and a “back” button 88. By tapping YES button 104, the user prompts the program to load the camera application of the handset 20. On the taking of the photograph by the user, the display screen 110 is programmed to appear, displaying the last photograph 112 captured by the on-board camera of the handset and inviting the user to confirm the photograph as being the one to upload to the safety event report by tapping button 86. Button 86 when tapped executes instructions to progress to display screen 120.

[0072] If the user elects to tap the NO button 106, thereby electing not to submit a photograph, the program responds by displaying screen 120, inviting entry of textual information into message box 122. Whether or not the user has entered text in box 122, once he taps “SUBMIT” button 124, the program executes instruction to communicate the inputted data, stored to this point in the process on handset 20, to server 12 (refer to figure 1). Screen 130 then is displayed on user device 20, confirming submission of the data and, in this embodiment, displaying a message 132 with the name of a safety officer 18 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 who has been nominated to contact the reporter. The reporter may then elect to close the application by tapping button 52 or by pressing the back button on the handset.

[0073] On server 12 receiving the input from handset 20, the program executes instructions to calculate the level of risk being reported and classify this risk in accordance with WHS standards. It then advises all stakeholder devices 16, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 by electronic data transfer of a report according to a predetermined format, adapted to the device and the role of the user assigned to the device.

[0074] From the foregoing description, the reader skilled in the art will doubtless appreciate that the system of this invention is simple to operate and the reporter of the safety event need only respond to a small number of displayed commands by tapping menu options set out on the screen of his smartphone.

[0075] Using the system, the following further features are evident from the application programming: • The central server (12 in figure 1) executes program instructions to report the safety event to all nominated personnel being stakeholders in the handling of the safety event immediately on the reporter's handset establishing data communication with the server. These nominated personnel are pre-authorised to receive the data or a portion thereof according to defined authorisations. A log of personnel alerted of respective safety events in illustrated in figure 4. In this report are shown a number 162 assigned to each safety event, the site at which it occurred 164, the risk category 166, name of person alerted in respect of the safety event 168 and their contact details 170. Facility is provided in the form of input boxes 172 for updating details in the fields displayed. The safety event status is shown in column 174. • The server transmits the safety event data substantially simultaneously within the constraints of the technology. This obviates the reporter's having to search the work site for appropriate people to report in to. Being informed in real time, safety and/or maintenance personnel (as the case requires) are empowered to instruct workers to take immediate appropriate action or respond directly, whilst the safety event is being continually monitored and supervised. • The application program comprises a module for interfacing with site maintenance scheduling applications so that instructions are issued automatically for the 19 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 scheduling of attention, such as repairs or preventative maintenance in respect of issues relating to plant and equipment that present low risk hazards.

[0076] A further feature of this system is its reporting function. The system is programmed to automatically record all reported hazards or incidents and, as we have seen, apparent attempts to report hazards or incidents and false alarms. In exercising the reporting function, the program executes instructions to collect safety event-relevant data, including the date and time of occurrence, hazard rating, names and functions of persons notified of the safety event, all actions taken and the outcomes, or lack thereof. The system is also programmed to provide a work-flow management facility including automatic follow up of prescribed actions for addressing the safety event, monitoring progress of the actions until a final outcome is inputted by an authorised official or the designated WHSO. The program then sends a message to stakeholders to inform them that the reported safety event has been resolved.

[0077] An additional feature is a module that is programmed with instructions to issue management reports to the devices of designated managers and safety officers. The reports may be compiled and issued on a periodic basis, such as weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual summary reports, and on-demand ad hoc reports, for example for special follow-ups or audits.

[0078] An example of a periodic report is provided in figure 5. The report 140 has been prepared from data extracted from storage drives 14 by the administration computer using filters specified and displayed at 142. It is displayed on the monitor screen of administration computer 16. The outputted data include individual safety event report names 144, safety event categories 146, summary description of the safety event 148, date and time 152 and indicia of operations status 154. To cause the program to transmit the report or make it available for viewing by specified recipients, the human operator of the computer clicks on “submit” button 156.

[0079] The system and method of this invention are not meant to replace existing emergency protocols but are in parallel and supportive of existing systems. In a stressful emergency situation, if a worker activates the reporting application instead of dialling the designated emergency number such as ‘000’ or '911' directly, they are prompted to respond whether or not there is an emergency and, if so, immediately linked to emergency services with the push of a button. Additionally, if an incident involving injury is 20 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 reported using this system, the program is configured to instruct the relevant computer to execute specified associated or incident-reporting functions automatically, distribute reports to all designated safety personnel, and record these steps appropriately.

