FORM-2
THE PATENT ACT,1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
(As Amended)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10;rule 13)
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WORKER SAFETY MANAGEMENT"
Tata Sons Limited, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of India, of Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF THE INVETNION:
[0001] The present disclosure relates to industrial and workplace safety systems
and more particularly relates to methods and systems for worker safety management at a workplace.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION:
[0002] Industrial revolution refers to a process of transition from handcraft
economy to one dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. Generally, an industry is a group of productive enterprises or organizations that produce or supply goods, services or other sources of income. Among various types of industries, manufacturing industry may be categorised into large-scale industry, medium-scale industry and small-scale industry. The large-scale industry serves large and diverse markets including other manufacturing industries, has a complex industrial organization and specialized labour force. Examples of large-scale industries may include, steel and iron manufacturing, motor vehicle and machinery manufacturing, power generation industry, etc. Small-scale industries serves a small market, have smaller labour force and less revenue than large-scale industries.
[0003] Irrespective of the type of industry, health, safety, and protection of workers
in an industrial environment is primarily a management activity which is concerned with controlling and eliminating hazards from the industries and industrial units. The health and safety of the workers is crucial as it affects both economic and social factors.
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For example, unsafe environment probably makes the workers feel unappreciated, which in turn makes the workers less loyal to the management, less productive and the management may run into financial trouble if a worker sues because of workplace hazards or as a result of an injury sustained at the workplace. Further, the management may have to incur cost of compensation, cost of medical aid, supervision and inspection cost, etc. Furthermore, most of the duties undertaken by the workers may be hazardous and an unsafe environment may lead to loss of life and permanent disabilities. Besides unsafe environment, physiological conditions of the workers may lead to hazards. Hence it is necessary for the management to ensure good health of workers, safe work environment, and progressively adopt safety management practices to prevent hazardous situations and events, avoid production and manpower losses and fallouts associated with the hazards. Further, managing safe work environment results in improvement of technical procedures, increase in overall productivity and substantial reduction in cost of production.
[0004] Conventional approaches and systems for maintaining safe work
environment and managing workers safety include mandatory use of safety equipment, and use of remote monitoring technologies such as closed circuit televisions. When accident occurs, the workers report such accidents to a safety control team using portable devices, devices employed in the workplace such as alarms, etc. With the advancement in technology, more systems have been designed to monitor workers safety and maintain safe work environment. However, such systems are integrated systems wherein data processing is centralized and utilizes a plurality of body sensors that need to be affixed on various parts of the body of a worker. Such sensors
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communicate various physiological signals as raw data to a central processing unit and the central processing unit processes the received data to determine the occurrence of an event or an accident. Hence, the conventional systems are more complex, involve a plurality of sensors to be affixed to the body which may be inconvenient for the workers and the workers need to disengage the sensors while vacating the work environment when a hazardous condition exists or when there is a disaster.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0005] Thus there exists a need for system which mitigates at least some of the
disadvantages of the state of the art.
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simple
manner that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.
[0007] A system for managing safety of a worker at a workplace is disclosed. The
system comprises a wearable device, a gateway device and a central processing unit, wherein, the wearable device is configured for, measuring one or more values of one or more physiological parameters of the worker when the worker is within an area defined by the gateway device, processing the one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters; and initiating a first action based on a result of the processing. In some embodiments, the gateway device is configured for, defining an area within the
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workplace, measuring one or more values of an environmental parameter within the area defined by the gateway device, processing the one or more value of the environmental parameters and a first data received from the wearable device, and initiating a second action based on a result of the processing. In some other embodiments, the central processing unit is configured for, recording a first data received from the gateway device, and processing the first data received for initiating a third action.
[0008] In some implementations, the wearable device further comprises one or
more environmental sensors configured to monitor one or more environmental parameters in the immediate vicinity of the worker.
[0009] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more
particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0010] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity
and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
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[0011] Figure 1 is an exemplary representation of a system for managing the safety
of workers in a workplace in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary wearable device in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary gateway device in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 4 is an exemplary implementation of system 100 in a workplace in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 5 is an exemplary user interface of the administrator device
displaying worker health information in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0016] Figure 6 is an exemplary user interface of the administrator device
displaying environmental parameters in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] Further, persons skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs will
appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have
necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device,
one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by
conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are
pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to
obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art having benefit of the description herein.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the
disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications to the disclosure, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates are deemed to be a part of this disclosure.
[0019] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0020] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or a method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, other sub-systems, other elements, other structures, other components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another
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embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have
the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail
with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0023] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for managing the
safety of workers in a workplace, wherein the system comprises one or more wearable devices, one or more gateway devices and a central processing unit. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each wearable device is an arm worn device worn by the worker and comprises a plurality of physiological sensors configured for sensing physiological parameters of the worker. In an advantageous embodiment, the arm worn device has the configuration of a normal wrist watch which indicates time. The wearable device is also provided with appropriately placed sensors for measuring physiological parameters of the worker. Thus, the worker wears the wearable device like a normal watch at all times and it becomes active when the worker is in the workplace. Hence there is no need to wear dedicated sensors at the workplace. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device comprises one or
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more environmental sensors configured for sensing one or more environmental parameters surrounding the worker wearing the wearable device.
