A new Reactec wearable device has launched in what is being called the “next generation” of tech looking to help prevent workplace injuries.

The Edinburgh-based firm has launched its R-Link watch, which protects wearers from exposure to harmful risks including Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) and proximity to dangerous, fixed or moving vehicles and equipment.

R-Link, which can be paired with Reactec Analytics, provides the wearer with a view of their environment to allow employers to proactively prevent risk within the workplace.

The company said the technology is designed for reliability and ease of deployment in the most arduous environments and industries.

Death and accidents caused by being struck by a moving industrial vehicle still remain a high priority for the construction industry. In 2021 there were 25 deaths and 5,121 non-fatal injuries.

Commenting on the Reactec wearable device, Jacqui McLaughlin, CEO of Reactec, said: “We are proud to continue our journey as an innovator in workplace health and safety. Technology is revolutionising so much of our everyday lives, and we want to make sure that safety and equally health in the workplace also benefit.

“Major clients such as Keltbray have used our unique combination of workplace wearables and cloud-based analytics to actively prevent health risks for their employees for some time and together we are confident that R-Link offers a major expansion on this concept.

“Once again, we are pleased to be working with Speedy to ensure the watch is the preferred model available for hire.”

The R-Link provides real-time alerts to notify workers of unsafe situations while data collated and transmitted to the Reactec Analytics platform on exposure risks and near misses becomes intelligence to inform the creation of safer work environments.

Paul Deacy from Keltbray, who have already utilised the tech, said: “Given our purpose to redefine the way sustainable development is delivered, when Keltbray learned of the next generation of Reactec’s wearable we were impressed with the technology enhancements.

“Initially we will replace 500 from our HAVwear fleet with the new R-Link wearable. Once everyone is familiar with the new device we will begin evaluating the functionality for proximity.”

R-Link will be released to the market this month with an ability to manage HAV exposure and near misses within exclusion zones.

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Technology such as the Reactec wearable device have become increasingly common as the technology has advanced, and accessibility had increased. They are now being used in a variety of ways.

In March, a clinical trial was carried out on the PneumoWave wearable device, a sensor, worn by the user that alerts emergency services to help combat the growing number of fatal opioid overdoses in Scotland.

Data collected by the device allows for accurate detection of the onset of respiratory depression and alert first responders.

Last year Edinburgh-based health and fitness startup SujiBFR received a six-figure investment to support the development of its smart fitness device.

The technology, dubbed the ‘Suji Device’, can reduce pain, and increase muscle strength during exercise.

SujiBFR said the device will help improve muscular performance and offer a range of solutions to athletes and fitness enthusiasts who experience pain while exercising or performing.

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