[0080] An advantage of this system is that by providing a tool with which a worker can easily, quickly and remotely report a safety hazard without leaving the scene or work site and with minimum disruption to their duties and work performance, personnel will be encouraged to report potential hazards that may otherwise be dismissed as lower level and ignored. This is expected to eventuate because the worker is not required to ‘down tools’ in order to make a report, search for safety officers or management staff to whom to report the hazard, or to complete what may be seen as tedious paperwork. All of these actions are time-consuming and detract from the job at hand: A staff member may decide that because a hazard is 'lower level', it is not very important and either need not be reported or could be reported later to the safety officer or site office, such as at the end of their shift. It is the experience of the inventor, that the safety event is often forgotten by the end of the shift in the distraction of finishing up the day's work and the staff member concerned fails to make the intended report.

[0081] A further advantage is that through being easy, quick and remotely operable, the system allows for all potential hazards not only to be reported, but also immediately passes the responsibility for the tasks of taking remedial action to experienced safety specialists, such as site safety officers, who have the means and resources for executing maintenance programs. In this way potential safety events and resulting injuries may be avoided, or at least mitigated.

[0082] Additionally, since the system provides the means for automatically and objectively classifying the level of hazard in accordance with accepted safety protocols, trained, skilled and experienced safety specialists are then empowered and able to respond at the appropriate level. In a preferred embodiment, the program of the system provides selected and authorised safety specialists the means to amend the classification if appropriate, using the benefit of their experience of such matters. This enables the real time updating of response requirements such as equipment, resources and evacuation levels as the safety event response plays out.

[0083] Advantageously, the system further allows for electronic tracking of outcomes and automatically generates periodic reports for safety officers and management. The 2013101777 27 Mar 2013 WO 2013/142900 PCT/AU2013/000307 21 system program is structured to allow authorised users to select the content of reports to be issued.

[0084] In isolated regions without mobile connection the present invention provides the advantage of facilitating immediate recording and storing of safety event details on the reporter's mobile handset using the program prompts, for automatic transmission later when again in connection range.

[0085] These embodiments merely illustrate particular examples of the method, system and device of the invention providing for incident or hazard reporting. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.

Claims (40)