[0024] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each gateway device from the
one or more gateway devices defines an area of operation within the workplace and aggregates the various physiological parameters and environmental parameters from the one or more wearable devices within the area defined by the gateway device. Further, each gateway device is configured for measuring one or more environmental parameters within the area defined by the gateway device.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, the central processing unit is communicatively
connected to the one or more gateway devices within the factory floor and aggregates the one or more physiological parameters received by the gateway device, from one or more wearable devices in the area defined by it and also the one or more environmental parameters measured by the gateway device.
[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a system for managing
the safety of workers in a workplace in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 100 comprises a wearable device 105, environmental sensors 110, a gateway device 115, a communication network 120, a central processing unit 125, a user device 130 and an administrator device 135. In one implementation, the central processing unit 125, the user device 130 and the administrator device 135 are communicatively connected through the communication network 120 and communicatively connected to the gateway device 115 through the communication network 120.
[0027] The wearable device 105 is an arm worn device worn by a worker and
comprises plurality of physiological sensors configured for sensing one or more
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physiological parameters of the worker. Thus, the worker wears the wearable device
105 like a normal watch at all times and the wearable device 105 becomes active when
the worker is in the workplace. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
wearable device 105 is assigned a unique ID which uniquely identifies the wearable
device 105 among a plurality of wearable devices within the workplace. Further, the
unique ID is mapped to the worker’s personal information such as but not limited to
worker name, worker ID, age, gender, contact details, area of operation, shift timings,
and health information. Furthermore, the unique ID is mapped to one or more
predefined values of the one or more physiological parameters wherein the one or more
predefined values of the one or more physiological parameters are determined by at
least one of the area of operation or the worker’s health information or both. In one
embodiment, the unique ID and associated worker’s personal information and pre¬
defined threshold values of the one or more physiological parameters are recorded in a
database associated with the gateway device 115 or the central processing unit 125 or
both. In some implementations, a common database may be maintained for both the
gateway device 115 and the central processing unit 125. In another embodiment, the
worker’s personal information and the one or more pre-defined values of the one or
more physiological parameters are pre-loaded into the wearable device 105.
[0028] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device 105 is
configured for, measuring one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters of the worker when the worker is within the area defined by the gateway device 115, processing the one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters and initiating a first action based on a result of the processing. The first action is one or more actions selected from a group of actions comprising, but not
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limited to, triggering an alert to the worker through the wearable device 105, communicating to the gateway device 115 a first data comprising one or more of a value of a physiological parameter, a result of the comparison, an alert to the gateway device 115, and an alert triggered to the worker.
[0029] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device 105
comprises one or more environmental sensors configured for sensing one or more environmental parameters within an area surrounded by the worker. The one or more environmental sensors incorporated within the wearable device 105 may include but not limited to a CO sensor, an oxygen sensor or other multi-gas sensor. Hence, the wearable device 105 is further configured for, measuring one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters within an area surrounding the worker, processing the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters, and initiating the first action based on a result of processing of the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters The manner in which the wearable device 105 operates is described in detail referring to Figure 2.
[0030] The environmental sensors 110 may include one or more sensors selected
from a group comprising, but not limited to, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air quality sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a gas sensor, a pressure sensor, smoke sensor, a dust sensor, and fire sensor. Such sensors are deployed in various places such as on walls or on equipment, for measuring one or more environmental parameters within an area defined by the gateway device 115.Further, the environmental sensors 110 are communicatively coupled with the gateway device 115 for communicating the measured one or more environmental parameters to the gateway device 115. Furthermore, the environmental sensors 110 may include a Positive Infrared
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(PIR) sensor, a vibration sensor and the like, deployed on one or more machineries for identifying an occupant, the occupants motion, movement of the machineries and the like.
[0031] The gateway device 115 defines an area of operation within the workplace.
In some implementations, the gateway device 115 may utilize one or more beacons that provide geo-fencing capability of the system by providing an authentication radius of operation of the wearable device 105 and the environmental sensors 110 surrounding the gateway device 115. In one embodiment, the gateway device 115 communicates with all the wearable devices within the geo-fenced area and also with the central processing unit 125 in a two way full duplex fashion, both in downstream and upstream, by communicating individual wearable device data (the first data) to the central processing unit 125 and receiving data from the central processing unit 125 and back to a specific individual wearable device. The “first data” as described herein may include one or more of the unique ID associated with the wearable device, personal information of the worker wearing it, values of the physiological parameters measured by the wearable device, an alert, a notification, etc.
[0032] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway device 115 is
assigned with a unique ID which uniquely identifies the gateway device 115 among a plurality of gateway devices deployed within the workplace. Further, the gateway device 115 may be deployed in various places within the workplace and on various machineries such as cranes.