1. Claims The claims defining the invention are:

   1. A method of preparing a response capability for responding to a workplace safety event, comprising the steps of a. setting up a first database having fields for receiving safety event-related data and a second database of persons to contact in case of a safety event, b. providing a smartphone having installed thereon a software application for collecting safety event-related data for populating said first database fields and initiating a notification communication containing said data to a computer associated with the first database; c. assigning the smartphone for use by a human user associated with the workplace, d. programming the computer to receive the communication and populate one or more fields in the first database with the data , to process the data, on the basis of the data, to select from the second database a person to be issued an alert concerning the safety event, to compile an alert concerning the safety event, and to communicate said alert to an alert-receiving device associated with the selected person.
2. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the alert comprises an instruction for responding to the safety event.
3. 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the second database contains data concerning attributes of persons recorded in it.
4. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the computer is programmed to select the person by applying a selection criterion that takes into account the safety event data and an attribute of the person.
5. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the alert is adapted to take into account an attribute of the person.
6. 6. The method of any one of claims 22 to 5 wherein the attribute relates to the role of the person in relation to responsibility for safety at the workplace.
7. 7. The method of any one of claims 22 to 6 wherein the attribute relates to a qualification held by the person.
8. 8. The method of any one of the preceding claims wherein the alert-receiving device comprises computer means.
9. 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the computer means is contained in a desktop, laptop, notebook or tablet computer, or a mobile telephone.
10. 10. The method of any one of the preceding claims including providing means for recording communications relating to the safety event between the alert-receiving devices, the alert-issuing computer and the smartphone.
11. 11. A method of responding to a workplace safety event, comprising the steps of a. setting up a first database having fields for receiving safety event-related data and a second database of persons to contact in case of a safety event, b. providing a smartphone and installing thereon a software application for collecting safety event-related data for populating said first database fields and for initiating a notification communication containing said data to a computer associated with the first database; c. assigning the smartphone for use by a human user associated with the workplace, d. allowing the human user to run the smartphone application in the event of a safety event to interactively collect data concerning the safety event, e. running the application to cause the smartphone to initiate a notification communication containing said data to a computer associated with the first database; f. running a program on the computer i) to receive the communication and populate one or more fields in the first database with the data, ii) to process the data, iii) on the basis of the data to select from the second database a person to be issued an alert concerning the safety event, iv) to compile an alert concerning the communicated safety event, and v) to communicate said alert to an alert-receiving device associated with the selected person.
12. 12. The method of claim 23 wherein the computer selects the person by having the program apply a selection criterion that takes into account the safety event data and an attribute of the person recorded in the second database.
13. 13. The method of claim 23 or claim 24 including operating the computer to record communications relating to the safety event between the alert-receiving devices, the alertissuing computer and the smartphone.
14. 14. A method of reducing a threat to workplace safety comprising a. providing a mobile telephone programmed with an application that, when activated by a user wishing to report a safety event, prompts said user to input data relating to such safety event according to a predetermined input form, b. operating said phone to collect data of a safety event at a workplace, and initiate a notification communication based on said data to a computer that has been programmed to receive said communication and issue an alert of the safety event to one or more alert-receiving devices associated with persons having an attribute relevant to the execution of a response to the safety event.
15. 15. The method of claim 24 including programming said computer to include in said alert an instruction to the person receiving it for responding to the safety event, thereby to reduce the threat.
16. 16. The method of claim 15 including programming the computer to interface with a site maintenance application to cause repair or maintenance instructions to be issued in respect of the safety event.
17. 17. A network of computer devices comprising a mobile smartphone and a computer, the smartphone having installed in it an application that, when run, prompts a human user to input data pertaining to a safety event, and initiates a communication notification based on the data to the computer, the computer being programmed to process the notification and distribute information derived from the notification to at least one other device in the network, to alert a person associated with said device of the safety event.
18. 18. The network of claim 24 wherein the data includes photographic image data relating to the safety event.
19. 19. The network of claim 17 or claim 24 comprising program means for causing a device to perform a risk assessment based on the data.
20. 20. The network of claim 24 wherein the program means causes a device to calculate, based on the risk assessment, a hazard category for assigning to the safety event.
21. 21. The network of any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein said program means is operable to perform a comparison of the attribute with safety event data contained in the notification and select a device to which to distribute the communication notification on the basis of the comparison.
22. 22. The network of claim 21 wherein the comparison takes into account a hazard category rating relating to the safety event.
23. 23. The network of any one of claims 17 to 22 having recording means for recording communication between the computer and said device in relation to the safety event.
24. 24. The network of any one of claims 17 to 23, having interfacing means with a site maintenance application to cause repair or maintenance instructions to be issued in respect of the safety event to a device associated with a site maintenance resource.
25. 25. A smartphone registrable on a network of computers and authorised and programmed to submit data on a workplace safety event to a selected device on the network, to select the device according to a protocol implemented by taking into account content of the data, when inputted by a human user of the smartphone reporting said safety event.
26. 26. The smartphone of claim 25 programmed to collect data from its human user interactively by means of a tillable form.
27. 27. The smartphone of claim 25 or claim 25 programmed to collect data from its human user interactively by means of touch screen buttons.
28. 28. The smartphone of any one of claims 25 to 25 programmed to collect an image relating to the safety event being reported.
29. 29. The smartphone of any one of claims 25 to 28 programmed to compile a response action plan in relation to the safety event.
30. 30. The smartphone of claim 29 programmed to implement the response action plan by issuing notification concerning the safety event to one or more computers on the network.
31. 31. A method for resolving a potential hazard in a workplace, comprising the steps of a. providing a mobile telephone handset programmed to be in communication with a computer, and to receive and transmit to said computer safety event-related data inputted by a human user of said handset, b. causing said handset to prompt the human user for data relating to a safety event, receive the data, process the data, determine from the processing of the data one or more devices to which to communicate at least a portion of said data, communicate said data to said one or more devices, instruct said devices to notify its user of the safety event, monitor and process input received from said one or more devices in response, issue an alert to a further predetermined device if input is not received from said one or more devices, by which to ensure action is being taken by at least one or more humans to address the hazard.
32. 32. The method of claim 31 comprising the step of establishing a communications network comprising the computer and the devices.
33. 33. The method of claim 32 comprising the step of registering the mobile telephone handset with the network.
34. 34. The method of claim 33 comprising the step of causing the computer to authenticate the mobile telephone handset as being registered with the network.
35. 35. The method of claim 34 wherein the computer is programmed not to receive the data unless the handset is registered.
36. 36. The method of any one of claims 31 to 34 wherein the computer is programmed to compile and begin implementing a response action plan in relation to the data.
37. 37. The method of claim 36 including taking into account attributes of networked device users in compiling the response action plan.
38. 38. A safety event-reporting device, adapted for use in reporting a safety event occurring in a workplace by having installed thereon an application that when caused to be run by a user thereof, causes the device to prompt the user by way of an interactive display to input data for populating a set of predetermined database fields relating to said workplace safety event, communicate said data to data-processing means programmed to test the data against a predetermined criterion to determine an outcome and, on the basis of said outcome, communicate notice of said safety event to a remote device for eliciting responsive action from a human user of said remote device in relation to said safety event.
39. 39. The device of claim 38 comprising a smartphone wherein the smartphone comprises said data-processing means for processing the data.
40. 40. The device of claim 39 wherein the data-processing means is comprised in a remote computer in networked relationship with said smartphone.