[0033] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway device 115 is
communicatively coupled to the environmental sensors 110 deployed within the geo-fenced area for monitoring environmental conditions within the geo-fenced area of the
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workplace. As described, the environmental sensors 110 measure the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters within an area defined by the gateway device 115 and communicates the measured one or more values of the one or more parameters to the gateway device 115. Hence, the gateway device 115 aggregates data from the wearable device 105 and the environmental sensors 110, processes the received data to determine an event of panic and communicates audio-visual alerts to the workers within the geo-fenced area in real-time or near real-time. In some implementations, the gateway device 115 communicates the audio-visual alerts to a user device 130 associated with a supervisor or safety personnel. In some other implementations, the gateway device 115 records the aggregated data in the database associated with the central processing unit 125 for future reference, prediction and analysis by system administrators. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway device 115 tags the gateway device unique ID with the aggregated data and records the same in the database.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway device 115 is
configured for, measuring one or more values of one or more environmental parameters within the geo-fenced area, processing the one or more of the values of the one or more environmental parameters and the data received from the wearable device 105, and initiating a second action based on a result of the processing. The second action initiated by the gateway device 115 is one or more actions selected from a group of actions comprising, but not limited to, triggering an alert to a specific wearable device within the geo-fenced area, triggering an audio-visual alarm, triggering an alert to a user device 130 and communicating to the central processing unit 125 a second data comprising at least one of the first data, the value of the an environmental parameter, the result of
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comparing the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters with one or more pre-defined values of the environmental parameter, an alarm triggered to the wearable device. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway device 115 measures the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters using the environmental sensors 110 deployed with the area defined by the gateway device 115.
[0035] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway device 115 is
configured for continually detecting and monitoring worker movement within the designated area (area defined by the gateway device 115) when the worker enters the designated workplace. That is, when the worker enters the designated workplace, the wearable device 105 periodically communicates a test event (test data) irrespective of an event of occurrence to the gateway device 115. Hence, if the gateway device 115 doesn’t receive the test event within stipulated time, as per system specification, after the worker entered into the designated workplace, the gateway device 115 sends safety device failure notification to the supervisor. The manner in which the gateway device 115 operates is described in detail referring to Figure 3.
[0036] The communication network 120 may be a wireless network or a wired
network or a combination thereof. Wireless network may include long range wireless radio, wireless personal area network (WPAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), mobile data communications such as 3G, 4G or any other similar technologies. The communication network 120 may be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The communication network 120 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the
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different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), and the like. Further the communication network 120 may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, modems, computing devices, storage devices, and the like. In one implementation, the communication network 120 is the internet which enables communication between the gateway device 115, the central processing unit 125, the user device 130 and the administrator device 135.
[0037] The central processing unit 125 may include, for example, a computer
server or a network of computers or a virtual server which provides functionalities or services for other programs or devices such as for the gateway device 115, the user device 130 and the administrator device 135. In one implementation, the central processing unit 125 is a cloud server comprising one or more processors, associated processing modules, interfaces and storage devices communicatively interconnected to one another through one or more communication means for communicating information. The storage devices within processing unit 125 may include volatile and non-volatile memory devices for storing information and instructions to be executed by the one or more processors and for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during processing.
[0038] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the central processing device
125 receives the first data and the second data from the gateway device 115, records the received data, and processes the received data for initiating a third action. The third action initiated by the central processing unit 125 may include one or more actions selected from a group of actions comprising, but not limited to, triggering an audio-
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visual alarm, triggering an alert to the worker through the wearable device, and triggering an alert to a user though a user device. Further, the central processing unit 125 maintains a record of all the data received from the gateway device 115 and processed by the central processing unit 125 for future reference, analysis, reporting and prediction by the system administrator. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the central processing unit 125 performs machine learning and artificial intelligence on the received data for analysis and prediction.
[0039] The user device 130 may be one of a smartphone, a laptop, a notebook
computer, a personal data assistant (PDA) and the like capable of connecting to the
internet and having other communication capabilities. The user device 130 may
communicate with the gateway device 115, the central processing unit 125 through the
communication network 120 in one or more ways such as wired, wireless connections
or a combination thereof. The present system utilizes the user device 130 as a means for
notifying safety personnel or supervisor or a person in-charge (hereafter referred to as a
user) or a member of an emergency response team, during an occurrence of an event
within the workplace. The user device 130 enables the user to take appropriate actions
during an occurrence of the event. In some implementations, the notification is sent via
SMS or email. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the user device 130
comprises a user application using which the user may communicate with the central
processing unit 125 and receive notification as an alert on the user application.
[0040] The administrator device 135 may be one of a smartphone, a laptop, a
notebook computer, and the like, capable of connecting to the internet and having other communication capabilities. The administrator device 135 hosts a web application using which a system administrator may access the central processing unit 125 for monitoring
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various resources of the system 100. Further, the web application provides live and historical data with simple report download and critical insights such as average of heart rate and skin temperature for the selected worker.
[0041] The manner in which each resource functions in order to provide real-time
and location based monitoring, response, reporting and analytics on the physiological, hazardous and safety parameters of the workers while the workers are in their designated workplace is described in detail further below.
[0042] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary wearable device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the wearable device 105 comprises a processor 205, a memory unit 210, a location sensing module 215, an input/output module (I/O module) 220, a communication module 225, a SOS button 230 and a sensor module 235. The I/O module 220 may include but not limited to an interactive interface such as a touchscreen, one or more LEDs, vibrators, speakers and the like. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device 105 further comprises one or more environmental sensors (environmental sensors 240) and an access control module 245.
[0043] In some implementation, the wearable device 105 is an arm worn device to
be worn by the worker. In an advantageous embodiment, the arm worn device has the configuration of a normal wrist watch which indicates time. Thus, the worker wears the wearable device 105 like a normal watch at all times and the wearable device 105 becomes active when the worker is in the workplace. That is, when the worker wearing the wearable device 105 enters the workplace or a designated area in the workplace, the presence of the wearable device 105 is detected by the gateway device 115 using known technology such as beacons. Upon detection, the gateway device 115 authenticates the
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worker, creates a log and enables a two-way full duplex communication between the gateway device 115 and the wearable device 105. As described, upon successful authentication, the wearable device 105 periodically communicates the test event (test data) irrespective of an event of occurrence to the gateway device 115 and hence enables the system to monitor the worker movement, device failure condition, shift violation and unauthorized entry, if any.
[0044] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor module 235
comprises a plurality of physiological sensors configured for measuring one or more
values of one or more physiological parameters of the worker. The physiological
sensors may include, but not limited to, a heart rate sensor, a skin temperature sensor, a
skin conductivity senor and a blood pressure sensor.. Further, the sensor module 235
may include a fall and impact sensor, an altimeter or an elevation sensor, an
accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer for detecting fall or reduced mobility of
the worker. Further, altimeter sensor provides area of operation with elevation details.
[0045] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device 105 is
assigned with a unique ID and the unique ID is mapped to the worker’s personal information such as, but not limited to, worker name, worker ID, age, gender, contact details, area of operation, shift timings if any, and health information. Further, the unique ID is mapped to one or more predefined values of the one or more physiological parameters. In some implementation, the one or more predefined values of the one or more physiological parameters are determined by at least one of the area of operation or the worker health information or both. The worker’s personal information and the one or more pre-defined values of the one or more physiological parameters are recorded in the memory unit 210.
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[0046] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the physiological sensors
substantially continuously measure the one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters of the worker when the worker is in the designated area of the workplace. The processor 205 then compares the one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters with the one or more pre-defined values of the one or more physiological parameters stored in the memory unit 210 to determine the current state of health of the worker. Further, based on comparison, that is, based on the result of processing the processor 205 initiates the first action. The first action may include at least one of triggering an alert to the worker through the I/O module 220 of the wearable device, communicating the first data to the gateway device 115 using communication module 225, wherein the first data comprises one or more of one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters, a result of the comparison, an alert to the gateway device 115, and an alert triggered to the worker. Triggering the alert through the I/O module 220 may include one of 105 providing visual indications on the touchscreen interface, blinking one or more LEDs, triggering one or more vibrators, etc. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, upon determining the current state of health of the worker, the processor 205 may assign a health index to the current state wherein the health index may include one of a normal, moderate risk and high risk. Further, such health index is tagged during initiating the first action.
[0047] For example, the heart rate sensor substantially continuously measures the
heart rate of the worker and the measured heart rate is fed to the processor 205 for further processing. The processor 205 then compares the measured heart rate with pre-defined heart rates. A heart rate beyond the predefined value or values may indicate that the current health condition of the worker has deteriorated. It may be desirable that the
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worker takes measures to restore the pulse rate to preferred values or range of values. If the measured heart rate is beyond the pre-defined heart rate of the worker, then an alert is triggered to one of the wearable device itself or to the gateway device 115. For example, the touchscreen interface may visual display the current heart rate or the health index such normal, moderate risk and high risk, indicating the current health state of the worker. Further, the first data comprising measured heart rate and a result of the comparison is communicated and recorded in the gateway device 115.
[0048] In another example, the blood pressure sensor measures the blood pressure
value of the worker and the measured blood pressure value is compared with one or more pre-defined blood pressure values. For example, the measured flood pressure value is compared with 80 mm Hg and 120 mm Hg to determine whether the blood pressure is in normal range. Further, the measured flood pressure value may be compared with various ranges to determine various stages of hypertension or hypotension. Based on the result of the comparison one or more alerts are triggered and the first data comprising the measured value of the blood pressure and the result of the comparison is communicated to the gateway device 115 through the communication module 225.
[0049] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device 105
comprises multiple heart rate subsystems (heart rate sensors) placed at different orientations and locations within the wearable device 105. Each heart rate sub-system is individually controlled by the processor 205 and the processor is configured to choose the best readings based data fusion to ensure the optimal heart-rate measurements. In an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more physiological sensors may be configured to be affixed to a worker for measuring values of one or more
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physiological parameters. For example, a blood flow sensor may be affixed to a worker
for measuring the blood flow rate. The measured rate is processed by the wearable
device and the result is communicated to the gateway device 115 through the
communication module 225. In another example, one or more sensors such as
pedometer, activity or motion sensors, force sensitive resistors and the like, may be
embedded in worker’s shoes for measuring various physical parameters. Such sensor
data is communicated to the wearable device 105 for further processing and analysis.
[0050] Hence, the wearable device 105 may communicate with various distributed
sensors, preferably wireless sensors, for monitoring various physiological parameters of the worker. In some embodiments, the various distributed sensor may be configured to process the measured values and communicate a result of processing directly to the gateway device 115 or to the wearable device 105.
[0051] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more
environmental sensors 240 incorporated in the wearable device 105 substantially continuously measures the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters within the immediate vicinity of the worker. The processor 205 then compares the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters with the one or more pre-defined values of the one or more environmental parameters stored in the memory unit 210 to determine a current environmental status surrounding the worker. Further, based on comparison, which is based on the result of processing, the processor 205 initiates the first action. For example, if a worker is working in a closed cabin, the environmental sensors deployed within the workplace may not be able to measure the environmental parameter within the closed cabin. In such a case, the wearable device 105 measures the environmental parameters and initiates the first
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action, wherein the first action may comprise, but not limited to, at least one of
triggering an alert to the worker through the I/O module 220 of the wearable device,
communicating the first data to the gateway device 115 using communication module
225, wherein the first data comprises one or more of one or more values of the one or
more environmental parameters in the immediate vicinity of the worker, a result of the
comparison, an alert to the gateway device 115, and an alert triggered to the worker.
[0052] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device 105
comprises a location sensing module 215 that enables the gateway device 115 to locate the wearable device 105 within the geo-fenced area. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device 105 comprises the SOS button 230 that enables the worker to seek help from the supervisor or any personnel when the worker is in distress or under hazardous situations in the workplace. Upon activating SOS button 230, the wearable device 105 broadcast an emergency request to the gateway device 115, which in turn communicates the emergency request to at least one of one or more user devices 130 associated with the supervisors or personnel in charge or to the nearby workers within the defined area. Further, the gateway device 115 turns on one or more hooters for local help if available. Furthermore, the gateway device 130 generates an emergency alert on the web application running on the administrator device 135. Once any of the supervisors or personnel in charge accepts the emergency request, an acknowledgment is sent back to the wearable device 105 and the acknowledgment may be indicated to the worker by means of LEDs, vibrators, or through audio-visual indications on the touchscreen interface. The two-way mechanism with acknowledgment to the worker allows the worker not to press SOS repeatedly, which
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might clog the system with multiple SOS. It has the added advantage of the person in distress experiences less panic and knows that help is at hand.
[0053] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the emergency request and the
acknowledgment feature involves opening a web socket into a web server hosted in the central processing unit. Hence the emergency event originated by the wearable device 105 is shown in the web application running on the administrator device 135 and in mobile application running on the user device 130 in real-time or near real-time. This feature enables the supervisors or any personnel to take action immediately upon occurrence of the event.
[0054] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wearable device 105
continually monitors the physical position of the worker in the time-domain. If the wearer encounters a sudden trip or a fall or a free fall or an impact, the same is identified by the fall and impact sensor and sends an emergency alert to the gateway device 115 and to the central processing unit 125 for immediate action by the appropriate supervisor or safety personnel.
[0055] As described, the wearable device 105 substantially continuously monitors
the physiological parameters of the worker when the worker is in the designated area of the workplace. Upon occurrence of an undesirable event, the wearable device 105 triggers an alert to the gateway device 115 which in turn communicates the alert to the one or more user devices, workers and administrators. Hence the wearable device 105 and the system offer multiple response mechanisms and provide sense of comfort and assurance to the worker.
[0056] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, wearable device 105
comprising the access control module 245 provides secure access to one or more areas
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and machineries within the workplace. Hence, only authorized workers may enter restricted area within the workplace or may operate the machineries designated to the authorized workers and hence ensure safety of the workers working within the workplace. In some implementations, the access control module 245 may include but not limited to one of a NFC/RFID tags, biometric systems and the like,
[0057] In yet another embodiment, the wearable device 105 is configured to
interface and communicate with one or more external sensing and communication
systems operating in a different industrial domain. For example, the wearable device
105 worn by a crane operator may communicate with an on-board diagnostics system
(OBD) of the crane to determine faulty operation and may trigger the first action.
[0058] Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary gateway device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the gateway device 115 comprises a processor 305, a communication module 310, a sensor interface module 315, an alarm module 320 and a database 325. Optionally, the environmental sensors 110 may be deployed on the gateway device 115 for monitoring environmental parameters surrounding the gateway device 115. Further, the gateway device may include or communicatively connected to a Positive Infrared (PIR) sensor, a vibration sensor and the like, deployed on one or more machineries for identifying an occupant, the occupant’s motion, movement of the machineries and the like.
[0059] As described, the gateway device 115 defines the area of operation within
the workplace. In some implementations, the gateway device 115 may utilize one or more beacons to define the area of operation or to create a zone within the workplace. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, information about the workers who are authorized to work in the area defined by the gateway 115 is pre-stored in the database
24

325. The worker information as described herein may include worker name, unique ID of the wearable device associated with the worker, contact details, age, worker ID, shift timings, worker’s health information, and the like. In one embodiment, the one or more pre-defined values of the physiological parameters are pre-stored in the database 325. For example, if three workers (A, B and C) are authorized to work in an area defined by the gateway device 115, the information pertaining to the three workers are recorded in the database 325. Further, if the room temperature in the area is 40 degree Celsius, then the value of the physiological parameter “skin temperature” of the three workers may be set as 40 degree Celsius, indicating normal.
[0060] When the worker enters the area defined by the gateway device 115,
processor 305 detects the presence of the wearable device 105 and authenticates the worker by referring to the worker information pre-stored in the database 325. On successful authentication, the processor 305 creates a log that may include date and time, and enables a two-way full duplex communication between the gateway device 115 and the wearable device 105. In some implementation, the processor may update the presence of the worker in an existing log, in the database 325. In the event of an unsuccessful authentication, the processor 325 triggers an alert to the user device 130 and to the administrator device 135 indicating unauthorized entry at the designated area. Hence the system may restrict unauthorized entry at the restricted areas in the workplace. Further, the gateway device 115 continually detects and monitors the worker movement in the designated area to identify shift violation if any, and to determine state of health of the worker.
[0061] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module
310 enables a two way full duplex communication between the gateway device 115 and
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the wearable device 105 that is present within the geo-fenced area. Upon successful connection, the gateway device 115 may receive the first data transmitted by the wearable device 105, wherein the first data may include one of one or more of the one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters, the result of the comparison, an alert to the gateway device 115, and an alert triggered to the worker. Based on the first data, the gateway device 115 may initiate the second action, wherein the second action may be one of communicating alert to one or more wearable device within the geo-fenced area, triggering an audio-visual alarm via the alarm module 320, triggering an alert to a user device 130 and communicating the first data to the central processing unit 125.
[0062] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second action may further
include navigating the navigating a worker to a safe place within the workplace through
the wearable device. That is, during an emergency event, the gateway device 115
detects the present location of the worker within the area defined by the gateway device
115 and navigates the worker to a nearest safe place, for example, exit gate.
[0063] In some implementations, the environmental sensors 110 are deployed on
the gateway device 115. In a preferred embodiment, the environmental sensors 110 are deployed in various places with the area defined by the gateway device 115 and sensor data is collected using the sensor interface module 315. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters for determining state of environment are pre-stored in the database 325. For example, if the gateway device 115 is connected to a temperature sensor and carbon monoxide sensors, then a threshold value for temperature and carbon monoxide are pre-stored in the database 325.
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[0064] During operation, the gateway device 115 continuously (or at pre-defined
intervals) measures the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters
using the environmental sensors 110 deployed with the area defined by the gateway
device 115. The measured one or more values of the one or more environmental
parameters are processed to determine any hazards within the area defined by the
gateway device 115. In one embodiment, the processor 305 compares the one or more
measured values of the one or more environmental parameters with the one or more pre¬
defined values of the one or more environmental parameters pre-stored in the database
325. Further, based on result of comparison, the processor 305 initiates the second
action. The second action initiated by the gateway device 115 is one or more actions
selected from a group of actions comprising, but not limited to, triggering an alert to the
wearable device within the defined area, navigating the worker to a safe place,
triggering an audio-visual alarm and triggering an alert to a user device 130 and
communicating the second data to the central processing unit 125. The second data
comprises at least one of the first data, the one or more values of the environmental
parameters, the result of comparing the one or more values of the one or more
environmental parameters with one or more pre-defined values of the one or more
environmental parameters, and an alarm triggered to the wearable device 105.
[0065] For example, the gateway device 115 substantially continuously measures a
value of carbon monoxide level within the area defined by the gateway device 115 using carbon monoxide sensors and compares the measured value with the one or more predefined values, wherein the pre-defined value may be a threshold value defined by the industry safety team. When the carbon monoxide level within the defined area exceeds the threshold value, the gateway device 115 turns on alarm module 320 that
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may include a LED and hooter, to let the workers to leave the workplace to open space. Further the gateway device 115 sends carbon monoxide level continuously to the central processing unit 125 and hence to the cloud platform. In some implementations, visual indicators such as LEDs or hooters are deployed in various places within the designated workplace to alert the workers and hence to avoid entering a hazardous situation that is currently in the designated workplace.
[0066] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway device 115
processes the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters and the first data received form the wearable device 115 to determine the current state of health of the worker and the environmental effect on the current state of health of the worker and accordingly initiate the second action. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, upon determining the current state of health of the worker, the gateway device 115 may assign the health index to the current state of health, wherein the health index may include one of a normal, moderate risk and high risk. Further, such a health index is tagged during initiating the second action.
[0067] For example, immobility alert from the wearable device 105 and high
carbon monoxide level may indicate a serious situation about the health of the worker. On determining such event, the gateway device 115 triggers an alert for immediate attention.
[0068] In some implementations, the gateway device 115 comprises plurality of
LEDs that provide colour light combinations for one or more panic events so that the supervisor or safety personnel may understand the colour coding combination even in highly noisy and dark environment to take necessary actions in a faster way. Alternatively, any display means may be provided for the same. For example, CO
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status, ambient temperature status, device failure status, wearable to gateway device
communication status, gateway device to cloud communication status, SOS alerts, fall
and impact alerts, immobility alerts or any such alerts are indicated by means of LEDs
to the supervisor or safety personnel to take necessary actions in a faster way.
[0069] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PIR sensor and vibration
sensor deployed in the machineries/equipment identifies occupant and monitors the operational timing of the machineries and communicates the same to the central processing unit 125 through the gateway device 115. For example, data such as occupant’s wearable device ID, and start and end time of particular operation is communicated to the central processing unit 125. Hence, allows the central processing unit 125 to calculate the worker’s (occupant) duty time with the support of PIR and vibration sensor. Further, provides analytical view of the worker equipment usage and equipment reliability.
[0070] As described earlier, the gateway device 115 communicates the second data
to the central processing unit 125 for future reference and analysis by the central
processing unit 125. In some implementations, the unique ID associated with the
gateway device 115 and the unique ID associated with the wearable device 105 is
tagged with the second data. As described, the second data may comprise first data
associated with a wearable device. In such a case, the wearable device ID is tagged with
the first data, and hence data communicated from the gateway device 115 is tagged with
respective device IDs. This enables fetching of data and processing it with reference to
and based on the wearable device ID, gateway device ID and a particular location.
[0071] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the central processing unit 125
processes the second data and determines and initiates a third action based on at least
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current and historical second data. The third action initiated by the central processing unit 125 may be one or more actions selected from a group of actions comprising, but not limited to, triggering an audio-visual alarm, triggering an alert to the worker through the wearable device 105, navigating the worker to a safe place through the touchscreen interface of the wearable device 105 and triggering an alert to a user through the user device 130, storing current and historical data of the second data received from a gateway device 115. Figure 4 is an exemplary implementation of system 100 in a workplace in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The implemented system provides real-time and location based monitoring, response, reporting and analytics on the physiological, hazardous and safety parameters of the workers while the workers are in their designated workplace. As shown, the plurality of gateway devices, for example, gateway device 415-1, 415-2 and 415-3 may be deployed in a given workplace to monitor the physiological condition of the workers, environmental conditions in the immediate vicinity of the worker and the environmental condition of the workplace. Each gateway device from the plurality of gateway devices 415-1, 415-2 and 415-3 defines an area of operation and communicates with plurality of wearable devices and environmental sensors deployed within the area of operation. Referring to Figure 4, the gateway device 415-1 communicates with the wearable device 405-1 and 405-2 worn by the workers who are authorized to work in the defined area and with the environmental sensor (ES) 410-1 and 410-2 deployed within the defined area. During operation, when the workers enter the designated area, the gateway device 415-1 detects the presence of the wearable device 405-1 and 405-2, authenticates the workers and establishes communication channels between the each of the wearable devices 405-1 and 405-2 and the gateway device 415-1. Upon establishing the
30

communication channel, the getaway device 415-1 may receive the first data from the one or more wearable devices, wherein the first data may comprises one or more of the one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters, the result of the comparison, an alert to the gateway device, and an alert triggered to the worker. Further, the gateway device 415-1 substantially continually monitors the environmental parameters of the defined area using one or more environmental sensors for example, 410-1 and 410-2. In some implementations, the one or more wearable devices may be configured to initiate the first action when the one or more wearable devices are outside the designated workplace.
[0072] In one embodiment, each gateway device 415-1, 415-2 and 415-3 is
communicatively connected to a central processing unit 425 and plurality of user devices, for example user device 430-1 and 430-2 associated with supervisors or safety personnel through the communication network 420. In some implementations, the unique IDs associated with the gateway devices are mapped with the unique IDs of the wearable devices that are authorized to work in the area defined by the gateway devices. Such information is pre-stored in the database associated with the central processing unit 425. That is, the central processing unit 425 maintains a record of the gateway devices and associated wearable devices and sensors in the database for identifying and addressing each gateway device and the wearable device individually.
[0073] In the event of an SOS from either the worker or state of the environment
hazardous to the worker, within the area defined by the gateway device 415-1, the gateway device 415-1 provides audio-visual alerts to the one or more workers within the area defined by the gateway device 415, provides real-time alerts via communication network 420 to the appropriate safety person, that is, to the one or more user device
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430-1 and 430-2, and communicates event data comprising the first and the second data to the central processing unit 425. As described, the event data is tagged with associated gateway device ID and the wearable device IDs.
[0074] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the central processing unit 425
hosts a web server and aggregates data from all the gateways devices (415-1, 415-2 and 415-3) deployed within the workplace, wherein the data comprises first data from the plurality of wearable devices and the second data associated with the plurality of gateway devices. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the data is maintained in the database associated with the central processing unit 425 for a pre-defined time defined by the administrator. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the central processing unit 125 creates an object model which enables easy data processing in any of the administrator device. As described, the central processing unit 125 receives data (first data and second data) from plurality of gateway devices 415-1, 415-2 and 415-3 and associated wearable devices and environmental sensors. However, the time at which the data received may be different, sensor and wearable device data may vary from sensors to sensors to sensors and wearable device to wearable device. However, the central processing unit 125 processes the received data and transforms the received data into object model for ease of access, analysis and reporting by the administrator. Further, the central processing unit 125 performs machine learning and artificial intelligence on the received data for analysis and prediction, and initiates the third action based on analysis and prediction.
[0075] The manner in which the data is maintained and fetched is described in
detail referring to subsequent Figures.
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[0076] As described, the central processing unit 425 is configured for processing
the second data and determining and initiating the third action based on at least current and historical second data. For example, during an event of high carbon monoxide level at the area defined by the gateway device 415-1, the central processing unit 425 may analyse the impact on the workers in the area defined by the nearby gateway device based on history or one or more pre-defined values of the carbon monoxide level, and accordingly it may initiate the third action. In such a case, the third action may include triggering an alarm in the nearby area, triggering alerts to individual worker in both the areas, triggering an alert to supervisors or safety personnel, navigating the workers to a safe place, and the like.
[0077] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the central processing unit 425
may be accessed using one or more administrator device 435-1 and 435-2 that hosts web application. The web application provides the live and historical data as simple reports and the administrator may access insights such as but not limited to, average of heart rate and skin temperature for the selected one or more workers.
[0078] Figure 5 is an exemplary user interface of the administrator device
displaying worker health information in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described, the administrator may view data of a selected worker. As shown, when the administrator selects a particular worker, the worker information such as worker name, worker ID, department, unique ID associated with the wearable device, status of the wearable device, and the like, is presented to the administrator in a window 505. Further, the information pertaining to the health of the worker, for example skin temperature, heart rate, immobility occurrence, and fall occurrence are displayed in time domain for ease of analysis by the administrator.
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[0079] Figure 6 is an exemplary user interface of the administrator device
displaying environmental parameter in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The administrator may select any one of the gateway device to check and analyse the environmental parameter in the area defined by the gateway device. As shown, when the administrator selects a particular gateway device, for example, gateway device deployed on a crane, the gateway device information such as name, gateway device ID and location is presented to the administrator in a window 605. Further, environmental parameters such as carbon monoxide level and ambience temperature are displayed in time domain for ease of analysis by the administrator. Further, the administrator may customise the view to analyse historical data for a period of one day, one week, one month, three months and so forth. Furthermore, the data may be downloaded for in any of the known format such as Excel, pdf, etc.
[0080] Hence the system provides real-time and location based monitoring,
response, reporting and analysis on the physiological, hazardous and safety parameters
of the worker while the workers are in their designated areas in the workplace.
[0081] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system is configured to
send health condition of the workers to their mobile devices upon completion of their shift.
[0082] The system provides alerts on anomalous condition with reports and data
analysis that focuses on worker-centric safety, compliance, early-warnings and prognosis that lead to actionable insights on individual worker safety and improvement in overall workplace safety.
[0083] Further, the system provides a real-time view of the entire system with
historical, per-user tracking, alerting and data-analytics providing insights on worker
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environment, health and safety. Furthermore, the system provides trending of worker’s
physiological parameters for a faster understanding of the worker’s state of health.
[0084] Furthermore, the combined processing of the physiological values and the
environmental values provides the underlying reasons for fatigue which helps safety personnel to protect the workers in a precautionary manner.
[0085] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any
limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0086] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
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WE CLAIM:
1. A system for managing safety of a worker at a workplace, the system comprising a
wearable device, a gateway device and a central processing unit, wherein,
the wearable device is configured for
measuring one or more values of one or more physiological parameters of the worker when the worker is within an area defined by the gateway device;
processing the one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters; and
initiating a first action based on a result of the processing; the gateway device is configured for
defining an area within the workplace,
measuring one or more values of one or more environmental parameters within the area defined by the gateway device,
processing the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters and a first data received from the wearable device, and
initiating a second action based on a result of the processing; the central processing unit is configured for
recording a second data received from the gateway device, and
processing the second data received for initiating a third action.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device is an arm worn
device configured for being worn by the worker.
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3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device further comprises
one or more environmental sensors configured for:
measuring one or more values of one or more environmental parameters;
processing the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters; and
initiating the first action is further based on a result of processing of the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable device comprises a plurality of physiological sensors selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, a heart rate sensor, a skin temperature sensor, a skin conductivity senor, and a blood pressure sensors.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing by the wearable device comprises comparing the one or more values with one or more pre-defined values to determine the current state of health of the worker.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the action initiated by the wearable device is one or more actions selected from a group of actions comprising, but not limited to, triggering an alert to the worker through the wearable device, communicating to the gateway device a first data comprising one or more of the one or more values of the one or more physiological parameters, a result of the comparison, an alert to the gateway device, and an alert triggered to the worker.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gateway device is communicatively connected to one or more environmental sensors selected from a group of sensors comprising, but not limited to, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air quality sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a gas sensor, an
37

atmospheric pressure sensor, a smoke sensor, a PIR sensor, a vibration sensor, and a fire sensor.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing by the gateway device
comprises at least one of:
a. comparing the one or more values of the one or more
environmental parameters with one or more pre-defined values of the one or
more environmental parameters for determining the state of the environment
within the area defined by the gateway device;
b. making a decision based on at least one of the result of the
comparison, the first data received from the wearable device, and the one or
more values of the one or more environmental parameters to determine a state of
health of a worker.
.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second action initiated by the gateway device is one or more actions selected from a group of actions comprising, but not limited to, triggering an alert to the wearable device within the defined area, triggering an audio-visual alarm, triggering an alert to a user device and communicating to the central processing unit a second data comprising at least one of the first data, the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters, the result of comparing the one or more values of the one or more environmental parameters with one or more pre-defined values of the one or more environmental parameters, an alarm triggered to the wearable device.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing by the central processing unit comprises at least one of determining a third action based on at least one of
38

current and historical second data, wherein the third action is one or more actions selected from a group of actions comprising, but not limited to, triggering an audio-visual alarm, triggering an alert to the worker through the wearable device, and triggering an alert to a user though a user device, storing current and historical data of the second data received from a gateway device.
11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second action and third action trigger by the gateway device and the central processing unit further comprises, navigating a worker to a safe place within the workplace through the wearable device.
12. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the wearable device comprises a means for triggering an alert by the worker.